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!

Breaking News

Train Derailment Under Investigation: Updates from CSX, Amtrak

By Kelly Sienkowski

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.

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News

Stafford Education Foundation to Host Tenth Annual Golf Tournament

By Kelly Sienkowski

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.

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Breaking News

Passed Out Man in Car Blocking Driveway Ends with Police Struggle, Charges

By Kelly Sienkowski

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.

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News

Hood Drive in Spotsylvania County Reopens to Two-Way Traffic on July 19

By Kelly Sienkowski
Hood Drive and Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania

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.

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Health

Mary Washington Hospital Recognized as High Performing by U.S. News

By Kelly Sienkowski
Mary Washington Hospital

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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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