Local News for Stafford County Sun

Warner visits Stafford deli

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:43:00 EDT

STAFFORD — On Wednesday between 9 and 10 a.m., U.S. Senate candidate Mark Warner made a visit to Stafford to discuss foreclosure issues with the people who have dealt with them directly, either by actually facing foreclosure or counseling people dealing with this dire threat.

School to get new field

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:33:00 EDT

STAFFORD — After what many say was a 30-year-delay, Stafford High School is finally getting a new softball field and just in time for the 2009 season.
The school board unanimously approved construction of the field and other amenities at a cost of $766,193 during their regular meeting Tuesday night.

Men charged in mob assault

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:32:00 EDT

CULPEPER — Culpeper police have charged four Stafford County men with mob assault after a fight erupted early Saturday morning outside the Depot.
Antwan Jaquez Morehead, 20, and John Quincy Richardson, 19, each face two charges of felony assault by mob and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

UMW offers reward

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:31:00 EDT

FREDERICKSBURG — The University of Mary Washington is offering a reward for information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of a man who attempted an armed assault on a community member jogging at the institution’s athletic fields July 10.

Police blotter

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from July 14-21:

Police briefs

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:20:00 EDT

GARRISONVILLE — A house in the 300 block of Waterside Terrace was vandalized between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. on July 15, reported Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bill Kennedy the next day.

GOP leaders open new offices

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:13:00 EDT

FALMOUTH — Regional Republican leaders were out in force for the opening of their new election offices located in south Stafford.

Show to air local crime

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:08:00 EDT

STAFFORD — ABC’s television show, “Primetime Crime” is set to air a program on area resident Justine Swartz Abshire, who was killed in Novermber 2006.
Abshire was a teacher at Emerald Hill Elementary School in Culpeper, and was found along a road in Barboursville. Police originally said it was a hit and run.

Commission discusses bond issue, plan

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:07:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A brief discussion of the Parks and Recreation facilities plan was brought up by department director Chris Hoppe at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on July 17 at the Rowser Center.

Naked man arrested in Fredericksburg

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:01:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A Fredericksburg man was arrested Sunday after appearing naked in public in the Mayfield area, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

FRED bus cuts service, new routes considered

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:33:01 EDT

STAFFORD — Despite steady increases in ridership, operators of the Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus system are telling Stafford residents to expect less service.

Fight breaks out at salon

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A Maryland woman was arrested following a fight with an employee at the Positive Image Salon in Stafford.

Laura Bush honors county

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:15:00 EDT

STAFFORD — First Lady Laura Bush has designated Stafford County as a Preserve America Community.

Cardboard boat races to be held

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:01 EDT

STAFFORD — The fifth-annual cardboard boat regatta will be held Saturday at Aquia Landing. Children and adults with a penchant for sailing are expected to flock to the tiny beach at the end of Brooke Road beginning at 11:30 a.m. to kick off the festivities.

Man in court following destruction of house

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EDT

MANASSAS — A Stafford man pleaded guilty Monday to statutory burglary in connection with a December fire at a Dumfries townhouse.

Crime Solvers: Local man still missing

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:56:01 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford Crime Solvers is working on the case of Jason Shane Plaster, who has reportedly not made known contact with family or friends in the immediate area since July 2007.

Police blotter

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:25:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from July 7-14:

Police briefs

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:25:00 EDT

FALMOUTH — Three all-terrain vehicles were stolen from Fredericksburg Motor Sports on Kings Highway, between 4:30 p.m. July 14 and 9 a.m. the next morning, reported Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office Bill Kennedy on Tuesday.

Vigil held for Zhang

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:05:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A candlelight vigil was held Saturday for Yong Hui Zhang on Charles Street in Fredericksburg.

Locals react to BPOL tax

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:36:01 EDT

STAFFORD — A controversial new tax has one business owner saying the tariff will take a negative toll on the community.

Family awaits autopsy results of police shooting victim

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:25:00 EDT

FALMOUTH — Two sons of a man who was shot and killed by a Stafford County Sheriff’s Office deputy said the loss is both tragic and unnecessary.

Independence Day festival draws thousands

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:21:00 EDT

FREDERICKSBURG — Thousands gathered under the sun in downtown Fredericksburg to celebrate the 32nd annual Heritage Day Festival on Friday.
The July 4th event was billed as the largest to date, with hundreds of street crafters, family fun, a car show, events at nearby George Washington’s Ferry Farm and fireworks.

