Stafford

Monica Gary Won’t Seek Re-election to Stafford County Board of Supervisors Amid Controversy

By Uriah Kiser

Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, announced she will step down at the end of her term on December 31, 2025. Gary, elected in 2021, shared her decision in a statement posted to Facebook emphasizing family and faith as her priorities moving forward.

“As we enter the New Year and I spend time mindfully with my family, I’m reminded of how quickly life passes us by,” Gary wrote. She highlighted her family’s milestones, including her children’s graduations and her desire to be more present for her loved ones. “This is also a time for me to deepen my relationship with the Lord and prepare for whatever comes next.”

Go to Monica Gary Won’t Seek Re-election to Stafford County Board of Supervisors Amid Controversy Read more

Stafford Board of Supervisors Censures Monica Gary Amid Controversy Over Library Board Removal

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District, was formally censured by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for her role in the removal of Mary Becelia from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees. The board accused Gary of providing misleading information that led to the unjust ousting of Becelia and violating the board’s Code of Performance. As part of her punishment, Gary was removed from all board assignments and committee appointments.

The censure resolution, passed by a 5-0 vote with one abstention, stated that Gary’s actions were “political in nature” and aimed at securing support from the Stafford Democratic Committee for her 2025 re-election bid. Gary, a one-term supervisor who ran without political affiliation, has announced her intention to seek another term representing the Aquia District.

Go to Stafford Board of Supervisors Censures Monica Gary Amid Controversy Over Library Board Removal Read more

Screaming Match at Walmart: Customer Threatens Employees, Ends Up in Jail

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Jiffy Lube, 724 Warrenton Road, 12/15, 4:49 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman was observing traffic on Warrenton Road when a vehicle made a U-turn during a red light. Considering the infraction occurred right in front of him, Deputy Newman quickly conducted a traffic stop. The driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to running the red light because of “stomach issues.” The driver would have bigger issues during the field sobriety tests when he refused deputies commands and attempted to get back into his vehicle. He was detained shortly after. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, failure to obey a traffic light, and obstruction of justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Area of Richmond Highway and Telegraph Road, 12/15, 9:33 p.m. Deputy J.J. Suh responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a black Ford was having a hard time maintaining its lane. Deputy Suh found the suspect vehicle pretty easily due to it still swerving around and he conducted a traffic stop. When Deputy Suh made contact with the driver and asked if there was a reason why she was swerving, the driver advised it was because she was “drunk.” Her honesty continued as she admitted to consuming five Modelos. She was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Go to Screaming Match at Walmart: Customer Threatens Employees, Ends Up in Jail Read more

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Leadership and Board Members

By Dalila Conde
Stafford Economic Development: Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.

The board officers for 2025 include Michelle Caldwell Thompson as Chair, Ginni Matern of Matern Staffing as Vice Chair, Kevin Dillard of LifeCare Medical Transports as Immediate Past Chair, Shawn Sloan of The Media Partners as Treasurer, and Susan Garnett Spears continuing as President and CEO.

Go to Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Leadership and Board Members Read more

Stafford County Looking to Recognize Parks Volunteers

By Jazbia Chaudhry

Stafford County is preparing to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to its parks system and the character development of its youth. The annual Florence D. Helms Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in volunteer activities in memory of one of Stafford’s most inspiring parks volunteers, Florence Helms.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our many parks and recreational offerings,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District. “The Florence Helms Award recognizes those who share her dedication and loyalty to the youth of Stafford.”

Go to Stafford County Looking to Recognize Parks Volunteers Read more

Drew Rebuild Talks Continue: School Board Reviews Community Feedback Study Results

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Public Schools is moving forward with the planned rebuild of Drew Middle School, incorporating extensive community feedback into the design process.

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 Drew Rebuild Talks Continue: School Board Reviews Community Feedback Study Results Read more

Stafford Schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith Announces Community Meet-and-Greet Sessions

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith has announced plans to host a series of meet-and-greet sessions across the county, allowing families to connect with him and share their educational perspectives.

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 Stafford Schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith Announces Community Meet-and-Greet Sessions Read more

Shooting, Juvenile Fight, DUI, and Thefts Highlight Crime Reports in Prince William and Stafford Counties

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Alan Gloss]

Officers responded to the scene at 1:39 a.m. and found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower body lying near a vehicle in the parking lot. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators determined the incident likely began during an altercation inside a nearby home, where police found a shell casing and marijuana, according to a press release. The victim has not provided information to detectives, and police do not believe the shooting was random, police said.

Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Andrews, who is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is described as a Black male, 6 feet tall, weighing 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A photo from July 2024 has been provided.

Go to Shooting, Juvenile Fight, DUI, and Thefts Highlight Crime Reports in Prince William and Stafford Counties Read more

Stafford Sheriff’s Office Urges Residents to Report Suspicious Drone Activity

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicious drone activity after reports of unidentified drones flying over parts of Stafford County, King George County, and Spotsylvania County. The nighttime sightings, reported on December 11, 2024, were made to Stafford’s emergency dispatch center.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur stated that federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have been informed and are working with local authorities to investigate the incidents. However, descriptions of the drones or their operators have not been provided.

Go to Stafford Sheriff’s Office Urges Residents to Report Suspicious Drone Activity Read more
View More Stories