Update -- From Stafford Sheriff County Sheriff's Office:
Ouzts has been located! He is now in custody. Thank you to everyone for your support and patience.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering updates to its salary administration policy to tackle ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in specialized fields like law enforcement, engineering, and planning. The proposed changes come as the county struggles to fill key roles critical to maintaining effective public services.
During a board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, members deliberated on how best to proceed with the complex policy changes. One of the primary issues discussed was whether the board should hold a work session or proceed with two-on-two meetings to expedite decision-making. The county’s Human Resources Department has been working on these policy recommendations to ensure Stafford County remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
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Join Stafford County Parks Recreation Facilities and Tourism for a day full of autumn fun and festivities at our annual Fall Family Festival.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is grappling with a proposed rent increase for the Stafford Gymnastics and Recreation Center at 500 Nelms Circle as part of an amended lease extension. The building’s owners, Thurman Campbell and Mark Osborn, have requested a rent increase of five percent, up from the two percent annual increase previously agreed upon. The growth is attributed to rising property values, higher insurance costs, and unexpected fire safety improvements.
During the Tuesday, Oct. 1, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, Parks, Recreation, Facilities, and Tourism Director Brian Southall, we provided details of the increase and the facility's current state. "We’ve been leasing parts of the facility since the mid-'90s. The entire lease for the year is $177,000," Southall said. He explained that the county’s gymnastics program, which serves over 600 children weekly, has outgrown the 25,600-square-foot space, noting, "We’ve outgrown it."
The proposed rent hike prompted a lively discussion among board members, with some raising concerns about continuing to invest in an aging facility. Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung emphasized the need for a more long-term solution. "We need to ask ourselves whether we should continue to invest in this location or seek a more suitable and permanent space for our children," Yeung said. She pointed out that neighboring Prince William County is debating a state-of-the-art sports complex in Woodbridge that, if built, would leave Stafford County behind in providing adequate facilities for its residents.
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A Stafford man blamed a nonexistent driver for his crash while intoxicated, only to be caught by deputies after reviewing gas station footage, police said.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors requests additional financial transparency from the Rappahannock Regional Library system.
During the board's meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Garrisonville District Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung raised the issue of needing more detailed financial data to be included in the library's quarterly reports. Stafford County contributes $7 million annually to the library, which also receives funding from other local jurisdictions in the Fredericksburg region.
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At the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, the stage lights up with spotlights and stories of legendary musicians and songwriters who shaped a generation. "Beautiful: The Carol King Story," currently showing, offers more than just a musical experience—it's a deep dive into the history, pressures, and personal journeys of some of the music industry's most iconic figures.
Ashlee Waldbauer stars as Carole King, a role that she describes as both exhilarating and intimidating. Waldbauer shared her struggles embodying King, a beloved figure known for her soulful music and relatable lyrics. "I battled with a bit of imposter syndrome," she admitted, reflecting on the immense responsibility of playing such a well-regarded artist. The production showcases the daunting yet fulfilling journey of artists tasked with living up to their real-life counterparts.
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Stafford County will host its annual National Night Out at Stafford Market Place today, Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The event, one of the county's largest community gatherings and the largest National Night Out celebration in the region features various food, business, and nonprofit vendors.
Originally moved to the fall during the pandemic, Stafford continues to hold this event in October, unlike other jurisdictions that celebrate in August.
The event will be held at Stafford Marketplace in North Stafford and provides an opportunity for neighbors to meet and connect outside. Registration opened on June 21. The opening ceremony will begin at 5 p.m., and the event is free to the public. Attendees are reminded to leave pets at home unless they are service animals and to refrain from smoking. Weather conditions are monitored, and updates will be provided on the sheriff's Facebook and X accounts if necessary.
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Dear Members,
We seek your insights on the ongoing challenges with the Stafford County Public Schools transportation system. As many of you know, the start of the school year was marked by significant bus scheduling issues, leaving 3,000 children without transportation, as reported in late August. This has continued with late buses and some that never showed, profoundly affecting students and families.
Recently, the Stafford County School Board Chair, Maureen Siegmund, acknowledged these ongoing problems and discussed the potential for an independent investigation into what went wrong. The board is considering various steps to address the issues, which include software malfunctions and staff shortages that have significantly disrupted daily routines.
Your experiences are precious to us and to our community. Whether your child’s bus was late or didn’t show up, or if you’ve had to make alternative arrangements, we want to hear from you. You can simply share your story (please include your name, your child’s age, and the name of your child’s school) by texting 571-989-1695 or emailing us.
If you like, you may indicate if you are open to being contacted for an interview. Your voice is crucial in our continued coverage and advocacy for solutions.
Thank you for helping us gather this vital information and supporting local journalism.
Best regards,
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher
Potomac Local News