At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, residents shared divided opinions on a proposed Buc-ee's Travel Center development at the corner of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive, near a Publix store. While some attendees supported the development for its economic potential, others raised concerns about environmental impact and long-term viability.
Among the notable points discussed was Buc-ee's promise of competitive wages. The company offers hourly rates of $18 to $21 for associates and $20 to $23 for team leads. More senior roles, such as department managers, earn between $25 and $33 per hour. In contrast, according to Buc-ee's website, assistant general managers and general managers make salaries starting at $125,000 and reaching up to $225,000.
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On November 12, a suspect committed multiple robberies at convenience stores in the area, displaying a handgun and fleeing with money from each location. The suspect was later identified and charged with armed robbery and firearm-related offenses, and is being held in jail pending further investigation.
Press Release from Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office:
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Press Release:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is evaluating the performance of ParkZen, a new smart parking mobile app that enables local travelers to view real-time parking availability in six commuter lots in Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties at no cost. The ParkZen app helps commuters check for and navigate to unoccupied parking spaces.
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On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association gathered at Paradise Diner in Stafford County to hear Liz Barber, Stafford County’s Economic Development Director, provide an update on local business conditions, development priorities, and support initiatives for Stafford’s growing economy.
Barber discussed the county's focus on addressing key challenges for business owners, including financing, marketing, and strategic business planning. Stafford’s Economic Development Office, she noted, aims to foster a supportive environment to help local businesses thrive.
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From the Stafford County Sherriff's Department:
ASSAULT:
Catherine Lane, 11/11, 5:46 a.m. Deputy M.N. Sayegh responded to an assault. The caller advised her boyfriend was just assaulted by his ex-girlfriend. It was discovered the ex-girlfriend responded to the residence and assaulted the victim over a cellphone. The ex-girlfriend was located and served on a warrant for assault and battery.AG Wright Middle School, 100 Wood Drive, 11/12, 10:30 a.m. Deputy S.C. Hall was conducting her SRO duties when she was informed of an assault. Two students were exchanging words and about to fight when a third student attempted to separate them and de-escalate the situation. Instead of fighting each other, the first two students began assaulting the third student. Criminal complaints for assault and battery were filed on the first two students.
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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.
This center is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in fields like cybersecurity, business administration, and data analytics. This center marks the latest in Stafford’s growing network of specialty programs to give students a head start in career-focused education and advanced fields of study.
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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.
The anticipated decision comes as Stafford County experiences unprecedented growth, with an expected increase of over 2,400 students in the next five years. By 2034, that number is projected to exceed 6,000 additional students, straining existing facilities and prompting the need for realigned boundaries.
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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.
The proposed courthouse would replace the current facility, which has faced criticism for overcrowding, outdated design, and accessibility challenges. The new building, featuring modern security measures and expansion potential, is intended to meet the county’s needs for at least 12 years, according to county staff.
