
‘Staring into the abyss’: Fredericksburg officials pledge to fund schools despite challenges
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 2, 2025
City’s appropriation plan could lead to $3 million less in operating funds, at least initially.

Stafford County supervisors take a shine to Hartwood solar farm
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 2, 2025
Board also discussed data centers, school funding, tax relief and county employee benefits.

Coming off championship, FredNats welcome fresh faces, new manager
by Devin Payne | Apr 1, 2025
Billy McMillon takes over as skipper, preaches ’emphasis on fundamentals.’
More news from The Free Press

Stafford superintendent Smith: Funding from feds, state at issue
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
Smith, who took division’s top post in December, also addressed DEI policies.

Legislative wins: Youngkin signs bills by lawmakers Cole, Durant
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
The topics of the bills with local connections ranged from campaign-finance abuse to breast cancer.

Panelists to women with political ambitions: ‘Don’t count yourself out’
by Martina Nicholson | Mar 31, 2025
Second-annual Women in Politics panel at UMW stresses importance of mentorship, resilience.

FredNats announce 2025 Opening Day roster
by FFP staff | Mar 31, 2025
Roster includes nine members of Washington’s 2024 draft class.

Pilate program: Riverside resurrects classic musical with emphasis on relationships
by Stephen Hu | Mar 29, 2025
Jesus Christ Superstar focuses on ‘journey,’ foil dynamic between Jesus and Judas.

A dot-com destination for DOGE victims? Youngkin touts new jobs site at appearance in Stafford
by Jonathan Hunley | Mar 28, 2025
The governor came to defense contractor SimVentions in Stafford County on Friday to hype virginiahasjobs.com.

VDOT inviting comment for Ladysmith Road study in Caroline County
by FFP staff | Mar 28, 2025
Take an online survey to provide feedback on existing travel conditions on Ladysmith Road between Green and Bull Church roads.

Micah Ministries to honor local leaders at annual MLK memorial service
by FFP staff | Mar 28, 2025
Shiloh Old Site to host community service on April 4 commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Stafford County supervisors take a shine to Hartwood solar farm
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 2, 2025
Board also discussed data centers, school funding, tax relief and county employee benefits.

Coming off championship, FredNats welcome fresh faces, new manager
by Devin Payne | Apr 1, 2025
Billy McMillon takes over as skipper, preaches ’emphasis on fundamentals.’

Stafford superintendent Smith: Funding from feds, state at issue
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
Smith, who took division’s top post in December, also addressed DEI policies.

Legislative wins: Youngkin signs bills by lawmakers Cole, Durant
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 1, 2025
The topics of the bills with local connections ranged from campaign-finance abuse to breast cancer.

Panelists to women with political ambitions: ‘Don’t count yourself out’
by Martina Nicholson | Mar 31, 2025
Second-annual Women in Politics panel at UMW stresses importance of mentorship, resilience.
WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Mar 28, 2025
We’ll see the warmest weekend so far this season for the Fredericksburg region.

Food for thought: Caroline must add rooftops to attract grocers, retail recruiter tells supervisors
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 27, 2025
County hired Retail Strategies to conduct studies on the community’s readiness to support another grocery store.

Fit to be tied: Motion to require special use permit for data centers fails by deadlocked vote in Spotsylvania
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 26, 2025
Three supervisors voted to require a special use permit for data centers, while three others favored by-right development in Industrial zones. Supervisor Deborah Frazier did not attend the meeting.

Potential for ‘localized depression’ shapes budget talks in Fredericksburg
by Joey LoMonaco | Mar 26, 2025
City council plans to advertise an increase to real estate tax of six cents per $100 of assessed value.

Mitchell: Amendment to support cap puts Spotsylvania schools in a $2 million bind
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Mar 25, 2025
Superintendent concerned that change to state-supported positions from what lawmakers passed will prove costly to the school division.

GWRC establishes new committee for focus on rural transportation
by Kathy Knotts | Mar 25, 2025
Caroline and King George counties to receive increased attention for planning projects starting later this year.

B101.5 and Centennial Broadcasting announce $100,000 donation to local charities
by FFP staff | Mar 25, 2025
Four local charities will receive $25,000 apiece as part of company’s ‘$100K Of Kindness’ initiative.

