The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosted the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at James Monroe High School.

The competition, sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, featured 14 division winners from across the region.

Emerging as the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee Champion was Draven Williams, an 8th grader at Dixon-Smith Middle School in Stafford County. Williams secured the championship title by correctly spelling the word “wobbulator”, a term defined by the Merriam-Webster Unabridged dictionary as “a testing device for radio sets in which the frequency is varied periodically and automatically over a predetermined range.”

With the victory, Williams will advance to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, set to take place in May, where he will compete against top spellers from across the country.

Coming in as runner-up was Ryan Gould, a 7th grader from Montross Middle School in Westmoreland County.

Ahead of the Fredericksburg City Council’s recent approval of a Technology Overlay District (TOD) allowing data centers, concerns emerged about whether Dominion Energy would deprioritize power access for the city if the measure had failed.

In an op-ed published by The FXBG Advance, Mayor Kerry Devine warned that rejecting the TOD could push Fredericksburg to the back of Dominion’s “rapidly expanding project list,” potentially delaying or preventing the city from securing the necessary power for a proposed data center campus.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

March will be a busy and “lucky” month around Prince William County and Manassas with several budget meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Tuesday (March 4)

• Spring Flowers Paint by Numbers Take-and-Make, Ongoing while supplies last (Chinn Park Library)
• Talking to the Author Bookmark Contest, Ongoing (Chinn Park Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Wednesday (March 5)

• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Mini Fig Painting Studio, 6 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Thursday (March 6)

• Crafting with Cricut: Punny Plant Pots, 2 p.m. (Central Library)
• VAriegated, until April 6 (Manassas City)
• State of the Parks, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Friday (March 7)

• First Friday, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 8

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Chinn Park Quilting, 10:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Bee Quilting, 11 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 11 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Watercolor with Mark Murphy, 1 p.m. (Central Library)

March 10

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

March 11

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Yarn On!, 6 p.m. (Bull Run Library)

March 12

• Craft Exchange, 11 a.m. (Nokesville Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

March 14

• Pi/Pie Day Scavenger Hunt, All day (Lake Ridge Library)
• “The Secret Garden,” Various times (Manassas City)
• Luck O’ The Irish Bingo, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 15

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Teen Quilt Series, 10:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Wonder Wanders, 10:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Mugs for Mom, 10:30 a.m. (Dumfries Library)
• Culture Connection: Japan, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• Pi Day Fun, 11 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Chick Eggstravaganza, 2 p.m. (Manassas City Library)

March 18

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

March 19

• Teen Pop-In, 3:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• DIY Wedding Party Gifts, 5:30 p.m. (Central Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Prince William County School Board Meeting (Budget Adoption), 7 p.m.

March 21

• Model Railroad Show, 10:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Watercolor Collaborative, 10:30 a.m. (Montclair Library)
• Local History Tour Group, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• “Miscast – A Musical Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 22

• 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium, 8:30 a.m. (Manassas)
• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Tying the Knot Toolkit, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• “Miscast – A Musical Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 23

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Historic Homes of Prince William County Bus Tour, 11 a.m. (Bristow)

March 24

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Bad Art Night, 6 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

March 25

• Pom-Pom Cacti Teen Craft Night, 4:30 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.

March 26

• Joint City Council/School Board Work Session, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 28

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover, 10 a.m. (Montclair Library)

March 29

• 2025 Neighborhood Conference, 8 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Serene Journey Births, 11 a.m. (Potomac Library)

March 31

• 8-Bit Art with Perler Beads, 1 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Brit Lit Book Club, 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.

Owning rental property is a rewarding investment, but challenges can often overwhelm even seasoned property owners. Freedom Property Management, led by Principal Broker and owner Tiffany Izenour, offers a full suite of management services designed to take the stress out of property ownership, providing clients with a smooth, hassle-free experience. With their hands-on approach, Freedom ensures that property owners can relax, knowing their investments are in expert hands.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Property Ownership

For many property owners, managing tenant issues, handling maintenance requests, and navigating legal requirements can significantly drain time and energy. “Our clients come to us because they want peace of mind,” says Tiffany. “We handle everything from tenant screening and rent collection to property inspections and legal compliance. Property owners know they don’t have to worry about the day-to-day details.” With Freedom Property Management, owners can rest assured that a team with deep experience and dedication manages every aspect of their property.

Keeping Owners Informed, Not Overwhelmed

Effective communication is at the heart of Freedom Property Management’s client relationships. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of keeping owners updated in a helpful and stress-free way. “We understand that our clients want to know what’s happening with their property without feeling bogged down by every minor detail. That’s why we maintain clear, regular communication and provide detailed monthly reports that cover everything they need to know.” By streamlining communication, Freedom keeps owners in the loop without overwhelming them, fostering a relationship built on trust and transparency.

Efficient Maintenance for Happy Tenants and Owners

One of the most critical elements of property management is handling maintenance requests quickly and effectively. Freedom Property Management has a well-defined process to ensure maintenance is completed promptly, which benefits both the owner and the tenant. “When a maintenance request comes in, we assess it, dispatch a trusted vendor, and follow up to confirm that it’s been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction,” Tiffany explains. “We know that quick responses to maintenance issues lead to happy tenants and, ultimately, happier property owners.” This process keeps properties in top shape and contributes to higher tenant retention rates, maximizing the property’s profitability over time.

