The City of Fredericksburg has finished restoration work on the bell tower of the historic Renwick Courthouse, a key landmark at 815 Princess Anne Street. The project marks a major step in preserving the 19th-century building, designed by renowned architect James Renwick Jr., who also designed the Smithsonian Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The tower houses a rare 600-pound bronze bell cast at the Paul Revere Foundry in Boston—one of just 134 surviving Revere bells and the only known one in Virginia. Restoration began in May 2025 and was completed by WxTite, LLC of Greensboro, North Carolina. Work included structural framing repairs, masonry repointing, and restoration of historic stucco and stone details. Contractors carefully preserved the bell and used historically appropriate materials.


Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity will receive $700,000 in state and federal funding to build six affordable homes in the Mayfield neighborhood of Fredericksburg. The money comes from Virginia’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) program, administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Executive Director Jayne Johnson said the group is “elated” by the funding, which will support a project on Davies Street. “This funding will be key to helping us construct the planned 6-home development,” she said in a release.


“This collaborative exhibit is presented by the City of Fredericksburg and the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park,” the city said, noting the exhibit is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, February 1, and is part of Fredericksburg’s First Friday programming, highlighting local history and community partnerships.


“The Fredericksburg Police Department is trying to assist with making a Christmas miracle come true,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Yesterday, a special person turned in a large quantity of U.S. currency that was packaged in a particular envelope.”

“The money was found on December 22 around 3:30 p.m. in the Central Park area,” police said, asking anyone who may have lost the cash to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122, Option 2, and ask for Officer Bach.


“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.


Fredericksburg city staff presented a corridor redevelopment strategy to reposition aging commercial shopping centers along Route 3 and Route 1 as key sites for future housing as the city runs out of undeveloped land.

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“City Council has already stated publicly it will allow the data center developers to use city drinking water to cool their buildings for an unspecified period of time while the recycled water pipeline is being built,” posted Inform Fredericksburg on Facebook. “This creates a whole other set of problems that have yet to be discussed publicly by City Council.”

“So, here’s the question every city resident should be asking: Who’s going to pay to expand the city’s water treatment plant to accommodate a single user?” the post continued. “Taxpayers or the developer?”


The annual Jingle Mingle hosted by WFLS Radio brought the Fredericksburg community together for a festive night that raised more than $6,000 to help local rescue dogs. Held December 12 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, the event featured a silent auction with big-ticket items like autographed Taylor Swift albums, Richmond getaways, and a recliner from Powell’s Furniture.

WFLS Market Manager Debbie Patten and Promotions Director Sean Quinn, both dog lovers, spearheaded the fundraiser to support Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS). Patten adopted her own dog from ODHS, while Quinn has regularly welcomed rescue dogs and volunteers on air to help connect them with new families.


“We encourage members of the Fredericksburg community to participate in these discussions and help shape the vision for this important memorial,” Fredericksburg Area Museum stated. “Public input is integral as we work toward a design that honors history, fosters understanding, and supports community reflection.”

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and the City of Fredericksburg will host a series of public presentations beginning in January 2026 to share and gather feedback on proposed designs for a new memorial at the former site of the historic Auction Block at William and Charles streets.


On December 11, a resident in the 1000 block of Forest Village reported that someone had slashed the passenger-side tire of their vehicle. That same day, another victim in the 6600 block of River Road reported their wallet was stolen from their vehicle.

Fredericksburg Police also made multiple arrests this week. These included several for shoplifting—both misdemeanor and felony levels—as well as two public intoxication charges, assault and battery (including a domestic incident on a family member), and failure to comply with court orders.


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