A familiar spot on Garrisonville Road has a fresh new vibe, a new name, and a menu worth talking about.

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Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Stafford County on Friday, highlighting more than 250,000 open jobs across Virginia—even as concerns mount over federal job cuts. Speaking at SimVentions, an engineering and technology services firm in Stafford, Youngkin told the crowd, “Virginia has jobs. Lots of jobs.”

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Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) visited Stafford County today, urging Northern Virginia officials to reinstate cooperation with federal immigration authorities following the high-profile arrest of a suspected MS-13 gang leader in Dale City.

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On Thursday afternoon, a single-vehicle crash brought down power lines and shut down a heavily traveled portion of Route 610 (Garrisonville Road).

According to Stafford County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur, the crash occurred in the 1200 block of Garrisonville Road, between Tech Parkway—near the WaWa gas station—and Joshua Road, by a Tractor Supply store.

Wilbur said emergency crews took the driver to a hospital out of abundance of caution.

Both directions of Garrisonville Road remain closed as emergency crews respond to the scene. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and personnel from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are working together to assess the damage and clear the roadway.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Updated 10 a.m. – A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy was injured early Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:15 a.m. on northbound Interstate 95 near the Warrenton Road (Route 17) exit ramp. The deputy, who was operating a department-issued motorcycle, was stationary and stuck in traffic as he exited the interstate when an unidentified vehicle struck him from behind and continued driving.

The deputy sustained what officials describe as minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He was released 30 minutes ago, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ryan Wilbur.

Authorities do not have a description of the suspect vehicle at this time but say it is expected to have front-end damage. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time to contact them immediately.

In an effort to learn more, Potomac Local News has asked the Sheriff’s Office about the circumstances of the crash, including whether the deputy was conducting radar enforcement and how long he has served with the department. As a motor unit deputy, it is likely he has significant tenure.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released.

Dozens of Stafford County residents packed the chambers Tuesday night during a special-called meeting of the Board of Supervisors to weigh in on the proposed $1.015 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget — and the tax increase that may come with it.

The meeting featured a detailed budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Andrea Light, followed by a public hearing where residents delivered emotional appeals both for and against the proposed increase in the county’s real estate tax rate.

The Board recently voted to advertise a five-cent tax increase, which would raise the rate from the current $0.89 to $0.94 per $100 of assessed property value. If adopted, the increase would mean the average Stafford homeowner would pay an additional $229 per year in real estate taxes.

During the presentation, CFO Andrea Light explained that while the total proposed budget exceeds $1 billion, only a fraction of that is truly flexible. Over 59% of all county expenditures—about $669 million—go toward the school system, with much of the rest tied up in state-mandated services, utilities, and transportation.

Only about $209 million falls under the general government budget that the Board of Supervisors can directly allocate.

“When people hear ‘a billion-dollar budget,’ they think we can fund everything,” said Chairman Deontay Diggs. “But the reality is, a lot of that funding is restricted or already spoken for.”

The proposed increase is intended to help fund rising costs across the county, including public safety staffing, health insurance increases, debt service, and school system needs.

School Funding Tops the List

Stafford County Public Schools has requested full county funding to keep pace with enrollment growth, aging infrastructure, and competitive salary demands. Multiple speakers urged the board to deliver.

“I’m willing to pay a little more in taxes to ensure our students get the education they deserve,” said Don Gray, a George Washington District resident. “We need to attract and retain quality teachers and build schools where they’re needed.”

Michelle Wickman, a former Stafford teacher and single mother, said, “We can’t say we’re part of Northern Virginia but not tax like they do. I’m not rich, but I’m willing to pay more because I believe in this community.”

Abram Marsh, a Hartwood resident and Air Force veteran, spoke passionately about values. “Officers eat last,” he said. “We must do what’s necessary to ensure our children have the same opportunities we did.”

Nonprofits Plead for Reinstated Funds

Several local nonprofits voiced concern over proposed cuts or eliminations in county support:

Legal Aid Works, which provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents, was zeroed out in the current proposal after decades of support.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg saw its allocation cut by more than half, from around $6,000 to $2,980.

Fredericksburg SPCA touted a $7,000 investment last year that helped reduce shelter cat euthanasias by 17% and asked the board to help continue its life-saving work.

Not all were in favor of the proposed hike.

