STAFFORD, Va. – The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park.
The Star-Spangled 4th Spectacular is one of Stafford’s biggest annual traditions, featuring family-friendly activities, live music, food vendors, and a grand fireworks show to close out the night. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will begin just before 10 p.m. The event is free and typically draws hundreds of people from across the region.
To ensure public safety, the Sheriff’s Office is prohibiting the following items at the park:
- Tents in the concert area
- Sparklers or any personal fireworks
- Grills
- Alcoholic beverages
- Unruly or unsupervised pets
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and plenty of water, as temperatures are expected to be in the 80s. Sunscreen and shade are also recommended.
Road Closures Begin at 9:00 p.m.
Several nearby roads will close or have restricted access to assist with traffic control following the fireworks:
- River Road at Gordon Street – Open only for traffic exiting the park toward Kings Highway.
- Kings Highway & Chatham Heights Road and Chatham Lane & Chatham Heights Road – Restricted access to help vehicles leave the park via River Road.
- Chatham Drive & River Road – Also restricted to prioritize outbound traffic.
All roads will reopen once traffic has cleared from the park.
Important Note: Trolley service available earlier in the day will not serve Pratt Park. Parking is available on-site, but gates will close once the park reaches capacity. No re-entry will be allowed after that time.
For complete event details, parking info, and a full schedule of the day’s festivities, visit: https://www.tourstaffordva.com/2025/06/17/staffords-star-spangled-4th-know-before-you-go-2/
“We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
QUANTICO, Va. – Independence Day celebrations are gearing up across the region, with events planned in both Fredericksburg and at Marine Corps Base Quantico in honor of America’s 249th birthday—and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
On Wednesday, July 3, Marine Corps Base Quantico will host a special celebration at Lejeune Field from 4 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is open to authorized ID card holders and promises an evening packed with family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy live music from Huntley—winner of the 2023 season of The Voice—and the band Full Moon Fever, plus food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, and more. The event marks the start of festivities commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th year.
Meanwhile, the City of Fredericksburg is preparing for its own full day of patriotic activities on Thursday, July 4, with a focus on downtown accessibility and fireworks safety. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead using the city’s parking map at fredericksburgva.gov, which details available public parking lots and garages.
A free shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between Eagles Lodge on Cool Springs Road, Ferry Farm, Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center, and the new Visitor Center at 601 Caroline Street. Handicap parking is available only at Ferry Farm.
Several streets—including portions of Sophia, Hanover, and Charlotte Streets—will be closed from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the city’s “Festival in the Streets.” The day wraps up with fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. near Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Visitors should avoid parking along roadways near the stadium, and only use designated event parking zones to avoid ticketing or towing.
For more event details, visit fxbg.com/fourth-in-fredericksburg.
The independent criminal investigation into the April 26 shooting at Westminster at Lake Ridge has concluded, with no charges filed against the Prince William County Police officers involved, according to a June 27, 2025, statement from the department. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), a multi-agency group of Northern Virginia law enforcement investigators, led the probe and presented its findings to Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth. After evaluating the evidence, Ashworth determined that no criminal charges would be pursued.
The case now enters a new phase: an internal administrative review by the police department’s Office of Professional Standards. Following that, the department’s Use of Deadly Force Review Board will decide whether the officers’ actions were justified and in line with departmental policy.
The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on April 26 at the Westminster at Lake Ridge retirement community, located in the 12100 block of Clipper Drive. Police were called to the scene for a report of a man in crisis armed with a knife. Upon entering an apartment, officers encountered Joseph Anthony Cassell, who allegedly approached them with the weapon and ignored verbal commands.
Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Cassell. Police said that after the initial gunfire, Cassell attacked a 91-year-old woman—identified by police as a relative—prompting officers to fire again. Cassell died at the scene. The woman suffered serious injuries and was flown to a hospital. She is expected to recover.
No officers were injured during the encounter, which remained contained to the residence. The names of the officers involved have not been released.
