Fredericksburg

The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg has named Cody DeRosett as its new executive chef, just in time for the holidays. DeRosett joins the Marriott Tribute Portfolio property with more than 10 years of culinary leadership at top restaurants and hotels nationwide.

Chef DeRosett will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Five Chophouse, where he’s introducing seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients and personal stories. One standout dish, a Jerk Hen entrée, originated from a recipe he learned from a friend in Jamaica. His style blends creativity, comfort, and guest-centered hospitality.


Fredericksburg

“That allows us to expand from a fairly straightforward traditional deck replacement to a full superstructure replacement,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “It’s something that would add complexity significantly to the project.”

The Virginia Department of Transportation told Fredericksburg City Council that construction on the 1943 Falmouth Bridge will begin in 2030 and last three years, with the span remaining open but reduced to two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. The $160 million project includes a full superstructure replacement, a 14-foot shared-use path, a six-foot sidewalk, and 11-foot travel lanes.


Prince William

“Revealed no evidence of inappropriate, unsportsmanlike or unethical behavior by the Battlefield High School parent volunteers serving on the line-to-gain crew during the game,” InsideNoVa reported. The letter added that “there is no indication or evidence of communication between the volunteers, coaches, or players.”

Forest Park staff discovered the headsets late in the third quarter of the Nov. 14 quarterfinal, prompting Battlefield to replace the crew. While headset use by chain crews is a rule violation, investigators determined no competitive advantage or improper communication occurred. The Class 6, Region B semifinals are set for Friday, with North Stafford traveling to Battlefield for a 7 p.m. kickoff.


Prince William

A section of Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge is about to undergo the biggest transformation in its history. On Tuesday, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted to award a $61.4 million construction contract to The Lane Construction Corporation, clearing the way for a new grade-separated interchange at Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road.

The project will create the county’s second Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) and aims to untangle one of eastern Prince William’s most notorious traffic chokepoints.


News

“We’re all devastated by Joe’s passing,” according to an event posted to the Potomac Local News events calendar. “Joe was always a positive presence as a bandmate and friend, and his warmth and kindness to everybody he met will always be remembered.” “We want to honor him and his family with a great performance and donate all of the proceeds to help them at this difficult time.”

Unsung will host a benefit show for the family of guitarist Joe Langiu on Saturday, December 6, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Strangeways Brewing, located at 350 Lansdowne Road in Fredericksburg. All proceeds from the performance will support Langiu’s wife and two daughters, and guests may also purchase raffle tickets, buy merchandise, or contribute donations. No admission cost was listed. Additional event details are available at: https://www.potomaclocal.com/events/fundraiser-for-joe-langius-family-at-strangeways-brewing-dec-6-20822/.


Schools

“We now have 45.7% of all graduates earning post graduate credentials and 65% of career and technical education (CTE) graduates earning one or more college or career credentials,” Dr. McDade reported. “To date, PWCS has the highest entry-level teacher salary in Northern Virginia.”

During the Nov. 18 School Board meeting, Dr. McDade outlined gains including a 94.8% graduation rate, reductions in absenteeism and dropout rates, improved SOL pass rates, expanded CTE opportunities, and major compensation increases to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention. She also introduced PWCS Elevate 2030, the next strategic plan focusing on global competency, personalized learning, and teacher empowerment.


Fredericksburg

“Tomorrow (11/21) is the Friday Before Thanksgiving Book Sale at the Friends of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Center & Bookshop!” Central Rappahannock Regional Library announced. “One day only — get 25% off all purchases!”

The library noted that the Bookshop will offer gift books, holiday titles, and more, encouraging shoppers to “beat the holiday rush and shop early!” Special sale hours run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Politics

 

“Governor-elect Spanberger believes the number-one job of the Governor of Virginia is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economy and attract new jobs,” a spokesperson for Spanberger wrote, Virginia Scope reported. “As she made clear on the campaign trail, she does not support repealing the current statute.”


Prince William

A high-speed crash early Tuesday morning claimed the life of a 34-year-old Manassas Park man and his small dog after his car collided with a pickup truck near Manassas.

Prince William police say the man was speeding north on Old Centreville Road around 6:18 a.m., attempting to pass vehicles near Parkland Street, when his 2004 Honda Accord crossed into the opposite lane and struck a 2021 Ford F-150. The driver and a Yorkie inside the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.


Fredericksburg

“Street closures and parking restrictions will be in place to keep everyone safe,” Fredericksburg Police Department announced. “Please be patient, obey traffic signage, and enjoy the holiday fun.”

Parking restrictions begin at 2 p.m. on multiple downtown streets, with closures taking effect at 3:30 p.m. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m., and streets are expected to reopen by 9 p.m. Additional details on closures, parking, and viewing areas are available at FredericksburgChristmasParade.com.


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