“Due to unexpected driver absences this afternoon, we expect delays with student drop offs,” Stafford Schools stated. “Please be patient and use the My Ride K12 app for the most current information regarding your child’s bus.”
School officials said families should rely on the My Ride K12 app for real-time updates on bus locations and arrival times as transportation staff work through the staffing shortage.
“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”
“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”
“I am announcing my candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Prince William Times reported. “This special election is an opportunity to continue delivering for our community in Richmond.”
Franklin, 39, who currently serves her second term as the Woodbridge District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, formally entered the race Thursday to succeed Del. Candi King, who Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger selected to serve as secretary of the commonwealth. The date for the resulting special election has not yet been set, and Franklin is the first candidate to declare her bid for the seat officially. King’s appointment created the vacancy in the 23rd District in Prince William and Stafford counties.
A 57-year-old man from Stafford was arrested for driving under the influence after causing an accident on Hope Road. The incident occurred when his vehicle rear-ended another car. Upon arrival, Deputy J. W. Courtney noted the driver had glassy, bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. The driver was charged with DUI and following too closely and is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
In another incident, a 34-year-old man was charged with petit larceny, shoplifting, and public intoxication after stealing items from a Target store on South Gateway Drive. The suspect was apprehended by First Sergeant Jacobeen and additional stolen merchandise was found in his possession. He is also being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
“Units arrived on scene less than five minutes later and found smoke coming from a two-story, single-family home [in the England Run area],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue reported. “All occupants evacuated prior to the arrival of units and none reported any injuries.”
The department stated that four residents were temporarily displaced and are receiving support from the American Red Cross. The cause of the December 9 fire remains under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Several Stafford County schools have been rated Off Track or in Needs Intensive Support under Virginia’s new statewide accountability system, according to the first round of ratings released this week.
Six elementary schools — Ferry Farm, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Hartwood, Kate Waller Barrett, and Widewater — were designated Off Track, along with Shirley C. Heim Middle School. Two schools, Anne E. Moncure Elementary and Falmouth Elementary, received the lowest designation, Needs Intensive Support.
“The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians, and I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve in this role,” Virginia Scope reported. “Throughout her career, Delegate Mundon King has worked to bring people together to get results for the people of Virginia, and she has demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to delivering on the promise of our commonwealth.”
Mundon King, first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, currently chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns and serves on committees for Public Safety and Labor and Commerce. Her appointment will require her to step down from the House, triggering a special election to fill her seat.
Another notable incident occurred on Albion Lane, where a 23-year-old woman from King George was involved in a single-vehicle accident. After being found with glassy eyes and slurred speech, she was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, obstruction of justice, and assaulting an officer.
Additional arrests included a 29-year-old Stafford man involved in a rollover crash, a 45-year-old Maryland woman stopped for speeding, and a 52-year-old Stafford man driving erratically on I-95. All were charged with DUI and related offenses.
A woman was charged at Publix on Publix Way after claiming she was lost and providing false information to Deputy T. G. Croson. The woman, identified as Sara Sims, 45, of Stafford, was found to be wanted in Spotsylvania County for failure to appear. Sims was charged with public intoxication, destruction of property, and providing false identity to avoid arrest. She was held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.
Earlier, Deputy Suter responded to a call at Giant on Town and Country Drive, where a man was found displaying erratic behavior. The man, identified as Donald Ullery, 44, of Stafford, was charged with public intoxication.
