Stafford County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is hosting its annual Candy Cane Hunt on Government Island on December 14. The family-friendly event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and registration is required in order to receive the activities bag, which contains the scavenger hunt information.

Giant candy canes will be hidden in the woods throughout the island. Participants can use a scavenger hunt map provided by Stafford Tourism to mark off their finds.

Stafford’s Community Engagement Program Manager Shannon Eubanks said the event began in 2018, when staff created the event as a way to promote health and wellness in one of Stafford’s parks in a fun hiking activity. There are seven sessions throughout the day, and each one lasts one hour. Stafford County employees will be on-site to assist the activities.

Registration is available online at the Stafford County Parks and Recreation website.  The hunt is $11 per person, ages 3 to 15. As of December 6, several sessions have sold out.

Government Island is located at 191 Coal Landing Road. The 17-acre park is a historic 18th and 19th-century quarry site provided Aquia sandstone for the construction of the U.S. Capitol and the White House and other historic buildings in Washington, D.C.

We'll be featuring local businesses in our holiday gift-giving series. We've asked local businesses to tell us about their holidays, and to suggest gift ideas for a wide range of people.

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Emergency repairs are underway on the northbound Route 1 lane at the Falmouth Bridge, with delays expected during peak times. Various construction and maintenance projects are ongoing throughout the Fredericksburg District, including road closures, lane restrictions, and bridge repairs across multiple counties, with some projects set to be completed in the coming years.

Press Release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:

City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County

Route 1 Northbound at Falmouth Bridge

The northbound Route 1 lane is closed on the bridge for an emergency repair project. Two southbound lanes and a single northbound lane remain open. The sidewalk along the Route 1 northbound right lane at the Falmouth Bridge is closed to pedestrians and bicyclists as of Dec. 3, 2024, while emergency repairs are under design. Northbound Route 1 delays at peak times are likely. A vehicle weight limit is posted for this bridge, at 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers.

 

City of Fredericksburg

Intersection Improvement Projects

Construction to improve the intersections of Route 1 and Fall Hill Avenue and Route 1, Hanson Avenue and Princess Anne Street in the City of Fredericksburg will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 10. During the first week of construction, crews will install work zone signs. Read the news release here.

Fall Hill Avenue

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures at the Carl D. Silver Parkway intersection with Fall Hill Avenue. Work on pedestrian crossing signal equipment.

 

King George County

Route 218

Sunday – Thursday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Flagging operation at the bridge over railroad tracks near Route 206 for repairs. Flaggers will alternate, one-way traffic through the work zone.

 

King and Queen County

Route 360 (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.- 6 a.m. and Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 between King William County line and King and Queen County line.

 

King William County

Eltham Bridge

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single eastbound and westbound lane closures on Route 33 over the Pamunkey River for bridge inspection.

Route 360 (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.- 6 a.m. and Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 between Route 30 and Hanover County line.

 

Spotsylvania County

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound

Sunday – Friday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures between I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway. Single lane closures starting at 7 p.m. and double lane closures starting at 9 p.m.

Monday – Friday, 7 p.m.- 10 a.m. on Single lane closures between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway.

Route 1

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. All travel lanes will remain open, but the alignment of the Route 1 travel lanes has shifted slightly between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road for road improvement work connected with the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions development. Permit work. Construction will also be underway along the road shoulder.

Route 3

Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Single lane closures between Spotswood Furnace Road and Corter Avenue for permit work.

Harrison Road

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road/Leavells Road with one-way, alternating traffic. Installation of water main under permit.

Millsgarden South Subdivision

Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Millsgarden South subdivision.

Shirleys Hill Road

Monday – Wednesday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Pipe replacement near Ashcraft Way. Road will close with a daily detour. Crews will reopen the road at the end of each shift to allow accessibility overnight.

Southpoint Parkway

Sunday – Friday, 7:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m., and Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1.

Spotsylvania Parkway

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak Drive/Yellow Brinch Drive for signal work.

Summers Landing Subdivision

Monday –Tuesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Summers Landing subdivision.

 

Stafford County

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between South Campus Boulevard and the Potomac Creek bridge. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 1 Northbound

Thursday – Friday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Single lane closure between Perchwood Drive and Eskimo Hill Road for soil sampling work under permit.

Route 1 Southbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Layhill Road and Potomac Creek Drive. Utility installation. Permit work.

Route 3 (Kings Highway)

Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 3 at the bridge over CSX railroad tracks, which is between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road. Bridge repairs.

Route 17 Southbound

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road for waterline and sewer line installation under permit.

