The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a lease agreement to store the county's new fireboat at Hope Springs Marina. The fireboat delivered a few months ago will now be housed in a wet boat slip at the 4 Hope Springs Lane marina.
The lease agreement, approved during the board's meeting, includes a 10-year lease with two optional five-year renewals. The base rent for the slip is set at $3,000 per year, with a 3% annual escalation.
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Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) invites the public to attend Community Meet-and-Greet events with newly appointed Executive Director Rebecca Purdy. As she steps into her new role, Purdy is eager to hear feedback from the community and answer questions about how the library system can continue to serve the region effectively.
Purdy, a longtime CRRL staff member, brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the library system. During her recent interview with Potomac Local News, she shared insights into her vision for the library’s future, highlighting plans to build on successful programs like the “Library on the Go” initiative and expand access to innovative technologies, such as 3D printers and other maker lab resources.
When asked about her goals, Purdy said, “It’s important to continue providing the services our community relies on while introducing new programs that meet evolving needs. I want to hear directly from the people who use our libraries daily to ensure we’re on the right track.”
The Meet-and-Greets offer a unique opportunity for community members to meet Purdy in person, share their thoughts on library services, and suggest improvements. These drop-in events will take place across the region:
Tuesday, October 22, 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Porter Branch (Stafford County)
Tuesday, October 29, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Salem Church Branch (Spotsylvania County)
Tuesday, November 12, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Fredericksburg Branch
Thursday, December 5, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Cooper Branch (Colonial Beach)
During the interview, Purdy emphasized the importance of adapting the library to the community’s changing needs, especially in a post-pandemic world. She noted that the CRRL has expanded its digital services, introduced a “Library of Things,” and is working to bring new technology closer to users. “We have great plans to continue evolving our services,” she said, “but we want community input to guide us.”
In addition to these new initiatives, Purdy spoke about her focus on maintaining the library’s reputation as a community hub for people of all ages. Programs like the “Mother Goose Story Hour” for infants and job interview spaces for remote workers have become essential for many residents.
Here’s the full interview:
Missing Person:
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office needs your help locating Tony Eugene Jones. He was last seen leaving his residence in South Stafford by a family member. If you have any information, please reach out. pic.twitter.com/zHdV38n146— StaffordCoSheriff (@staffcosheriff) October 16, 2024
Diggs, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2024 representing the George Washington District, praised Anderson’s leadership and vision for the future in a statement announcing his endorsement.
“Derrick Anderson is the leader we need to unite our community and tackle the challenges that matter most, both locally and globally,” Diggs said. “With a deep commitment to putting country over party and strong roots in our community, Derrick is focused on building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. His vision and dedication inspire real change. Let’s come together and support Derrick in making that vision a reality.”
Diggs’ endorsement is significant in a closely watched race because of his nonpartisan approach. Beyond his political role, Diggs has gained recognition for his diverse accomplishments as a law enforcement officer, motivational speaker, author, actor, and even a contestant on “America’s Got Talent.”
In response to the endorsement, Anderson expressed his gratitude, highlighting Diggs’ bipartisan approach and service to the community.
“Supervisor Diggs is an energetic, effective, and bipartisan community leader, and I’m honored to have his endorsement,” Anderson said. “He puts country over party every day, and I appreciate his service as a law enforcement officer. I look forward to working with him closely to improve our great district when I’m in Congress.”
Diggs currently serves as an alternate on several key committees, including the Joint Schools Working Committee, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Association, and the Rappahannock Regional Jail Authority Board. He also represents the county on the George Washington Regional Commission and the Rappahannock River Basin Commission.
As the race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District heats up, Diggs’ endorsement could provide Anderson with a boost, particularly among independent voters in the region.
Anderson has a background in military service and public policy. His campaign emphasizes national security, economic growth, and bipartisanship as key tenets of his platform.
The 7th Congressional District race is expected to be highly competitive and is considered a “toss-up.‘ Voters will decide on November 5 who will represent their interests in a region that spans urban and rural communities. Early voting is underway.
From the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
ASSAULT:
Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road, 10/8, 7:00 a.m. Deputy D.J. Taylor was conducting his SRO duties when he was informed of a fight. Two students agreed to participate in a fight in the boy’s bathroom. Both received a criminal complaint for assault and battery.Courage Lane, 10/8, 8:57 a.m. Deputy S.M. Craig responded to an assault. It was advised a female suspect assaulted the victim due to a previous eviction. Deputy Craig located the suspect and detained her without incident. She was charged with assault and battery and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) has announced a new partnership with Altruix Pharmacy to improve access to medication for individuals with behavioral health concerns and developmental disabilities. The collaboration aims to overcome barriers that prevent individuals from taking their prescribed medications, such as transportation, time, and cost.