About Freedom Property Management

Freedom Property Management, based in Manassas, offers top-tier property management services tailored to Northern Virginia property owners. Led by Tiffany Izenour, Freedom is known for its client-centered approach, providing responsive, professional services that give property owners the peace of mind they deserve. From tenant management to property upkeep and legal compliance, Freedom Property Management handles every aspect of rental property ownership with a commitment to excellence.

To learn more about how Freedom Property Management can make property ownership stress-free, visit freedompm.com.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will address two key issues at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.: unveiling the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 budget and the first official step toward the development of Musselman Park.

This article is exclusively for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade to become a Locals Only Member today!

Your support helps us continue delivering more in-depth community news that matters to you.

Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) has appointed Dr. Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Newman, who has been with MWHC since 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, takes over following the departure of Dr. Michael McDermott, who served as CEO since 2015.

McDermott announced his resignation in December 2024 to become the President and CEO of Montage Health, a healthcare system based in Monterey, California. McDermott expanded services during his tenure at MWHC, strengthened the system’s financial position, and advanced its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region, according to a press release.

Newman steps into the role with a strong background in hospital operations and clinical leadership. Before joining MWHC, he served as the Chief Medical Officer for Penn State Health St. Joseph Regional Health Network and was key in leading operations for Penn State Health’s Medical Group. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University and completed his internal medicine residency at Georgetown University Medical Center. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen as CEO, and I remain dedicated to advancing our mission of enhancing the health of individuals in our communities,” Dr. Newman said in a statement. “I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made and furthering our goal of making Mary Washington Healthcare the leading health system for our providers, team members, patients, and the entire community.”

Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit regional health system that operates two hospitals, Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg and Stafford Hospital in Stafford County, along with multiple outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and medical practices.

Stafford County

Update: Malvern Lakes Shooting
Investigators have provided an update on the recent shooting in Malvern Lakes. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim was a 21-year-old male who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No further details have been released at this time.

The incident occurred on February 22, 2025, when deputies responded to Malvern Lakes Circle after receiving reports of a shooting. Authorities warned residents about a significant police presence in the area but did not immediately provide information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Sheriff’s Office has remained tight-lipped about possible suspects or the motive behind the incident.

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Arrest
A high-speed chase through Stafford County ended in a crash and foot pursuit on Monday morning.

At 11:39 a.m., deputies attempted a traffic stop on a wanted suspect in the 200 block of Garrisonville Road. The suspect fled eastbound at a high rate of speed, leading deputies on a pursuit. Officers used a PIT maneuver in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the suspect jumped the median, causing a crash near Stafford Marketplace.

The suspect then fled on foot, but a Spotsylvania County sheriff’s detective tackled and detained him in the shopping center. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was already wanted in Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fairfax counties for probation violations. No injuries were reported in the crash.

Assaults
Rappahannock Regional Jail, 1745 Richmond Highway (2/28, 9:37 p.m.) – An inmate knocked a coffee cup out of another’s hand, leading to a fight. The aggressor was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and charged with assault and battery.

Wendy’s, 145 Garrisonville Road (3/1, 1:32 p.m.) – A customer threw food at staff in a drive-thru altercation. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and released on personal recognizance.

Rappahannock Regional Jail (3/1, 12:14 p.m.) – Another inmate-on-inmate assault occurred after lunch. The victim was hospitalized with minor injuries. The aggressor was charged with assault and battery.

DUI Rollover Crash
A 40-year-old Stafford man had to be extricated from his vehicle after a severe rollover crash early Friday morning.

At 12:28 a.m. on February 28, deputies responded to Ferry Road and Braddock Drive for a single-vehicle accident. Witnesses reported that a Lexus had flipped over and landed in a ditch. Upon arrival, Deputy S.A. Fulford discovered the vehicle facing the wrong direction with a large debris field marking its path off the roadway.

Bystanders attempted to free the driver but were unsuccessful due to the extent of the damage. Fire and Rescue personnel had to cut off the passenger door to extract him safely. While assisting the driver, Deputy Fulford noted several signs of intoxication, and the driver admitted to drinking “a good amount” of alcohol. Among the crash debris, deputies recovered a bottle of vodka.

Investigators determined that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and had an expired inspection sticker. The crash also caused approximately $1,000 in property damage. Due to his injuries, the driver was taken to a nearby hospital.

Aditya Sharma, 40, of Stafford, is charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, and Expired inspection sticker.

DUI Arrests
Poplar Road & Orchard Lane (2/28, 2:22 a.m.) – A driver was found asleep in his truck in a turn lane. He displayed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking “one or two” beers. Charged with DUI (second offense in five years), refusal, and stopping on a highway, he was held without bond.

