Local leaders are working to advance legislative priorities critical to Stafford County during the current Virginia General Assembly session. These initiatives aim to secure funding for education, address fiscal challenges stemming from tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and allow localities to raise funds for school construction through a voter referendum. However, a recent legislative setback underscores the challenges faced in Richmond.

Setback for Disabled Veterans Exemption Reimbursements

Senator Jeremy McPike’s SB 1312, which sought supplemental payments for localities heavily impacted by real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, has died in committee. On January 23, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 7-6 to pass the bill indefinitely, effectively halting its progress this session.

The bill aimed to support communities like Stafford in maintaining essential services while accommodating a growing veteran population.

Fair Education Funding

Delegate Josh Cole’s HB 2164 proposes adjustments to the Local Composite Index (LCI) to account for tax-exempt property values. The measure would ensure education funding better reflects a locality’s true financial capacity. The bill was effectively defeated when the House Appropriations Subcommittee recommended laying it on the table on January 20, 2025, with an 8-0 vote. Alternative approaches, including budget amendments by Delegate Paul Milde and Senator Tara Durant, remain under consideration.

1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Construction

The county also supports SB 1307, which would allow localities to hold voter referendums to enact a 1% sales tax increase dedicated to school construction. The full Senate has passed the measure with a substantial majority. It now moves to the House, where it faces further scrutiny.

A similar bill passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Advocates are cautiously optimistic about its prospects this session.

As Stafford pushes for these legislative measures, the General Assembly approaches crossover, the session’s midpoint when each chamber must finalize and send its bills to the other chamber for review. This year, crossover falls on February 4, adding urgency for Stafford’s legislative team to gain traction on key bills.

The county also addressed concerns about panhandling regulations and roadway safety. A proposal from Delegate Milde would impose fines on exchanges between motorists and pedestrians in medians. While the majority of board members supported the measure as a public safety tool, Aquia Distirct Supervisor Monica Gary raised concerns about its potential impact on vulnerable populations.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the app’s effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.

What Is the ParkZen App?

ParkZen uses crowdsourcing technology to provide users with parking availability updates. Unlike traditional parking systems reliant on sensors, ParkZen counts a sampling of mobile phones in parking lots, using advanced algorithms to estimate vehicle occupancy. To participate, users download the app and grant location permissions.

Joel Ticatch, Vice President of Consulting at Kapsch TrafficCom which advises VDOT on this project, emphasized the app’s goal: “It helps travelers determine ahead of time whether parking is available at selected commuter lots.” This feature aims to address pre-pandemic parking challenges and encourage commuters to use transit or rideshare options.

Pilot Locations

The pilot includes six commuter lots, chosen for their strategic locations and varied configurations:

• Prince William County: Horner Road commuter lot
• Stafford County: Brooke and Leeland Road Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station lots
• Fairfax County: Saratoga and Stringfellow Road lots
• Fairfax County: Backlick Road VRE station lot

Encouraging Usage and Privacy Protection

While participation in the app is voluntary, Ticatch highlighted the benefits of user engagement, including access to parking availability and other lot features. He reassured users about data privacy, stating that ParkZen is contractually prohibited from selling user data to third parties.

The pilot is part of VDOT’s Regional Multimodal Mobility Program (RM3P), which integrates advanced technologies to improve transportation options. Future plans may include dynamic incentives, such as discounts on parking or transit for app users who adjust their travel habits.

If the pilot succeeds, VDOT plans to expand the program to over 50 commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg, creating a more seamless parking and commuting experience for residents.

Ticatch underscored the importance of innovation in transportation, citing VDOT’s use of the Innovative Technology Transportation Fund to test forward-thinking solutions. “Not everything may succeed,” he noted, “but the goal is to push boundaries and find ways to better serve commuters.”

For those interested, the ParkZen app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Commuters are encouraged to download the app and contribute to shaping the future of commuting in the region.

Prince William County Crime News

Armed Robbery in Manassas

On January 26, around 11:33 p.m., two men, ages 19 and 21, were robbed at gunpoint at the Gardens of Crestwood Village on Provincial Drive. Suspects, described as Black males with thin builds, brandished firearms and stole various items, including a camera and recording equipment, before fleeing in a Toyota Camry. One victim was struck with a firearm and sustained minor injuries.

Brandishing Incident in Dumfries

Police responded to the Red Roof Inn on Dumfries Road on January 25 at 4:00 a.m. after a man reported being threatened with a firearm by an acquaintance of a female companion. The suspect fled before officers arrived. No injuries or shots were reported.

Reckless Handling of a Firearm in Woodbridge

On January 24, officers investigated a shots-fired report on Blackburn Road near Wentwood Lane. Shell casings were found, but no injuries or property damage occurred.

Series of Commercial Burglaries

Several commercial burglaries occurred between January 25 and 27:

• Two Smoke Hut stores in Woodbridge were broken into using hammers. Tobacco products were stolen.
• A filing cabinet was stolen from Woodbridge Auto Auction on Horner Road.
• Forced entry was reported at Pep Boys and Tobacco & More locations, with varying levels of property damage and theft.