Joe Wickens, executive director of RACSB, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “The individuals we serve have unique needs. Altruix focuses on behavioral healthcare and developmental disability services, giving them valuable expertise. The pharmacy team will provide tailored care to the people we serve and offer a valuable resource to our employees.”
Meeting the Community’s Needs
This partnership is part of RACSB’s larger goal to integrate whole-person health care for the community. Altruix will operate a hybrid pharmacy model at RACSB’s Fredericksburg Clinic, offering on-site services supported by a distribution hub. This setup allows the pharmacy to provide medication packaging and monthly cycle fills, improving both quality control and patient convenience.
“We’re excited to be part of this meaningful step forward,” said Greg Ganse, CEO of Altruix Pharmacy. “By partnering with RACSB, we can bring our expertise in behavioral health and developmental disabilities directly to the people who need it most.”
Brandie Williams, RACSB’s executive director of community support, emphasized the critical need for the partnership, citing alarming statistics that show men and women with mental disorders have life expectancies that are 10 and 7 years shorter, respectively, than those without. “By providing comprehensive care management and leveraging Altruix’s patented Medherent technology, we aim to improve medication adherence, a key factor in supporting better health outcomes,” said Williams.
Overcoming Barriers to Medication Access
For many residents, accessing medication can be a challenge due to financial constraints, time, and transportation issues. Altruix’s on-site presence at the Fredericksburg Clinic and its delivery service will help mitigate these barriers. The pharmacy is located on a public transportation route and can coordinate with patients’ appointments. For those unable to visit the clinic, medications can be delivered directly to their homes.
Additionally, Altruix’s financial assistance program works closely with individuals and RACSB staff to reduce the cost of medications, ensuring affordability for all.
Pharmacy Grand Opening on October 22
The partnership will be celebrated with a grand opening event on October 22 at 3:00 p.m. at RACSB’s Fredericksburg Clinic. The event will highlight the positive impact the collaboration is expected to have on the community, including improved access to medications and specialized care for behavioral health and developmental disability patients.
For more information about RACSB and Altruix Pharmacy, visit their respective websites at rappahannockareacsb.org and altruix.com.
The trailer, purchased initially during the coronavirus pandemic, was donated after a call between Gibbs and Tyler Puckett, Harwood Homes Funeral Home operator. The funeral home in Black Mountain, just five miles from the equally devastated town of Swannanoa, found itself in desperate need of body storage as the death toll rose. “We just wanted to help out in any way we can,” said Gibbs, who sent the trailer that arrived in flood-ravaged North Carolina on Friday, October 4. The trailer, worth $30,000, arrived that evening and is currently stationed at Puckett’s cemetery near his funeral home.
In addition to the trailer, Gibbs called on the community to contribute non-perishable foods, blankets, and other essential supplies for the affected area. NAPA Auto Parts in Stafford also donated a battery for the trailer, which runs on diesel and has built-in shelves to accommodate the increasing number of victims.
Conditions in Black Mountain and SwannanoaÂ
Black Mountain and Swannanoa are just outside Asheville and were particularly hard hit by the floods caused by Hurricane Helene. The aftermath devastated the small towns, with residents struggling to cope without power, water, or clear communication channels. Streets are littered with downed trees and debris.
The chaos has only been exacerbated by spotty communication, as many residents and local officials have been cut off from reliable internet and phone service. Looting was reported in the area, including at a local warehouse. Tyler Puckett described the scenes of devastation, where even getting around required the use of four-wheelers. “Pictures do it no justice,” he said, explaining that the destruction includes cars on top of railroads and homes pushed into the streets.
Despite the return of power and spotty internet connectivity to parts of Black Mountain, many areas remain without essential services, and the community is left to grapple with the overwhelming need for relief efforts. Donations of body bags and other supplies have come from across the state, but the area is struggling to recover with limited resources and aid.
Bracing for an Influx of Bodies
Harwood Homes Funeral Home is preparing for a tragic and grim reality: the number of bodies continues to rise as search and recovery efforts unfold. Puckett has been working around the clock to prepare for the influx of victims, which is expected to overwhelm the facility in the coming weeks.
