News

When complete, the wider bridge will untangle the east coast’s worst rail bottleneck and allow VRE to provide bi-directional, evening, and weekend service. Amtrak trains between Washington and Richmond will also double in frequency.

“We’re already talking about….reverse service so people could come from other areas to Fredericksburg or earlier afternoon service so people can get back and forth,” said Fredericksburg City Councilor Matt Kelly, who represents the city on the VRE Operations Board. “Basically, expanding our clientele, as it were so that more people can enjoy being here in Fredericksburg and go up to Washington, or go from Washington, come down here and spend the day.”


News

Libraries in the Fredericksburg region will once again allow people into its branches starting Monday, January 31.

A spokesman says falling coronavirus rates in the library’s service region prompted the change. Customers will again be able to visit branches to browse the collection, check out materials, use computers, print, copy, scan, fax, and use meeting and study rooms.


Neighborhood Notes

NASA chooses Manassas students: A team of students from Metz Middle School was selected as one of 57 winners in an inaugural nationwide challenge designed to attract, engage and prepare future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. [Press release]

Prince William libraries an innovator: The Urban Libraries Council announced Prince William Public Libraries  as one of 10 Top Innovators during the 2021 Innovations Celebration held virtually on January 21. [Press release]


Neighborhood Notes

Free rides: Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) will begin fare free service on all routes beginning Monday, February 28, 2022. FRED received grant funding through the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) through the Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP). [Press release]

Fredericksburg VRE improvements: Rehabilitation of the Virginia Railway Express’ (VRE) Fredericksburg station took a step forward on January 21, 2022 when the commuter rail service’s Operations Board approved a task order for construction management services. Construction on the $5 million project is expected to begin this summer, following the selection of a construction contractor. [Press release]


News

On January 25 at 2:15 p.m. Sgt. Assur and Deputy Phillips responded to the Bank of America at 1525 Stafford Market Place for a suspicious person. Employees of the bank were aware of a female using a fictitious name at other Bank of America branches.

They recognized the name when the female attempted to withdraw funds, according to police.


News

An 11th-hour attempt to give Stafford County parents the option not to send their child to school in a mask failed on Tuesday. 

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Neighborhood Notes

County needs poll workers: Stafford County is looking for more poll workers to help make sure our elections are safe, secure and accessible. [Press release]

Million dollar donation: The Large Rehearsal Hall in the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Education and Rehearsal Wing, which opened in 2019, will be named The Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall in their honor. [Press release/George Mason University]


News

A Grand Jury indicted a former Stafford County deputy on involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving charges.

The deputy, identified as J.J. Yenchak, has been on desk duty since he struck a pedestrian outside Paddy’s restaurant at Garrisoinville Road and Center Street in North Stafford in July 2021.


Neighborhood Notes

Prince William schools sue Youngkin over masks: The Schools Boards of Alexandria City, Arlington County, City of Richmond, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Hampton City and Prince William County, filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Executive Order 2 issued by the governor on January 15, 2022. [Press release]

Another Woodbridge ferry study: The plans for a commuter ferry taking riders from Woodbridge to Washington are moving forward again after being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a new study on the way that should detail a full understanding of how the proposed system would operate. [Insidenova.com]


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