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!

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).

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Main Street Announces Downtown Movies in the Park Series

By Kelly Sienkowski
Fredericksburg's Riverfront Park

Fredericksburg Main Street has announced “Downtown Movies in the Park,” which will take place at Riverfront Park. This community event invites residents and visitors to enjoy movies under the stars with family-friendly films, themed activities, and more.

Starting at 6:30 PM, attendees can engage in activities before the movies begin at 7:00 PM. The series offers a lineup of movies and themed events to enhance the experience.

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News

Bill Ashton Appointed as Stafford’s New County Administrator

By Kelly Sienkowski
Stafford's County Administrator, Bill Ashton

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has announced Bill Ashton as the new County Administrator following a national search. Ashton has served as the Town Manager of Herndon, Virginia, since 2017, and will begin his new role on September 16, 2024, taking over from interim County Administrator Craig Meadows.

Meg Bohmke, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of the selection, saying, “The selection of a County Administrator is vital for the Board to ensure the continued delivery of effective government services and the Board’s priorities of keeping Stafford a safe community with a strong educational system while balancing our growing needs.” She highlighted Ashton’s educational background, professional experience, and accomplishments as aligning with the community’s vision.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Planning Commission to review Jeremiah Project

By Kelly Sienkowski
The proposed site of the Jeremiah Project is near Roffman Road.

Fredericksburg’s City Planning Commission will have a regular meeting on July 10. On the agenda are multiple applications from Micah Ecumenical Ministries and Mary Washington Healthcare in regards to The Jeremiah Project.

The project is a planned housing community for the city’s homeless. On the agenda is rezoning the 32- acre parcel near Roffman Road and Bakersfield Lane. A special Use Permit for institutional housing and vacation of right of way, will also be reviewed. The plan includes 189 units between an 80-unit building and 109 single or attached dwellings, in addition to three community buildings, a church, and a medical clinic. 

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Announces Summer Restaurant Week -July 26 to Aug 4

By Kelly Sienkowski

Fredericksburg’s Summer Restaurant Week returns this year from July 26 through Aug. 4, 2024. The city has held a Restaurant Week each year since 2005, eventually adding a second week. In Jan. 2024, Winter Restaurant Week had 18 participating restaurants. 

During the week, restaurants offer special menus with a set price. These prices often reflect the current year – $20.24 for an appetizer and an entree, or $10.24 for a lunch combo.

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News

UMW Recognized in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” List

By Kelly Sienkowski
University of Mary Washington [Photo: Univesity of Mary Washington Facebook page]

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) received 5 stars; William & Mary (W&M), University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA Tech) all received 4.5 stars.

Money Magazine uses a unique star rating system and includes metrics like the net price of a degree, average borrowing rates, and median earnings. It also calculates “value add” to measure a school’s actual performance against predicted outcomes, assessing how effectively a college impacts graduates’ success.

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Business

NorthPoint Development Invests $133 Million in Stafford

By Kelly Sienkowski

On June 25, Stafford County hosted a groundbreaking for NorthPoint Development’s new Austin Ridge Logistics Center.

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Business

New Dog Park Will Bring Barks and Brews to Fredericksburg

By Kelly Sienkowski

A new business combining a love for dogs and beer is coming to Fredericksburg; Barking Barley, founded by Dan Craddock and Travis Stoner, is set to be a unique dog park and taphouse. 

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Quantico

2 Months Later and Still No Response on Quantico Attack

By Kelly Sienkowski
An anonymous tipster sent Vince Compaglianese a photograph of the box truck stopped at the gates of Maine Corps Base Quantico. (Source: https://twitter.com/vincecoglianese?lang=en)

It has been over 2 months since two Jordanian nationals attempted to breach the gates of Marine Corps Base Quantico, and officials still have not released the identity of the two men arrested.

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