Residential Burglaries in Dumfries and Woodbridge

Two residential burglaries occurred:

• A home on Cherry Hill Road was broken into via a kitchen window, but nothing was stolen.
• Another residence on Silvia Loop was damaged but not entered, and no property was reported missing.

Arrests

1. Domestic Violence Arrests:
   • Yvonne Watson, 43, of Fredericksburg, was charged with malicious wounding after striking a family member during an altercation on January 25.
   • Yeni Carolina Suria, 31, of Manassas, was charged with malicious wounding after biting a family member during a dispute.
2. Juvenile Shooting Arrest:
   • A 17-year-old male was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle on January 23. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Stafford County Crime News

Rocks are thrown at cars

On January 25th, around 9:30 p.m, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center began receiving calls about suspects throwing rocks at vehicles in the England Run area. Deputies quickly saturated the area and identified the suspect vehicle as a white Hyundai.

Deputy M.A. Pearce located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop as it pulled into Gayle Middle School. Deputy D.S. Jett assisted, identifying the driver as Camryn McEntire, 19, and the passengers as Jake Hill and Luis Arias Oliart, both 18.

The investigation revealed the trio had not only damaged unoccupied cars but had escalated their crime spree by throwing large rocks at a pedestrian and an occupied vehicle. Deputies found rocks in the suspect vehicle that matched those used in the incidents.

• Jake Hill and Luis Arias Oliart were charged with felonious assault, throwing a missile at an occupied vehicle, conspiracy, and vandalism.
• Camryn McEntire was charged with conspiracy.

All three suspects were placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputies have generated 24 reports in the England Run and Cardinal Forest neighborhoods but are asking additional victims to contact the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400 if their vehicles were damaged.

Kudos to the deputies for stopping this dangerous crime spree. Now it’s up to the courts to decide their fate.

Assault Incidents

• On January 24, at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, a fight between two inmates resulted in minor injuries. Inmate one initiated the altercation but was overpowered by inmate two, a former boxer. A warrant for assault and battery was issued against inmate one.
• On January 25, deputies responded to an assault on Potomac Crest Circle. A suspect assaulted the victim during a conversation that escalated while drinking. The incident, captured on camera, led to charges of assault, battery, and strangulation. The suspect is being held without bond.

DUI Arrests

• January 24: Deputies stopped a driver swerving off the road on Liberty Hall Drive. The intoxicated driver admitted to consuming wine before running errands and was charged with driving under the influence.
• January 25: Deputies encountered a truck stopped on Anderson Drive. The 20-year-old driver, covered in mud, admitted to consuming beer before testing his truck. He was charged with underage drinking and stopping on a highway.

Larceny Reports

• On January 24, a suspect stole a case of Truly Hard Seltzer from Wawa. Deputies identified the suspect through surveillance footage and obtained a warrant for larceny.
• Later that day, at Sheetz on Wyche Road, a suspect attempted to steal various alcoholic beverages, including Buzz Balls and Fireballs, for what seemed like a planned wild night.
• On January 25, a business phone was stolen from Sheetz. Deputies used camera footage to identify the suspect and secured a larceny warrant.

Threats at Amazon

Two staff members at Amazon on Centreport Parkway reported receiving threatening messages from a recently fired employee on January 25. The suspect made bomb threats and threatened employees’ lives, using multiple phones. Deputies issued warrants for threats of death and threats to bomb.

Just before 10 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) units responded to a reported large boat fire at Hope Springs Marina on Hope Springs Lane.

Crews arrived on the scene within 10 minutes to find a large vessel, still attached to the dock, fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters acted swiftly, extending lines along the dock to contain the fire. Simultaneously, personnel used Fire Boat 1500 at Hope Springs Marina to attack the flames from the water.

To minimize environmental damage, booms were placed in the water to prevent the spread of hazardous materials.

No injuries were reported, and no other vessels sustained damage in the incident. The cause of the fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Say “Meowdy” to Little One, a gentle one-year-old feline who has been waiting patiently for her forever home at the Stafford County Animal Shelter for 229 days. Little One arrived at the shelter at just six months old after her previous owners had to move and could no longer keep her. While she was initially shy and reserved, she has blossomed into a sweet and playful companion with a little patience and the company of other cats.

Although Little One may play hard to get at first, she warms up beautifully with time and attention. She thrives in the company of other cats, making her an excellent choice for a home with feline friends. While her experience with dogs is unknown, the shelter believes she could adjust with proper introductions. Little One is spayed, microchipped, rabies vaccinated, and ready to find her forever family.

Adoption Information

• Address: Stafford County Animal Shelter, 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
• Phone: 540-658-7387
• Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 11 AM–5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM–4 PM
• Adoption Fees: $35 for cats (including Little One), $45 for dogs
• Adoptions are conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Little One has spent too long as the shelter’s longest-feline resident. Could you be the one to give her the loving home she deserves? Stop by the Stafford County Animal Shelter today and meet this sweet girl. She’s ready to steal your heart!

