Stafford

Meet Little One: Stafford County Animal Shelter’s Sweetest Resident

By Uriah Kiser

Say “Meowdy” to Little One, a gentle one-year-old feline who has been waiting patiently for her forever home at the Stafford County Animal Shelter for 229 days. Little One arrived at the shelter at just six months old after her previous owners had to move and could no longer keep her. While she was initially shy and reserved, she has blossomed into a sweet and playful companion with a little patience and the company of other cats.

Although Little One may play hard to get at first, she warms up beautifully with time and attention. She thrives in the company of other cats, making her an excellent choice for a home with feline friends. While her experience with dogs is unknown, the shelter believes she could adjust with proper introductions. Little One is spayed, microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and ready to find her forever family.

Go to Meet Little One: Stafford County Animal Shelter’s Sweetest Resident Read more

Patricia Healy Celebrates 25 Years of Service on the Stafford County School Board

By Uriah Kiser
Rock Hill District School Board member Patricia Healy is honored for 25 years of public service. [Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

In a recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her commitment to students, families, and educators. Throughout her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.

“Mrs. Healy’s wisdom and dedication have ensured that our decisions remain student-centered and focused on our future,” said school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Healy’s legacy includes the opening of one-third of the county’s schools during her tenure, as well as overseeing renovations and rebuilds across the district. She will continue to serve through the current term, which concludes in 2028, marking an unprecedented 28 years of service.

Go to Patricia Healy Celebrates 25 Years of Service on the Stafford County School Board Read more

Local Crime Reports: Stafford’s ‘McDUI,’ Prince William Assaults

By Uriah Kiser

McDUI in Fast Food Drive-Thru

On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.

Go to Local Crime Reports: Stafford’s ‘McDUI,’ Prince William Assaults Read more

Upcoming Road Work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Surrounding Areas

By Uriah Kiser

Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

In Fredericksburg, Wellford Street will see waterline work from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with flaggers alternating one-way traffic between Route 1 and Wallace Street.

Go to Upcoming Road Work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Surrounding Areas Read more

School officials, community leaders urge Fredericksburg-area immigrants to ‘know your rights’

By Uriah Kiser

Fredericksburg Free Press – Community leaders and local officials in the Fredericksburg area are grappling with how to protect undocumented immigrants in the context of mass deportation efforts directed by President Trump and enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

One aspect of the president’s new border policy is particularly troubling to some in the Fredericksburg area — the removal of the protection of migrants at schools, churches and hospitals.  

Go to School officials, community leaders urge Fredericksburg-area immigrants to ‘know your rights’ Read more

Safeguarding Stafford: Fire and Rescue’s Approach to Preventing Brush Fire Damage

By Kelly Sienkowski
Stafford experienced several brush fires in 2024.

Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.

A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.

Go to Safeguarding Stafford: Fire and Rescue’s Approach to Preventing Brush Fire Damage Read more

Germanna Expands in Stafford: Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of New $20M Campus Buildings

By Kelly Sienkowski
Germanna Community College Barbara J. Fried Center in Stafford County.

GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.

The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.

Go to Germanna Expands in Stafford: Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of New $20M Campus Buildings Read more

Panhandling Debate Sparks Mixed Opinions Among Stafford Supervisors

By Uriah Kiser

A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.

The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.

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

Go to Panhandling Debate Sparks Mixed Opinions Among Stafford Supervisors Read more

Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member

By Uriah Kiser

Janet Brown was appointed Stafford County’s citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brown’s appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.

Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. “I am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,” Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.

Go to Stafford Board Names Janet Brown to Library Post, Apologizes to Former Member Read more
View More Stories