A Romantic Escape to Italy—No Passport Required
Tucked away in North Stafford, Robiolina Italian Cuisine offers an intimate setting that is perfect for a memorable date night. The warm ambiance and authentic Italian dishes crafted from scratch set the stage for an evening of culinary delight.
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STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are investigating a suspected case of mass pesticide poisoning at a local beekeeping operation, where more than 50 honeybee colonies were found dead in what the farm’s owner believes was an intentional act of vandalism.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to Rock Hill Honeybee Farms, located at 45 Pinto Lane, on Monday, April 14, at 4:05 p.m. after the property owner discovered thousands of dead bees outside their hives. Deputy B.E. Vaughn took the report, and sheriff’s spokesman Ryan Wilbur confirmed a total of 50 hives were affected. The case remains under active investigation.
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Prince William County
Strong-Arm Robbery – ABC Store Employee Pushed
Woodbridge (22192) – April 8, 2025
A man entered the ABC store on Smoketown Rd., threatened the employee, and pushed her aside before stealing multiple bottles of alcohol. He fled the scene before officers and K-9 units arrived. The suspect has not been located.
Wanted for Domestic Strangulation
Manassas (20109) – April 7, 2025
Jordan Alan LOCKETT, 28, is wanted after allegedly beating and strangling a 36-year-old woman, temporarily taking her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
Charges: Strangulation, assault & battery, preventing the summoning of law enforcement
Arrest – Caretaker Strangled in Dispute
Woodbridge (22191) – April 8, 2025
Paramjeet Singh CHAHEL, 74, was arrested after dragging his 65-year-old caretaker and grabbing her by the neck during an argument.
Charges: Strangulation, assault
Bond: Unavailable
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After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders and teachers for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.
The offer is open to area educators, fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement officers, and other first responders. All seats are first come, first served, and must be claimed in person at the Riverside Center box office. Valid credentials are required.
“This week has been especially difficult for our first responders,” said Riverside Center spokeswoman Allison Mayberry. “We hope this performance can offer them a moment of peace and appreciation for all they do to keep our community safe.”
A Week of Crisis
The free ticket offer follows a series of disturbing incidents that unfolded in Spotsylvania County, putting significant strain on emergency services.
Triple Shooting Leaves Three Dead
On Tuesday, April 8, deputies responded to a shooting near Olde Greenwich Circle, just outside Fredericksburg. Three young men—identified as Chase Feaster, 18, and Alonzo Goffney, 18, both of Spotsylvania, and an unidentified 20-year-old—were killed. Three others were hospitalized.
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the violence stemmed from an illegal gun transaction that escalated into a robbery. Four individuals, including three juveniles and 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson, face charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and unlawful assembly.
The shooting prompted Fredericksburg City Public Schools to delay classes by two hours the following day out of an abundance of caution.
Plane Crash in Chancellor Community
On Wednesday afternoon, a Beechcraft aircraft en route from Leesburg to Hampton Roads crash-landed in the 11000 block of Scarlett Oak Road in the Chancellor area of Spotsylvania. The pilot reported oil pressure problems before attempting an emergency landing. The plane’s roof became lodged in a tree.
Both passengers were taken to Mary Washington Hospital with minor injuries. The FAA and NTSB are now investigating.
Gun Discharges in Elementary School Classroom
On Monday morning, a handgun discharged inside a third-grade classroom at Lee Hill Elementary School. The weapon was inside a student’s backpack when it went off accidentally. The teacher quickly evacuated all 26 students and alerted the school resource officer. No one was injured.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate, and early indications show that the student did not intend harm.
A Night of Reflection
Friday’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar begins at 7:30 p.m., and arrival is recommended by 6:45 p.m. Those wishing to purchase appetizers before the show must arrive by 6:15 p.m.
The groundbreaking rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice tells the story of the final week of Jesus Christ’s life, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Featuring timeless songs like “Superstar,” “Gethsemane,” and “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” the production dives deep into themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption.
Claim Your Tickets
First responders may claim their free tickets by calling or visiting the box office:
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
95 Riverside Parkway
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406
Box Office Hours:
Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Phone: 540-370-4300
Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 5-2 on April 1, 2025, to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for the construction of a solar energy facility on a 36-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Enon Road and Truslow Road in the Hartwood District.
