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

Historic Kenmore celebrates Betty Washington’s 291st birthday

By Kelly Sienkowski
Historic Kenmore in Fredericksburg (Photo: The George Washington Foundation)

George may have a Federal holiday, but Historic Kenmore is making sure his sister Betty has a party of her own. Betty Washington’s 291st birthday celebration will be June 22 at her Fredericksburg home Kenmore.

Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding Lewis began construction on Kenmore in 1769, and the family moved in by the fall of 1775. The Fredericksburg plantation originally covered 1,270 acres, now reduced to a single city block. Kenmore is notable for its 18th-century decorative plasterwork ceilings. After Fielding’s death in 1781, the property passed to his first-born son, John, while Betty stayed on for 14 more years. Kenmore has had eleven owners and has been owned by The George Washington Foundation since 1925. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

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News

Area schools offering children summer meals

By Kelly Sienkowski
(Photo: USDA.gov)

Stafford, Prince William, and Manassas are all participating in the Summer Food Service Program this year. The meal service is part of the Summer Food Service Program federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, or age, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.  Meals will be provided at the sites and times below:

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Manassas

Church sign damaged by unknown culprit

By Kelly Sienkowski
The damaged sign at Iglesias Bethel de Manassas.

The marquee sign at Iglesias Bethel de Manassas was destroyed overnight on June 18, 2024. No witnesses or suspects are currently known.

A tip sent to Potomac Local News suggests the Manassas Police Department responded to the scene and called it a Hit and Run. No related press releases or crime reports were listed on the Manassas Police website or Facebook page on June 19.

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News

Stafford Schools appoints Acting Superintendent, revises budget

By Kelly Sienkowski
Chris R. Fulmer has been named Acting Superintendent for Stafford County Public Schools

Following the announcement of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor’s departure from Stafford County Schools (SCPS), the School Board held a Special Called Meeting on June 18. After a closed session, the School Board voted unanimously to appoint Chris R. Fulmer as the Acting Superintendent.

On June 25, the board will meet to select a Superintendent search firm.

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Schools

Fredericksburg Schools continues to discuss cell-phone free initiative

By Kelly Sienkowski
[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]

Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) staff convened for two hours on June 18 to discuss the new cell phone policy. Forty faculty and staff members from two schools agreed that reducing cell phone usage would improve instruction but could not reach a consensus on disciplinary procedures.

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News

Dr. Taylor leaves Stafford County Schools

By Kelly Sienkowski
Dr. Thomas W. Taylor will leave Stafford County Schools to join Montgomery County this fall.

Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the departure of Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who has led SCPS since November 2021. Dr. Taylor will begin serving as Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools effective this fall. In a county-wide email, Dr. Taylor lauded accomplishments made in the schools, but also noted the county has dropped from 111 to 117 in state rankings for school funding.

During his tenure, Dr. Taylor implemented several measures aimed at improving educational outcomes, including the introduction of staffing standards and a streamlined budget focused on efficiency.  SCPS saw an over 20% increase in average staff wages, as well as advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that exceed national and state averages. Dr. Taylor also oversaw the construction of three new schools and the renovation of Edward E. Drew Middle School to accommodate the county’s growth.

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Health

E. Coli Outbreak at Lake Anna: 20 Confirmed Cases, Children Hospitalized with Severe Complications

By Kelly Sienkowski
Lake Anna State Park [Photo: Virginia Department of Conservation]

Virginia’s Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed 20 known cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections in patients who swam at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend. Deputy Director Katherine McCombs said swimming at the lake is the only known connection between the patients.

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Business

Barley Naked Wins World Beer Cup Gold, Bronze Medals

By Kelly Sienkowski

Barley Naked Brewing Company won not just one, but two medals in the 2024 World Beer Cup, held in Las Vegas in April.

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Schools

Stafford Schools Clamp Down on Cell Phones, Devices

By Kelly Sienkowski
[Photo by John Tuesday on Unsplash]

The Stafford County School Board has approved amendments to its code of behavior, which outlines the use of student communication devices on school property.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg announces 7th season of free trolley rides

By Kelly Sienkowski

The City of Fredericksburg has announced the revival of its “Around the Town” free trolley service to downtown for the upcoming summer season. Operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, the service will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from May 31 to August 31, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore downtown attractions.

The trolley will make a 20-minute loop around downtown with stops at six locations, including popular spots such as the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Haley’s Honey Meadery, Red Dragon Brewery, Harry’s Downtown, Mellow Mushroom, Castiglia’s, and Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month, extra stops will be added for art gallery openings. The free, family-friendly rides are available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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