Police blotter

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:19:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from June 30-July 7:

UMW student struck by lightning wanted to help others

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:10:00 EDT

WOODBRIDGE — Stephanie Dawn Kirpes had a blind cat that her father said most people would have had put down. But it wasn’t in the 23-year-old’s makeup to hurt anything.

Creek fix-up

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:06:00 EDT

AQUIA — Big machinery is dredging much of the accumulated sedimentation from Aquia Creek, one of the few public waterways in Stafford County.

FRED transit seeks public comment

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:44:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Fredericksburg Regional Transit, also known as FRED, has recently proposed to adjust its routes within Stafford County.

Police briefs

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:42:01 EDT

BEREA — More than $30,000 worth of copper wire was stolen from the site of the new Lowe’s on Banks Ford Parkway between June 30 and July 1, reported Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Bill Kennedy on Monday.

Group considers closing middle schools

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:35:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A committee is examining whether Stafford County can effectively close two middle schools in an effort to save money.

Vote could result in new substation

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:34:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford residents may see a new electrical substation on Mountain View Road in the near future.

Suspects arrainged; memorial fund set for Zhang

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:28:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Jermaine Montgomery and Marcey White were arraigned Tuesday by video through Fredericksburg General District Court.

Passerby sees black SUV after jogger is attacked at UMW

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:16:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A possible witness on Hanover Street in Fredericksburg has reported seeing a mid-sized black sport-utility vehicle with a driver matching the description of the suspect around the time that a jogger was reportedly attacked at the University of Mary Washington.

Mary Washington locked down after assault report

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:13:00 EDT

University of Mary Washington officials locked down a portion of the school after a man armed with a gun tried to assault a female jogger at a running track.

Chinese-food delivery driver murdered

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:54:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A Chinese-food delivery driver missing since Thursday night following an apparent violent abduction in Fredericksburg, has been found murdered, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Washington’s home at Ferry Farm uncovered

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EDT

Archaeologists said Wednesday that they have found the long-lost remains of George Washington’s boyhood home. Further exploration of the location will replace myths with facts on the formative years of the father of our country, they said.

Locals argue against BPOL tax; it passes anyway

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:46:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The proposed business, professional, occupational license (BPOL) tax came to a public hearing before a meeting of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

BPOL tax passes

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EDT

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors passed a controversial new tax that will be placed on business owners next year.

Water levels rise as demand drops

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:57:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Residents are using less water than they did just one year ago.

Commission OKs transportation bonds

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:55:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford County is looking at a bond referendum to borrow $70 million to complete road projects as a follow up to a 2006 bond that was rejected by voters.

Stafford County water prices rising

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:48:00 EDT

STAFFORD — As the county encourages conservation, Stafford has increased the price of water throughout the county.

Police blotter

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:22:00 EDT

The following is taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from June 23-29:

Convicted killer found dead

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EDT

The man twice convicted of the 2005 murders of Locust Grove residents William Browning and Vicki Truax died early Sunday morning at Central Virginia Regional Jail.

Police fatally shoot man

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:26:01 EDT

STAFFORD — David C. Gandy, 48, of Myrtle Road in south Stafford, was fatally shot Sunday, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

Preparing for the 4th

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:01:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A citywide Independence Day celebration is expected to draw big crowds, offering an alternative to driving long distances to enjoy a fireworks display.

School Board hears worries

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:52:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Red T-shirts stood out during Tuesday night’s regular school board meeting as citizens came forward to voice their ever growing concerns over the funding of Stafford County schools.

Police briefs

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:48:00 EDT

WHITE OAK — Malicious wounding charges are being sought against Sharelle Pettas, 23, of the 1500 block of Meadow Drive as a result of a “domestic” situation at about 3:30 p.m. on Monday, reported Major David Decatur the same day.

Planning commission discusses helistops

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:47:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Planning Commission approved several zoning ordinance amendments during its regular meeting June 18.

Commission sends facility plan to the board

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:46:01 EDT

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the facility plan and how it relates to the bond issue being crafted by the county at a June 19 meeting.

Police blotter

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:28:01 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from June 16-23:

Teacher sentenced for soliciting detective

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:40:01 EDT

STAFFORD — A South Carolina schoolteacher has been sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison for soliciting sex from an undercover Dumfries police detective, according to an Associated Press report.

Drowning victim found

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:22:00 EDT

STAFFORD - Authorities have recovered the body of a man who drowned in the Rappahannock River just 25 feet from shore.

