Editor’s Note: This is the first in a six-part series called “A Conversation with the Superintendent,” based on a sit-down interview with Stafford County Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith. The series explores Smith’s vision for the division, how he plans to fix school transportation, address special education and equity gaps, manage a growing budget crisis, recruit new talent, and navigate ongoing debates about diversity and inclusion. Stay with us each week for new installments.

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Prince William County

MALICIOUS WOUNDING | ARMED ROBBERY
Regency Apartments, Gardenia Ln, Manassas | March 20 (Arrests on March 23 & 29)
A 38-year-old woman was lured by acquaintances, assaulted, cut with a razor, and robbed.

• Malkia Dannelle Alexander, 40, of Fredericksburg – Charged with malicious wounding
• Devin Edward Thompson, 38, of Haymarket – Charged with malicious wounding and robbery
  Both suspects have been arrested.

STRANGULATION [Domestic]
Deward Ct, Manassas | March 30, 9:00 p.m. (Reported March 31)
A 61-year-old woman was choked and beaten during a domestic dispute.
Otis Lee Allen, 54, is wanted for strangulation and domestic assault. He remains at large.

BRANDISHING OF A FIREARM [Road Rage]
Opitz Blvd & Gideon Dr, Woodbridge | March 28, 4:08 p.m.
A road rage incident escalated when a driver pointed a firearm at another man.
Marshad D. Ledbetter, 29, of Triangle is wanted for brandishing a firearm.

RECKLESS HANDLING OF A FIREARM
Keelingwood Cl, Woodbridge | March 31, 8:55 p.m.
Tyra Tedder, 26, fired several rounds into the air during a verbal dispute. No injuries or damage were reported. She was arrested and released on a $2,500 bond.

Stafford County

ASSAULT
Paradise Court | March 31, 1:45 p.m.
A boyfriend was charged with assault and battery after attacking his girlfriend during an argument over money. Bystanders intervened. He is held without bond.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

• Richmond Hwy & Woodstock Ln | March 30, 7:18 p.m.
  A Dodge Ram driver with expired tags admitted to drinking “quite a few Buzz Balls.” He faces DUI (BAC over .2), open container, and registration violations. Held on a $2,500 bond.
• Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 2875 Richmond Hwy | March 31, 12:14 p.m.
  A woman with a heavily damaged vehicle said her car was “a little wonky.” She was charged with DUI and lane violation. Held until sober.
• Bells Hill Rd | March 31, 12:47 a.m.
  A man was caught urinating after swerving on the road. Police found an open box of wine and a fake registration. He was charged with DUI, refusal, altered plates, and other infractions. Held on a $3,000 bond.

LARCENY
Goodwill, 54 North Stafford Complex Center | March 31, 12:13 p.m.
A man’s speaker was stolen from his bike while he shopped. Video evidence led to a suspect confession. A warrant was issued.

VANDALISM

• Giant, 35 Town & Country Dr | March 30, 7:33 a.m.
  Rocks were thrown at a woman’s vehicle during breakfast.
• Royal Farms, 4 Commerce Pkwy | March 30, 2:55 p.m.
  A motorcyclist damaged a gas pump nozzle in frustration.
• Coastal Ave | March 31, 10:54 a.m.
  A family woke up to find their home egged—no candy involved.

WARRANT SERVED
7-Eleven, 378 Garrisonville Rd | March 30, 5:18 p.m.
Deputy Bates spotted a wanted woman who initially resisted. A tattoo confirmed her identity. She was arrested for a probation violation, obstruction, and drug possession. Held without bond.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will close Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) overnight on Sunday, April 6 for a pipe replacement project near Route 671 (Van Horn Lane).

The closure will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday and last through 6 a.m. Monday, April 7. VDOT crews will replace a drainage pipe underneath the roadway during this time. Drivers will be detoured along a 10-mile route using Route 610 (Garrisonville Road), Route 643 (Joshua Road), and Route 627 (Mountain View Road).

Once the road reopens early Monday morning, crews will return to the site at 9 a.m. to apply new asphalt. One-way, alternating traffic will be directed through the area during the paving work, with a flagging crew managing the flow of vehicles.

The work is part of a larger infrastructure improvement project to widen the Rock Hill Church Road bridge over Aquia Creek and upgrade the surrounding roadway. VDOT began preliminary work in 2023, with full construction expected to begin in spring 2025. The project is designed to enhance safety and mobility in the area and is projected to be completed by 2026.

