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.

A summer day at Pinkadilly Tea

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:25:00 EDT

There’s a new and very different activity available for little girls (and little boys) and for big girls (and big boys) and for grown-ups, too. It’s just the thing to break up a summer that might be getting boring.

BLANKENSHIP: What happens in summer stays here

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:23:00 EDT

In the good old summertime, fond memories are made to last and last. They have for me.

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.

DMHMRSAS wants to shorten its name

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:22:00 EDT

So after more than 20 years, the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services wants a snappier autograph, and it’s seeking public input on four choices.

McCain camp attacks media over Obama trip

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:31:00 EDT

Openly frustrated at the heavy news coverage of Barack Obama’s trip to the Middle East, the John McCain campaign is responding with a public relations offensive, including a new web video that accuses television news reporters of being “in the tank” for Obama.

Secrets at Tech stay hidden

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:48:00 EDT

Some of the deepest secrets about Seung-Hui Cho’s killing rampage at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, may never be made public.

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.

CALLANDER: Democrat supervisors firm on BPOL

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EDT

One thing you can say about the new Democratic-controlled Stafford County Board of Supervisors: They faced a raging line of fire recently with dignity and resolve.

KERR: Recalling my great-grandfather’s Model-T

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EDT

My grandmother used to show me a photo of her father, my great-grandfather, taken sometime around 1910. He would have been in his forties, he stood about my height, and because I was much younger the last time I saw this picture, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of his severely receding hairline.

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.

Slain teacher’s story to air on ‘Primetime’

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:59:00 EDT

ABC’s “Primetime Crime” will air the mysterious story of slain kindergarten teacher Justine Swartz Abshire on July 30, according an announcement from her family.

Va. agency starts blog on paying for college

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:36:00 EDT

So you’d really like to go out of state for college but can only afford in-state tuition. There’s a way, if you know about the Academic Common Market.

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.

KERR: Progress on transportation?

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:51:00 EDT

When Gov. Timothy Kaine called a special session of the legislature to discuss transportation many observers thought it was a political ploy. The Democrats want to make transportation their wedge issue for 2009 and a special session is a good way to keep it in the headlines.

BLANKENSHIP: Taking risks just a part of life

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:47:00 EDT

So my basement got wet. But I’ve got insurance, which covered...nothing. So next time I’ll merely add a flood clause, pay a little extra and sleep well. But wait.
Not so fast. Even the cheapest deal, offered via government flood insurance (and I guess nobody else) costs about $150 a year for my non-flood-prone property.

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.

Police: Abduction now considered a homicide

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:45:00 EDT

Story Update: The body recovered in Sussex County early Sunday has been ruled a homicide victim by the Medical Examiner’s office in Richmond.

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.

Police briefs

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:52:00 EDT

RICHMOND — Operation Air, Land and Speed returned to Interstates 95 and 81 and yielded eight, 160 summonses and arrests during the two-day enforcement operation which took place June 27, and ended June 28. There were no reported fatalities on either interstate during the course of the operation

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.

New laws take effect in Virginia

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:44:00 EDT

This year, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has signed into law 884 bills passed by the legislature. A few, such as the repeal of bad-driver fees, had emergency clauses and took effect as soon as Kaine signed them. The vast majority took effect Tuesday

BLANKENSHIP: July 4th’s real skyrockets: In your mail

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:39:00 EDT

If thoughts of Independence Day ring a little hollow now at the gas pump, that’s understandable. For the outrageous gasoline prices reflect our outrageous dependence on foreign oil. And it’s of our own design.

CALLANDER: Mother Nature’s acts bring back memories

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:38:00 EDT

News about flooding or potential flooding along the Mississippi River in Missouri and Illinois, just as the vacation season is in full swing, reminds me of a great vacation my family and I took many years ago to that precise location.

