Good morning. We’ve been following a major crash in Stafford County that closed Interstate 95. Updates here, and we’ll keep posting new information as we get it.
Limited: X, formerly Twitter, has limited the number of posts we can make. Sign up for our FREE emails for the latest news and community information.
It’s here: WASH-FM (97.1) switched to around-the-clock Christmas music at 4 p.m. yesterday.
Have a great Saturday, and enjoy the sunshine. Thanks for your continued support of local news in our community.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, the graduates of Leadership Prince William's Emerging Leaders program gathered at the historic Manassas Museum to celebrate the culmination of their eight-week journey into leadership development. The ceremony, held at 5 p.m., honored the participants' achievements and inspired them to embark on the next chapter of their leadership endeavors.
Arron Tolson of Leadership Prince William addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their newfound skills. “This is not the end. It is just the beginning. Now you have a framework to go out into the community and make change,” said Tolson. He described the class as “motivating, competent, overcomers, purposeful, energetic, and dreamers,” adding that these qualities will strengthen the community and empower future leaders.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue unveiled Fire Boat 1500 today at a christening ceremony held at Hope Springs Marina on Aquia Creek.
The new fireboat represents a significant upgrade in the county’s ability to respond to water-related emergencies and enhance public safety along the Potomac River and its tributaries.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
Noon update — From Virignia State Police:
At 4:05 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 16), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 95 at the 146 mile-marker in Stafford County. A Volvo SUV was traveling in the wrong direction on I95 when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet sedan. There was one fatality and two serious injuries as a result of the crash. All southbound travel lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for the investigation and cleanup. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.
More as we have it.
Update 11 a.m — From VDOT:Â
All lanes of Interstate 95 southbound have reopened at mile marker 146 in Stafford County. An earlier vehicle crash has been cleared. The detour at exit 148 (Quantico) has been lifted.
Motorists should expect residual delays on I-95 southbound approaching the exit 148 (Quantico) area and along Route 1 southbound between Russell Road in the Quantico area and Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) in Stafford.
Original post 7:13 a.m. — A vehicle crash early this morning has closed all southbound lanes on Interstate 95 near mile marker 146, just south of exit 148 (Quantico). The crash occurred shortly before dawn, and emergency response crews swiftly closed the highway to address the incident.
Southbound traffic is being diverted at exit 148 onto Route 1 southbound, where motorists can re-enter I-95 at exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) in Stafford County. To ease congestion on the detour route, traffic signals along Route 1 have been retimed to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. As of 5:47 a.m., delays on I-95 southbound before exit 148 were one mile.
At 6:52 a.m., officials announced that a single southbound lane would be temporarily opened to allow motorists caught between the crash site and Exit 148 to clear the area. All other traffic remains detoured.
Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.
Crash investigators obtained an arrest warrant on November 13 for Neil Jostin Stagnaro Riega, 30, of Meadowbrook Road in Woodbridge, charging him with involuntary manslaughter. Stagnaro Riega surrendered to authorities on November 15 and was held on a $4,000 secured bond.
The crash occurred on October 17 at 6:37 a.m. on Mapledale Avenue near Miles Court. Police say Stagnaro Riega was driving a 2020 Nissan Versa at more than 20 miles per hour over the posted 25 mph speed limit in a residential zone. His vehicle left the roadway, mounted the sidewalk, and struck Maria Isabel Cardozo, who was walking her dog at the time, police said. Cardozo was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dog was later found unharmed near Cardozo’s residence. Stagnaro Riega remained at the scene following the crash and was not injured. Investigators determined that alcohol and drugs were not factors in the incident.
Court proceedings for Stagnaro Riega are pending.
The Stafford County School Board has announced a special meeting scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the potential appointment of a new division superintendent. The meeting will be held at the Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex at 31 Stafford Avenue in Stafford.
If confirmed, the new superintendent will become the fifth to lead Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) in the past 15 years.
The appointment follows Dr. Thomas W. Taylor’s departure as superintendent in June 2024. Shortly after Taylor’s resignation, the School Board convened a special meeting on June 18, at which it unanimously appointed Chris R. Fulmer as Acting Superintendent.
Fulmer, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) has been with SCPS for 12 years and has served as Deputy Superintendent since 2019. During his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in overseeing school operations and collaborating with staff and community stakeholders to advance educational initiatives.
Before his time with SCPS, Fulmer gained extensive experience in public accounting, conducting financial audits for government entities, including school systems. This background in financial management and accountability has been instrumental in shaping his approach to leadership within Stafford County schools.
Prince William County officials celebrated a milestone today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new six-level parking garage in Woodbridge.
The $53.5 million Potomac/Neabsco Mills Commuter Garage, designed to serve as a park-and-ride hub, represents a significant investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure and is a step toward meeting the growing demands of residents and commuters.
The garage, located just off Opitz Boulevard near the Interstate 95 E-ZPass Express Lanes, opened one day after a new ramp providing direct access from Opitz Boulevard to the express lanes was inaugurated. The garage’s strategic location provides easy access to highways and toll lanes, aiming to alleviate congestion at the nearby Route 1/Route 234 Park and Ride Lot.
This article requires a paid Locals Only Membership to read. Please Sign In or Upgrade to a paid membership. Thank you.
Update 5:13 p.m. — From Prince William police:
The shooting reported in Cara Dr has been determined to be self-inflicted. There is no ongoing threat in the community.
Original post 3:43 p.m — From Prince William police:
*INCIDENT: #Shooting | #Woodbridge;#PWCPD is investigating a shooting in the 12700 block of Cara Dr. One victim located, unknown extent of injuries. Area is contained, officers are on scene. Report suspicious persons and activity to police. pic.twitter.com/xI4jL6A5Fw
— Prince William County Police Department (@PWCPolice) November 15, 2024
More as we have it.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise
