Locals Only Fredericksburg – Stafford

Fairfax

Surging Ridership on VRE and OmniRide Buses Strains Capacity Amid Funding Challenges

By Uriah Kiser

Public transportation in Northern Virginia is seeing a significant rebound as ridership continues to climb on both Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains and OmniRide commuter and local buses. However, transit leaders warn that increased demand may soon outpace available resources, especially for locally funded services.

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 Surging Ridership on VRE and OmniRide Buses Strains Capacity Amid Funding Challenges Read more
News

Stafford Schools to Require Opt-In for Bus Transportation Amid Efforts to Fix System Failures

By Uriah Kiser

Families in Stafford County must now opt-in to receive school bus transportation for the 2025–26 academic year—a major change prompted by last year’s transportation meltdown that left thousands of students without a ride to school.

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 to Require Opt-In for Bus Transportation Amid Efforts to Fix System Failures Read more
News

New Stafford Courthouse Cost More Than Triples—What’s Driving the Increase?

By Uriah Kiser

The cost of Stafford County’s long-planned courthouse replacement project has increased significantly, with county officials acknowledging major changes in scope. During the March 11, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, staff presented the latest budget updates, revealing the financial impact of the courthouse expansion.

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 New Stafford Courthouse Cost More Than Triples—What’s Driving the Increase? Read more
News

Swing Into Action: Stafford’s New Playground at Duff McDuff Green Memorial Park

By Kelly Sienkowski

Parents, mark your calendars: Stafford’s Duff McDuff Green Park new playground will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM.

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 Swing Into Action: Stafford’s New Playground at Duff McDuff Green Memorial Park Read more
News

Stafford School Board Reviews Redesign Plans for Drew Middle School

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County School Board is moving forward with plans to redesign and rebuild Drew Middle School, with an anticipated opening in August 2028. The proposed facility, located at Oak Knoll Farm off Farm Road, aims to modernize the school’s infrastructure while accommodating growing student enrollment.

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 School Board Reviews Redesign Plans for Drew Middle School Read more
Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Unveils FY2026 Budget Proposal: Tax Increase, School Funding Boost, and Major Infrastructure Investments

By Uriah Kiser

Fredericksburg City Manager Tim Baroody presented the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal to the City Council on March 11. The proposal outline a $136.75 million spending plan to strengthen public schools, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure long-term financial stability.

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 Fredericksburg Unveils FY2026 Budget Proposal: Tax Increase, School Funding Boost, and Major Infrastructure Investments Read more
News

Stafford County Faces Tough Budget Choices Amid Rising Costs and School Funding Needs

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors and the Stafford County School Board met in a joint session Wednesday evening to address critical budget concerns, including school funding challenges, rising property taxes, and long-term infrastructure needs.

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 County Faces Tough Budget Choices Amid Rising Costs and School Funding Needs Read more
News

Stafford County Investigating Woof Houze Closure Over Silica Dust Exposure

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Woof Houze Facebook Page]

Woof Houze, a dog training and daycare facility in Stafford County, has closed its doors following concerns over silica dust exposure from a neighboring granite and stone business. The business owner, employees, and customers have raised alarms about health hazards, prompting the county to investigate.

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 County Investigating Woof Houze Closure Over Silica Dust Exposure Read more
News

Stirring Up Success: Stafford’s Culinary Program Teaches Students More Than Just Cooking

By Kelly Sienkowski
Students learn knife skills.

Stafford County Public Schools offers high school programs that teach students vocational skills in several fields: the Culinary Arts program, offered at Stafford, Brooke Point, and Mountainview High Schools, provides students the opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, work in a real-world setting, and gain valuable industry certifications. 

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 Stirring Up Success: Stafford’s Culinary Program Teaches Students More Than Just Cooking Read more
News

Stafford Homeowners Face Higher Taxes as Veteran Relief Costs Grow

By Uriah Kiser

As Stafford County prepares its budget for the upcoming fiscal year, officials and citizens alike are raising concerns over the mounting financial burden of a state-mandated tax exemption for disabled veterans. The issue, discussed at the March 4, 2025, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, has sparked debate over the program’s sustainability and impact on county taxpayers.

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 Homeowners Face Higher Taxes as Veteran Relief Costs Grow Read more
View More Stories