The pipe replacement and paving are early steps in preparing the roadway for more extensive construction in the years ahead.

The work is weather-dependent, and electronic message boards will be installed to alert drivers of the planned closure and detour.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) on Friday defended his decision to veto a bill that would have let Stafford County voters decide whether to raise the local sales tax by one percent to help pay for school construction.

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Domestic Dispute Turns Violent in Coverstone IV Apartments
At 10:10 p.m. on Friday, March 29, police were called to the Coverstone IV Apartments on Cass Place for a domestic incident. A 27-year-old woman told officers that her acquaintance, Micah Emmanuel Ragin, 30, of Kannapolis, N.C., assaulted and strangled her during an argument. The man also allegedly threatened her with a knife. Police obtained warrants for Ragin, who remains at large. He is wanted for strangulation, attempted malicious wounding, and domestic assault and battery.

Instagram Sale Leads to Armed Robbery
Early Saturday morning, March 30, a 21-year-old man reported being robbed at gunpoint during a meet-up to sell clothing through Instagram. The robbery occurred on Croce Court, also in the Coverstone IV Apartments. The buyer pulled a firearm and, with the help of an accomplice, stole clothing, money, and a firearm. No injuries were reported. The suspects fled before police arrived.

Driver Brandishes Gun at Group
Just before 10:40 p.m. on March 28, officers responded to Sudley Road, where the driver of a white BMW allegedly pulled a gun on a group of people during an argument in a parking lot. A 23-year-old man approached the vehicle and was threatened with the weapon. The suspect fled the scene. No injuries were reported.

Gunfire in Two Neighborhoods
Officers also investigated two separate reports of gunfire in Manassas on Sunday, March 30:

Around 4:47 p.m., multiple shots were heard on Twin Rivers Drive. A red sedan was seen fleeing. Shell casings were recovered, with no injuries or damage reported.
At 5:33 p.m., more shots were reported on Duvon Place. A vehicle sped away, and shell casings were found nearby on Evans Ford Road. No injuries or damage were reported.

Stafford County

Chess Match Escalates into Assault
On March 29 at 6:46 p.m., deputies responded to a home on Puri Lane where an intoxicated man allegedly assaulted another person after a dispute during a chess game. The suspect also attempted to retrieve a firearm. Deputies arrested him after a brief struggle. He was charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, and obstruction of justice.

Ramoth Church Rider Charged
On March 28 just before 10 p.m., deputies were called to the 1000 block of Ramoth Church Road for a vehicle crash. A Toyota traveling at high speed left the roadway and slammed into a parked pickup truck, pushing it approximately 175 feet into a neighbor’s home. The driver, a 29-year-old man, was injured and showed signs of intoxication. Deputies found numerous bottles of alcohol in the car. The man was charged at the hospital with DUI, driving without a license, no insurance, and reckless driving. No one inside the home was injured.

DUI Arrests

Washington Square Plaza (3/28, 12:20 p.m.): A man was found intoxicated behind the wheel of a Jeep in the Sheetz parking lot. He admitted to drinking “a lot” and had open containers. He was charged with DUI and driving on a revoked license.

Richmond Hwy & Courthouse Rd (3/29, 2:22 a.m.): A woman driving 50 mph in a 35 mph zone was pulled over. She had open containers and failed sobriety tests. She was charged with DUI, speeding, and refusal.

George Mason Road (3/29, 6:27 p.m.): A woman driving a Mercedes was stopped after tailgating. She admitted to drinking five glasses of wine and claimed her “bubbly personality” could be mistaken for intoxication. She was charged with DUI and released to a responsible party.

Fraud Alert
A resident reported receiving a scam phone call from someone posing as a sheriff’s deputy demanding a gift card to avoid arrest for missing jury duty.

Thefts and Larcenies

Ulta Beauty (3/28): Three suspects stole over $5,000 in high-end cosmetics and hair care products.
America’s Best Value Inn (3/29): A man not staying at the hotel was caught stealing towels for the second day in a row.
Walmart (3/29): A man was cited after stealing oral care products and leaving in a Chevy Malibu.
Public Intoxication Calls

Town Center Blvd (3/28): An intoxicated woman trying to walk to Woodbridge was taken to the hospital.
Garrisonville Road (3/29): A man walking with his pants falling down was arrested for public intoxication.
Warrant Arrests

Raynar Court (3/28): A woman wanted in Pennsylvania was arrested without incident.
Garrison Woods (3/29): A man wanted in Stafford, Caroline County, and Maryland was arrested and held without bond.