Patricia A. Healy is the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, according to school board records dating back to 1925. She celebrated a milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.

In a recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her commitment to students, families, and educators. Throughout her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.

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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Incidents

McDUI in Fast Food Drive-Thru

On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.

Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Authorities remind residents to plan for a designated driver before going out. Don’t drive drunk

Malicious Wounding and Brandishing a Firearm
On January 23, 2025, at 2:45 a.m., deputies responded to a disturbance on Malvern Lakes Circle. A male suspect broke the victim’s cellphone, leading to a verbal argument that escalated into an assault. During the incident, the suspect brandished a firearm toward friends of the victim. Deputies detained the suspect and charged him with malicious wounding, two counts of assault and battery, destruction of property, and brandishing a firearm. He is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Hit-and-Run on Taylors Hill Way
At 3:02 p.m. on January 23, deputies investigated a hit-and-run involving a mailbox on Taylors Hill Way. A resident reported hearing a loud noise and later discovered her mailbox had been destroyed. Witnesses described the suspect’s vehicle as a black Jeep, which fled the scene. Authorities are investigating this incident.

Drive Under the Influence of “Coffee”

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 23, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep near Warrenton Road and Hartwood Church Road for a traffic violation. Deputy C.A. Sharp engaged with the driver, Stanford Miles, 49, of Stafford, who exhibited slurred speech, red, glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol. When asked about his alcohol consumption, Miles claimed he had consumed “coffee,” though his behavior suggested otherwise.

Field sobriety tests were conducted, and Miles was arrested for his fourth DUI offense, with a blood alcohol content above .2. Miles, who has three prior DUI convictions, was charged and taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.

DUI Arrest in Aquia Harbour
On January 22, 2025, at 8:55 p.m., a traffic stop on Aquia Drive in Aquia Harbour revealed an intoxicated driver, Devon Mulgrew, 35, of Stafford. Mulgrew refused to exit his vehicle and rummaged through the glove box. An Aquia Harbour Officer removed him from the vehicle and restrained him on the ground.

Mulgrew was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance, obstruction, possession of controlled paraphernalia, refusal, a traffic lane violation, and a traffic sign violation. He further escalated the situation by assaulting a deputy at the Magistrate’s Office, resulting in an additional charge of assault and battery on law enforcement. He is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Prince William County Police Incidents

Attempted Malicious Wounding Arrest in Woodbridge

On January 23, 2025, at approximately 8:48 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Port Potomac Avenue in Woodbridge to investigate an assault. A verbal altercation between a 52-year-old woman and an acquaintance escalated when the suspect brandished a knife and attempted to cut the victim. A struggle ensued, and the victim sustained minor injuries.

The suspect, Hillery Hurst Thomas, 47, of Greenbelt, was arrested and charged with attempted malicious wounding and assault and battery. He is being held without bond.

Manassas Police Incidents

The Manassas City Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in locating Diego Esquivel Martinez, who is wanted on several felony counts of check fraud.

In September 2023, Esquivel Martinez allegedly cashed several fraudulent checks at a local business, causing the business to lose thousands of dollars. Authorities are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Manassas City Police at 703-257-8000.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to the Manassas City/Manassas Park Crime Solvers. The organization offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in these cases. Anonymous tips can be provided via the confidential 24-hour tip line at 703-330-0330 or through the P3 Tips app.

To submit a tip using the app, scan the QR code or visit https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=271.

Contact Information:

• Prince William County Police Department: 703-792-7000 or pwcva.gov/policetip
• Stafford County Sheriff’s Office: 540-658-4450 or follow updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Manassas City Police Department: 703-257-8000

Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

In Fredericksburg, Wellford Street will see waterline work from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with flaggers alternating one-way traffic between Route 1 and Wallace Street.

Spotsylvania County will experience significant road work on Route 1 northbound and southbound. Alternating single and double lane closures are planned from Sunday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway. Additional projects include ongoing construction along Route 1 near the Kalahari Resorts development and improvements on Lawyers Road, Harrison Road, Massaponax Church Road, and Southpoint Parkway. These projects involve lane closures, guardrail work, waterline installations, and safety enhancements such as new pedestrian signals.

In Stafford County, Route 1 will have right lane closures between American Legion Road and Spring Valley Drive from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for fiber installation. On Route 17 northbound, intermittent right lane closures will occur between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road, while southbound Route 17 will see similar closures between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road. Berea Church Road remains closed for improvements, with a detour in place. Several subdivisions, including Blake Farm, Willows, and Winslow Heights, will undergo shoulder work following resurfacing.

Drivers are advised to expect delays in these areas and plan their travel accordingly. Emergency repairs, bridge work, and large-scale projects in progress throughout the region are aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing safety for all commuters.

Fredericksburg Free Press – Community leaders and local officials in the Fredericksburg area are grappling with how to protect undocumented immigrants in the context of mass deportation efforts directed by President Trump and enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

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