Fredericksburg - Page 21 of 65 - Potomac Local News

Missing Teen in Fredericksburg Triggers Statewide Alert

Published October 7, 2025 at 8:24AM

Jacqueline Odalis Cruz Juarez was last seen at 4:35 a.m. on October 7 near the intersection of Sam Perry Boulevard and Mary Washington Boulevard. She is described as a white/Hispanic female, 5’1”, 135 pounds, with black hair and black eyes. She was wearing a pink sports bra and gray sweatpants and is believed to be on foot.

Virginia State Police issued a CODI Alert early Tuesday morning on behalf of the Fredericksburg Police Department. Anyone with information is urged to call police dispatch at 540-373-3122 or visit alerts.vsp.virginia.gov.

Fredericksburg planners face coffee shop proposal as growth pressures mount on Fall Hill Avenue

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 6, 2025 at 1:00PM

Fredericksburg City Hall

Fredericksburg’s Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, to consider a request for a drive-through coffee shop at Cowan Station and review its annual land-use report, even as two major redevelopment projects on Fall Hill Avenue highlight the city’s shifting growth patterns.

Coffee Shop Planned for Cowan Station

Gerlach Says Fredericksburg Candidates Have Not Taken Money from Data Center Developers

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 6, 2025 at 9:00AM

Gerlach [Photo: https://www.facebook.com/JonGerlachFXBG]

In an October 6 opinion column published in The FXBG Advance, Gerlach said no city council candidate “has received donations from any data center company,” calling the suggestion “a deliberate attempt to confuse and deceive voters.” His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the city’s election season, with several candidates facing accusations of taking “data center money” following the appearance of anonymous campaign signs last month.

As Potomac Local News reported on September 19, state campaign finance records confirm that Matt Rowe (Ward 1), Joy Crump (Ward 2), and Susanna Finn (Ward 3) each received donations from Charlie Payne, a Richmond-based attorney with the law firm Hirschler who represents developers involved in the Celebrate Virginia South project, and data center development projects in surrounding jurisdictions. Payne is not a developer himself, and the contributions came from him personally — not from a data center company or political action committee.

‘Let in the Light’: Sears in Falmouth Calls Out Democrats After Jay Jones Text Scandal

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 4, 2025 at 9:02PM

Winsome Sears speaks in Falmouth on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, during a stop on her “Faith and Freedom” bus tour. The Republican gubernatorial candidate called on Virginians to reject political violence and “let in the light.”

FALMOUTH, Va. – Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears delivered a fiery speech Saturday evening outside her campaign bus in Falmouth, near Fredericksburg, condemning what she described as a “culture of hate and violence” taking root within Democratic politics.

The event came just days after National Review first reported 2022 text messages sent by Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general. In the messages, Jones joked about violence against then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert, writing, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” and later referencing Gilbert’s children, saying, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” according to The Washington Post. The Associated Press and Politico later confirmed the authenticity of the exchange, which Jones has since acknowledged and apologized for.

Cole and Steinway Face Off in Fredericksburg Debate—Here’s Where They Split on the Issues

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 3, 2025 at 3:00PM

Cole/Steinway

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, voters filled Dodd Auditorium at the University of Mary Washington to hear Delegate Joshua Cole (D) and Republican challenger Sean Steinway debate issues shaping the 65th House District race.

First Friday kicks off fall fun with Scarecrow Fest in downtown Fredericksburg

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 3, 2025 at 1:30PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is full of fall spirit as Scarecrow Fest returns now through October 31. The annual event transforms the city into a festive, family-friendly destination with creative displays, activities, and Halloween-themed events.

The Scarecrow Contest is already underway, featuring more than 30 handmade scarecrows on display outside local businesses and organizations. Visitors can pick up a map from participating spots or download one online, then vote for their favorite display through the end of the month.

Fredericksburg School Board to appoint interim Ward 3 representative

By Press Release

Published October 3, 2025 at 10:18AM

The vacancy follows the resignation of Jennifer Boyd, who stepped down on September 8 after moving out of the city. The Board must appoint someone to serve out the remainder of her term, which ends December 31, 2025.

Four city residents have applied for the interim seat: Christopher James Butz, an attorney and city schools parent with advisory committee experience; Caitlin Finlayson, Ph.D., a University of Mary Washington geography professor; Elizabeth Rehm, a former nine-year School Board member and physical therapist; and Keon Toyer, an education technology executive currently serving on the board of a national literacy nonprofit.

Christy Maupin Named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board

By Press Release

Published October 2, 2025 at 8:41AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Christy Maupin of Westmoreland County has been named Chair of Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Board of Trustees, succeeding David Ross. Dr. Janet Brown-Page of Stafford County will serve as Vice Chair.

In the past 27 years, Christy Maupin has resided in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, ultimately setting in Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County. She is well acquainted with the region the library system serves. Before retiring, Ms. Maupin gained 30 years of experience as a technical writer and editor, as well as serving as an instructional developer for adult learners.

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble Honors Late Actor in RENT Production

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 30, 2025 at 9:41AM

Hlusko

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble’s fall production of RENT carries special meaning this year as the company pays tribute to longtime performer and friend, Chris Hlusko, who died shortly before the show opened.

Hlusko’s first appearance with the Ensemble came in 2012 with The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. Over the years, he left his mark on stage and backstage, contributing to productions including I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Rocky Horror Show, and Dangerous Liaisons, where his passion for costumes shone. Most recently, he appeared in Stage Door Productions’ King Lear. RENT was to be his return to the FTE stage.

UMW Career Fair Offers Students a Launchpad into the Workforce

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 29, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated September 29, 2025 at 10:48AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of University of Mary Washington students connected with potential employers at Thursday’s fall Career and Internship Fair—and many arrived dressed for success thanks to a two-day professional pop-up boutique held earlier in the week.

The boutique, co-hosted by UMW’s Student Activities and Engagement office and the Gwen Hale Resource Center, drew 340 students on Monday and Tuesday. The event offered free professional attire, donated by UMW faculty, staff, and the campus resource center, giving students a chance to suit up ahead of the fair.