The Prince William County Democratic Committee and the Stafford Democratic Committee will hold an unassembled caucus on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, to select the Democratic nominee for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Voting will take place from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations: the Dumfries Community Center, 17757 Main St. in Prince William County, and Porter Branch Library, Room 3, 2001 Parkway Blvd. in Stafford County.
A 44-year-old woman from Richmond was arrested at the Holiday Inn on Sanford Drive in Stafford County for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Deputy R. A. Kehoe responded to a disturbance involving the woman, who was found sleeping in the lobby. Upon interaction, the deputy noticed her slurred speech and lethargy, leading to her arrest. A search revealed a smoking device with suspected drugs in her jacket pocket.
In other incidents, a vehicle was vandalized on Sierra Drive, and a mailbox was damaged on Tacketts Mill Road. Both incidents involved damage from blunt objects or vehicles.
In Stafford County, authorities are investigating two separate incidents of fraud involving unauthorized purchases on financial cards. The first incident was reported on McCarty Road, where a victim discovered several fraudulent transactions on their credit card after it was declined. The victim learned of the unauthorized purchases after contacting their bank.
Later, on Town Square Circle, another victim reported fraudulent purchases made from another state on one of their financial cards. Deputy D. S. Jett responded to the complaint and is handling the investigation.
“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.
