The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch in effect from 6:19 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9. The watch follows multiple reports of a tornado touching down in Caroline County yesterday evening.
The storm is predicted to bring significant rainfall to the area, with risks of flooding possible. The Rappahannock River last flooded downtown Fredericksburg on Jan. 10, 2024. It crested at 19.1 feet at 5:30pm, impacting Old Mill Park and encroaching trails along Fall Hill Avenue. Fredericksburg has already closed Old Mill Park in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby.
Fredericksburg: Tropical Storm Debby’s main system is moving north into Virginia from North Carolina. The current forecast track is that the main part of the storm will remain to our west, generally travelling from south to north along the Interstate 81 corridor. That said, the Fredericksburg area will see significant rainfall, with rain bands that could be heavy at times beginning mid-afternoon today, Thursday, through the overnight hours, and decreasing sometime around mid-afternoon tomorrow. This system has also spawned thunderstorm and tornado activity, so please stay alert and continue to monitor conditions in case those develop.
Here are some updates from the City of Fredericksburg, along with some tips and updates as the storm moves through Virginia:
- Old Mill Park, Alum Spring Park and the Dog Park are now closed due to wet conditions. Park staff is monitoring water levels and other parks could be closed due to high water levels or adverse conditions.
- Heavy rain to the west of Fredericksburg may lead to flood conditions for the Rappahannock River, even after the storm passes. Continue to monitor FredericksburgAlert.com or the City’s website at www.fredericksburgva.gov for the latest river conditions.
- City Staff from all departments have been preparing for Tropical Storm Debby and our Public Safety and Public Works teams are ready to respond.
- FXBGO! Transit operations are still on schedule at this time.
- City Government offices are open and will remain open as regularly scheduled.
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In July, Fredericksburg City Mayor Kerry Devine encouraged the City Council to explore the possibility of data centers in Fredericksburg, suggesting the Celebrate Virginia South area near the Fredericksburg Nationals Stadium and the Rappahannock River.
"However, it appears that the city’s first serious, server-laden suitor wishes to put down fiberoptic roots in a different location — 83.5 acres straddling the Cowan Boulevard corridor near Interstate 95. On Thursday morning, city staff from several different departments will consider a pre-application from southern Maryland-based developer Penzance to construct a data center campus on four parcels that were once under consideration for a Veteran’s Affairs clinic," reports the Fredericksburg Free Press.
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Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Virginia Lottery’s fiscal year 2024 profits exceeded $934 million, the highest in its 36-year history. All profits from the Lottery go towards supporting K-12 public education in the Commonwealth.
Since 1999, Virginia Lottery profits have generated over $12 billion for Virginia’s K-12 public schools. 10% of the Virginia K-12 education budget comes from the Lottery. The record profits in FY24 were driven by over $5.5 billion in sales, the highest ever. Tickets were purchased at over 5,300 businesses and online, and retailers earned $142 million in commissions and bonuses. Of that $5.5 billion, players received $4.2 billion in prizes, with 77 cents returned for every dollar spent. The Lottery also recorded a low administrative cost rate of 3.8%, which will be finalized after a standard audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts.
The Virginia Lottery website has unofficial reports of the amounts received by each locality in FY24. The distribution is determined by the approved state budget, and based on factors like student enrollment and prioritized programs.
Fredericksburg City Schools   $2.6 million
Stafford County Schools      $18.4 million,
Prince William County Schools  $64.7 million
Manassas City Schools   $8.8 million
Spotsylvania County Schools  $16 million.
Virginians voted for a state-operated lottery in 1987, with the use of lottery proceeds to be determined by the General Assembly. The use of the proceeds has changed over time. In 1989, Lottery proceeds were dedicated to capital-construction projects, then 1990 to 1998, they were transferred to the state’s General Fund. In 1999, a state budget amendment sent Lottery proceeds to local public-school divisions to be used solely for educational purposes.
In 2000, more than 80% of Virginia voters said yes to the creation of the State Lottery Proceeds Fund, which is now a permanent part of the state constitution directing all Lottery profits to be used solely for education purposes.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Stafford County Animal Shelter will host its sixth annual "Clear the Shelter" adoption event. This summer, the shelter has been overwhelmed by the number of pets surrendered by owners for many reasons, including increasing costs of pet care.
The shelter is legally required to take in all animals brought to them. Stafford County Sheriff’s Capt. Joseph Bice, who oversees the shelter, said, "We’re getting dogs at a rate of three to one compared to the rate of adoption." He added, “We want to provide care and a place for them to stay, but the problem is space...In 2014, we took in around 330 dogs. Last year, we took in over a thousand, and this year we’re on track to take in 1,200 to 1,400.”
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The Stafford County Sheriff's officer injured in a high-speed chase on July 23 has been identified as Captain Lee Peters, who ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in 2023.
