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

New Vietnamese Sandwich and Coffee Shop Opening Soon in Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski
Photo: Ann Weed

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.

Go to New Vietnamese Sandwich and Coffee Shop Opening Soon in Fredericksburg Read more
News

Police Seize Cash, Cocaine, and Weapons in Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski
Tai'eric Lewis

An investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Fredericksburg Police Department, Virginia State Police, Spotsylvania Narcotic Crimes and the FBI, resulted in the arrest of Tai’eric Lewis on multiple charges. The operation led to the seizure of half a kilo of cocaine, $17,000 in cash, three pounds of marijuana, and a stolen firearm. Lewis has been charged with several offenses, including drug distribution and child endangerment.

Fredericksburg Police Department:

Go to Police Seize Cash, Cocaine, and Weapons in Fredericksburg Read more
Health

Elite Women’s Health Providers Join Mary Washington Healthcare

By Kelly Sienkowski

Mary Washington Healthcare has announced that providers from Elite Women’s Health will join its healthcare system.

Dr. Leedylyn Stadulis, Courtney Miller, Lauren Backy, Julie Flanagan, and Megan Pham will join Mary Washington Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) at a new Fredericksburg office located at 4710 Spotsylvania Parkway.  Dr. Brittany Bowler will see patients at Mary Washington OBGYN at 1300 Hospital Drive.

Go to Elite Women’s Health Providers Join Mary Washington Healthcare Read more
News

Stafford County Ranks Third in National Digital Counties Survey

By Kelly Sienkowski

Stafford County announced its third-place finish in the 2024 Digital Counties Survey for the 150,000-249,999 population category; Arlington won first place. Stafford and Arlington were the only Virginia counties in the top ten. The survey, developed by the National Association of Counties and conducted by the Center for Digital Government, recognizes counties that use technology for efficient and responsive government services.

“We are enhancing our services for residents by leveraging technology to improve government,” stated Craig Meadows, Interim Stafford County Administrator. “I take pride in the achievements of Stafford’s Information Services team and the benefits that come with it for our citizens.”

Go to Stafford County Ranks Third in National Digital Counties Survey Read more
Business

Fredericksburg Sauce Maker Always Flavored to be Sold in Food Lion Stores

By Kelly Sienkowski

Always Flavored, which just relocated its restaurant to the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, will now have its custom sauces available in Food Lion stores.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Fredericksburg Sauce Maker Always Flavored to be Sold in Food Lion Stores Read more
News

Construction Begins July 22 for Roundabout at Stafford’s Banks Ford Parkway

By Kelly Sienkowski
The intersection of Banks Ford and Celebrate Virginia Parkways.

Construction to install a modular roundabout at the intersection of Banks Ford and Celebrate Virginia parkways in Stafford County will begin Monday, July 22. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will start with paving, followed by assembling and installing modular roundabout pieces made from 136,090 pounds of recycled plastic. Starting Aug. 5, the intersection will temporarily become a four-way stop for about two weeks. The project aims to enhance safety and reduce vehicle collisions. The $700,000 project, funded by Stafford County, is expected to be completed by late Aug. 2024.

VDOT: Construction to install a modular roundabout at the intersection of Route 1969 (Banks Ford Parkway) and Route 1968 (Celebrate Virginia Parkway) in Stafford County will begin on Monday, July 22.

Go to Construction Begins July 22 for Roundabout at Stafford’s Banks Ford Parkway Read more
News

Rainstorms in a Drought Interrupt Fredericksburg Nationals

By Kelly Sienkowski
A rainbow over the stadium on July 11, 2024 (Photo: Instagram @fxbgnats)

The Fredericksburg Nationals (Fred Nats) have postponed their second game in a row due to two days of rain. Between 0.3 and 0.9 inches of rain fell over the last 72 hours, as reported by the National Weather Service, leading to soggy conditions on the field.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Fredericksburg has seen 12.6 inches of rain in just over two months. May brought 3.96 inches, June recorded 5.73 inches, and July has already seen 2.91 inches as of July 12. USGS collects real-time data at 15-60 minute intervals.

Go to Rainstorms in a Drought Interrupt Fredericksburg Nationals Read more
News

Dunk and Donations: Stafford Schools Hosts Supply Drive

By Kelly Sienkowski
Stafford County Schools are hosting a supply drive

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) is holding a supply drive on Aug. 3, and donors will get a chance to dunk an administrator.

The drive will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Target in Stafford Marketplace (Stafford Marketplace (1090 Stafford Market Place).  SCPS Spokeswoman Sandra Osborn said the staff at Hartwood Elementary has signed up for the dunk tank.

Go to Dunk and Donations: Stafford Schools Hosts Supply Drive Read more
News

High-Flying Fugitive Falls Flat: Stafford Man’s Escape Thwarted by Deputies

By Kelly Sienkowski
Derrick Eady, 22

A wanted man in Stafford was apprehended after a foot chase that ended with his fall from a fence behind a Panda Express. Derrick Eady, 22, was caught by deputies and is now held without bond on multiple charges, including obstructing justice.

Eady was wanted for Failure to Appear, and has a number of prior charges in recent years including Trespass, Obstruction of Justice, Public Intoxication, and Possession of Drugs.

Go to High-Flying Fugitive Falls Flat: Stafford Man’s Escape Thwarted by Deputies Read more
News

VDOT to hold public meeting for changes to Route 17 and Olde Forge Drive

By Kelly Sienkowski

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host an open meeting to discuss plans for Route 17 Business and Olde Forge Drive. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the VDOT Fredericksburg District Auditorium at 86 Deacon Road. An inclement weather date is set for Aug. 13.

This project goal is to reduce congestion by improving Route 17 Business (Warrenton Road) at the intersections of Olde Forge Drive (Route 1580) and RV Parkway (Route 698).

Go to VDOT to hold public meeting for changes to Route 17 and Olde Forge Drive Read more
View More Stories