The department has not announced a timeline for completing the administrative review.
U.S. Post Office at 16 Lichfield Boulevard in Stafford County is partially closed today due to a power outage, according to paper signs posted on the doors.
The lights remained on inside, and a man was seen behind the full-service counter looking at his phone. While the doors to the full-service lobby were locked, customers could still enter to drop off mail and access their mailboxes.
Thanks to Ken for the photo and tip.
See something happening? Text us at 571-989-1695.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Drivers planning to use the Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes on Independence Day should be aware of a modified reversal schedule designed to accommodate holiday traffic headed to the nation’s capital.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, the toll lanes will remain in northbound operation until approximately 7 p.m. to support increased traffic traveling into Washington, D.C., for fireworks and other celebrations. The lanes are expected to reopen southbound by around 8:30 p.m. to assist with the return flow of holiday travelers.
The normal summer reversal schedule will resume on Saturday, July 5, with northbound travel in the morning and southbound travel beginning around midday.
The Interstate 95 and 395 E-ZPass Express Lanes are reversible toll lanes designed to relieve congestion on two of Northern Virginia’s most heavily traveled corridors. Spanning over 40 miles from the D.C. line to Fredericksburg, the lanes operate under a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban, which manages tolling and maintenance.
The lanes use dynamic pricing, which means toll rates fluctuate based on real-time traffic conditions to ensure consistent speeds. Vehicles must have an E-ZPass transponder to use the lanes, and those with three or more occupants can travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to “HOV ON.”
On most days, the Express Lanes operate northbound in the morning to accommodate commuter traffic heading into Washington, D.C., and southbound in the afternoon and evening to handle the outbound rush. However, the schedule can change on holidays and weekends to meet shifting travel patterns.
Motorists are encouraged to check expresslanes.com or use the Express Lanes mobile app for real-time traffic updates, toll rates, and access point information.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A Dumfries woman was struck and killed early Tuesday morning while walking along Interstate 95 in Prince William County.
Virginia State Police say the crash happened at 4:56 a.m. on July 1, 2025, in the northbound lanes near mile marker 152.
According to investigators, a 2012 Toyota Corolla was heading north when it hit Karen S. Rosa Hernandez, who was in the travel lane. She died at the scene.
Troopers found a gas can nearby and located a disabled vehicle registered to Hernandez just south of the crash, in the Express Lanes.
The incident remains under investigation.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Anderson served as UMW’s president from 1983 to 2006, leading the school through a period of major growth and transition.
According to a statement from the University of Mary Washington, Anderson’s 23-year presidency was the longest of any public university leader in Virginia at the time. During his tenure, the school transformed from a respected liberal arts college into a nationally recognized university.
“President Anderson’s visionary leadership laid the foundation for the University of Mary Washington as we know it today,” said current UMW President Troy Paino in the release. “His commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and student success continues to shape our mission and inspire our work.”
Anderson, who was just 36 when he became UMW’s president, oversaw more than $120 million in capital improvements, including a new library, science center, student and alumni centers, an art gallery, and several residence halls. He also pushed for the creation of the Stafford Campus, which helped pave the way for Mary Washington to earn university status in 2004.
Beyond infrastructure, Anderson supported the launch of academic programs like the Great Lives lecture series and brought technology upgrades such as a campus-wide fiber-optic network. He also strengthened community ties by bringing the Small Business Development Center to campus and founding the Community Outreach and Resources (COAR) program.
UMW’s endowment grew from $1.3 million to $24.5 million during his leadership, allowing for increased student and faculty opportunities. In recognition of his service, the school awarded him a Doctorate of Humane Letters at his final commencement in 2006 and named its athletic facility, the Anderson Convocation Center, in his honor.
Anderson, a native of South Boston, Virginia, held degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and Virginia Tech. Before becoming UMW president, he served in various roles in higher education planning and research, including positions with the Virginia State Council of Higher Education and the West Virginia Board of Regents.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.
