News

Consultants Seek Public Input on Revamping Fredericksburg’s Parks and Ficklen Island

By Kelly Sienkowski

A consulting firm, Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects, is seeking more public input on the future of Alum Spring Park, Old Mill Park, and Ficklen Island in Fredericksburg. Since February, they have been gathering feedback to refine the city’s Parks and Recreation master plan.

Key issues identified include flooding and outdated facilities at Old Mill Park, the need for improved access and trail repairs at Alum Spring Park, and the potential removal of a concrete dam at Ficklen Island. The consultants have developed several concepts to address these concerns and now ask the public to weigh in on their recommendations before presenting them to city council this fall.The firm’s presentation, including maps and surveys, is available online.

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Fredericksburg Filmmaker Captures the Heart of Bluegrass in New Documentary

By Uriah Kiser

Fredericksburg’s music scene has long been a hidden gem. Still, filmmaker and Potomac Local News freelancer Mike Salmon is bringing it into the spotlight with his latest documentary, “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg.” The film explores the rich bluegrass tradition in the city, nestled just outside of the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. It sheds light on Fredericksburg’s unique contributions to this classic American genre.

In a recent interview, Salmon discussed the inspiration behind the project and the discoveries he made while filming. “The documentary is about the bluegrass scene in Fredericksburg and what the city adds to the flavor of bluegrass around here,” Salmon said. As a new resident of Fredericksburg, formerly of Fairfax County, Salmon admitted that he knew little about the local music scene. Still, his journey through the project opened his eyes to its vibrancy and depth.

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Sink or Swim: Cardboard Captains Make a Splash at Signal Bay’s Labor Day Regatta!

By Alan Gloss
Owen, age 12, and his sister Cora from Bristow, children of Tim and Elspeth McCormick cross paddles in their quest to be the fastest boat all day. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Potomac Local went to Signal Bay Water Park in Manassas Park on Labor Day for its 2nd annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Eighteen children aged 6 to 15 competed in this year’s competition. Labor Day marks the official end of the water park’s season. See the tournament in pictures:        

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New Roundabout and Sidewalks Planned for Stefaniga/Mountain View Road Intersection

By Kelly Sienkowski
Proposed plans for the intersection of Stefaniga and Mountain View

The Stafford County Department of Capital Projects is holding a Citizen Information Meeting to discuss the upcoming Stefaniga and Mountain View Road Intersection Improvement Project. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mountain View High School.

The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow by realigning the Stefaniga/Mountain View Road intersection with the nearby Lightfoot Drive/Mountain View Road intersection, converting it into a single-lane roundabout. New sidewalks and curb ramps will also be added to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. The projected cause is over $5.2 million, funded by  VDOT SMART SCALE, Federal CDS, and Local Funding.

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Meet the Principal: Q+A with Gravely Elementary’s New Principal, Kisha Trammell

By Caitlyn Meisner

Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Kisha Trammell, Ed.D., the new principal of Gravely Elementary in Haymarket. She’s taught kindergarten at Gravely, and has served as the assistant principal at the school for the last six years.

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Suspect Arrested After Stabbing at Warrenton Road Exxon

By Uriah Kiser
Bland

A 29-year-old man was stabbed at Mr. B’s Exxon on Warrenton Road on September 1, and the suspect, J’Lei Bland, 22, was arrested at a nearby home. Bland is charged with attempted murder and malicious wounding and is being held without bond.

The 29-year-old victim was at the Exxon to purchase items from the business. The victim and suspect knew each other, and this was not a random attack, police said.

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19-Year-Old Killed While Breaking Up Fight at Spotsylvania Gathering; Suspect Charged with Homicide

By Uriah Kiser
Spotsylvania Sheriff's office responded to a domestic violence report that resulted in an officer shooting.

Christian Whalen, 19, was fatally shot while attempting to break up a fight at a gathering on Spotswood Furnace Road in Spotsylvania; 18-year-old Kenneth Watson has been charged with homicide and is being held without bond.

Press release:

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