Rappahannock Education Farm (REF) Manager Rich Larochelle said he and a squad of volunteers prepped a 360-square-foot plot of Fredericksburg farmland to plant hundreds of seeds of produce last week.
Nearly 3,000 people in the Fredericksburg area suffer from food insecurity, according to Stacker, a government data-collection website. Food-insecure households can’t afford regular access to healthy meals. The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank supplies food to 31,000 people every year.
Larochelle said they’re using land outside of Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank in exchange for supplying fresh vegetables to the bank. Larochelle said the Fredericksburg food bank farm is the first official project on his mission of engaging the community with growing local before work starts on a future expansion.
“We’re taking an area that had been a garden many years ago and we’re preparing it for some new plants,” Larochelle said to Fredericksburg Free Press, “It’ll all go to reducing our food insecurity.”
Larochelle explained that the mini-farm is just the first step. He said the farm currently owns no land but is working to change this with the purchase of nine acres in Stafford. This size plot can hold up to 18,000 crops at one time. Larochelle said price negotiations are pending. According to Zillow, the average price for 9 acres of undeveloped land in Stafford is $50,000.
Larochelle plans to model the new farm after the Fauquier Education Farm, which also grows produce for food banks. “We propose to learn from these successes as we create a similar entity for our community,” said the farm’s website. “[Where people can] come together around the positive activities of growing and harvesting foods.”
The REF Facebook page said the current Fredericksburg mini-farm and future 9-acre plot are made possible by grants from the Mary Washington Healthcare Foundation and the Stafford Health Foundation.
A nine-acre plot can hold up to 18,000 crops. Larochelle said price negotiations are pending. The average price for nine acres of undeveloped land in Stafford is $50,000, according to Zillow.
Larochelle said the mini-farm in Fredericksburg will grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other veggies requested by the food bank.
Larochelle said they needed to make the soil farmable again after years of disuse. He said he and over 30 volunteers removed old plastic netting from previous farmers and tilled the soil. Larochelle said soil samples were tested by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture to determine the soil’s fertility. After a week, Virginia Tech deemed the soil “adequate on most measures and even better on others.”
REF Master Gardener Jonathan Stevens said the next step is getting topsoil donations from the community.
“We want to teach people how to garden, reduce food insecurity, and have fun in the process,” Larochelle said. “It’s a beautiful day to garden.”
Chas Chappell is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
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The following reports are from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
Stafford County Sheriff is asking for public assistance in investigating an April 12 shooting. Deputies reported to Shasta Place at 10:38 p.m. and learned a red vehicle may have been involved. Several vehicles were shot, but no injuries were reported. The police are asking citizens to review any video cameras that may have captured footage of the incident or a suspicious vehicle.
The Sheriff’s office also reported a 19 year-old arrested for DUI after traveling 60 mph in a 45mph zone approaching Interstate 95. A consumed Corona bottle was in the vehicle, and the driver reported he had two beers prior to driving.
Kelly Sienkowski is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
Prince William Police:Â On April 13 at 8:12 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart located at 14000 Worth Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an unattended child.
The investigation revealed a good Samaritan observed the victim, a two-month-old infant boy, unattended inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed the parents with the victim who had been taken out of the vehicle.
Officers determined the father, identified as the accused, and other family members went into the store, leaving the victim inside the vehicle. The victim was unharmed.
Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Mirwais ALIZADA, was arrested. Arrested on April 13: Mirwais ALIZADA, 45, of the 3500 block of Crag Mews in Woodbridge. Charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $3,000 Unsecured.
Prince William Police:Â On April 13, the suspect, identified as Sartisha Elexus Carter, who was sought in connection to the attempted assault that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge on March 24, was arrested.
Arrested on April 13: Sartisha Elexus Carter, 38, of 1365 East Longview Drive in Woodbridge. Charged with attempted malicious wounding. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.
Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic) [Previously Released] – On March 24 at 5:37 p.m., officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred at the Bayvue Apartments located in the 1300 block of East Longview Drive in Woodbridge earlier that afternoon.
The investigation revealed the victim, a 31-year-old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated.
During the encounter, the accused retrieved a knife leading to a struggle before both parties fell to the floor. When the accused retrieved a larger knife, the victim left the apartment. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Sartisha Elexus CARTER, who remains wanted.
One of the pivotal outcomes of the session was the passage of a higher $3.70 per $100 $100 of assessed value Computer and Peripheral (data center) tax, which garnered a 7-1 vote in favor. It’s the second hike in as many years for this tax, up from $1.80 in 2022. Supporters have called for the county’s burgeoning data center industry, set to overtake neighboring Loudoun County as the world’s epicenter for server farms that power the internet, to pay more.
