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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Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.

A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.

Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.

Brady credited those drought conditions with the increased fire activity in Stafford. The area saw brushfires along I-95; one day in March, she said, several brushfires were held in Stafford and around the Commonwealth. With brushfires, responders must monitor humidity levels and the speed and direction of wind in order to minimize the spread.

While the risk of brushfires in this area is low, Brady said fall and spring are typically higher-risk seasons, but brushfires can break out at any time of the year.

Brady highlighted the importance of following burn bans and burn laws, encouraging residents to dispose of charcoal and cigarette butts in fire-safe containers, closely tend to any open flames, and make sure they have “30ft of “defensible space” around structures. Creating defensible space includes clearing yard debris like dead trees or limbs, large bushes, and leaves away from their homes, garages, and barns.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests keeping the first five feet closest to a home or structure clear of flammable materials such as wood mulch, leaves, pine needles, and wooden furniture. They also encourage maintaining the structure by replacing shingles and broken siding and keeping decks, carports, and garages in good condition to minimize the chance of embers entering the space and igniting a fire.

NFPA says the space five to thirty feet from the home should minimize or delay the spread of any fires. Adding cement, dirt, or stone surfacing and breaking up landscaping can help slow fire spread.

The caller’s information determines the fire department’s next steps when a fire is reported. The number of units responding and the type of fire vehicles are based on the information provided by the caller and water availability in the area. The first vehicle on the scene is responsible for assessing the situation and calling in any additional support.

Brady said Stafford County has five brush trucks and five tankers; brush trucks are smaller, which allows them to reach more challenging locations. Tankers move more significant amounts of water to areas without easy access to hydrants, and the Department of Forestry can also provide additional support if needed. Responders also continually monitor the situation to determine if evacuations may be necessary.

Brady said the goal in responding to brushfires is to contain and extinguish the fire quickly. Using hand rakes and digging fire lines helps contain the spread of the fire; in areas with rugged terrain, the department may borrow bulldozers from the Department of Forestry to cut fire lines.

Stafford firefighters all train with brush trucks and learn brushfire management tactics. They also have continuous training on managing rural water supply issues, such as when they must secure water sources in areas without fire hydrants.

Stafford County also coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate planning and training for all emergencies and establish public communication and methods for requesting additional resources or equipment when needed. They can partner with other agencies in the event of a more significant fire in the area and send Stafford firefighters to different places in need.

In March 2024, Stafford sent two brush trucks to assist Page County during an outbreak of fires across the Commonwealth. In 8 days, 92 wildfires burned over 12,700 acres across Virginia.

Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.

GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school's website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.

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A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.

The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.

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