Stafford

“Units arrived on scene less than five minutes later and found smoke coming from a two-story, single-family home [in the England Run area],” Stafford County Fire and Rescue reported. “All occupants evacuated prior to the arrival of units and none reported any injuries.”

The department stated that four residents were temporarily displaced and are receiving support from the American Red Cross. The cause of the December 9 fire remains under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.


Fredericksburg

“We’re less than 48 hours away from Holiday Magic on Main Street. Join us THIS Thursday, December 11 from 5–9pm at Riverfront Park for a FREE night of festive fun for the whole community,” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “Come feel the magic — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

The organization highlighted free cocoa and cookies, live carolers, children’s STEM activities, and festive displays, with the first 500 attendees receiving a complimentary Holiday Magic travel mug. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, with no admission cost.


Newslinks

“The Garrett family is committed to challenging the taking of their property and we are evaluating what, if anything the DEQ permit does to the argument that we made in our pleading challenging that taking,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “There are a number of issues still unresolved and really have nothing to do with the DEQ component here. Now that piece has been put in place, we’ll be evaluating how best to go forward on that challenge.”

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Stafford

Several Stafford County schools have been rated Off Track or in Needs Intensive Support under Virginia’s new statewide accountability system, according to the first round of ratings released this week.

Six elementary schools — Ferry Farm, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Hartwood, Kate Waller Barrett, and Widewater — were designated Off Track, along with Shirley C. Heim Middle School. Two schools, Anne E. Moncure Elementary and Falmouth Elementary, received the lowest designation, Needs Intensive Support.


Politics

“The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians, and I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve in this role,” Virginia Scope reported. “Throughout her career, Delegate Mundon King has worked to bring people together to get results for the people of Virginia, and she has demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to delivering on the promise of our commonwealth.”

Mundon King, first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, currently chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns and serves on committees for Public Safety and Labor and Commerce. Her appointment will require her to step down from the House, triggering a special election to fill her seat.


Manassas

A plan to build 100 income-restricted apartments at The Landing at Cannon Branch drew sharp questions about trust, traffic, and what “workforce housing” really means during the Manassas City Council’s final meeting of 2025.

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Fredericksburg

“Congratulations to our 2025 Christmas Parade Winners.🎄 Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the magic of the season with us!” Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation announced. “We had an incredible turnout, amazing creativity, and so much holiday spirit.”

“A huge thank you to all of our incredible event volunteers and dedicated City staff who helped bring this festive tradition to life. We couldn’t do it without you! ”


Obituaries

Rick is survived by his father, Richard Neil Swecker; his children Kristina Swecker, Brandon Swecker (Jeannette), Katherine Colony (Brian), Lisa Little (Jamie) and Emily Stambaugh (Jason); his ten beloved grandchildren; his sisters Leslie Swecker and Evelyn Hood (Ken); many nieces and nephews; long-time friend Michael Williams, and his beloved dog Tessie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Ellen Gear Swecker, and his infant brother, William Edward Swecker.

A viewing will take place at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 6900 Hull Street Road, Richmond, Va., 23224, on December 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Rick will be laid to rest at Brick Church Cemetery in Huttonsville, W.Va., on December 12, 2025, at 1 p.m.


Prince William

A proposal to build 348 new townhomes beside the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge is drawing intense pushback from environmental groups, civic associations, and residents in Belmont Bay ahead of a key vote this week by the Prince William County Planning Commission.

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Stafford

Dominion Energy will meet with Stafford County Public Schools on Tuesday, December 9, to discuss the utility’s proposed Kraken Loop transmission project—an approximately 500-kilovolt line that could carve a corridor nearly as wide as Interstate 95 through several Stafford neighborhoods, school zones, farms, and environmentally sensitive areas.

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