Author: Kelly Sienkowski

I'm the Fredericksburg Regional Editor, covering Stafford and Fredericksburg. If you have tips, story ideas, or news, send me an email!

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Celebrates Motts Run Reservoir’s 50 Years

By Kelly Sienkowski
Motts Run Reservoir

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Motts Run Reservoir, which was established in 1974. The reservoir itself spans 160 acres, and is within a total of 860 acres of land. The reservoir was initially created to ensure a reliable water supply for the region. Over the years, it has become an important area for wildlife, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Callie Brown, Superintendent of Recreation for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, stated, “Motts has gone from being one of Fredericksburg’s hidden gems to being a family favorite park over the past 50 years.” She highlighted the reservoir’s diverse offerings, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing, noting its role as a community asset.

Go to Fredericksburg Celebrates Motts Run Reservoir’s 50 Years Read more
News

First Week Fiasco: Stafford Schools’ Transportation Problems Continue, System Fails Thousands of Students

By Kelly Sienkowski
Photo: Stafford County Public Schools

Stafford County Schools is still working to resolve a transportation crisis.

On Monday, the first school day for kindergarten, 6th, and 9th-grade students, parents learned that some 3,000 children would not have bus transportation to school. All Stafford County students were scheduled to return to classes the following day, and the problems continued, with about 1,000 students still without a bus to carry them to school.

Go to First Week Fiasco: Stafford Schools’ Transportation Problems Continue, System Fails Thousands of Students Read more
Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Flags Lowered to Honor Former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies

By Kelly Sienkowski
Mayor Lawrence A. Davies

The City of Fredericksburg is mourning the death of former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies, who served as Mayor for 20 years. Davies, Fredericksburg’s first African American elected official, served as a Councilmember starting in 1966 and as Mayor from 1976 to 1996. Davies passed on Sunday, Aug. 11 at the age of 94.

The city has lowered flags to half-mast to mark Davies’ passing.

Go to Fredericksburg City Flags Lowered to Honor Former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies Read more
News

Mary Washington Healthcare Expands Midwifery Services Amid Local Women’s Health Office Closures

By Kelly Sienkowski
Mary Washington Healthcare's Midwives (Photo | Mary Washington Healthcare)

Mary Washington Healthcare has launched a new midwifery program, the largest of its kind in the region. The program offers both inpatient and outpatient care, supported by a team of seven certified nurse midwives.

Expecting mothers can receive prenatal care at two locations in Stafford and Spotsylvania, with deliveries at Stafford Hospital. The program aims to provide personalized, low-intervention care from prenatal visits through postpartum support.  Patients will have access to prenatal education, labor and delivery support, lactation services, and postpartum care.

Go to Mary Washington Healthcare Expands Midwifery Services Amid Local Women’s Health Office Closures Read more
News

Fredericksburg Motor Sports Sign Damaged in Accident on Kings Highway

By Kelly Sienkowski

Drivers on Kings Highway may wonder what happened to the long-standing sign for Fredericksburg Motor Sports.

On Aug. 9, a male driver in a pick-up truck attempted to turn right into the entrance between Sheetz and Burger King. Stafford County Sheriff’s office said the vehicle was traveling too fast, and struck the sign. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. Both fire and police responded to the scene within minutes.

Go to Fredericksburg Motor Sports Sign Damaged in Accident on Kings Highway Read more
Business

New Winery to Open at 225-Year-Old Willow Oak Farm and Vineyard

By Kelly Sienkowski

A 225-year-old family-run farm in Spotsylvania will open a winery. 

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you. Thank you.

Go to New Winery to Open at 225-Year-Old Willow Oak Farm and Vineyard Read more
News

Fredericksburg City Continues to Follow Storm, Tornado Watch in Effect

By Kelly Sienkowski

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.

Go to Fredericksburg City Continues to Follow Storm, Tornado Watch in Effect Read more
Fredericksburg

Penzance Eyes 83.5 Acres Near I-95 for Fredericksburg Data Center

By Kelly Sienkowski

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.

Go to Penzance Eyes 83.5 Acres Near I-95 for Fredericksburg Data Center Read more
Fredericksburg

Governor Youngkin Announces Historic Virginia Lottery Profits

By Kelly Sienkowski
Shevan Collier of Stafford County won in May 2024 (Photo: VA Lottery)

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.

Go to Governor Youngkin Announces Historic Virginia Lottery Profits Read more
News

Stafford Shelter Hosts Sixth Annual Clear the Shelter Adoption Event

By Kelly Sienkowski
Dasher, a male husky

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.”

Go to Stafford Shelter Hosts Sixth Annual Clear the Shelter Adoption Event Read more
View More Stories