Stafford

Stafford County Fire & Rescue Chief Joseph Cardello highlighted ongoing recruiting difficulties during the county Board of Supervisors meeting on May 26, noting that applicant numbers have fallen by half in recent years amid regional competition.

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“The Governor owes the Virginia Tech community — and all Virginians — an explanation for this decision. What exactly did John Rocovich do?” Virginia Scope reported. “I’ve known John for years, and I know he has done nothing but act in the best interest of Virginia Tech. To suggest otherwise is libelous.”

“I look forward to working together to help move Virginia Tech forward and continue advancing its mission of service and excellence,” State Sen. Aaron Rouse stated.


Stafford

Stafford County drivers should plan for new routes next week. Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) will now close on Thursday, June 4, after weather postponed the original Monday, June 1 start date. The Virginia Department of Transportation is replacing the temporary single-lane bridge over Aquia Creek with a permanent two-lane structure.

The project replaces a 50-year-old bridge that has shown significant deterioration. A temporary bridge was installed in fall 2020 to keep the road open while the $6.4 million project was funded and designed. The new bridge will feature two 11-foot travel lanes, 6-foot paved shoulders, higher rails, and the ability to carry all legal vehicle loads. Rock Hill Church Road will stay closed to through traffic between Dunbar Drive and Van Horn Lane through June 2027.


Event

Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.


Prince William

“Virginia American Water is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” Virginia American Water insidenova.com reported. “We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances. Our primary focus right now is supporting our employee’s family and our Virginia employees.”

A 35-year-old employee fell from a boat on May 19, around 11 a.m., in a service pond at the Virginia American Water facility in the 14400 block of Delaney Road in Dale City. He was hospitalized and died three days later on May 22. Prince William County police said no foul play is suspected and the incident appears accidental.


Fredericksburg

“The travel audit is still in process,” division superintendent Marci Catlett told the Advance. “During the course of our audit, we noted School Board travel expenditures which did not fall within the school division travel guidelines. We have been engaged to perform a detailed review of School Board travel.”

A special audit of Fredericksburg City Public Schools Board travel expenses, originally due by the end of December 2025, remains unfinished amid staffing changes in the Central Office. Emails and documents show the comment regarding travel in the general fiscal year 2025 audit was edited after pushback from a School Board member, with language about purchase card use and policy recommendations removed from the final management letter.


Police Blotter

Other notable incidents include a vehicle pursuit in Fredericksburg, where the driver nearly struck officers and was charged with assault on law enforcement, along with fraud reports and an assault arrest in Stafford County.

This daily police blotter summarizes reports from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericksburg Police Department, and Prince William County Police.


Fredericksburg

“All citizens are encouraged to mail their payments as soon as possible or to schedule their payment online to avoid penalties due to mail service delays,” FXBGgov announced. “Payments for both are due June 5, 2026.”

Payments may be made in person at the Treasurer’s Office at 715 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg, online at fredericksburgva.gov, or by phone at 540-372-1001.


Stafford

“Seeing America’s national bird up close is always incredible, but these calls are also a reminder of how important it is for the community to report injured wildlife when they see it,” Stafford County Sheriff reported. “Blue Ridge Wildlife Center relies heavily on volunteers to help transport injured and orphaned wildlife to their hospital because staff cannot leave the facility for rescues.”

Animal Control responded to two more injured bald eagles on the same day — one with a wing injury on Richmond Highway and another with a leg injury in the Doral Court area — bringing the week’s total to three. Both birds were safely transported to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, VA, for treatment.


Politics

“I am humbled to continue the fight to take on corruption, deliver real results, and make life more affordable for every Virginian,” CBS19 News reported. “I will continue to fight like hell for our military families, federal workers, and every working family in the District.”

Republican challengers in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District include John Gray and Philip Harding, both of Prince William County, along with Douglas Ollivant, and Waverly Washington. Tara Durant, who had been a frontrunner in the Republican primary, has dropped out. John Gray currently leads the field in fundraising among remaining candidates with over $228,000 in receipts, followed by Douglas Ollivant ($175,000).