Stafford

Stafford County has issued a ban on all open-air burning for Sunday, November 16, due to high fire danger caused by dry conditions and gusty winds. The county Fire Marshal issued the order as a precaution to prevent wildfires.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Red Flag Warning, in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, for much of Northern and Central Virginia, including Stafford County. Forecasters expect northwest winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in some areas, combined with very low humidity levels—ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread quickly.


Prince William

“Community support was tremendous! We appreciate every individual and business who contributed,” Prince William County Parks Foundation announced. “Major support came from several organizations: Branscome Paving provided asphalt, Vulcan Materials donated a huge amount of stone, the Brentsville Supervisor’s office surprised us with a significant needed resources and STACK Infrastructure was our High Roller Champion sponsor.”

“Thank you to the Parks Foundation, our Parks Department and all those who contributed to the pump track. It shows just how great our community is and how, when we come together, we can achieve something great for our residents,” Supervisor Tom Gordy said. Prince William County Parks Director Seth Hendler-Voss added, “We’re grateful for the Parks Foundation who made this project possible by rallying together park advocates and the business community to achieve a common goal of providing the best possible recreation opportunities for our community.”


Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico will conduct several live-fire training exercises through November 28, with some expected to produce louder-than-usual noise and nighttime activity. Area residents are advised that the base will be especially active on select days, including overnight training and multi-day operations.

On November 14, training will run from 8 a.m. to midnight, featuring a live-fire demonstration involving up to 200 pounds of explosives, aircraft movement, and frag devices up to 50 pounds. That day is expected to be louder than usual. Additional live-fire frag training up to 25 pounds will occur daily from November 17 to 21, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.


Prince William

George Stewart was sworn in as the new Gainesville District Supervisor during a ceremony on Friday, November 14, following the unexpected passing of Supervisor Bob Weir in July.

The event, held in Prince William County, drew several local and state officials, including Supervisors Tom Gordy, Kenny Bode, and Margaret Franklin, as well as State Senator Danica Roem (D). Clerk of the Court Jacqueline Smith administered the oath after Keith Scarborough, Chair of the Electoral Board, presented Stewart with his certificate of election.


Police Blotter

Deputies spotted the suspect in a parking lot along Southpoint Parkway just before 6 p.m. When they tried to stop him, the man struck two marked vehicles and fled. Deputies quickly gave chase and safely stopped the vehicle a short time later.

The Spotsylvania man now faces several new charges, including felony eluding, assault on law enforcement, and destruction of property. He was also served with five outstanding warrants, including charges of strangulation, abduction with force, and unlawful entry.


Fredericksburg

“These Virginians not only bring together deep ties from across every region of our Commonwealth, but the experience, integrity and know-how required to deliver the pragmatic and principled leadership that Virginians overwhelmingly voted for this November,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported.

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Schools

“I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this because it was really fun,” Prince William County Public Schools reported. “Being supported by the Commanders made it so much better and finishing the season on our home field [from our turf program] was surreal too.”

“This was an awesome opportunity for these young ladies,” the school division reported. “It was an opportunity for them to have another sport to compete in and just look at the turnout around Prince William County. I hope (this game) continues to spread out.”


Fredericksburg

“Downtown Fredericksburg is especially magical during the holidays,” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “From skating along the river to solving riddles in our shop windows, these experiences are designed to make it easier than ever for people to slow down, explore, and support our local businesses.”

“Extended parking, special events, and family-friendly activities all work together to support our small businesses,” Executive Director Chris Allen added. “When people spend more time downtown, they discover new favorite shops, restaurants, and traditions that bring them back throughout the year.”