Virginia puts foot down on counterfeit products

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EDT

ALEXANDRIA — Virginia consumers and businesses have new safeguards against counterfeit and unsafe products due to successful legislation that will allow persons caught selling the merchandise with a felony. Attorney General, Bob McDonnell, highlighted these new consumer and business protection measures, which took effect July 1.

Police arrest second city man from 2004 robbery

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EDT

CULPEPER — Police have arrested a second Fredericksburg man in connection with the 2004 robbery of a Culpeper restaurant.

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:

Stafford man pleads not guilty in PW court

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:38:00 EDT

WOODBRIDGE — A Stafford man pleaded not guilty in Prince William Circuit Court Tuesday morning to charges stemming from a November car accident in the Manassas area.

Blood-donor pool bigger, younger

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:35:01 EDT

Virginia is turning to teens to help increase the blood supply as restrictions on who can donate shrink the pool of eligible adults.

Professor sues Va. Lottery for $85 million

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:06:00 EDT

A Washington and Lee University professor has carried out his threat to challenge the Virginia Lottery. Business professor Scott Hoover is claiming in a lawsuit that millions of dollars worth of scratch-off tickets were sold even though the top prizes had already been won.

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.

Protest of power plant leads to 12 arrests

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:42:00 EDT

RICHMOND — On the day Dominion Virginia Power began construction of a coal-fired power plant in Southwest Virginia, 12 people were arrested in Richmond for protesting the plant.

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.

Power plant closer to reality

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EDT

WISE – The Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center will move swiftly toward construction, officials said Wednesday after the state Air Pollution Control Board approved permits for the 585-megawatt, coal-fired power plant.

Transportation plan defeated

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:17:00 EDT

Waiting for Virginia lawmakers to kill new taxes for roads is like watching a car crash in slow motion.

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.

KERR: Is the Senate race already over?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:40:00 EDT

This year’s U.S. Senate race in Virginia is the first time that Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore, both former governors, have ever faced each other on the ballot.

CALLANDER: Folk nostalgia for UMW’s Centennial

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:37:00 EDT

Once in a while in Fredericksburg we have an opportunity to see a world-class performing act. The Kingston Trio, that famous folk group, performed in April at the University of Mary Washington, and it was such a fabulous performance that two months later my foot is still tapping and I’m still listening to the CD and watching the DVD that I purchased that evening.

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:

Power prices up?

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:41:00 EDT

A stinging 18.3 percent, $1.3 billion-a-year increase in electric bills proposed by Dominion Virginia Power probably won’t get the utility and its customers caught up with soaring fuel prices.

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.

Report: Murder in Virginia on the rise

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:19:01 EDT

WOODBRIDGE — Violent crime throughout the state experienced a 2.6 percent decrease last year while reported property crimes dropped less than 1 percent, according to the 2007 Crime in Virginia report released June 20.

Colonial Forge graduate had breakout season at William and Mary

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:38:00 EDT

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

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.

KERR: ‘Squirrel Nutkin’ deserves a chance

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:19:00 EDT

The American Gray Squirrel, is, as anyone who reads this column knows, is my favorite of the woodland animals that live with us in the suburbs.

BLANKENSHIP: Suffering from a bad case of the blues

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:17:00 EDT

Maybe it’s because local politics has become so dysfunctional, with our county board of supervisors now dominated by those hock-tooey Democrats.

Gilmore says drilling in U.S. is best solution

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:05:00 EDT

U.S. Senate hopeful Jim Gilmore supports lifting the federal ban on offshore drilling, aligning himself with Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Obama, McCain, stay close rivals in Virginia

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:36:00 EDT

RICHMOND — Sen. Barack Obama has gained ground in Virginia and is virtually tied with Sen. John McCain in an early indication of how competitive the state is shaping up to be this fall

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.

Tech on lockdown prior to shootings, lawyers say

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:27:00 EDT

RICHMOND - Some Virginia Tech officials put their buildings on lockdown minutes before Seung Hui Cho locked the exits to Norris Hall and gunned down 30 students and staff on April 16, 2007.

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.