Stafford - Page 91 of 93 - Potomac Local News

Bright Chalk, Bright Futures: Via Colori to Support Stafford Schools

Published August 16, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Via Colori Stafford (Photos | Scott Mayausky)

Stafford County’s fourth annual Via Colori will return the weekend of Sept. 28-29, 2024. The annual street painting festival is a free family-friendly event where artists create large-scale chalk drawings, attracting thousands of spectators each year. while food, vendors, and live music add more activity.

Discover Stafford, formerly known as the Stafford County Museum & Cultural Center, established Via Colori Stafford, an annual signature fundraising event. Funds raised through sponsorships of Via Colori Stafford go back to the county through the Museum and local efforts of the Rotary Club of North Stafford and the Rotary Club of Stafford.

Fredericksburg Motor Sports Sign Damaged in Accident on Kings Highway

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 9, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Drivers on Kings Highway may wonder what happened to the long-standing sign for Fredericksburg Motor Sports.

On Aug. 9, a male driver in a pick-up truck attempted to turn right into the entrance between Sheetz and Burger King. Stafford County Sheriff’s office said the vehicle was traveling too fast, and struck the sign. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. Both fire and police responded to the scene within minutes.

Governor Youngkin Announces Historic Virginia Lottery Profits

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 8, 2024 at 9:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Shevan Collier of Stafford County won in May 2024 (Photo: VA Lottery)

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Lottery’s fiscal year 2024 profits exceeded $934 million, the highest in its 36-year history. All profits from the Lottery go towards supporting K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.

Since 1999, Virginia Lottery profits have generated over $12 billion for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. 10% of the Virginia K-12 education budget comes from the Lottery. The record profits in FY24 were driven by over $5.5 billion in sales, the highest ever. Tickets were purchased at over 5,300 businesses and online, and retailers earned $142 million in commissions and bonuses. Of that $5.5 billion, players received $4.2 billion in prizes, with 77 cents returned for every dollar spent. The Lottery also recorded a low administrative cost rate of 3.8%, which will be finalized after a standard audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

Join the Fun: Stafford County Fair Brings Family Activities and Local Culture to Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 5, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County Fair

The Stafford County Agricultural and Homemaking Fair will return Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 at the UMW Stafford Campus (121 University Boulevard). The fair features family-friendly activities like a children’s power wheel derby and tractor pull, a petting zoo, and carnival rides. Attendees can enjoy live music, explore a variety of vendor stalls, and experience displays from first responders. This year’s fair continues the legacy of a community-focused event that celebrates local culture, agriculture, and togetherness.

The roots of the Fair trace back to October 1922, when it was first held at Stafford High School. The inaugural event, organized by the School Board and fair officers, featured a school parade and a range of exhibits highlighting agricultural achievements, domestic arts, and educational displays. Over the years, the fair has faced interruptions, including a cancellation in 1930 due to drought and a hiatus during World War II. It was revived in 1948 at Falmouth High School, where it continued for several more years before coming to an end.

Stafford Board of Supervisors Adopts New Meeting Schedule

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 30, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors has amended its by-laws to create a new meeting schedule. The board will have three meeting days, two of which are planned business days. The third meeting day will be a dedicated Work Session meeting as needed. Meetings will also begin at 5 p.m.

The proposed changes were first reviewed by the board on June 4 and again on July 2. All board members were able to participate in the discussion and review the changes. According to Stafford’s news release, “this transparent process, which also allowed public input on the change, was designed to ensure your voice was heard and that you were fully informed about the decision-making process.”

New Athletic Training Center to Open in Stafford

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 24, 2024 at 1:00PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

UPDATE August 23, 2024: Champions FC Training Center has canceled the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Aug. 23 due to unforeseen circumstances.

Champions FC Training Center will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new multi-sports complex in Stafford on August 23. The facility will feature soccer fields, basketball courts, a speed agility center, strength training, wrestling, and martial arts training.

Stafford’s Planning Commission Holds Public Hearing on 503 Acre Rezoning for Data Center

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 24, 2024 at 12:45PM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County’s Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, July 24. The full agenda and notes are available online.

A request to rezone 503 acres from A-1 (Agriculture) to M-2 (Heavy Industrial) has been submitted by Stafford Technology Campus. The 503 acres are from two parcels – 38-124 and 38-29A. The land is located in the Falmouth district, on the east side of Richmond Highway across from Sage Lane. Proposed proffers would allow the height of data center buildings to be 105 feet, allow six substations on the property and set requirements for substations, and establish tree preservation and noise limit standards. They will also consider compliance for up to six electric substations on 476 acres in lot 38-124.

Stafford Education Foundation to Host Tenth Annual Golf Tournament

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 19, 2024 at 10:45AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

As the Stafford Education Foundation (SEF) approaches the tenth anniversary of its annual fundraising golf tournament, the organization continues to enhance educational opportunities for students and educators in Stafford County Public Schools. The foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships, grants, and innovative programs, remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community. This year, sponsors are able to donate directly to the scholarship, grant, or program they would like to encourage.

Executive Director Stephanie Johnson explained SEF’s latest initiative, the Community Health and Mental Professionals (CHAMP) Center program, exemplifies their approach to education. This healthcare career pathway program for high school students was launched in collaboration with Mary Washington Healthcare and the Claude Moore Foundation. Designed to address critical gaps in mental health, biomedical science, and nursing career pathways, the CHAMP program is a direct response to a community health assessment that highlights these needs. The program will welcome its first cohort of students this fall.

Stafford County Ranks Third in National Digital Counties Survey

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 16, 2024 at 11:30AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

Stafford County announced its third-place finish in the 2024 Digital Counties Survey for the 150,000-249,999 population category; Arlington won first place. Stafford and Arlington were the only Virginia counties in the top ten. The survey, developed by the National Association of Counties and conducted by the Center for Digital Government, recognizes counties that use technology for efficient and responsive government services.

“We are enhancing our services for residents by leveraging technology to improve government,” stated Craig Meadows, Interim Stafford County Administrator. “I take pride in the achievements of Stafford’s Information Services team and the benefits that come with it for our citizens.”

Construction Begins July 22 for Roundabout at Stafford’s Banks Ford Parkway

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published July 15, 2024 at 10:00AM | Updated October 26, 2024 at 4:42PM

The intersection of Banks Ford and Celebrate Virginia Parkways.

Construction to install a modular roundabout at the intersection of Banks Ford and Celebrate Virginia parkways in Stafford County will begin Monday, July 22. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will start with paving, followed by assembling and installing modular roundabout pieces made from 136,090 pounds of recycled plastic. Starting Aug. 5, the intersection will temporarily become a four-way stop for about two weeks. The project aims to enhance safety and reduce vehicle collisions. The $700,000 project, funded by Stafford County, is expected to be completed by late Aug. 2024.

VDOT: Construction to install a modular roundabout at the intersection of Route 1969 (Banks Ford Parkway) and Route 1968 (Celebrate Virginia Parkway) in Stafford County will begin on Monday, July 22.