Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors vote to require SUP for data centers; set advertised tax rate
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 25, 2026
The 4-3 vote could have potential effects on future developments.
Stafford County School Board approves $529.3 million budget for the next fiscal year
by FFP staff | Feb 25, 2026
The Board of Supervisors will now examine the spending plan before deciding how much local money to devote to education.
Executive decision: Mitchell ‘baffled’ by Spotsylvania School Board members’ attempt to shelve director position
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 24, 2026
Board voted 3-2 to continue advertising the executive director of middle schools position.
More news from The Free Press
Here’s a look at legislation from local lawmakers at the General Assembly’s midpoint
by Jonathan Hunley | Feb 24, 2026
These are the bills from Fredericksburg-area representatives that are most likely to become law.
On the Agenda, Feb. 23-27
by FFP staff | Feb 23, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
Winter weather-related closings, delays and cancellations: Monday, Feb. 23
by FFP staff | Feb 22, 2026
Weather conditions impacting Monday morning travel.
Black Fredericksburg Radio gives area’s African-American community a home on the airwaves
by Rick Horner | Feb 22, 2026
Under founder Twana James, BLKFXBG has become the region’s go-to radio station for the Black community.
Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors protest timing of redistricting referendum
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 20, 2026
Board voted 6-0 to adopt a resolution declaring it will not allow county facilities or resources to be used to conduct voting on the referendum unless a court orders it to do so.
Rep. Eugene Vindman announces launch of Federal Workforce Caucus
by FFP staff | Feb 20, 2026
The group also includes Virginia’s U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
Stafford reschedules public meeting on Dominion Energy transmission-line project
by FFP staff | Feb 20, 2026
The meeting will be Thursday, March 5, at Colonial Forge High School.
UMW alumna receives Fulbright award to teach in Northern Ireland
by FFP staff | Feb 20, 2026
She will teach and develop a professional writing archive at Queen’s University in Belfast.
Stafford County School Board approves $529.3 million budget for the next fiscal year
by FFP staff | Feb 25, 2026
The Board of Supervisors will now examine the spending plan before deciding how much local money to devote to education.
Executive decision: Mitchell ‘baffled’ by Spotsylvania School Board members’ attempt to shelve director position
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 24, 2026
Board voted 3-2 to continue advertising the executive director of middle schools position.
Here’s a look at legislation from local lawmakers at the General Assembly’s midpoint
by Jonathan Hunley | Feb 24, 2026
These are the bills from Fredericksburg-area representatives that are most likely to become law.
On the Agenda, Feb. 23-27
by FFP staff | Feb 23, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
Winter weather-related closings, delays and cancellations: Monday, Feb. 23
by FFP staff | Feb 22, 2026
Weather conditions impacting Monday morning travel.
FCPS Superintendent Catlett named Region III Superintendent of the Year
by FFP staff | Feb 20, 2026
Catlett will now compete with other division winners for the 2027 Virginia Superintendent of the Year Award.
King George Board of Supervisors approves 300-acre data center campus
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 19, 2026
Supervisors also unanimously approved the Powhatan Road Solar Farm project.
Legislature considers shifting power line costs from residents to data centers
by Virginia Mercury | Feb 19, 2026
Proposed measures could shift costs away from consumers to the data center industry.
‘You feel like you’re really making a difference:’ Organizers preparing for 41st Annual Benefit Oyster Roast
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 18, 2026
Annual event will benefit a Fauquier County single mother raising a daughter with cerebral palsy.
‘Kids took a stand and it was peaceful:’ Spotsylvania superintendent stands by division’s handling of student-led ICE protests
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 18, 2026
Clint Mitchell said a policy on handling protests will be developed and put in place for the 2026-27 school year.
Stafford County Administrator’s proposed budget would increase real-estate tax rate by 6 cents
by Jonathan Hunley | Feb 17, 2026
The levy would go from $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value to $0.985.
Virginia General Assembly advances cannabis retail framework
by Virginia Mercury | Feb 17, 2026
If legislation is signed into law, retail sales of cannabis could begin as early as November.
Lovings’ ‘quiet determination’ honored as Caroline Courthouse added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Feb 16, 2026
The couple and their descendants were feted during a ceremony Saturday at the historic Caroline Courthouse building, followed by a reception at the Bowling Green Town Hall.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Harris Teeter poised to enter Stafford County
by Bill Freehling | Feb 18, 2026
Also inside: Local private school planning new campus, permit approved for Princess Anne Street project, radio station sale draws near
Biz Beat Banter: Fredericksburg medical school?
by Bill Freehling | Feb 16, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with University of Mary Washington President Troy Paino and Mary Washington Healthcare President and CEO Chris Newman to discuss the possibility of a Fredericksburg medical school.
Biz Beat Clips: Silly Goose Imagination Village
by Bill Freehling | Feb 16, 2026
This week on Biz Beat Clips we take you Silly Goose Imagination Village in North Stafford, “a place where kids get lost in their imaginations.”
Biz Beat Roundup: Residential development proposed off Plank Road
by Bill Freehling | Feb 11, 2026
Also inside: FRA names new president, rezoning submitted for Stafford restaurant, beloved ice cream shop re-opening
Biz Beat Banter: Bill Howell
by Bill Freehling | Feb 10, 2026
This week, Bill sits down with longtime Virginia Speaker of the House and Stafford County resident Bill Howell on how he got into politics, his time in office and how things have changed since he left governance.
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: CareerPath Accelerator: Powering the future of local work in the Rappahannock region
by Sponsored Content | Feb 10, 2026
Rappahannock Goodwill Industries is actively integrating artificial intelligence career training into its workforce development services to prepare job seekers for an evolving market.
SPONSORED CONTENT: A love note to the community for Heart Month
by Sponsored Content | Jan 30, 2026
Taking care of patient hearts is personal for this echocardiographer.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Hospital launches lifesaving stroke procedure
by FFP staff | Dec 31, 2025
Thrombectomy can dramatically improve recovery and survival rates.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
by Sponsored Content | Dec 15, 2025
In April 2026, Goodwill will launch the CareerPath Accelerator, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge gaps between job seekers, training providers, and employers.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Finding calm and staying healthy during the holiday season
by Sponsored Content | Dec 1, 2025
Tips to navigating the holidays without stress.
News from B101.5/WFVA
LISTEN: Step into the spotlight–Ren Faire auditions set for March 7 and 21
by Ted Schubel | Feb 25, 2026
Auditions are coming up for the Virginia Renaissance Faire, and no experience is necessary.
LISTEN: Canceled January drives create urgent need for blood donations
by Ted Schubel | Feb 24, 2026
The American Red Cross says this winter’s storms and bitter cold have taken a toll on blood donations.
WATCH: Spring takes root at Rappahannock Adult Activities
by Ted Schubel | Feb 23, 2026
Inside the greenhouse at Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc. on Kings Highway, in Stafford, seeds are going into soil as participants prepare for the annual Spring Plant Sale.
Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Feb 23, 2026
For updated information, check 511Virginia.
PHOTOS: Cold water, warm hearts at Lake Land’Or
by Ted Schubel | Feb 22, 2026
The Ladysmith Ruritan Club made a big splash at its annual Polar Bear Plunge at Lake Land’Or — raising more than $36,000 for local causes on Saturday.
News from around Virginia
Fall Safety for Seniors