Additionally, there was unanimous support, with an 8-0 vote for setting the real estate tax rate at 92 cents per $100 assessed value. This move aims to balance meeting the county’s financial needs and alleviating the tax burden on residents. The decision means that, for the first time in years, residents will see an average decrease in their real estate tax bills of about $240 instead of the typical increase.
However, not all proposed funding allocations received unanimous approval. A notable instance was the failure to secure additional funds amounting to $3.9 million for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC OmniRide), with a tied 4-4 vote. This outcome reflects the differing opinions among supervisors regarding the prioritization of transportation initiatives within the budget.
Similarly, a proposal to allocate $833,000 for Americans for Wartime Experience, a long-talked-about museum that announced more than a decade ago that it would build a facility on 70 acres behind what is now an At Home store (formerly KMart) in Dale City, faced resistance and was ultimately rejected in a 6-2 vote.
Despite these challenges, several measures successfully gained approval during the session. This includes allocating funds for county services and initiatives, such as approving eight full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. Additionally, updates to the data center ordinance were endorsed, reflecting the county’s commitment to supporting its growing technology sector while ensuring responsible development practices.
Moreover, the board approved various community initiatives to enhance residents’ quality of life. This includes funding for park updates and a litter control crew, underscoring the importance of preserving and maintaining the county’s natural resources and public spaces. Additionally, the approval of county-sponsored special events and the addition of a sustainability environmental analyst demonstrates the board’s commitment to promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Supervisors also shared their perspectives and priorities regarding the budget during the meeting. Supervisor Tom Gordy emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility while advocating for measures to reduce the tax burden on residents. Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin highlighted the need to protect small businesses while supporting necessary tax increases to fund essential services. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emphasized the importance of affordability and accessibility for county residents, advocating for measures to bridge the gap and ensure all residents can thrive in Prince William County.
The Board of County Supervisors will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to adopt its annual spending plan, which will take effect on July 1.
Caitlyn Meisner is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
“The Town of Dumfries of Virginia is honored to announce its participation as an official stop on the National League of Cities (NLC) Centennial Roadshow: 100 Years, 100 Cities. This initiative is part of NLC’s year-long celebration, marking a century of commitment to advancing local government and advocating for the interests of cities, towns, and villages nationwide,” notes a press release from the Dumfries Town Government.
“During the roadshow stop in the Town of Dumfries, we will have the opportunity to tour the new construction site of the Rose Gaming Resort, a testament to our Town’s growth and development. Additionally, we will visit the Town’s outdoor fitness court, a vibrant space that promotes wellness and community engagement, reflecting our commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle.”
“As the journey progresses, the roadshow will continue making stops in cities across the country, including Tampa, Florida, where NLC will host its annual City Summit conference and culminating event this November.”
Prince William Parks and Recreation sponsors today’s weather forecast.
Summer Job Alert: Parks and Recreation Hiring Seasonal Workers Now! Want to earn some extra cash this summer and enjoy your job at the same time? PWC Parks and Recreation is now hiring for seasonal jobs.. Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Cooks and more…
A stable atmosphere blankets the region as a long-lived outflow boundary pushes south and eastward. Radar echoes near the Mason-Dixon Line hint at light shower activity, but forecasters predict minimal impact from these isolated showers.
This weak cold front, currently spanning central West Virginia to western Pennsylvania, is forecasted to pass through by midday, bringing northwesterly winds and gusts up to 15 to 20 mph. This downsloping effect will usher in warm mid-April temperatures, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s across the Mid-Atlantic. Cooler conditions are anticipated along the Allegheny Front and northeastern Maryland, where highs will hover in the mid to upper 60s.
As evening approaches, winds will shift to an east-northeastern direction, reintroducing marine stratus and leading to a cooler night compared to recent days. Lows will be mainly in the mid- to upper 40s. Shower chances are expected to hold off until after sunrise on Friday.
Forecast Summary:
- Today: Mostly sunny with a high near 81. Northwest winds of 5 to 8 mph.
- Tonight: Increasing clouds with a low of around 49. East winds of 6 to 8 mph.
- Friday: Chance of showers after 2 pm. Mostly cloudy with a high near 70. Southeast winds around 6 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Friday Night: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 pm, then a chance of showers between 11 pm and 2 am. Mostly cloudy with a low of around 53. Southeast winds around 6 mph become light and variable in the evening. The chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: Partly sunny with a high near 71. Northwest winds around 8 mph.
