LAKE RIDGE — For about 15 minutes prior to the start of the school day, it’s a frenzy outside Lake Ridge Elementary School.
Mornings at any school can be hectic, but here at Lake Ridge on Hedges Run Drive, children and parents are dropping off children at a side entrance to the school, resulting in children and their parents darting out in front of oncoming vehicles, drivers slamming on brakes and stopping in the middle of the street, car horns blowing, and drivers making illegal u-turns.
Instead of driving to the school’s main entrance as school officials would like them to do, parents, on a daily basis, drop off their children at the entrance meant only for children who walk to school. Children and their parents dart across traffic, with no crosswalk, in plain view of a uniformed crossing guard posted about 500 feet away at the school’s main entrance.
“It’s just easier to drop off here than to drive into the entrance,” said Alexandra Marks, whose husband stopped the family’s Prius on the street allowing she and her 6-year-old son to get out of the car. She helped him put on his jacket and then walked him to the school building.
Once her son is inside, Marks returns to the street to find her husband waiting in the car. By now, he’s made an illegal U-turn, crossing a double yellow line on Hedges Run Drive. She gets in and the car pulls off.
It’s those illegal U-turns that got the attention of State Delegate Hala Alaya, who stood at the walker’s entrance Tuesday morning, alongside officials from the county school division and the Virginia Department of Transportation to call attention to what she says is a safety concern.
“These children are playing ‘Frogger’ out here on the street, dodging cars, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Alaya, referencing a video game from 1981. Alaya lives nearby, and who once had children attend Lake Ridge Elementary School.
There have been calls for VDOT to post a no U-turn sign to discourage drivers from turning around on the double yellow line. There’s been one suggestion to erect a fence, closing the walkers’ entrance altogether.
By drawing attention to the issue, the delegate hopes the schools and transportation officials can work together to find a solution. Occoquan District Supervisor Ruth Anderson is also aware of the problem, a senior aide told Potomac Local and is working on a solution.
Barbara Larrimore is the PTO president at Lake Ridge Elementary School. She says a solution to the problem should come in three forms:
- A new sidewalk across the street from the walkers’ entrance (a row of houses sit across from the entrance but there is no sidewalk)
- A new crosswalk painted on Hedges Run linking a new sidewalk to the walkers’ entrance.
- A no U-turn sign
Larrimore knows that a new sidewalk would be expensive and its construction could be years off, if ever. And, without the new sidewalk, well, there’s no need for a new painted crosswalk to nowhere.
She’s bullish, however, on that no U-turn sign.
Police have patrolled the area and write tickets to those who make illegal U-turns. Most, she says, get off in court with a warning.
“The police can’t be here every day, and a judge who’s never been here has no idea about the problems we face,” said Larrimore.
A solution to the problem, it seems, is up to parents who appear to be at the root of the cause.
“Unfortunately, drivers make U-turns there, causing an unsafe situation. We have sent multiple communications to parents to remind them of the potential safety issues caused by U-turns, and encouraged them not to make U-turns there,” said Prince William County Public Schools spokeswoman Diana Gulotta.
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
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King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