The Fall Safety Class is an 8 week course that will meet Fridays 10am-11am, starting January 9th, 2026. During these 8 weeks, our trained instructors will share the Kupuna Method to help seniors improve balance, reduce instances of falls, and reduce the impact of falls.
Art exhibit seeks work by adults with mental illness

Deadline for Entries: March 1
Exhibition Dates: May 1-31
Fredericksburg, Virginia – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) invites adults with mental health challenges to submit artwork for the annual Art of Recovery exhibit, a community art show celebrating creativity, resilience and healing.
The exhibit will be on display May 1-31 at the headquarters of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Fredericksburg. Artwork will be for sale at an opening reception on May 1 but will be displayed throughout the month. Details about the reception and the sale—which will accept only cash as payment—will be announced closer to the exhibit’s opening.
Art of Recovery highlights original works created by individuals with mental illness—offering an opportunity to share their voices and connect with the community. The exhibit also aims to challenge stigma and encourage conversations about mental health and recovery.
RACSB is accepting original, two-dimensional artwork, including drawings, paintings, prints, and mixed media. Artwork should be submitted by March 1.
Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form, which is available at //rappahannockareacsb.org/art-of-recovery.
For details or to submit artwork, contact Anna Loftis at 540-373-7737 or dl_artofrecovery@rappahannockareacsb.org.
CYT Fredericksburg- High School Musical

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.
It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.

















