The Central Rappahannock Regional Library will hold the eighth annual Rappahannock Writers’ Conference on November 9, featuring keynote speeches from Laura Di Franco and John Gilstrap. The conference is open to adults and teens at all writing levels, with classes covering various writing topics.
Press Release:
From Virignia State Police:
At the request of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Culpeper Field Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in the City of Fredericksburg.
Update Nov. 02, 9 p.m.: Sarah and Tony Lopez were among the first to drive by the scene of the accident. Sarah said she and her husband pulled up at the intersection on a motorcycle and ” I immediately saw a motionless body on the ground in the middle of the intersection, a very damaged shopping cart nearby, and broken glass. It was a really dark scene. I could immediately see that his limbs didn’t look uninjured but I had no idea how extensive it was.”
They called 911, and Tony immediately ran over to start rendering aid and CPR to the victim. As he did, the other victim approached and started crying, praying, and “begging for his friend to wake up.” Sarah stayed on the line with 911 while Tony began CPR and helped resuscitate the first victim.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced emergency measures on the Route 1 bridge over the Rappahannock River, commonly known as the Falmouth Bridge between Fredericksburg and Stafford County, as crews begin urgent structural repairs.
Starting last night, Friday, November 1, 2024, new vehicle weight limits of 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers will be enforced, and the northbound right lane will be closed. These actions follow recent inspections revealing accelerated deterioration of the bridge’s structural steel in several areas, prompting VDOT to reduce traffic flow as a safety measure.
“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.
A History of Delays
On October 30, multiple suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 43-year-old man identified as Jason Thomas Blake, who was found deceased in a vehicle on October 27. The investigation revealed that the victim had been shot after an altercation during a drug-related meeting, and the suspects were involved in his abduction and murder.
Press Release from Prince William County Police Department:
On October 29, a suspect was arrested in connection with a murder that occurred on February 2 in Dale City, following a previous arrest of another individual on October 15. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public regarding the case.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
On November 15, Prince William County will join communities across the nation in celebration of the America Recycles Day (ARD). ARD, an initiative of Keep America Beautiful is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States since 1997.
To celebrate America Recycles Day, County staff and Keep Prince William Beautiful volunteers will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to talk with residents about recycling in Prince William County and the “I Recycle” pledge contest at Chinn Park Regional Library on November 13, and Central Library on November 15.
From Prince William fire and rescue:
Daylight Saving Time ends [2 a.m.] Sunday, November 3rd. As you turn your clocks back, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System would like to remind residents to change the battery in their smoke alarms. When properly installed and maintained, working smoke alarms save lives and protect against injury and loss due to fire. You double your chances of surviving a home fire with working smoke alarms compared to homes without working smoke alarms. (Smoke Alarms Save Lives).