Fredericksburg

Home Invasion and Aggravated Assault Under Investigation
Fredericksburg Police are investigating a violent breaking and entering that occurred around 10:40 p.m. on March 29 in the 1000 block of Hotchkiss Place. A masked man dressed in all black forced his way through a basement door and assaulted a female resident, strangling her until she lost consciousness. The victim later regained consciousness and struggled with the intruder, possibly breaking his arm before he fled on foot toward the Snowden Hills area.

Despite searches by the Fredericksburg Police Drone Team and a K9 unit from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect remains at large. He is described as a heavier-set man, approximately 6’2”, wearing all-black clothing and a black balaclava. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fredericksburg Police at 540-373-3122.

In celebration of Theatre in Our Schools Month, the Stafford County School Board has honored two of its most inspiring theatre educators, Michael D’Addario of Stafford High School and Lisa Cover Tucci of Colonial Forge High School.

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Public transportation in Northern Virginia is seeing a significant rebound as ridership continues to climb on both Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains and OmniRide commuter and local buses. However, transit leaders warn that increased demand may soon outpace available resources, especially for locally funded services.

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A familiar spot on Garrisonville Road has a fresh new vibe, a new name, and a menu worth talking about.

Girlfriend’s Taphouse opened its doors Friday, March 29, 2024, at 225 Garrisonville Road, in the space formerly occupied by Fatty’s Taphouse. General Manager Robert Shaw, along with partners Jen and Joe, completely reimagined the space — investing more than $200,000 into a full renovation that includes everything from new floors to fresh fixtures.

“We’re an upscale casual restaurant — not a dive bar, not corporate — something Stafford doesn’t have,” Shaw said.

The menu is rooted in American classics with a touch of elegance. Shaw recommends the Maple Bacon Porterhouse, a standout 16oz bone-in pork chop that delivers both a hearty chop and a tender loin cut. Pan-seared with bacon, molasses, and maple, the dish balances sweet and savory in every bite. The bacon? A delicious touch.

Start your meal with the crab cakes — generously packed with meat and lightly crisped on the outside — a solid pick for any seafood lover. If you’ve got room after dinner, don’t skip dessert. The fried cheesecake and brownie are indulgent and memorable.

While the restaurant is still waiting on its ABC license, a full bar is planned, including 24 beers on tap, bourbons, wines, and more. Shaw is sourcing beer from local favorites like Six Bears and a Goat and hopes to add Stafford-based Barley Naked Brewing Co.

The restaurant currently has a staff of over 20 — many with long-standing ties to Shaw from previous kitchens. “We’re a family, and we treat our guests like family too,” he said. “We want to know your name, your favorite dish, and your drink before you sit down.”

Girlfriend’s Taphouse is aiming to be Stafford’s go-to place for families, professionals, and anyone looking for good food in a warm, welcoming space.

Just don’t expect $1 beers and dive-bar energy. This is something new — and something better.

One of Fredericksburg’s most popular parks will transform into an eco-celebration zone on Saturday, April 26, as the city hosts its annual Earth Day Festival at Old Mill Park.

Now in its 20th year, the festival draws thousands of attendees and celebrates environmental awareness through hands-on activities, live entertainment, and eco-friendly vendors.

“The Earth Day Festival is really all about helping the community get excited about our planet and excited about taking care of it,” said Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to draw between 2,000 and 5,000 people — and potentially more if the weather holds out. The largest turnout to date reached nearly 8,000 attendees.

A Park Fit for the Planet

Old Mill Park, located along the Rappahannock River and the Heritage Trail, is the city’s most-used green space. Its open fields, tree cover, and riverfront access make it a perfect venue for the festival.

“This is a really great location,” said Brown. “It’s a scenic and central space that’s easy to access, especially for those who want to walk or bike in.”

Festival organizers encourage attendees to use alternative transportation such as walking, biking, or carpooling. There is no public parking on-site except for those with handicap permits. Shuttle service will be available from nearby satellite parking lots.

