News

Early this morning, deputies responded to a shooting in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive, about four miles from Riverbend High School, finding a man and woman with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect shot the victims during an argument outside their home, ran over the female victim with his vehicle, and later turned himself in, police said. Both victims are in stable condition at a trauma center.

Deputies responded to a reported shooting this morning shortly after 1:00am in the 11200 block of Ashby Drive. Deputies arrived to find an adult male and female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries, but are listed in stable condition. Witnesses advised that an acquaintance arrived at the home where several people were and was asked to leave. The subject refused to leave and an argument ensued outside the home in the front yard where he brandished a gun and shot the two adult victims multiple times. The suspect then left the property and while doing so, ran over the female victim with his vehicle. The suspect later turned himself into authorities. Joseph Alfonza Jackson, age 43 of Spotsylvania was arrested by Detectives for malicious wounding (3 counts). Jackson was incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.


Health

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has extended a swimming advisory for Lake Anna as a harmful algae bloom continues. The VDH cautioned this algae bloom is not connected to the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreak that occurred after Memorial Day.

According to the VDH, some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal illnesses. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless; however, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.


Fredericksburg

Update July 23: City Council members will attend the CSX public statement on July 24. The event is at 3 p.m. in the gravel parking lot behind VRE Lots G and H. The entrance is at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Streets.

Mayor Kerry P. Devine addressed the recent train derailment behind Fredericksburg’s Cobblestone Square apartment complex, expressing concern for the community’s safety.


News

Stafford County’s Planning Commission will hold its next meeting on July 24. On the agenda is a new telecom tower off the Interstate 95 (I-95) exit 143A ramp.

The 23-acre lot is currently not zoned. VDOT owns the vacant buffer zone between Route 1 and I-95. Nearby land is zoned B-2 (Neighborhood Business) and contains a business park and mixed commercial properties.


Breaking News

At approximately 9:00 p.m. yesterday , a CSX train derailed several rail cars near Cobblestone Dr. in Fredricksburg, VA. A garage structure adjacent to the rail line was impacted by the incident. No hazardous materials were involved and there were no reports of injuries. CSX appreciates the swift response of the Fredricksburg City first responders. The safety of response personnel and the surrounding community is our top priority as we work to recover the derailed cars and work to completely restore the area. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Updated 8 a.m. Sunday: A freight train derailed and collided with buildings at the Cobblestone Square apartment complex near the city’s train station. No one was injured.


News

As the Stafford Education Foundation (SEF) approaches the tenth anniversary of its annual fundraising golf tournament, the organization continues to enhance educational opportunities for students and educators in Stafford County Public Schools. The foundation, dedicated to providing scholarships, grants, and innovative programs, remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community. This year, sponsors are able to donate directly to the scholarship, grant, or program they would like to encourage.

Executive Director Stephanie Johnson explained SEF’s latest initiative, the Community Health and Mental Professionals (CHAMP) Center program, exemplifies their approach to education. This healthcare career pathway program for high school students was launched in collaboration with Mary Washington Healthcare and the Claude Moore Foundation. Designed to address critical gaps in mental health, biomedical science, and nursing career pathways, the CHAMP program is a direct response to a community health assessment that highlights these needs. The program will welcome its first cohort of students this fall.


Breaking News

Updated 1 p.m. Friday, July 19 — A Spotsylvania man faces multiple charges after being found passed out in a car with controlled substances in South Stafford. Despite attempts to flee and resist arrest, deputies subdued him with OC spray. They took him to the hospital for evaluation before taking him into custody at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

A Spotsylvania man collected a plethora of charges during an incident in South Stafford yesterday afternoon. On July 18th at 3:14 p.m. Deputy D.S. Jett and Deputy C.S. Harding responded to Argyle Heights subdivision for an unknown medical emergency. A resident had contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report a stranger passed out in a black Chevy Impala completely blocking the ingress and egress to her residence. The deputies observed the 46-year-old male passed out behind the wheel with suspected controlled substances next to him.


News

Route 636 (Hood Drive) in Spotsylvania County will reopen to two-way traffic on the morning of Friday, July 19. The reopening will allow southbound traffic to travel from Route 208 (Courthouse Road) to Route 1. Westbound Courthouse Road traffic can turn left onto southbound Hood Drive or make a U-turn to eastbound Courthouse Road.

Hood Drive had been limited to northbound traffic only since July 2023 for construction. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says two road improvement projects are nearly complete, with full completion expected by August 2024. The projects involved adding new turn lanes, a raised median, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossing equipment. Hood Drive sees about 11,000 vehicles daily.


Health

Mary Washington Hospital has been named a High Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 11 adult procedures and conditions in its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals rankings. The hospital was recognized for excellence in procedures and conditions such as COPD, diabetes, heart attack, hip replacement, lung cancer surgery, and more.

“This recognition is a testament to our physicians and staff’s unwavering commitment to patient care,” said Dr. Mike McDermott, CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare.


Fredericksburg

Paris Banh Mi Café & Bakery will be opening in the next couple weeks in Fredericksburg. The chain offers traditional Vietnamese banh mi along with croissants and assorted pastries made daily. A traditional Banh Mi is a sandwich that reflects a blend of Vietnamese and French culinary influences.

The café also features a line of specialty drinks with add-ins like Boba bubbles, flavored jelly, and fruit slices. They were unable to provide an exact opening date, but list July 2024 on their website.


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