Route 17 Northbound

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Right lane closure between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 610 (Garrisonville Road)

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 610 between Algrace Boulevard and Ripley Road. Construction for turn lane extension. Permit work.

Berea Church Road CLOSURE

Berea Church Road is closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place, and northbound access is closed from Route 17 to Berea Knolls Drive. Construction for a Stafford County project to improve Berea Church Road. View the project page.

 

Additional Projects in Fredericksburg District

City of Fredericksburg

Lafayette Boulevard at Twin Lakes/Kensington

Construction is underway on the $2.4 million bicycle and pedestrian connector project. Most of the construction will be on the shoulders and outside of the travel lanes. The project will be complete by Nov. 2025.

 

Caroline County

Route 638 (South River Road) Bridge Replacement

Construction is underway to replace the Route 638 (South River Road) bridge over South River. A portion of South River Road is closed with a detour in place. The project will be complete by Sept. 2025.

 

Gloucester County and Mathews County

Route 3/14 Westbound Bridge Rehabilitation

A major bridge rehabilitation project is underway on the Route 3/Route 14 westbound bridge over Burke Mill Stream, which is located at the Mathews and Gloucester line. Crews are improving the 76-year-old structure by replacing the bridge deck, beams, bridge railings, and guardrails. The westbound Route 3/14 travel lanes are closed at Windsor Road. Eastbound and westbound Route 3/14 traffic is crossing the eastbound bridge, with one lane open in each direction. Left turns from Windsor Road to Route 14 eastbound are prohibited. Project completion in Nov. 2025.

 

King and Queen County and King William County

Route 628 (Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road) Bridge Closure

Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road is closed at the bridge over the Mattaponi River, located at the King and Queen and King William county line. A detour route is posted. Construction is underway on a major bridge rehabilitation project. The road will remain closed until early June 2025. The bridge closed for motorist safety in March 2023 after a routine inspection found significant deterioration in key bridge elements.

 

King George County and Westmoreland County

Route 205 (Ridge Road) Bridge Repairs

Ridge Road is reduced to one lane beginning at the bridge over Rosier Creek for repairs. A temporary traffic signal directs one-way, alternating traffic on Route 205. This traffic pattern is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Route 205 will be reduced to a single lane at Rosier Creek for approximately three months, through late Jan. 2025.

 

Spotsylvania County

I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound

A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Project completion in Aug. 2025.

Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening

Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, is under construction parallel to Mudd Tavern Road and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Project completion in May 2025.

Route 620 (Harrison Road) Reconstruction and Widening

Harrison Road is being widened to four lanes between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road. The project will build a center turn lane along Harrison Road and additional through travel lanes at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections, and extend the current turn lanes at these intersections. Sidewalks will be built along Harrison Road, and pedestrian crossing signal equipment and crosswalks will be added at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections. Project completion late summer 2026.

 

Westmoreland County

Route 658 (Monroe Bay Circle)

Monroe Bay Circle is closed at the bridge over Monroe Creek, as construction begins to build a new bridge over Monroe Creek. Motorists are to follow the posted detour. Monroe Bay Circle will be closed until the new bridge opens in Sept. 2025.

 

Commuting and Ridesharing Information

GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing information and matching service for the Fredericksburg area, and is part of the George Washington Regional Commission.

Let GWRideConnect help you discover your commuting options, such as carpools, vanpools, and transit. Visit www.gwrideconnect.org or call (540) 373-7665.

Stafford County is gearing up for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Event, scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event promises various performances, activities, and surprises for the whole family.

Attendees will be treated to holiday music from local choirs and bands, showcasing the talents of Stafford’s youth and community groups. For art enthusiasts, artisans and crafters will offer unique holiday-themed creations.

Kids and adults can enjoy festive activities, including ornament-making stations and a photo booth to capture holiday memories. Food vendors will serve seasonal treats.

The highlight of the evening is a visit from Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer and posing for photos. However, families should also watch for a naughty guest—none other than the Grinch, who may add a humorous twist to the festivities.

Residents are encouraged to bring their families and friends to this free, community-centered celebration of joy, unity, and holiday spirit. For more details about the event, visit staffordcountytreelighting.com.

The planned rebuild of Drew Middle School in Stafford County is moving forward amid discussions about a $16 million increase in costs. The updated total is now $113 million, up from the originally approved $96.5 million in the county’s Capital Improvement Plan.

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From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

ASSAULT:
Quality Inn, 543 Warrenton Road, 12/1, 8:29 a.m. Deputy M.N. Sayegh responded to an assault. The victim advised she entered her Uber ride. While inside, the Uber driver assaulted her and blocked her from leaving the vehicle. After the assault she reported the assault to both Uber and the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Sayegh was able to identify the driver and served him with permitted warrants for assault and battery, as well as, obstructing free passage.

