The updated policy, Policy 7205 – Access to Division Transportation Services, now allows not only bus drivers but also bus attendants to bring their minor child or grandchild on board during their assigned routes. This change, approved as part of the Board’s consent agenda, builds on the previous rule that limited this option to preschool-aged children of bus drivers only.
What’s Changing?
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For the first time, Stafford County will host a Relay for Life event, bringing the community together for a day of remembrance, celebration, and action in the fight against cancer.
The May 10 event is the result of months of work by organizer Tracey Phillips, a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. Phillips was inspired to bring Relay for Life to Stafford after years of participating in events in neighboring counties, including an unforgettable first experience in 2009 in Loudoun County.
“It was such an overwhelmingly awesome experience,” Phillips said. “I made a commitment then that I’d always be a part of Relay. It’s become one of my family’s favorite things to do together.”
Phillips has a deep personal connection to the cause. She honors the memory of her uncle, who passed away from cancer 20 years ago. More recently, her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer last fall. These personal experiences, combined with a desire to raise awareness and strengthen community ties, pushed her to bring a Relay event to Stafford.
“There’s never really been a Stafford Relay—at least not in the last 30 years,” she said. “So we wanted to start something here to bring people together and let survivors and families know they’re not alone.”
The event, titled “Night of Hope,” will take a scaled-down approach to the traditional 12–18-hour Relay model but will carry the same spirit: honoring survivors, supporting caregivers, remembering those lost, and raising money for cancer research. The goal this year is to raise $15,000 and draw around 200 participants, with plans to grow the event annually.
Highlights of the evening will include:
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A Survivor Lap and Survivor Dinner to celebrate those who have battled cancer
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A Luminaria Ceremony, where the track will be lit by donated luminary bags in memory and honor of loved ones;
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Family-friendly entertainment, including music, a silent auction, and demonstrations by the Stafford Sheriff’s Department, McGruff the Crime Dog, a drone team, K-9 unit, and local taekwondo and gymnastics teams;
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Activities for kids, photo opportunities, and lap-tracking beads to help participants beat their own records year over year; and
- Food Trucks like Taco Tuesday and The Dog House.
Planning officially began in late April, and as with many new grassroots efforts, the road hasn’t been without obstacles. “Funding’s not guaranteed when you’re just starting out,” Phillips said. “But we’ve got 12 teams so far and incredible support from the sheriff’s office and local businesses.” Stafford businesses like Paddy’s Public House, The Bearded Monkey, Jersey Mike’s (Windsor Road location), Cinnaholic, and more all hosted fundraising events for the new relay.
The Relay for Life of Stafford is part of the American Cancer Society’s 40th anniversary of Relay events nationwide. The goal is not only to raise money, but also to ignite a new tradition in Stafford that brings together families, schools, businesses, and service members in a shared mission.
Anyone interested in participating—whether as part of a team, as an individual, or as a volunteer—can find registration links and donation information through the event’s Facebook page or by contacting the organizing team via email.
“We’re hoping this is just the beginning,” Phillips said. “This is a chance for Stafford to stand together for hope, for healing, and for the future.”
Stafford’s Relay for Life will be help Saturday, May 10 at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary, 150 Duffey Drive. The 12-hour event begins at noon.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, "A Conversation with the Superintendent," featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from fixing school transportation to addressing equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.
Part 3: Reaching Every Learner — Special Education, ESL, and Academic Equity
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
Parents Charged with Murder After Toddler Dies from Fentanyl Exposure
A 2-year-old girl’s death at the Red Roof Inn on April 16 has resulted in murder and drug charges for her parents, William Nathaniel Fuller, 28, and Markita Ayanna Williams, 25. The child was found to have fentanyl in her system. Police say the father removed items from the hotel before emergency services arrived. An unsecured firearm was also found in the room. Both were arrested on May 1 and are being held without bond.
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Editor’s Note: This article is part of our exclusive five-part series, "A Conversation with the Superintendent," featuring an in-depth interview with Dr. Daniel W. Smith, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. In this series, we explore Dr. Smith’s vision, challenges, and priorities—from addressing school transportation issues to tackling equity gaps, funding shortages, and the future of education in Stafford County. New articles are published weekly.
Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford
Stafford County Public Schools has faced mounting criticism over its student transportation system. From late buses to no-shows, families voiced their frustration during connection sessions held by Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith earlier this year. In response, Smith is moving quickly. “We can’t wait another year,” he said. “The data showed our biggest bottleneck was at the elementary level. That’s where we had to start.”
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STAFFORD, Va. – The Ferry Farm neighborhood will host its first "Furry Friends of Ferry Farm" guided walking tour on June 7, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. The 1.3-mile loop will showcase pets from the neighborhood and encourage donations for the Stafford County Animal Shelter. The event is free and will start and end at Ferry Farm Elementary School.
Participants will walk from Pendleton Road to Mercer Lane, Wakefield Avenue, Jefferson Street, and back to Pendleton Road, with stops to admire pets at various homes. At the tour’s conclusion, attendees will vote for a "Crowd Favorite" pet, with a prize awarded. The Stafford County Animal Shelter will also be present with adoptable pets.
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Prince William County
Officer-Involved Shooting – Woodbridge:
On April 26, officers responded to Westminster at Lake Ridge Senior Living Home where a knife-wielding man, Joseph Anthony Cassell, 26, advanced on officers. After multiple shots were fired, the man attacked a 91-year-old female relative. Officers fired again, killing Cassell. The woman sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover. No officers were harmed. The Critical Incident Response Team is investigating.
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Prince William County
Juvenile Charged in Unlawful Filming and Sexual Battery at Hylton High:
Date: April 22–29
A 17-year-old male student at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge was arrested after being found to have repeatedly filmed female students without consent and inappropriately touched one of them. The incidents occurred between March 25 and April 22. He is charged with unlawful filming and aggravated sexual battery and is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center?.
