The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved meals tax incentive agreements for two Darden Restaurants brands planned for the Courthouse West area during its January 20 meeting.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


“We’re proud to share that our Superintendent, Dr. Daniel W. Smith, has been appointed by the Governor to the Virginia Council on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “This honor recognizes Stafford Schools’ strong partnership with military families, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and our commitment to supporting military-connected students across Virginia.”

The council works to address educational challenges faced by children of military families who frequently relocate, helping ensure consistent enrollment, placement, and graduation requirements across state lines. Stafford County is home to a large population of military-connected students due to its proximity to Marine Corps Base Quantico.


Stafford County leaders are expected to approve incentive agreements that would return up to $500,000 in meals tax revenue to two national restaurant chains seeking to open new locations in the county.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in


Stafford County residents will have a chance to weigh in on the controversial North Anna–Kraken Loop Electric Transmission Project during a public listening session on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road. The session begins at 6:30 p.m. and is intended to provide information on the project’s regulatory process while gathering community feedback.

The evening will feature two identical presentations—one at 6:30 p.m. and another at 8 p.m.—to accommodate more attendees. Following the presentations, attendees can visit interactive stations organized by the five proposed transmission line segments located within Stafford County. County officials will be on hand to answer questions, collect feedback, and share large-scale maps to help residents understand how the project may affect their neighborhoods.


Dr. Elizabeth Warner has been elected chair of the Stafford County School Board, and Dr. Sarah Chase will serve as vice chair. The unanimous vote took place during the board’s annual organizational meeting on January 13, 2026.

Warner represents the Griffis-Widewater District and has served on the board for six years. She will take on roles in several committees this year, including the Joint School Working Committee and the Finance and Budget Committee. Chase, who represents the Falmouth District and has served for nine years, will also hold committee assignments including Governance, Legislative, and Head Start.


“Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire, as well as search the structure,” the department stated. “The fire was marked under control in approximately 10 minutes.”

Fire officials said the two occupants evacuated before crews arrived and no injuries were reported. Additional units were used to shuttle water due to a lack of hydrants in the area. The Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a routine investigation. Fredericksburg Fire Department assisted on scene, while Quantico Fire & Emergency Services and Fauquier County Fire Rescue provided station coverage elsewhere in the county.


Voters in parts of Prince William and Stafford counties will head to the polls Tuesday, January 13, to decide who will represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates’ 23rd District in a special election.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in both counties. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.


“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community with my recent appointment to the Planning Commission by Supervisor Maya Guy,” Maureen Siegmund posted on Facebook. “After four years on the School Board, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions about growth, land use, and infrastructure directly impact our schools, neighborhoods, and families.”

“I’m also thankful to the Board of Supervisors who confirmed my appointment and I look forward to joining this team and to the conversations that will come,” Siegmund added. “It’s an honor to keep listening, learning, and working on behalf of the place we call home.”


Brooke Point High School senior TJ Wilkerson reached a major milestone Friday, January 9, 2025, scoring his 1,000th career point during a game in Stafford County.

According to TJ’s press agent, his doting mother, Wilkerson became just the second player in Brooke Point High School history to reach the 1,000-point mark. The milestone was achieved during Friday night’s game and was celebrated by the Brooke Point community.


A Stafford man was arrested early Wednesday morning after leading deputies on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on I-95. The pursuit began when a deputy clocked the driver going 68 mph in a 45 mph zone near Warrenton Road and McLane Drive.

The driver, a 25-year-old man from Stafford, failed to stop and instead sped off, ultimately crashing near mile marker 130 on I-95 South. After the crash, deputies noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol. A search uncovered two suspected controlled substances—one in the vehicle and one in the driver’s pocket.


View More Stories