Where memory falters, program at Gari Melchers pictures new connections
by Martina Nicholson | Mar 24, 2025
Local museum’s ‘Picturing New Connections” program serves those with degenerative memory loss diseases through art and community.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat

Biz Beat Roundup: Buc-ee’s seeking rezoning for Stafford project
by Bill Freehling | Apr 2, 2025
Also inside: Expanded NICU opens at Mary Washington Hospital; another data center in the works in Stafford; new stores under way for popular chains.

Biz Beat Banter: Kevin Breen
by Bill Freehling | Apr 1, 2025
We covered a range of topics during our 30-minute conversation, including: Kevin’s childhood in Ireland, how his fleet feet took him to America, and how he has built one of the leading local real estate brokerage firms.

Biz Beat Clips: Gibson’s Soft Serve transforms former gas station
by Bill Freehling | Mar 31, 2025
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video focuses on Gibson’s Soft Serve in Bowling Green, which is serving up frozen treats from a former Texaco station.

Biz Beat Roundup: Popular restaurant chain opening locally in April
by Bill Freehling | Mar 26, 2025
Also inside: Businesses open in Downtown Fredericksburg; Assisted-living facility under construction near hospital; $2.6 million sale at Lake Anna

Biz Beat Banter podcast going weekly
by Bill Freehling | Mar 25, 2025
Starting April 1, our Biz Beat Banter podcast will be published weekly on Tuesdays.
Sponsored Content

SPONSORED CONTENT: The benefits of robotic surgery
by Avinash Narayana | Mar 18, 2025
A Mary Washington Healthcare surgeon offers perspective on the benefits and applications of robotic surgery.
News from B101.5/WFVA

LISTEN: CRRL-Con is back!
by Ted Schubel | Apr 2, 2025
Sarah Smethurst and Craig Graziano with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library preview the 11th annual CRRL-Con on April 12, 12-4 at the Howell branch library.

LISTEN: Change this year for UMW’s Mary Wash Day
by Ted Schubel | Apr 1, 2025
UMW’s Shelby Orlando says the fundraiser is from noon April 2 to noon April 3rd.

PHOTOS: RAAI annual spring plant sale begins Thursday at 750 Kings Highway
by Ted Schubel | Mar 31, 2025
Vegetables, herbs, flowers and some fruits.

WATCH: Bridge the Gap–Regional Criminal Justice Academy raising money for facility improvements
by Ted Schubel | Mar 31, 2025
The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy provides training for area law enforcement.

Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Mar 31, 2025
Updated information on work zones and lane closures is available on 511Virginia.
News from around Virginia



Free Guided Woodland Hikes

Conducted on the last Sunday of the month by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative hikes cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont’s past. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Sturdy footwear is advised; no pets, please.
Year-round program

Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids

Save the dates and join us to experience Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance and music! We will play and sing and have fun as we learn! Each class will include songs, moves and rhythm!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
(May 4th we will have a special program with visiting artists from Puerto Rico in downtown Fredericksburg)
Time: 1:30pm to 2:15pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 per additional child per class
Or get all four classes for $32 for the first child, $24 each additional child
Ages: Up to 10 years old. 4 years old and younger need to be joined by a guardian
Don’t forget to invite your friends!
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: [email protected], or text/call us at 540-693-0024.
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok

Puerto Rican Bomba Dance Classes

Save the dates and join us to learn the fundamentals of Puerto Rican bomba dance! Have fun and sweat while you learn bomba rhythms, basic steps, piquetes, regional characteristics and history. Each class will include new moves and techniques as we learn multiple rhythms. All ages welcome!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th and June 1st
(May 4th we will have a special guest artist from Puerto Rico for events in downtown Fredericksburg)
1:30pm to 3:00pm – Dance Basic 1 – Introductory: includes paseo, sicá & cuembé. Past experience not required
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
All ages welcome
Cost: $20 per class/per person
Or get all four classes for $68 per person
Virtual option available via zoom.
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
Skirts are not required. If in person, we can provide you with one during the class. You are welcome to bring your own long, full circle skirt.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: [email protected] and don’t forget to invite your friends!
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.