Mary Hanson, speaking on behalf of her elderly parents, said, “There are seniors who’ve taken out reverse mortgages or opened their homes to adult children just to survive. They can’t afford another tax increase.”

Jenny Solt, of the Rock Hill District, added: “Families don’t get to raise their neighbors’ rent when money’s tight. The government shouldn’t either.”

Some speakers expressed frustration that business growth hasn’t translated into tax relief. “We’ve got Walmarts, Targets, Amazon, warehouses. Why are we still shouldering the burden?” asked Todd Hanson.

Others, like Renee Kendall, questioned whether more money would improve outcomes. “Nearly 60% of the budget already goes to schools, and we’re still talking about low test scores,” she said. “There’s something deeper going on, and it’s not just money.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposed tax rate on April 15, with a vote on the final FY2026 budget scheduled before the May 1 deadline.

Chairman Diggs concluded the meeting by thanking the community. “Whether you’re for, against, or somewhere in the middle, your voice matters,” he said.

As Stafford County continues to experience rapid population growth, school officials are moving forward with plans to open two new elementary schools—ES18 and ES19—in Fall 2026. These additions aim to relieve overcrowding in existing schools and are central to the school division's redistricting plans under Scenario Green, which is currently under public review.

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Prince William County

Gang Members Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Jailhouse Assault

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announced the successful prosecution of Bryan Hernandez Diaz and Jaime Garcia Mendoza following a gang-related assault on July 24, 2023, at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center in Manassas. Both men pleaded guilty to Malicious Wounding charges. Hernandez Diaz was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 26, 2024, by Judge Robert P. Coleman. Mendoza received the same sentence on March 20, 2025, from Judge Tracey C. Hudson. Both were already in custody for unrelated violent felonies at the time of the attack and will serve probation upon release. The assault occurred inside Unit 13 Cell 1 when jail officers heard a cry for help. The victim was found bleeding heavily with multiple lacerations and puncture wounds consistent with sharp weapons, including a puncture wound to the chest. He told officers the attackers, including Diaz and Mendoza, declared intentions to kill him and believed he was affiliated with a rival gang to La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Officers discovered bloody clothing in Diaz’s cell and a four-inch bloodied nail lodged in the toilet drain. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alex Brandler, with Detective Casey Nelsen serving as the case agent. Celina Cary and Elena Latham from the Victim Witness unit also assisted. “We will continue to focus our office’s resources on prosecuting those that commit violent acts, especially gang violence,” said Ashworth. Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Woodbridge Teen Convicted of 2022 Homicide

A jury in Prince William County found Elijah Hadley, 19, guilty of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and gang participation for the July 2022 shooting death of Brian D. Marshall II in Woodbridge. The verdict was reached on March 21, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2025. Marshall was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen, arms, and legs. Investigators obtained Ring camera footage showing two masked individuals approaching the scene, opening fire, and fleeing. Weeks later, Hadley was arrested on an unrelated charge. A firearm found in his possession was confirmed through forensic testing to have been used in the homicide. His DNA was also found on shell casings at the scene, and clothing matching the shooters' attire was recovered from his home. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Kathleen Bilton and Zoe Bair, and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon Parker.

“The evidence in this case was initially too weak to proceed to justice... I am proud of, and appreciate, all of the hard work by the prosecutors and police officers that contributed to bringing this case to justice,” said Ashworth.

Victim Witness Director Tamara Thomas and Case Manager Celina Cary provided support to the victim’s family. Detectives S. Davis and D. Cupka were credited for their investigative work. Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Spotsylvania County

Man Arrested in Child Pornography Investigation

On March 10, 2025, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online account allegedly used to upload and store child sexual abuse material. A search warrant was executed at the home of 28-year-old Bryson Jeleniewski in Spotsylvania County. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices. Jeleniewski was arrested and charged with two counts of 18.2-374.1:1(A) — possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography. He was remanded to the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is part of the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, a nationwide network that supports local and state investigations into online child exploitation. Community members are urged to report suspected child abuse to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia CPS State Hotline, or NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Anonymous tips can be submitted through www.p3tips.com or the P3Tips app.

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Prince William County

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Dominion Energy is preparing to launch a significant infrastructure upgrade along a key electrical transmission corridor stretching from Fredericksburg to Possum Point in Prince William County.

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