He currently has 15 bodies in his care, but only two have been positively identified. Puckett explained that the remaining 13 are awaiting identification, a process that is being handled in Raleigh, the state capital, using blood and dental records. The challenge of identifying the deceased has been exacerbated by the condition of many bodies, making it a slow and arduous task. “Fingerprinting is unlikely to be possible due to the condition of the bodies,” said Puckett.
Puckett has already taken in bodies from as far as Raleigh and Mission Hospital in Asheville, and more are on the way.
“We’re getting ready to be impacted with bodies and bodies,” said Puckett, expressing concern about the funeral home’s capacity to manage the situation. Typically, Harwood Homes handles about 200 calls per year. But with the recent devastation, the funeral home is now faced with managing 100 bodies in what could take up to two months to address fully.
Despite the challenges, Puckett remains dedicated to serving his community in this time of need, saying, “This is someone’s mother, brother, or father. The dignity has gone out the door, to some extent, but we’ll do what we can to honor them.”
However, processing the dead presents immense challenges. The area lacks reliable internet service, so funeral homes cannot process death certificates with the state’s online system, Database Application for Vital Events, or DAVE for short. Without death certificates, cremations cannot proceed, further complicating the handling of the deceased.
The state has ordered that all unidentified bodies be transported to Raleigh for identification, adding another layer of red tape and additional costs for grieving families. Requests to the state to allow funeral directors the option of using paper death certificates have been denied, said Puckett.
In the meantime, Puckett has expressed his deep gratitude for his support during this difficult time. Supplies have been donated from as far as Georgia. Despite these contributions, Puckett stressed that the community is still in dire need of assistance and compassion.
“We just need prayers. That’s what we need,” he said.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps unveiled two new galleries to the public on Sunday, commemorating the exhibits with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The galleries feature hundreds of artifacts from all major United States Marine Corps operations from 1976 to 2021, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. As the 250th anniversary of the Corps approaches, this new exhibit will showcase the most recent 50 years.
It took 13 years of work by the museum staff and contributors to collect all of the artifacts for the exhibits. Many displays include uniforms of Marines and a comprehensive view of life in the Corps in combat and humanitarian missions.
“Each of the artifacts tell part of the Marine Corps story,” Keil Gentry, Director of the NMMC and retired Marine Corps Colonel said. “You will see the dress blues of 1st Lt. William Sommerhof who, along with 240 other Americans, was killed in the Beirut bombing on Oct. 23, 1983. Keep in mind, many of the dress blues you see in these new galleries represent a Marine killed in action.”
The new exhibits will also feature the integration of women and reservists in the Corps, advancements in military medicine and the role of unmanned vehicles in modern combat. There are also many interactive elements in the exhibit. There is a life-sized recreation of an Iraqi street scene, allowing veterans and visitors to directly engage with Corps experiences.
“They’re not just displays; they’re a powerful representation of the very best our Nation has to offer, of selfless service and sacrifice,” keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson said.
Peter Karl Raimondi (Age 74)
Peter Karl Raimondi, 74, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Janice Raimondi entered into eternal rest Tuesday, October 8, 2024. His Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel, at 11:00 am. Interment will be held in Quantico National Cemetery on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 12:30. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel.
Peter was born July 13, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York, son of John Raimondi and Frances Tropea Raimondi. He faithfully served his country in the Army and as a civil servant in the Federal Government. He enjoyed fishing, was a Turtle Volunteer in Melbourne, FL, and an active runner, completing the Marine Corps Marathon. He was also active with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinsons.
He is survived by his daughter, Alexa Raimondi and her husband Michael McCormick; two grandchildren, Mary McCormick, Peter McCormick; brother, Carl Raimondi and his wife Francine Raimondi.
Peter was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Mary.
Memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Grand Central Station PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.
Submitted by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel
![U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the Commanding General of Training and Education Command and Sgt. Maj. Stephen Griffin, the Command Sgt. Maj. of Training and Education Command, cut a ribbon at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle on Sunday. [U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Juaquin Greaves]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-corps-new-exhibit-2.jpg){kind=link}
![Civilians look at displays at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle on Sunday. [U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Juaquin Greaves]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-corps-new-exhibit-1.jpg){kind=link}
![Civilians look at displays at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle on Sunday. [U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Juaquin Greaves]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-corps-new-exhibit-3.jpg){kind=link}