The Stafford County Board of Supervisors have approved adjustments to the county's drug-free policy for its employees.
According to the revised policy, county employees are still not permitted to partake in the use of cannabis on or off the clock. An exception has been made however for the medicinal use of cannabis oil as long as they have a valid certificate for its medical use.
However if any county employee is found to be in possession of cannabis or found to be under the influence of the substance that would serve as grounds for their termination. This part of the policy will stand regardless of whether or not they have the valid certificate for medical use.
The county has decided to be a little more lenient when it comes to their employment practices, any applicant who is 21 or older will not be subjected to the drug-free policy. This means that a potential applicant will not be denied employment even if they test positive for THC during the screening process.
The assumption being that the potential applicant may not be aware of the county's policy and also due to the fact that recreational use of cannabis is legal in Virginia.
However, if that employee is hired by the county they will have to retake the test within a period of 8 to 12 weeks from the date of hiring. This portion was previously contested by Rock Hill Supervisor Crystal Vanuch during a public hearing on the matter held in November.
Vanuch had questioned the randomness of the test especially if the applicant knew it was coming and could prepare for it.
Potential hires who are applying for temporary or seasonal positions will be denied employment due to the short term nature of the positions.
Another change to the policy is regarding the pre-employment medical physical which now only positions which are considered necessary such as public safety will have to go through that process.
Stafford County decided to revise their policy after the State of Virginia legalized the recreational use of cannabis for persons aged 21 and over. This was done in July 2021 and signed by Governor Ralph Northam. While Virginia is the first southern state to legalize cannabis for this purpose it is still illegal under federal law.
Including the commonwealth, 18 other states and Washington D.C. have fully legalized the use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes. Only six states remain fully committed to the illegalization of cannabis.
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In Stafford County, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins celebrated the grand reopening of their Next Generation restaurant on Warrenton Road with a unique community event on Saturday, February 8. Customers enjoyed free medium hot or iced coffee while participating in fun activities, including a prize wheel, face painting, and a visit from Dunkin’s mascot, Cuppy. As part of the event, local franchisee Pravina Bhalani hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue expressed their appreciation, stating, “Thank you to Dunkin’ (Warrenton Road) for the invite to their reopening and thank you for the generous $500 contribution to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation.”
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Dr. Janet L. S. Brown-Page has been appointed to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board of Trustees to represent Stafford County. She replaces Mary Becelia, who was removed in 2024. The Board oversees library policies across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Brown-Page, a retired federal senior manager and mediation expert, brings extensive experience in human and community relations. Her appointment follows the censure of Stafford Supervisor Monica Gary, accused of political maneuvering in Becelia’s removal.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
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What’s in store:
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.