Crimson Way, 12/2, 4:15 p.m. Deputy R.L. Hubbard responded to a road rage incident. The victim advised the suspect was following too closely in the area. The suspect would then speed past the victim, nearly causing a collision in the process, only to slam on the brakes in front of the victim. After a brief exchange of words, the suspect assaulted the victim. He was charged with assault and battery, as well as, aggressive driving. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

DISTURBANCE:
Cambridge Street, 12/1, 2:49 a.m. Deputy N.J. Amato, Deputy W.A. Bolinsky, and Deputy D.S. Jett responded to a disturbance. The caller advised a known juvenile was “raging” at a residence. When deputies arrived, they located three intoxicated juveniles in view of the public. Deputy Bolinsky attempted to converse with the 16-year-old, but he was aggressive and uncooperative, resulting in his detention. While dealing with the 16-year-old, the 17-year-old advanced towards Deputy Bolinsky and was quickly detained by Deputy Amato. Deputy Jett detained the 15-year- old without incident. After the situation was finally deescalated, both the 16-year-old and 17-year- old received criminal complaints for public intoxication, underage possession of alcohol, and obstruction of justice. The 15-year-old received criminal complaints for public intoxication and underage possession of alcohol.

DUI:
Warrenton Road Commuter Lot, 12/1, 1:07 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman was in the area when he observed a lone vehicle in the commuter lot. When Deputy Newman made contact with the driver, the driver was rather uncooperative and advised he “committed no crime.” Due to several signs of intoxication his statement was incorrect. During their interaction, it was discovered a handgun was within the vehicle, hidden from plain view. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and refusal. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

West Park Drive, 21/1, 7:57 p.m. Deputy B.E. Vaughn responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised an obviously “drunk” driver drove towards a pedestrian at a local business. Deputy Vaughn would locate the vehicle in question and make contact with the driver, who was rather surprised to see Deputy Vaughn. Despite having signs of intoxication and a recent receipt for multiple alcoholic drinks, the uncooperative driver denied consuming alcohol. His tune changed while before the magistrate, advising Deputy Vaughn “got me.” He was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

HIT AND RUN:
Area of Garrisonville Road and Richmond Highway, 11/30, 2:13 p.m. Deputy G.P. McCaulley responded to a hit and run. The victim advised her vehicle was struck and damaged by a blue Volkswagen when it merged into her lane. While the Volkswagen raced off, the victim had dash
cam footage of the incident, which included the suspect’s license plate. Using that valuable information, Deputy McCaulley was able to identify the driver and made contact with him. He was charged with hit and run, as well as, unsafe lane change. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

LARCENY:
Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, 11/30, 1:23 p.m. Deputy M.A. Pearce responded to a past occurred larceny. Staff advised a male suspect browsing the store filled his cart with over $170 worth of items. The suspect would then make his way to customer service and “returned” the items using a receipt from a Target in Oregon. Deputy Pearce identified the suspect and obtained warrants on him.

Stafford Church of God, 649 Garrisonville Road, 11/30, 1:33 p.m. The phrase “God is always watching” did not stop a recent larceny. Deputy R.H. Ryan responded to a larceny in which a trail camera and deer stand were stolen off the property. Deputy Ryan also observed signs of vandalism. The suspects involved were described as juveniles.

Target, 25 South Gateway Drive, 11/30, 3:47 p.m. First Sergeant D.F. Purcell responded to a larceny. A female suspect attempted to get a better Black Friday deal by skip scanning items. She was stopped and the nearly $120 worth of items was recovered. It was discovered the suspect was a frequent flyer at Target, for she was connected to two previous larcenies. The suspect was charged with three counts of shoplifting and was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance.

Greenhill Lane, 11/30, 6:34 p.m. Deputy S.A. Fulford responded to a bike-napping. The victim advised his “Costco special” bicycle was stolen out of his garage. The victim had video of the incident that showed two males stealing the bike. Later, Deputy W.A. Bolinsky located both males on Deacon Road, currently riding on the stolen bike. They would crash the bike and flee on foot. Deputy Bolinsky detained one of the suspects, identified as a juvenile, while the other got away, but not for long. Deputy D.S. Jett would locate the second suspect, an 18-year-old, on Walnut Farms Parkway a short time later. The 18-year-old was charged with larceny, unlawful entry, obstruction of justice, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was released by the magistrate on personal recognizance. The juvenile received criminal complaints for larceny,unlawful entry, and obstruction of justice.

Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 12/1, 1:16 p.m. Deputy M.A. Pearce responded to a different Target, but for the same reason as before. Staff advised they had video of a female suspect skip scanning both on December 1st and November 29th. Deputy Pearce was able to identify the suspect and obtained two warrants for shoplifting.

Bounce Back Motorcycles, 1300 Interstate Business Park, 12/2, 3:37 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman responded to a larceny. Staff advised an orange 2004 Honda CBR 1000R was loaded onto a utility trailer being pulled by a large black SUV. When the two suspects attempted to steal a second bike, they were “spooked” by security cameras and fled with only the one stolen bike. The vehicle was entered as stolen into a law enforcement database.

Walmart, 217 Garrisonville Road, 12/2, 6:13 p.m. Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a larceny. Staff advised two males were observed skip scanning multiple items. Staff was able to obtain the suspect’s license plate, making locating the suspects easy for Deputy Holetzky. The suspects advised “it was only a few items.” One or only a few, it was still illegal. Suspect one would provide a fake Virginia identification card. Suspect one was charged with concealing goods, larceny, and possession of a fictitious identification. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $500 secured bond. Suspect two was issued permitted warrants for concealing goods and larceny.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
James Madison Circle, 11/30, 11:42 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett responded to a disturbance. The caller advised a known party was attempting to enter the residence. Deputy Jett made contact with the late-night knocker and observed signs of intoxication. He was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Manheim Auto Auction, 120 Auction Drive, 12/1, 11:26 p.m. First Sergeant N. Zotos observed a male at the business. Considering the late hour, it was unlikely he was there for automotive assistance. First Sergeant Zotos and Deputy J.A. Martin made contact with the male and observed signs of intoxication. During their interaction it was discovered the suspect was in possession of a handgun in his backpack. The suspect was charged with public intoxication and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

VANDALISM:
Popeyes, 253 Garrisonville Road, 12/1, 4:10 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a clucking bizarre report. Staff advised an unhappy customer got rather heated, broke a window, and fled in a blue SUV. Deputy Bierfeldt was provided the vehicle tag and the case in under investigation.

From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

DISTURBANCE:
Cropp Road, 11/28, 1:30 a.m. Deputy P.J. Leon responded to a disturbance. The victim advised an ex-girlfriend egged his door. She would then take a screwdriver to the door knob to force herself into his property. While attempting to have her leave, the suspect assaulted the victim. The suspect was charged with assault and battery, unlawful entry, and two counts of destruction of property. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

DUI:
Area of Countryside Drive and Stony Hill Road, 11/28, 10:27 p.m. Deputy P.J. Leon responded to a single vehicle auto accident. A truck had serious damage, including three of the four tires being off the vehicle. Witnesses advised the driver stumbled off after the accident. Deputy Leon located the driver nearby and made contact with him. The driver had severe signs of intoxication and informed Deputy Leon the auto accident was “none of your business.” Due to his level of intoxication and agitated state, deputies attempted to detain him as he resisted. The driver would continue to act belligerently after being detained and threatened to kill deputies. Within the vehicle, deputies located an open beer container. He was charged with driving under the influence second offense within five years, second offense refusal, drinking while driving, two counts of obstruction of justice, as well as, the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail pending his ability to participate in a bond hearing.

Area of Courthouse Road and Monument Drive, 11/29, 1:34 a.m. Sergeant A.T. Leckemby was traveling on Ramoth Church Road when the vehicle behind him had their high beams on and veered over the double yellow line. Sergeant Leckemby got behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver had signs of intoxication and at first advised he did not consume any alcohol and to “trust me.” His answer later changed and he confirmed he consumed alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel. The driver was charged with driving under the influence and the traffic lane violation. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

FRAUD:
Winning Colors Road, 11/27, 10:11 a.m. Deputy N.D. Fonseca responded to a fraud. The victim advised he received a message on his computer about an error with his investment account. Using the phone number provided in the message, the victim made contact with an individual who advised the victim needed to transfer money into Bitcoin to cancel the error.

Ford T. Humphrey Public Safety Building, 1225 Courthouse Road, 11/27, 2:35 p.m. Deputy R. Tully responded to a fraud. The victim advised her credit card was lost and there were fraudulent charges placed on it.

Apple Blossom Court, 11/29, 12:41 p.m. Deputy C.S. Harding responded to a fraud. The victim advised he received a call from someone posing as a law enforcement officer. The fake officer informed the victim he had missed court in Alexandria and needed to pay using cryptocurrency to avoid being arrested.