The applicant, Enon Road Solar Farm and its representatives from Energy Systems and Applications (ESA), sought approval for two items: the CUP to operate a solar facility in the A-1 Agricultural zoning district, and authorization for the county to enter a decommissioning agreement.
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Stafford County’s George L. Gordon, Jr. Government Center is set to undergo major renovations following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The $1 million project will expand and modernize the building’s main lobby and make critical upgrades to the Board of Supervisors’ meeting chambers. The Board approved a work order with Centennial Contractors Enterprises, Inc. to carry out the renovations, which are expected to take about eight months and conclude by the end of the year.
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Stafford County leaders are calling on the state to do more to support a growing veterans’ tax relief program that now costs the county more than $27 million a year in lost revenue.
During a presentation at the April 1 Board of Supervisors meeting, Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky said the constitutional amendment creating the real estate and personal property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans was not accompanied by adequate guidance or funding from the state.
“This is not about the veterans,” said Mayausky. “This is about our friends in Richmond. We need a partnership with the state to preserve this program.”
Mayausky said administering the program requires the daily efforts of at least two full-time staff members. The state does not reimburse local governments for the administrative costs of managing the program, even though it mandates its implementation.
Stafford exempts $23 million in real estate taxes and another $4 million in personal property taxes annually through the program. Supervisors noted the exemption now represents about 8% of the county’s general fund budget.
Mayausky urged the board to consider pushing for changes at the state level, including clearer laws, updates to official benefits guides, and some form of financial reimbursement. He also warned that discrepancies in how different localities interpret the law can lead to inconsistent applications of the benefit.
“We police this program,” said Mayausky. “We have to check if veterans are claiming exemptions in multiple states, and the rules differ. That makes things difficult for both veterans and administrators.”
Supervisors from both sides of the political aisle echoed support for veterans while expressing concern about the long-term sustainability of the exemption without state support.
Supervisor Monica Gary (Aquia District) said she would like to work with federal lawmakers to explore how similar programs work in other states and potentially identify policy solutions. “It would be helpful to get a national assessment of how these programs are structured,” she said.
Vice Chair Tinesha Allen (Griffis-Widewater District) said she did not support the original constitutional amendment, citing a lack of clarity about its fiscal implications. “No one wants to be the person who opposes a veterans benefit,” said Allen. “But localities like ours are left with the bill.”
Board members unanimously agreed to send a letter to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) requesting assistance in gathering national data on how other states manage and fund similar programs.
Supervisor Crystal Vanuch (Rock Hill District) emphasized that veterans should not be discouraged from applying. “You are not the problem,” she said. “Please take the benefits you’ve earned. We’ll work on the policy.”
Stafford is among a growing number of localities feeling the impact of the exemption. According to Mayausky, roughly half the localities in Virginia now exempt more than 1% of their real estate tax base for veterans.
With no slowdown in sight, Stafford leaders say they will continue to push for state reimbursement and policy reform — not to take away benefits, but to ensure the county can continue to serve all residents equitably.
Editor’s Note: This is the second 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 Dr. Smith’s vision for the division, including 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.
Next up: Part Three – Reaching Every Learner
How is Stafford working to meet the needs of its most vulnerable students? In our next installment, Dr. Smith opens up about the growing challenges in special education and ESL, and reveals new strategies aimed at closing achievement gaps — even as the district grapples with limited resources and rising demands.
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Prince William County:
Road Rage Shooting – Suspect at Large
Dale Blvd & Forestdale Ave (Dale City) – April 2, 2025
A man was shot at during a road rage incident while driving on Dale Blvd. The suspect, described as a Black male in his 30s with dreadlocks, fired multiple rounds before fleeing. The victim’s vehicle was struck, but no injuries were reported. Police are actively searching for the suspect.
Armed Robbery at Gas Station
Wawa – 13303 Telegraph Rd (Woodbridge) – April 1, 2025
A clerk was held at gunpoint by a masked suspect demanding cash. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’10”, wearing all black clothing and a ski mask.
Assault on Police Officer
Prince William Pkwy & Hoadly Rd – April 1, 2025
A traffic stop turned violent when a driver became combative, striking an officer. The suspect, identified as Johnathan Parker, 32, of Manassas, was arrested and charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.