Fredericksburg bicyclist killed in Stafford

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:33:00 EDT

A wreck that killed a bicyclist in Stafford County yesterday is still under investigation, according to a published report

Katheryne Crawley Browning Alfred,

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:18:00 EDT

Katheryne Crawley Browning Alfred, 94, of Hartwood died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at her home.

Katheryne Crawley Browning Alfred,

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:18:00 EDT

Katheryne Crawley Browning Alfred, 94, of Hartwood died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at her home.

Road session may run into traffic

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:13:00 EDT

RICHMOND - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s $1 billion transportation bill won’t be the only proposal in the mix Monday as lawmakers return to take up the state’s road woes.

Three more charged with park sex activity

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:51:00 EDT

Three more men have been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into complaints of criminal sexual activity at Locust Shade Park in Triangle that has netted a total of eight arrests and 17 criminal charges, Prince William County police said Wednesday.

Local grad at W&M eyeing major-league draft in ‘09

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:17:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Head coach Jim Farr and assistant Ryan Wheeler left the College of William and Mary baseball program following the 2005 season.

Man jailed for groping

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EDT

NORTH STAFFORD — A 51-year-old man was arrested last week for inappropriately touching two women at a local food store.

Board sets ‘family’ limits

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:31:01 EDT

STAFFORD — An ordinance addressing the number of people not related by “blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship” living within a single dwelling was discussed at the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting held Tuesday.

Community says goodbye to Bahr

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:27:00 EDT

FREDERICKSBURG — Law enforcement officers from more than 70 jurisdictions came out last week to pay one last tribute to Fredericksburg police officer Todd Allen Bahr, 40, slain in the line of duty June 8.

Police blotter

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from June 9-16:

Fire Chief: We need more staff

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:40:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The county’s fire chief made his long-anticipated appearance before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday and addressed many of the allegations made toward his department in recent weeks.

UPDATE : Amber alert cancelled

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:06:00 EDT

UPDATE: An Amber Alert issued Monday for Colin Nathaniel Custer, who was abducted from his South Carolina home, was cancelled later that night, according to the Virginia Amber Alert Web site.

Official: River is not safe

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:01:00 EDT

FALMOUTH — In the wake of the June 8 drowning death of a Maryland teenager, Stafford officials said the county staff members that were monitoring the beach at the time of the drowning were not trained to save the boy’s life.

Tim Russert dies of a heart attack

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:51:00 EDT

STAFFORD — NBC “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert has died of an apparent heart attack at age 58, according to family members who spoke to the Associated Press.

Officer to be laid to rest

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:33:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A Fredericksburg policeman killed while searching for an armed suspect in Fredericksburg on Friday night will be laid to rest Thursday.

Teacher: No contract time for report cards

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex was filled to the brim Tuesday night as parents and students piled in to receive recognition and awards.

More sidewalks for county?

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:31:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford County may have a number of new sidewalks in its future following the planning commission’s regular meeting where it passed a recommendation to amend a subdivision ordinance.

Parents face sentencing

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:29:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The mother of a toddler who died in October pleaded guilty to child abuse in Stafford County Circuit Court on June 5.

Commuter future discussed at Moncure meeting

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:28:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Long-range plans for expanding HOV lanes through Spotsylvania County, and comamuter parking was discussed at a public meeting held at Anne E. Moncure Elementary School on June 4.

Police blotter

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:40:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from June 2-9

Airport’s terminal will be replaced

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:39:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Airport officials announced Tuesday that they are going to replace the terminal building that was damaged by the same May 8 tornado that devastated portions of the England Run North neighborhood.

Drowning victim found, identified

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:24:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford deputies on Monday morning recovered the body of a boy who was reported missing Sunday afternoon while swimming at Falmouth’s Old Mill Park.

STORY UPDATE: Body recovered

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:55:00 EDT

STORY UPDATE: Rescuers have recovered the body of the 17-year-old teenager who drowned in the Rappahannock River on Sunday afternoon, according to Mark Stone, spokesman with Stafford County Fire and Rescue.

Officials suspend search effort to recover missing teen

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:05:00 EDT

Stafford Fire and Rescue officials have suspended the search and recovery effort for a Maryland teenager who went missing in the Rappahannock River on Sunday afternoon.

Fredericksburg police officer shot, killed

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EDT

FREDERICKSBURG — A Fredericksburg policeman was killed while searching for an armed suspect in Fredericksburg on Friday night.