On July 23rd, a high-speed chase involving a wanted suspect began on Kings Highway and ended at Centreport Parkway. The pursuit intensified as the suspect fled onto I-95, exited onto Courthouse Road, and then re-entered I-95 before being stopped by Deputy McAlister's PIT maneuver. Following the crash, all three suspects fled on foot. The driver, Nicholas Morales, was quickly apprehended by Deputy Vaughn and found to be intoxicated; the back passenger, Ajee Whitter, was captured by Deputy Gildea, and the front passenger, Raymond Whalen, was tracked and caught with the help of a K-9 and SWAT team. All suspects were charged with multiple offenses and are held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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The Stafford County Agricultural and Homemaking Fair will return Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 at the UMW Stafford Campus (121 University Boulevard). The fair features family-friendly activities like a children’s power wheel derby and tractor pull, a petting zoo, and carnival rides. Attendees can enjoy live music, explore a variety of vendor stalls, and experience displays from first responders. This year’s fair continues the legacy of a community-focused event that celebrates local culture, agriculture, and togetherness.
The roots of the Fair trace back to October 1922, when it was first held at Stafford High School. The inaugural event, organized by the School Board and fair officers, featured a school parade and a range of exhibits highlighting agricultural achievements, domestic arts, and educational displays. Over the years, the fair has faced interruptions, including a cancellation in 1930 due to drought and a hiatus during World War II. It was revived in 1948 at Falmouth High School, where it continued for several more years before coming to an end.Â
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Prince William County
Attempted Malicious Wounding (Domestic Related) – On August 2 at 1:04AM, officers responded to the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1500 block of Constellation Pl. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed a man, later identified as the accused, forced entry into the apartment of an acquaintance where he then brandished a knife toward a 43-year-old male occupant of the apartment. The accused broke the man’s phone before leaving the apartment. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the accused who was not located. No injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Eduin Misael FLORES GUTIERREZ. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
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Mary Washington Healthcare's Stafford Hospital has been certified by The Joint Commission (TJC) as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. The Fredericksburg hospital campus has been certified since 2009.
TJC is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards and accredits health care organizations and programs within the United States. The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital designation is awarded to facilities that meet rigorous standards for stroke care. This includes having a dedicated stroke-focused program, trained staff, and the necessary equipment to diagnose and treat strokes swiftly and effectively. This designation is particularly impactful for Stafford Hospital, as it enhances the hospital's capability to serve a growing community, ensuring that critical stroke care is quickly accessible to those who need it most.
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Stafford County
DUI crashes
The Stafford County Sheriff's office marked the end of July with several arrests for charges involving vehicles and alcohol.
On July 27, just before midnight, a 21-year-old man crashed his father's Mustang into a median near Circle K on Prosperity Lane, disabling the car. The occupants tried to move the car but left it unattended in a Lowe's parking lot. Deputy T.G. Croson found the driver, who showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking margaritas. Empty alcohol bottles were found in the vehicle, and a witness provided video showing the driver’s reckless behavior before the crash. The driver was charged with DUI and reckless driving and was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
On July 27th just before midnight, Deputy T.G. Croson responded to the Circle K, located at 34 Prosperity Lane, for a single vehicle auto accident. It was advised a Mustang struck a median, disabling the vehicle. Right after the crash, the occupants began cleaning up their mess by pushing the crippled car out of the roadway.When deputies arrived, they located the vehicle in the Lowe’s parking lot, now unattended. After a quick drive around the area, Deputy Croson located a male matching the description of the driver. When Deputy Croson made contact with the 21-year-old, he would confirm he was the driver and the vehicle was his fathers. The driver not only had signs of intoxication, but admitted to consuming margaritas earlier.During an inventory search of the vehicle, empty alcohol bottles were located. A witness came forward with video of the collision that showed the driver traveling in a reckless manner moments before impact. The driver was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
A 39-year-old Stafford man is behind bars after striking a deputy’s vehicle during his intoxicated drive On July 29th at approximately 11:07 p.m. Deputy S. Waheed was at the intersection of Garrisonville Road and Salisbury Drive when he noticed a vehicle with an equipment violation. He would conduct a traffic stop with the vehicle on the Jessica Cheney Bridge. Seconds after getting out of his vehicle, Deputy Waheed’s cruiser was struck by a black Acura MDX traveling at a high rate of speed. Luckily, there were no injuries. Deputy Waheed maintained a visual on the suspect vehicle as it fled from the scene and broadcasted its information to nearby deputies. The suspect vehicle would swerve between lanes and run the red light at Richmond Highway as it entered into Aquia Harbour. With the assistance of Aquia Harbour Police, and the evidence left at the crash site including a side view mirror, deputies quickly located the suspect vehicle. The driver was identified as Stephen Alexander. Alexander had a revoked license due to a prior DUI in 2023. He had signs of intoxication, including the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. He was detained and faced a slew of charges. Alexander was charged with second offense driving under the influence within five years, felony hit and run, failure to yield to flashing lights, driving while revoked, driving after forfeiture of his license, driving without an ignition interlock system, using a handheld device while driving, failure to obey a traffic light, failure to be in the required position and method of turning at an intersection, tire tread depth, and inspection of a motor vehicle required. