Fredericksburg

“We’re less than 48 hours away from Holiday Magic on Main Street. Join us THIS Thursday, December 11 from 5–9pm at Riverfront Park for a FREE night of festive fun for the whole community,” Fredericksburg Main Street announced. “Come feel the magic — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

The organization highlighted free cocoa and cookies, live carolers, children’s STEM activities, and festive displays, with the first 500 attendees receiving a complimentary Holiday Magic travel mug. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, with no admission cost.


Newslinks

“The Garrett family is committed to challenging the taking of their property and we are evaluating what, if anything the DEQ permit does to the argument that we made in our pleading challenging that taking,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “There are a number of issues still unresolved and really have nothing to do with the DEQ component here. Now that piece has been put in place, we’ll be evaluating how best to go forward on that challenge.”

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Stafford

Several Stafford County schools have been rated Off Track or in Needs Intensive Support under Virginia’s new statewide accountability system, according to the first round of ratings released this week.

Six elementary schools — Ferry Farm, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Hartwood, Kate Waller Barrett, and Widewater — were designated Off Track, along with Shirley C. Heim Middle School. Two schools, Anne E. Moncure Elementary and Falmouth Elementary, received the lowest designation, Needs Intensive Support.


Politics

“The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians, and I’m proud to announce the appointment of Delegate Candi Mundon King to serve in this role,” Virginia Scope reported. “Throughout her career, Delegate Mundon King has worked to bring people together to get results for the people of Virginia, and she has demonstrated dedication, courage, and a commitment to delivering on the promise of our commonwealth.”

Mundon King, first elected in 2021 to represent parts of Prince William and Stafford counties, currently chairs the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns and serves on committees for Public Safety and Labor and Commerce. Her appointment will require her to step down from the House, triggering a special election to fill her seat.


Manassas

A plan to build 100 income-restricted apartments at The Landing at Cannon Branch drew sharp questions about trust, traffic, and what “workforce housing” really means during the Manassas City Council’s final meeting of 2025.

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Fredericksburg

“Congratulations to our 2025 Christmas Parade Winners.🎄 Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the magic of the season with us!” Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation announced. “We had an incredible turnout, amazing creativity, and so much holiday spirit.”

“A huge thank you to all of our incredible event volunteers and dedicated City staff who helped bring this festive tradition to life. We couldn’t do it without you! ”


Obituaries

Rick is survived by his father, Richard Neil Swecker; his children Kristina Swecker, Brandon Swecker (Jeannette), Katherine Colony (Brian), Lisa Little (Jamie) and Emily Stambaugh (Jason); his ten beloved grandchildren; his sisters Leslie Swecker and Evelyn Hood (Ken); many nieces and nephews; long-time friend Michael Williams, and his beloved dog Tessie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Ellen Gear Swecker, and his infant brother, William Edward Swecker.

A viewing will take place at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 6900 Hull Street Road, Richmond, Va., 23224, on December 11, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Rick will be laid to rest at Brick Church Cemetery in Huttonsville, W.Va., on December 12, 2025, at 1 p.m.


Obituaries

Blanche Louise Robertson Dymond, 92, of Leonardtown, MD, passed away peacefully in her home on December 4, 2025.

Born to Alfred W. and Isabel Moore Robertson on November 13th, 1933, in Fairfax, Virginia, Blanche was the eldest of six children. At the young age of 18, she married her first love and soulmate, Robert E. Dymond, on August 16th, 1952, in Rockville, Maryland. The two shared 61 loving years of marriage and built a beautiful life together. To complete their family, they welcomed three children, Robert Jr., “Bobby”, Mendy, and Johelen “JoJo”. Considered one of the pioneer families of Dale City, they moved to the Birchdale subdivision in March of 1966.


Prince William

A proposal to build 348 new townhomes beside the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge is drawing intense pushback from environmental groups, civic associations, and residents in Belmont Bay ahead of a key vote this week by the Prince William County Planning Commission.

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