At its November 12 meeting, the Stafford County School Board approved the launch of a new Business and Information Technology Center at Colonial Forge High School.

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Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

Why did the chickens cross the road? Because they were seized by detectives and Animal Control Officers. An illegal cockfighting ring was uncovered earlier this month resulting in several felony warrants.

On November 7th at approximately 10:00 a.m. members of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office took flight to execute a search warrant on a residence on Norman Road [about a mile from Potomac Point Winery]. While this search warrant was related to a previous stolen property report, members of the Special Problems Unit had also received information regarding the same address hosting cockfight events.

During the original search warrant, a large number of chickens were located. Due to this, a plan was hatched to obtain a second search warrant, this one related to the allegations of cockfighting. As a result, exactly 80 Game Fowl Chickens were collected pending a seizure hearing. Additionally, controlled substances, equipment, and weapons directly related to cockfighting were located.

On the morning of November 13th, the seizure hearing was conducted. Animal Control was granted custody of all the chickens. Additionally, the suspect, Sergio Munoz, 47, of Stafford, was taken into custody by Sergeant A.J. McCall shortly following the hearing. Due to the fowl investigation, Munoz was charged with five counts of felony animal fighting. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond. Munoz was not the subject in question for the original search warrant.

All 80 chickens are currently being housed and cared for at the Stafford County Animal Shelter and are scheduled to be seen by a vet. The Stafford County Animal Shelter is currently exploring long-term solutions for their future.

Great work to all Animal Control Officers, Animal Shelter staff, and detectives for going above and beyond to ensure the safe rescue and care of each animal. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be sought.

A booking photo for Munoz is not yet available.

The Stafford County School Board is deciding on new high school boundaries as the district confronts rising enrollment numbers, resource imbalances, and transportation challenges. The Board is set to cast its final vote on December 10, 2024 in January 2025, a decision that will impact thousands of families across the county.

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At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, county officials unveiled a proposal to build a five-story, 196,000-square-foot courthouse across from the government center, a project estimated at $209 million. The ambitious plan aims to address critical space and security issues within Stafford’s judicial system and accommodate projected caseload growth in the coming years.

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From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

A 27-year-old Woodbridge man who “stalled” his arrest with a bathroom barricade, was enticed out after a dose of pepper spray potpourri. Spoiler alert- you won’t find this scent at Bath & Body Works. Deputies responded to Stafford Market Place for a disturbance with a weapon.

Witnesses reported a black male in all black was throwing a rock in front of the T.J. Maxx and had assaulted a customer. There was also concern the suspect had a firearm in his pocket. Deputies learned the suspect had fled on foot to the nearby Hardee’s on Prosperity Lane and was in a bathroom stall, creating a serious Game of Thrones. Duty called- and the deputies attempted a dialogue to have the suspect exit the stall and surrender. The suspect refused commands and continued to curse at law enforcement officers during this pee-kaboo pandemonium.

A dose of OC spray over the stall door may not have improved the smell of the restroom, but it had the desired effect of forcing the suspect out. He was charged with assault and battery and obstruction and held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. The rock used during the incident was recovered from behind the commode. Scentsational job by the deputies to safely end this bathroom barricade.

A fire displaced four residents from their home on Tamar Creek Lane. Just before 8 a.m., Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a structure fire in the 100 block of the street.

Crews arrived on the scene within five minutes and observed smoke emanating from the rear of a middle-row townhouse’s top floor. Upon further investigation, firefighters discovered a room ablaze on the top floor and quickly controlled the fire. The blaze was primarily confined to that room and its contents.

All occupants safely evacuated the townhouse before the fire crews arrived, and no injuries were reported. According to officials, functioning smoke alarms alerted the residents, enabling their swift exit from the residence.

The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the displaced residents, providing temporary shelter and resources. As part of standard procedure, the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

A proposal to grant Stafford County employees additional holiday time around Thanksgiving and Christmas led to a heated debate among members of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors at their recent meeting. The proposal, which would give employees an additional four hours off before each holiday — effectively turning them into full days off — failed in a 3-3 tie, with one board member absent. The issue is set to be revisited at the next board meeting.

Supporters of the proposal argue that granting these extra hours shows appreciation for county employees and would boost morale. “Our employees work incredibly hard throughout the year, and this is a small gesture of thanks that can go a long way in showing them we value their efforts,” said Aquia Supervisor Monica Gary. “Taking care of our staff helps us retain talented people and makes Stafford County a more attractive place to work.”

The practice of granting these extra hours before Thanksgiving and Christmas has become a tradition over the past decade, though it has been approved on a year-by-year basis. Some board members said it would be beneficial to formalize the time off in the annual calendar to give employees and their families the ability to plan ahead. “By putting it on the calendar, we’re simply allowing staff to prepare and make plans,” said Chairwoman Meg Bohmke, a supporter of the proposal. “This is a way to be consistent and thoughtful toward our employees’ needs.”