LARCENY:
Maryanne Avenue, 11/26, 4:00 p.m. Deputy W.A. Bolinsky responded to a larceny. The victim had a blender delivered to her residence. When she went to retrieve it, it was nowhere to be found.

Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, 11/27, 6:02 p.m. Deputy R.L. Hubbard responded to a larceny. Staff advised a known shoplifter was at the business currently concealing items. When staff attempted to stop the suspect, he fled on foot. Sergeant E.E. West was able to locate the suspect at a nearby business. The suspect had signs of intoxication and was currently drinking a club cocktail. The suspect was charged with larceny, shoplifting, and public intoxication. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Pillar Church, 2726 Richmond Highway, 11/27, 2:26 a.m. Deputy J.A. Martin was in the area for a domestic report when he observed a female suspect stumbling around. Deputy Martin made contact with her and noticed several signs of intoxication. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Sheetz, 15 Wyche Road, 11/27, 7:02 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a public intoxication report. The caller advised a male was stumbling around the gas station. Deputy Bierfeldt made contact with the suspect, who not only had signs of intoxication, but was wanted out of Maryland. He was charged with public intoxication and fugitive from justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Hair Cuttery, 1495 Stafford Market Place, 11/29, 9:49 p.m. Deputy T.G. Croson responded to an unknown problem. Staff advised a female was beating on the door of the business while screaming. Deputy Croson made contact with the suspect, who he knew from multiple prior public intoxication incidents. This incident would be no different, for the suspect had several signs of intoxication. She was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE:
Murphy Express, 450 Kings Highway, 11/28, 9:08 p.m. Sergeant E.E. West was traveling in the area when she observed a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Fredericksburg. A high-risk stop was conducted and the driver was detained. The driver was issued a summons for driving while revoked. The Fredericksburg Police Department is handling the charges related to the stolen vehicle.

TRESPASS:
7-Eleven, 3623 Richmond Highway, 11/27, 5:59 p.m. Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a trespassing. Staff advised a suspect, who had been previously trespassed, was at the business again. The suspect would also curse at staff and use racial slurs towards them. Deputy Bierfeldt made contact with the suspect and detained him without incident. He was charged with trespassing and using abusive language. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The Stafford Board of County Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. (not 3 p.m.) on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting will occur at the government center at 1300 Courthouse Road, just hours before the board participates in the county’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The meeting follows a statement issued by Aquia District Supervisor Monica Gary on Facebook. Gary apologized for her role in Mary Becelia’s removal from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) Board of Trustees earlier this year.

Gary stated on Facebook that Becelia’s removal stemmed from misunderstandings, poor judgment, and deliberate actions by the board. She admitted to motioning for Becelia’s removal, which the board unanimously approved, and later described the action as both unjust and illegal. Gary’s statement acknowledged that misconduct is the only legal basis for removing a trustee and that Becelia’s actions did not meet that threshold.

The controversy stems from July 2024, when Becelia was removed from her role as a trustee. Becelia said Gary contacted her, requesting her position on a hiring committee tasked with finding a replacement for the library’s executive director. Becelia declined, stating that it was not her decision to relinquish the seat.

The CRRL has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

The FXBG Advance reported that the Stafford Board of Supervisors had provided differing accounts of the events leading to Becelia’s removal. Gary’s recent apology, shared publicly on Facebook and directly with Becelia, emphasized her intent to address the situation and make amends.

Further details on the agenda for the meeting have not been disclosed. The meeting is open to the public.

Gary ran for the Virginia State Senate in 2023 as an independent and was lost to Tara Durant (R). She won her seat on the Stafford Board of Supervisors in 2021.

The library board consists of representatives from CRRL-member jurisdictions Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties. Stafford, the largest system user, has two seats on the board.

Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung also represents Stafford County as a trustee board member.

The Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, where one vehicle collided with a guardrail and was later struck by another vehicle. The driver of the first vehicle died from injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries.

Press Release from Virginia State Police:

Virginia State Police is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Stafford County. The crash occurred Thursday (Nov. 28), at 7:13 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95 at the 139-mile marker.

A 2013 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling south on I95 when it lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with a guardrail. Several minutes later, a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, which was also traveling southbound, lost control, ran off the right side of the roadway, and collided with the Chevrolet, which was still on the shoulder up against the guardrail.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Bezawit B. Yigzaw, 30, of Woodbridge, Va., suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. It’s unknown if she was wearing a seatbelt during the initial crash. She was not wearing a seatbelt during the second crash.

The driver of the Volkswagen, Douglas P. Butler, 47, of Ruther Glen, Va., suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Weather is considered a factor in the crash.
Charges are pending as the crash remains under investigation.