Brittany Flowers has heard foster care horror stories. Now she works to make fairy-tale endings.
Foster parenting is a family endeavor for Flowers, a family systems coordinator with nonprofit UMFS Fredericksburg.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Press Rewind, May 5-10
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by the staff.
PHOTOS: University of Mary Washington 2025 Commencement
Sights and scenes from UMW’s 114th commencement ceremony, held on Saturday.
More news from The Free Press
Aquia District voters will have choice of three candidates for supervisor in November
Supervisor Monica Gary, an independent, will face Democrat Maya Guy and Republican Hank Scharpenberg.
Kids theater group is a golden ticket to the performing arts
Extended production of Willy Wonka begins June 6 in King George.
Population growth is ‘driver’ of Stafford Courthouse road improvement project
Construction on the $30 million effort will begin later this month.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
Look for occasional
Stafford supervisors vote to spend nearly $9 million on school projects
They agreed to budget $3 million to buy a warehouse, $3.1 million to purchase Chromebooks and $2.5 million to buy land for a new Drew Middle School.
King George Board of Supervisors facing more legal challenges
The Hopyard Farm Homeowners Association is seeking a declaratory judgment against the county; the Local IAAF 4438 is exploring legal action, as well.
Spotsy school board chair issues ‘first warning’ about decorum during public comment
Email from board chair Megan Jackson noted that the body will follow policy that allows law enforcement to remove speakers from building.
Students from 22 Stafford schools participate in ‘Get Rid of Litter Recycled Art Contest’
The competition was held by the Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board and the Stafford school division at Colonial Forge High School last month.
Press Rewind, May 5-10
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by the staff.
PHOTOS: University of Mary Washington 2025 Commencement
Sights and scenes from UMW’s 114th commencement ceremony, held on Saturday.
Aquia District voters will have choice of three candidates for supervisor in November
Supervisor Monica Gary, an independent, will face Democrat Maya Guy and Republican Hank Scharpenberg.
Kids theater group is a golden ticket to the performing arts
Extended production of Willy Wonka begins June 6 in King George.
Population growth is ‘driver’ of Stafford Courthouse road improvement project
Construction on the $30 million effort will begin later this month.
Vandalism damages several headstones at city cemetery
Investigation underway into incident, which resulted in an estimated $20,000 damage.
Concerned leaders ‘sound the alarm’ on youth violence during community forum
Recent spate of gun violence spurs community leaders to identify problems, seek solutions.
Stafford to hold public meeting on Route 1 and Courthouse Road intersection improvement project
The work will widen Route 1 and provide improvements to the road and at its intersections with Courthouse Road and Bells Hill Road/Hope Road.
Introducing “The Tribe” podcast
New podcast from the Fredericksburg Free Press probes claims made against Patawomeck Tribe by local historians.
Spotsylvania man charged with murder in shooting death of teen
Tyler Butler, 27, is being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.
Amazon taking fight with King George supervisors to court
The company filed a petition requesting a King George Circuit Court judge review a decision by the county’s board of zoning appeals at its March 25 meeting.
Fredericksburg school officials hope Student Success Academy eliminates ‘hostile learning environment’
Board heard Monday that all four city schools would be ‘off track’ under new state performance standards.
Search warrant: Spotsylvania teens were fleeing after prank when shots fired; resident could face murder charge
Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible murder charge for resident who killed teen early Saturday morning.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Popular downtown restaurant to close
Also inside: Solar facility proposed in Stafford, ‘Lance’ back on display downtown, land being cleared at mall.
Biz Beat Banter: Adrian Silversmith
In this week’s Biz Beat Banter podcast episode, Sprelly co-founder Adrian Silversmith talks about the Fredericksburg company’s origins, what he likes about being an entrepreneur and more.
Biz Beat Clips: River Rock Outfitter’s Central Park store
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video takes you to the new Central Park location for River Rock Outfitter — the business’ second store and its first outside Downtown Fredericksburg.
Biz Beat Roundup: Rappahannock United Way to cease local operations after 85 years
Also inside: Another expansion for major local employer, Chamber honors local businesses and entrepreneurs, Embrey Mill Town Center attracts new businesses.
Biz Beat Banter: Ryan DeWeese
In this week’s Biz Beat Banter podcast episode, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center CEO Ryan DeWeese talks about his career in healthcare, the healthcare needs of the local community and more.
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: Joe and Mary Wilson NICU provides hope, healing and expert care for newborns
New unit at Mary Washington Hospital opened in March, serving newborns and their families.
SPONSORED CONTENT: The benefits of robotic surgery
A Mary Washington Healthcare surgeon offers perspective on the benefits and applications of robotic surgery.
News from B101.5/WFVA
PHOTOS: New fire station opens in Sparta
Caroline County officials gather Saturday morning in Caroline.
PHOTOS: Stamp Out Hunger collects 15,000 meals
Mail carriers collected food around the region on Saturday.
Food Bank distribution this week
The Food Bank says you’re welcome to come by for food assistance once a week, whether you choose a Drive-Thru, Walk-Up, or Fresh Market distribution.
LISTEN: Spotsylvania woman continues to advance in Favorite Chef competition
But to keep moving ahead Lori Williams will need to win the next round of voting that ends this Sunday at 10pm.
LISTEN: Virginia Renaissance Faire returns to Lake Anna Winery this weekend
Cornelia Rutherford previews the Faire that runs weekends thru June 8th.
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.