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Deputies Saddle Up in Race to Catch Wandering HorsesOn July 30 at approximately 6:53 p.m. Deputy X.D. Bates responded to the ABC Store, located at 356 Garrisonville Road, for a larceny. Staff advised nearly $250 worth of drinks were just stolen by two suspects before they fled in a blue Honda Odyssey. Staff further advised these two suspects had been targeting various ABC stores throughout Virginia. With this extra information, deputies prepared in case another store was hit. Their preparation paid off, for at 7:14 p.m. Deputy S. Waheed responded to the ABC Store, located at 50 North Stafford Complex Court, for another larceny. The suspect description matched one of the suspects in the previous report and he too fled in a blue Honda Odyssey. As Deputy Waheed gathered information from the business, Deputy Bates canvassed the area for the Odyssey. He would locate the suspect vehicle in the area of Garrisonville Road and Eustace Road. With Sergeant M.L. Jacobeen and Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt now in the area as well, they activated their emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. Instead, the vehicle would make evasive maneuvers and kick off a pursuit. As the vehicle’s speeds began to climb, it nearly struck a pedestrian at Salisbury Drive. The vehicle would continue down Garrisonville Road before turning onto Northbound Richmond Highway. There, it would travel Northbound using the Southbound lanes multiple times. Under the watchful eye of First Sergeant M.R. Flick, deputies continued the pursuit into Prince William County but, due to unsafe conditions, the pursuit was terminated. Deputies instead began canvassing the area when Deputy Bates located the unoccupied vehicle on Eby Drive. With the help of a K-9 Unit, the passenger was located within the area. He would admit to stealing the alcohol in an attempt to sell it to buy fentanyl. Within the vehicle, which was discovered to be stolen out of Prince William County, deputies located the stolen alcohol and suspected controlled substances. The passenger, Adrian Barett, 21, of Woodridge, was charged with possession of controlled substances, possession of a stolen vehicle, and obstruction of justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. The driver has yet to be identified or located. That being said, the businesses he stole from got a good look at him. If you have any information, please contact the Stafford Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4450.
On July 19th at 10:05 p.m. Sergeant A.T. Leckemby herd the call from our Emergency Communications Centaur for three loose horses on Garrisonville Road near Rock Hill Church Road. He arrived in the area to find the horses we’ve affectionately named Harry Trotter, David Hasselhoof and John Bon Pony in the roadway. The horses were running in the roadway, but not furlong.
Sergeant Leckemby channeled his inner Rip Wheeler and was able to stable-ize the situation. With the help of a neigh-bor, the horses were quickly returned to the corral to end this bronco buffoonery.
On July 19, 2024, Fredericksburg Police arrested Bashir Salvador, 32, after he and an accomplice were suspected of making fraudulent purchases with stolen credit cards at Lowe's. Salvador was apprehended following a foot chase, while the second suspect escaped in a U-Haul van later found abandoned in Spotsylvania, VA. The U-Haul contained stolen credit cards and ID cards, and the suspects are linked to nineteen frauds between Florida and Virginia; the second suspect remains at large.
On July 19, 2024, Fredericksburg Police Officers were informed that two subjects were inside Lowe's, located at 1361 Carl D. Silver Parkway, making multiple high-dollar Dyson vacuum purchases with stolen credit card accounts.
Officer Bach arrived in the business's parking lot and observed one suspect fleeing in a U-Haul van while the other fled on foot. Officer Baugher and Officer Bach gave chase to the male on foot as he ran through Central Park. Officer Parker was in the area and spotted the subject as he ran across Carl D. Silver Parkway. After a lengthy foot chase, Officer Parker caught the suspect and took him into custody.
The U-Haul driver managed to evade escape, and the U-Haul would later be found abandoned in Spotsylvania, VA. A search of the U-Haul yielded a large quantity of stolen credit cards and ID cards. Detective Mejia later determined that the U-Haul was rented from Sanford, FL, under the name Salvador on July 17, 2024. The U-Haul was used by the same two suspects who committed nineteen separate frauds between Florida and Virginia.
Bashir Salvador, 32, of Far Rockaway, NY, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, credit card theft, credit card fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and larceny with the intent to distribute. The second suspect, pictured below, is still unidentified and remains at large.
Nestled in the corner of a Stafford shopping center, a new restaurant has arrived off White Oak Road: Wild Waylon’s BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its scratch-made barbecue and weekend specials.
Founded by the Murphy family—David and Molly, and David’s parents Tom and Linda—Wild Waylon’s BBQ is the culmination of a lifelong passion for cooking and a deep love for barbecue. David Murphy said he grew up smoking pork for family events alongside his father, Tom. He followed his mother’s footsteps, working in restaurants after college. In 2023, David and his mom Linda worked in the same restaurant and decided it was time to launch their own family spot. Waylon is David’s son, and the restaurant’s namesake.
