The holiday season is kicking off with a festive celebration as Stafford County prepares for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, which will take place on December 6 at the George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center, located at 1300 Courthouse Road.

This year’s event promises an extra sprinkle of holiday cheer, as Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance, offering families the chance to capture memorable photos and share their Christmas wish lists. The festivities will include plenty of opportunities for photos, holiday decorations, and the chance to enjoy the beautiful illumination of the county’s Christmas tree, set against the scenic backdrop of Stafford Parks.


The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will meet on November 7, 2024, to discuss proposed adjustments to the 2025 holiday calendar for county employees. County Administrator Bill Ashton recommends extending the holiday schedule to offer more paid time off for government staff, aligning with similar provisions in the Virginia state holiday calendar but with additional enhancements.

Proposed Holiday Adjustments


If you don’t plan on voting early, make sure to double-check your current polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections website. On Election Day, polling places will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s a comprehensive list of early voting locations along with ways to access sample ballots.


From the Stafford sheriff’s office:

Jay’s Sports Bar, 2866 Richmond Highway, 10/27, 2:46 a.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky was on scene for a different less than claw-some incident when he observed a vehicle quickly park. The driver, dressed as a cat’s best friend, a witch, jumped out of the driver’s seat only to pounce into some bushes. It was discovered the driver was marking her territory for she had to go to the bathroom right meow. The witchy driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming alcohol at a party. She was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.


Garrisonville Road, 10/25, 9:37 p.m. Deputy C.A. Osborne responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a family member drove home in an intoxicated state. Deputy Osborne made contact with the juvenile driver, who had signs of intoxication and advised he consumed cotton candy vodka at a football game. A criminal complaint for driving after illegally consuming alcohol was submitted.

Colonial Avenue, 10/26, 1:13 a.m. Sergeant E.E. West was traveling on Butler Road when she observed a vehicle traveling 55 MPH in a 35 MPH. She conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, admitted to consuming alcohol “but not too much,” and open beers were located inside the driver’s door pocket. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between. 15 and .2, drinking while driving, speeding, and failure to maintain the lane of travel. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.


As early voting continues across the area, the voter turnout for 2024 reflects shifts in participation compared to previous election cycles, with mixed trends between mail-in and in-person ballots.

Manassas Park Overview


From Stafford County Government:

In advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Stafford County announced plans to illuminate the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center and the Stafford Armed Services Memorial green from October 24 – November 11 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans. The initiative, led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state, and federal levels to assist veterans and their families.


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