I-95 Northbound, Mile Marker 143 (2/28, 11:34 p.m.) – A driver struck multiple EZ-Pass barriers and a guardrail before stopping. Witnesses said he was “all over the road” before the crash. The driver admitted to drinking half a bottle of bourbon and was charged with DUI and reckless driving, held on a $5,000 bond.

Mine Road (2/28, 11:54 p.m.) – A 16-year-old driver without a license was stopped for driving with no taillights. The deputy detected a strong marijuana odor. The juvenile was charged with DUI and driving without a license and was released to a guardian.

Morton Road (3/1, 1:07 p.m.) – A driver crashed into a mailbox and got stuck in a ditch before fleeing. A witness followed him, leading deputies to make an arrest. The driver had a previous DUI in December and showed clear signs of intoxication. Charged with DUI, refusal, and hit-and-run, he was held without bond.

Sheetz, 1175 Garrisonville Road (3/1, 8:34 p.m.) – A driver crashed through a fence and began driving in circles at another business. He admitted to drinking two Modelos and was charged with DUI (second offense, BAC above .2) and hit-and-run, held without bond.
Cambridge Street & Manning Drive (3/1, 11:37 p.m.) – A driver was pulled over for going 61 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. Initially denying alcohol consumption, she later admitted to bar-hopping before driving. She was charged with DUI and speeding, held on a $2,500 bond.

Larcenies
Weis, 282 Deacon Road (3/1, 4:44 p.m.) – A woman stole multiple meats and seasonings before being stopped by a deputy. She was issued a shoplifting summons.

Trek Bicycle, 2773 Richmond Highway (3/1, 5:01 p.m.) – A man acting erratically attempted to steal $1,000 worth of merchandise. He was found intoxicated and admitted to shoplifting. Charged with public intoxication and shoplifting, he was held pending a bond hearing.

Public Intoxication
Dunbar Drive (2/27, 10:52 p.m.) – Two unwelcome intoxicated guests were removed from a residence and arrested for public intoxication.
Arby’s, 164 Warrenton Road (2/28, 3:39 p.m.) – A man was found passed out in the bathroom with an open alcohol container in his hoodie. Charged with public intoxication.
Cartwell Drive (2/28, 8:47 p.m.) – A man called 911 claiming Osama Bin Laden was in the area. Deputies found him publicly intoxicated after drinking a bottle of vodka. Charged with public intoxication.
Wawa, 105 Garrisonville Road (2/28, 9:02 p.m.) – A verbal argument over customer service led to an arrest for public intoxication.

Prince William County 

Strong-Arm Robbery
Lindsay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Manassas (3/2, 11:37 a.m.) – A man punched an employee and stole a gray 2022 BMW M3. The suspect is described as a bald Black male with a muscular build, wearing dark clothing.

Arrests
Malicious Wounding & Arson (3/1, 9:39 p.m.) – A 29-year-old woman was assaulted and strangled with a shoelace before the suspect attempted to set fire to the home. Jose Adony AREVALO GARAY, 29, was charged with malicious wounding, strangulation, arson, and domestic assault & battery. Held without bond.

Assault on LEO (3/2, 10:55 p.m.) – A drunk driver resisted arrest, then kicked an officer at the Adult Detention Center. Carlos Mauricio DINARTE Jr., 27, was charged with assault on LEO, obstruction, DUI, and refusal. Held without bond.

Attempted Malicious Wounding & Assault on LEO (3/1, 9:53 p.m.) – A domestic dispute escalated when the suspect brandished a knife at a woman, then pushed an officer. Diego Manuel VEGA, 37, was charged with attempted malicious wounding, assault on LEO, and obstruction.

Assault on LEO (3/3, 12:58 a.m.) – During a domestic dispute, the suspect spat on multiple officers. Brianna Lee POUNDS, 18, was charged with three counts of assault on LEO and domestic assault. Held without bond.

Prison Sentence Commuted for Former FCPD Officer Who Fatally Shot Man in Tysons
Former Fairfax County police officer Wesley Shifflett, who fatally shot Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in 2023, has had his prison sentence commuted by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Shifflett was convicted of reckless discharge of a firearm and sentenced to three years, but Youngkin deemed the punishment excessive. FFXnow

Manassas Special Education Teacher Honored with Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award
Manassas City Public Schools has recognized Sarah Johnson, a special education teacher at Baldwin Intermediate School, with the prestigious Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award. Johnson’s dedication to her students and innovative teaching methods have significantly enhanced the learning experience for her special education students. InsideNoVa

Virginia General Assembly Approves Budget with Tax Rebates and State Employee Bonuses
Virginia lawmakers have passed a two-year budget that includes $200 tax rebates for individuals, pay raises for state employees, and bonuses for teachers. Legislators warn that potential federal job cuts could impact the state’s economy, prompting plans for a special session later this year. The Center Square

Manassas Park School Board Seeking Applicants for Open Seats
The Manassas Park School Board has two terms expiring June 30, 2025, and one term expiring June 30, 2026, due to a resignation. Residents interested in applying for these positions must be registered voters and should submit their resume to Lana Conner at 100 Park Central Plaza or via email at [email protected] by 4 p.m. on April 1, 2025. More details are available on the Manassas Park City Schools website.