Excessive heat invades area

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:05:01 EDT

STAFFORD — With excessive hot weather in the forecast for the next week, Stafford Fire and Rescue officials say the extreme temperatures can kill.

Parents face August sentencing following toddler’s death

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:12:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The mother of a toddler who died in October pleaded guilty to child abuse in Stafford County Circuit Court on Thursday.

Tornado touched down

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:17:00 EDT

Stafford officials confirmed a tornado did touch down inside the county, after a series of severe thunderstorms roared through the region Wednesday night.

Airport terminal at risk

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:07:00 EDT

STAFFORD — As businesses along Centreport Parkway continue to pick up the pieces from last month’s damaging tornado, an official at Stafford Regional Airport said the damage is so extensive that the airport could lose its entire terminal.

As restaurant reopens, taxes an issue

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:01:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Fredericksburg officials are asking surrounding jurisdictions not to lure businesses away from the city.

Board votes on public hearing for BPOL tax

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:59:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday at the Stafford County Administration Center along Courthouse Road.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder a common syndrome, expert says

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:57:00 EDT

STAFFORD — More and more soldiers returning from war are being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an ailment that leaves families confused, torn, and for one local marine who suffered from the disorder, dead.

Police briefs

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:25:00 EDT

Several vehicle break-ins took place in both ends of the county during the late hours of May 28.

Police Blotter

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:21:00 EDT

The following was taken from calls to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office from May 26-June 2:

Bank robbed in Fredericksburg

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Three armed men robbed the Union Bank and Trust on Thursday morning in Fredericksburg, after entering the facility with weapons and ordering customers and bank employees onto the floor.

Standoff ends with use of taser

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:11:00 EDT

An unidentified armed man has apparently barricaded himself inside his car in the parking lot of the Virginia Department of Transportation offices on Deacon Road in Stafford.

Tornado watch issued

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EDT

The National Weather Service in Sterling has issued a tornado watch for Stafford County and the surrounding areas.

Find low gas prices in the area

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Search for low gas prices

Court date set for teacher accused of sexual assault

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:09:00 EDT

An October trial date has been set for the former Manassas teacher accused of sexually assaulting three underage girls at his Stafford County home.

Pastor pleads guilty

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:31:00 EDT

STAFFORD — A local pastor from Mount Hope Baptist Church in Stafford County has pleaded guilty for molesting a teenage boy in the mid-1980s.

Quantico hosts remembrance event

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:27:00 EDT

QUANTICO — A 21-gun salute and the haunting sound of Echo Taps brought tears to many eyes at Quantico National Cemetery on Monday as more than 1,500 gathered in remembrance of the sacrifice of those who have died in service to the nation

Commision says no to resident limit

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:25:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Stafford County won’t be limiting the number of unrelated people living in a single-family residence or defining the term family anytime soon, if the planning commission has a say.

Weeks following tornado, residents reassembling lives

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:21:00 EDT

BEREA — As medical personnel were removing staples from Jeff Leonard’s head last week, construction workers were stapling tarps to houses.

Board to question fire chief

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:18:00 EDT

STAFFORD — County Administrator Anthony Romanello has asked Fire Chief Rob Brown to speak before the Stafford County Board of Supervisors next month in response to concerns raised at a May 12 meeting of more than 100 county volunteer firefighters.

Museum hosts Memorial Day activities

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:16:00 EDT

QUANTICO — The parking lot of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico was packed with motorcycles bearing American flags and cars adorned with Marine Corps bumper stickers as hundreds participated in the museum’s Memorial Day activities.

Teachers, parents vent

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:00:00 EDT

STAFFORD — The Stafford County School Board met Tuesday, drawing parents and other proponents of a Spanish program at Hampton Oaks Elementary School that is in danger of being cut.

Boost to electric rate would sting

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:58:02 EDT

STAFFORD —Dominion Virginia Power is looking to get more money from its customers.

Belmont-Ferry Farm path to get under way

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:57:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Parks and recreation Director Chris Hoppe recently announced plans to implement phases three and five of the Belmont-Ferry Farms Trail, and bike and pedestrian trail that would eventually extend from Belmont all the way to Butler Road.

Community briefs

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:12:00 EDT

The Bluemont in Fredericksburg Committee is calling for volunteers and sponsors to help with its 2008 season of summer concerts.

Police briefs

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:54:00 EDT

STAFFORD — Terrell Wilson, 25, of Long Branch Way in Fredericksburg, was asleep in his car wearing only a black T-shirt on the side of U.S. 1 at about 5:30 a.m. on May 25.