What does a public library look like when it becomes a hands-on hub for creativity, media production, and lifelong learning?
In this episode of PLN, Potomac Local News founder and publisher Uriah Kiser is joined by Simon Watts, Maker Lab Specialist at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, to talk about Idea Space—the library’s maker and media facility in downtown Fredericksburg—as it marks five years of serving the community.
As Fredericksburg leaders debate the future of data center development, longtime local observer and former city councilor Matt Kelly says the conversation is about more than land use or tax revenue. It’s about how decisions are made — and whether residents are being fully informed along the way.
Kelly shared his views during a recent interview with Potomac Local News, recorded in the wake of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission’s unanimous rejection of the proposed Gateway Data Center.
The man wanted for the rape of a child under 13 in a cold case reported earlier this month has been arrested. Authorities say he is now in custody and being held without bond.
Fredericksburg Police thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in apprehending the suspect, who was initially reported missing and known to frequent downtown Fredericksburg and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.
The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.
The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.
“Scheduled lane closures for road work in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, weather permitting. For updated information, check 511Virginia,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 1 northbound and southbound at the bridge over the Rappahannock River for pothole patching and spot concrete repairs.”
“A portion of Route 644 (Rock Hill Church Road) at Aquia Creek in Stafford County will close starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, through the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, for the removal of several trees, ahead of an upcoming project,” Virginia Department of Transportation stated. “Through traffic will be detoured during the road closure.”
“I returned to school after nearly two decades away. My first research assignment was a D — I almost quit,” Germanna Community College reported. “But a professor reminded me, ‘You’ve been out of school for years. Don’t give up.’ And I didn’t. My joy for learning was reignited. I finally allowed myself to be the person I always wanted to be.”
The college awarded 1,042 degrees, certificates, and credentials to more than 900 graduates during Thursday evening’s ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center. Student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice, shared her journey of returning to college after nearly two decades and encouraged fellow graduates to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.
“Anne’s dedication to historic preservation and her strategic vision have positioned WHM for long-term success,” Fredericksburg Advance reported. “Under her leadership, we’ve acquired an additional property, strengthened our finances and deepened our community connections. We’re grateful for her 12 years of service and look forward to welcoming a new leader who will build on this momentum.”
“Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing—and contributing to—tremendous growth at WHM,” Darron said in the press release. “Yet, as much as I cherish these milestones, I feel the time is right to turn my focus toward family and the next chapter of life.”