What to Expect

• The day will be packed with activities for all ages:
• Live music throughout the event.
• Earth Quest Raptor Show at 1 p.m., featuring live birds of prey.
• Interactive vendor booths promoting sustainability and education.
• Rock climbing wall and tree climbing challenges.
• Paddling pool, presented by the Virginia Outdoor Center, where attendees can try kayaking and canoeing in a controlled environment.
• And perhaps the most anticipated: Goat yoga and a live demonstration of how goats will be used to mow grass at the park.

“We’re starting a new initiative at Old Mill where they’re gonna be bringing in goats to mow some of the grasses,” said Brown. “The goats will be on site, and there will even be baby goats doing goat yoga.”

Months in the Making

Planning for the Earth Day Festival begins as early as November. Brown leads a team that organizes vendor applications, logistics, entertainment, sponsorships, and promotions.

“Our staff divides into teams — attractions, sponsorship, parking — and we meet regularly to bring it all together,” said Courtney Merzowski, Superintendent of Special Events. This will be Merzowski’s first Earth Day Festival in her new role.

All vendors are required to include interactive elements at their booths, such as educational displays, hands-on activities, or demonstrations.

“We don’t want people to just come and buy things. We want them to engage with Earth Day themes and learn something new,” Brown said.

A detailed schedule and shuttle information will be posted online ahead of the event. Visitors are encouraged to check the site before attending.

Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Stafford County on Friday, highlighting more than 250,000 open jobs across Virginia—even as concerns mount over federal job cuts. Speaking at SimVentions, an engineering and technology services firm in Stafford, Youngkin told the crowd, “Virginia has jobs. Lots of jobs.”

The event, hosted at SimVentions’ headquarters, was organized with the help of State Senator Tara Durant (R-28, Fredericksburg, Stafford), who said the initiative behind the state’s jobs rollout has been years in the making.

Youngkin praised the Commonwealth’s momentum in job growth, citing key statistics.

“We’ve had over 260,000 more people working today than just three years ago,” said Youngkin. “And that has translated into over $100 billion of investment committed to plants, to expansions, to R&D centers, to new headquarters, and very importantly, to new power supplies across all of Virginia.”

Youngkin also pointed to four consecutive years of budget surpluses totaling nearly $10 billion. “We’ve been able to return a substantial amount of money in tax relief to our owners, the people of Virginia. $8 billion by the time we’re done,” he said, noting the number could reach $9 billion under the current budget negotiations.

The governor emphasized that investment has extended to education, with “Virginia investing 50% more in education than we did just five years ago.”

SimVentions President Joe Caliri said the company currently has “27 or 29 job openings,” with most roles focused on “high-tech secure type work—software engineering, system engineering, modeling simulation, cyber security, and then all the analytics that come along with that.”

Caliri said SimVentions has grown from just three employees to more than 400. “It’s been a challenge to grow the business at the right level, at the right pace. But hiring the right people makes a big difference. So we’re really picky about who we hire and make sure we keep them once we get them.”

Although SimVentions has not been directly impacted by the federal job cuts, Caliri said the ripple effects of federal job losses are being felt.

“It affects me watching the patriots who are federal employees kind of get shoved aside a little bit,” he said. “So if our customers aren’t being successful or don’t have an opportunity to be successful, by definition, we can’t be successful.”

Durant said the virginiaHasjobs.com initiative wasn’t a reactive move—it’s been long in development.

“They started this out of necessity even before we started to see this whole new conversation from a different perspective that some people may be looking for work,” she said. “So I think that’s why the website and the rollout has been so phenomenal because clearly you can tell they’ve been working on this for a decade.”

Asked if the region is prepared for more federal layoffs, Durant said, “In our family, we’re walking through this with our family and friends too. My husband is a federal employee. Everybody’s affected. Yeah, we’re walking through this together.”

Still, she expressed hope that Stafford County and surrounding areas may weather the storm better than others. “Considering this region has been so vibrant and we’ve been growing so fast, I think we’re going to, you know, hopefully we will land better than maybe some other parts,” she said.

Youngkin urged those impacted by federal cuts—or anyone seeking a new opportunity—to visit virginiahasjobs.com, where more than 250,000 jobs are listed.

“The second most powerful three words in the English language are, ‘You are hired,’” said Youngkin. “They express so much. I value you, and therefore want you to be part of our team. You will have a future, and therefore you don’t hire a person. Oftentimes, you hire a family.”