An assault and battery charge involving a family member was the most serious incident in the latest Fredericksburg Police blotter for December 9. A 29-year-old Fredericksburg man was arrested in connection with the alleged domestic assault.
Police also responded to a vehicle tampering incident in the 600 block of Maury Street on December 4, where a car was rummaged through. That same day, someone reported the theft of headphones in the 1300 block of Central Park Boulevard.
“On Monday night, the board voted to purchase Evolv weapons detection systems for the county’s seven middle schools,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “The action was part of the consent agenda — a list of items typically approved wholesale without discussion. The board voted 4-0 to approve the $1 million purchase, with board members April Gillespie and Lisa Phelps absent for the final meeting of their tenures.”
The division previously installed Evolv scanners at all five high schools, along with the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center and the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center. The expansion follows heightened security measures this fall after a shooting involving juveniles and threats made against school leaders.
“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.
“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.
“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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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.
“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.
“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! ”
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.