However, not all supervisors agreed. Supervisor Crystal Vanuch raised concerns over the cost, estimating the extra time would cost the county around $100,000. “Every dollar we spend is a dollar our residents have to contribute, especially when we’ve raised taxes over the past few years,” said Vanuch. “If we’re going to allocate funds, we need to prioritize initiatives that will have the greatest impact on our residents.”

Other supervisors suggested that the additional time off might inconvenience the public. Garrisonville Supervisor Pamela Yeung voiced her concerns that closing county offices could create a burden for residents needing services during these busy holiday periods. “When we close offices on days many people have off work, it limits their ability to handle important county business, which could create frustrations,” said Yeung.

An additional layer of tension came as some supervisors raised potential conflicts of interest. Two board members, both sheriff’s deputies, would personally benefit from the extra holiday time. Bohmke acknowledged this issue, noting, “I think it’s important to consider whether there’s a conflict when board members stand to benefit directly from the decisions we’re making.” However, both deputies defended their votes, stating they were motivated solely by what they felt was best for county employees and were not voting for personal gain.

“Being a public servant isn’t just a job; it’s about dedication to our community,” said George Washington District Supervisor Deuntay Diggs, one of the deputies. “We’re simply supporting our staff, and if that means allowing them some extra time off around the holidays, I believe it’s the right thing to do.”

In the end, the board split on the vote, with three supervisors in favor of the proposal and three opposed, resulting in a tie and temporary failure of the motion. According to board rules, the proposal will return for consideration at the next meeting, where the absent board member’s vote could tip the balance.

“It’s not an easy decision,” said Bohmke. “We’re balancing the needs of our employees with those of our taxpayers, and it’s important that we get this right.”

Germanna Community College (GCC) has expanded its presence in Stafford County with the opening of two new state-of-the-art locations designed to serve local students and support workforce development, including specialized resources for military personnel stationed at Quantico. The facilities, located on Center Street in Stafford, mark a significant milestone in the college’s mission to offer accessible education and workforce training across the region.

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Republican candidate Derrick Anderson officially conceded his race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District on November 7, 2024.

His Democratic opponent, Eugene Vindman, claimed victory on Election Night, securing 50.94% of the vote in Prince William County compared to Anderson’s 48.79%. Prince William, the district’s most populous jurisdiction, played a crucial role in the outcome.

Anderson’s campaign focused heavily on voter outreach across the district, particularly in Prince William County. He noted his efforts to connect with voters in the area, saying his team “did well in Prince William” by visiting locations like Todos and other local businesses to address issues such as rising electricity costs. His strategy resonated strongly in precincts like Colgan and Quantico, where he led with 54.90% and 54.70% of the vote, respectively.

Vindman’s victory was aided by significant early voting support in Prince William County, where he received 66.88% of in-person early votes. Anderson thanked his supporters, acknowledging their dedication and hard work throughout the campaign. While disappointed by the results, Anderson conveyed pride in his efforts to address community concerns and optimism for the future of the 7th District.

Anderson emphasized unity and the importance of addressing the pressing concerns of local residents. In his address, Anderson reflected on his campaign, acknowledging the dedication of his volunteers and supporters. He thanked an extensive network of friends, family, and colleagues, underscoring the deep community ties that fueled his bid for office.

Anderson, who grew up in Spotsylvania County, shared his motivation for running: a commitment to improve the lives of those in his district. He recounted memories of mopping floors at his mother’s restaurant and wrestling at Courtland High School, moments that shaped his vision for service. “The seventh district is my home,” he said. “It’s where I began my journey that took me to the army and ultimately to run for Congress.”

While recounting his experiences and milestones, Anderson addressed the recent election process, noting the 11,000 provisional ballots still pending. However, with the current ballot count leaving no clear path to victory, he conceded, stating it was in the district’s best interest to move forward.

Reflecting on broader national concerns, Anderson outlined his expectations for Washington. He called for a secure border, fiscal responsibility, and support for the nation’s allies, asserting that the next administration should focus on citizens’ economic well-being. “People are ready for change,” he said, voicing the frustrations of those struggling with rising costs of living and security concerns.

In closing, Anderson urged the community to set aside partisan differences and work together, regardless of the campaign’s outcome. “While we can’t claim victory today, I’m asking everyone to come together, as one district, dedicated to looking after our fellow neighbors and focusing on a better future,” he concluded, leaving a message of hope and resilience for his supporters and constituents alike.

This was Anderson’s second bid for the congressional seat. He ran in a Republican Party Primary Election in 2022, and lost to Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega, who lost to Democrat Abigail Spanberger (D).

Spanberger, a three-term congresswoman, has hinted she will run against Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears in Virginia’s gubernatorial race in 2025 to replace Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who cannot seek re-election due to constitutionally imposed term limits.