‘You feel like you’re really making a difference:’ Organizers preparing for 41st Annual Benefit Oyster Roast
Annual event will benefit a Fauquier County single mother raising a daughter with cerebral palsy.
Today’s news sponsored by:
‘Kids took a stand and it was peaceful:’ Spotsylvania superintendent stands by division’s handling of student-led ICE protests
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
The levy would go from $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value to $0.985.
More news from The Free Press
Virginia General Assembly advances cannabis retail framework
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
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.
On the Agenda, Feb. 16-20
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
A Goode choice: James Monroe selects former King George assistant as new head coach
Fredericksburg Christian School alum most recently served as the defensive coordinator at Spotsylvania High School.
What congressional redistricting might mean for Fredericksburg-area residents
Much of the area would move from the 7th to the 1st congressional district.
UPDATED: Jeremiah Community receives $2.9 Million in federal assistance
U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner secured other funding, as did Rep. Eugene Vindman.
Walk out: Spotsylvania County students leave class to protest ICE
Students left class to peacefully protest immigration enforcement actions.
Struggling to keep pace with neighboring salary scales, Caroline schools request additional $3.8M
The request of a 5.8% budget increase leaves the school division seeking an additional $1.8 million in local funds.
‘Kids took a stand and it was peaceful:’ Spotsylvania superintendent stands by division’s handling of student-led ICE protests
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
The levy would go from $0.9236 per $100 of assessed value to $0.985.
Virginia General Assembly advances cannabis retail framework
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
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.
On the Agenda, Feb. 16-20
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
UPDATED: Rep. Eugene Vindman announces re-election campaign — but in 1st Congressional District
The Democrat now serves the 7th District, but that could change if political boundaries are redrawn.
Longtime Spotsylvania Commissioner of the Revenue Williams dies at 74
Williams’ tenure as commissioner began in 1996.
Caroline Historical Society seeking students from the 1969-70 school year
A community conversation will be held on May 3 at 3 p.m. at the Caroline Community Services Center, telling the story of when all county schools were integrated.
County administrator’s budget proposal leaves a $5.8M shortfall for Spotsylvania schools
Board of supervisors unanimously approved a resolution declaring the county is a Second Amendment sanctuary.
Spotsylvania School Board members question principal and central office salaries
First-year principals earn more than $19,000 per year than counterparts in Stafford County.
FCPS Superintendent Catlett introduces proposed FY2027 budget
Budget includes 7% pay increase for teachers, 15 new full-time equivalent positions.
Fredericksburg Free Press now accepting legal notices
Once relegated to print-only newspapers, legal notices can now be published by online-only news organizations in Virginia.
Caroline hires Bullock to lead parks and recreation department
Louisa County native replaces Donnell Howard, who recently retired after serving 36 years.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Harris Teeter poised to enter Stafford County
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?
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
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
Also inside: FRA names new president, rezoning submitted for Stafford restaurant, beloved ice cream shop re-opening
Biz Beat Banter: Bill Howell
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
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
Taking care of patient hearts is personal for this echocardiographer.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Hospital launches lifesaving stroke procedure
Thrombectomy can dramatically improve recovery and survival rates.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
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
Tips to navigating the holidays without stress.
News from B101.5/WFVA
LISTEN: Cultural Quilt series launches with focus on immigration
John Hennessy is kicking off Fredericksburg’s new Cultural Quilt lecture series — a free program that dives into the city’s sister cities and the powerful role different cultures have played in shaping both the community and the country.
WATCH: Hammers about to swing as Habitat launches new projects in Ladysmith
As the snow melts and warmer weather slowly returns, momentum is building at Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity.
Virginia’s 4 P.M. burning law now in effect
The Virginia Department of Forestry has announced the start of spring fire season, and Virginia’s annual 4 p.m. burning law.
Man taken into custody after string of I-95 hit-and-runs
State Police looking for more information on the Saturday morning crashes between Petersburg and Spotsylvania.
Area road work this week
For updated information, check 511Virginia.
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.