The selected student will join FOX 5’s team on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a live broadcast from Riverfront Park, helping to showcase what makes Fredericksburg unique. The city is inviting students to submit a short video introducing themselves and sharing why they would make a great Junior Reporter. The winning student will appear on-air, interact with FOX 5 staff, and represent Fredericksburg in front of a regional audience.
Submissions are being accepted now at fxbg.com/junior-reporter-contest.
The Junior Reporter spotlight is part of FOX 5’s popular Zip Trip series, which highlights communities across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The Fredericksburg broadcast will air live from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Riverfront Park, located at 713 Sophia Street.
Residents and visitors are invited to be part of the live audience. The event will feature interviews, local attractions, and opportunities for attendees to be featured on TV. Community members will also be able to sample products, meet vendors, and experience the excitement of a live television production.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the spirit and charm of Fredericksburg to a regional audience,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “We encourage everyone to join us at Riverfront Park and be part of this exciting morning.”
The city encourages attendees to arrive early to be part of the festivities and show their Fredericksburg pride on screen.
A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service, conditions will become increasingly unstable throughout the day, leading to likely thunderstorm activity after 4 p.m. Forecasters say the setup could produce repeated rounds of storms, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas. A Flood Watch may be issued ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Tuesday’s high will reach around 88 degrees, with southwest winds at 10 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. Rain chances increase to 60 percent in the afternoon, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue into the night, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a low of 73 degrees. The threat of wet microbursts—strong, localized downdrafts—also raises concerns for damaging wind gusts during stronger storms.
The storm system is expected to linger into early Wednesday morning, particularly in southern Maryland, before tapering off. Wednesday will bring a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m., with a high near 85.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and be prepared for the possibility of localized flooding, downed trees, and travel delays.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is expanding the impact of its summer musical Next to Normal with a special speaker series designed to connect the themes of the show to real-life mental health experiences in the Fredericksburg region.
The musical runs from July 2 to August 3, 2025, and explores the story of a suburban family grappling with the effects of bipolar disorder, grief, and emotional trauma. With a contemporary rock score and book by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post named it one of the best shows of the year when it debuted on Broadway.
The show stars Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, a real-life couple returning to the Riverside stage after appearing together in The Bridges of Madison County. The cast, along with first-time director Penny Ann Moss, approach the material with fresh eyes—many performing in this show for the first time. The production is part of Riverside’s growing commitment as a nonprofit to present meaningful, community-connected stories.
To deepen that connection, Riverside will host featured speakers before five performances, each offering insight into mental health and wellness. Talks begin at 6:30 p.m., between dinner service at 5:30 p.m. and the show’s 7:30 p.m. curtain. Food service will continue during the talks.
Featured Speaker Schedule:
July 3 – Antwaun Carey Gay
A longtime public servant in Stafford County and a licensed minister, Gay has worked in law enforcement, juvenile justice, and youth sports. He is the author of When a Man Exhales and the brother of musical legend Marvin Gaye.
July 10 – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
Jacque Kobuchi, LCSW, and Katie Barnes, LPC, will share practical tools for mental wellness and highlight local services offered through RACSB, including emergency mental health response and school-based therapy.
July 17 – Mental Health America Fredericksburg
Hailey Jobin will introduce the MHAfred HELPLINE, a regional mental health provider directory, and discuss additional support initiatives offered by the nonprofit.
July 24 – Fredericksburg Christian Health Center
Dr. Theron R. Stinar, D.O., a family physician and CEO of FCHC, will share his personal journey through grief and faith after losing his son to suicide. Dr. Stinar is a U.S. Army veteran and longtime medical mission advocate.
August 3 – Randy Feltner
A local firefighter, Feltner will speak candidly about the mental health challenges first responders face. Through his own story and those of others, he hopes to raise awareness and offer support to those struggling in silence.
Riverside hopes the speaker series will encourage conversation, reduce stigma, and empower audience members to seek help when needed. For showtimes, ticket prices, and more information, visit riversidedt.com.
