Fredericksburg

The man wanted for the rape of a child under 13 in a cold case reported earlier this month has been arrested. Authorities say he is now in custody and being held without bond.

Fredericksburg Police thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in apprehending the suspect, who was initially reported missing and known to frequent downtown Fredericksburg and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.


Manassas

“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”

Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.


Features

The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.

The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.


Event

Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.


Politics

“I won the First District and the Second District in November without any sort of redistricting,” Virginia Scope reported. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said in response to questions about redrawing Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Nothing happens unless the people actually vote for it,” she added, underscoring that any change would require voter approval.

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Police Blotter

A 44-year-old woman from Richmond was arrested at the Holiday Inn on Sanford Drive in Stafford County for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Deputy R. A. Kehoe responded to a disturbance involving the woman, who was found sleeping in the lobby. Upon interaction, the deputy noticed her slurred speech and lethargy, leading to her arrest. A search revealed a smoking device with suspected drugs in her jacket pocket.

In other incidents, a vehicle was vandalized on Sierra Drive, and a mailbox was damaged on Tacketts Mill Road. Both incidents involved damage from blunt objects or vehicles.


Police Blotter

Police officers responded to a call about shots fired in the 17200 block of Wexford Loop in Dumfries late on December 9. The homeowner confronted a man suspected of attempting to steal from his vehicle. During the encounter, a gunshot was reportedly heard, but no injuries or property damage occurred.

The suspect, described as a black male in his late teens to early 20s, wearing dark clothing and a light-colored beanie, fled the scene on foot. No weapon was seen, and no evidence of a shooting was found. The homeowner’s car keys, believed to be in the vehicle, were missing.


Police Blotter

In Stafford County, authorities are investigating two separate incidents of fraud involving unauthorized purchases on financial cards. The first incident was reported on McCarty Road, where a victim discovered several fraudulent transactions on their credit card after it was declined. The victim learned of the unauthorized purchases after contacting their bank.

Later, on Town Square Circle, another victim reported fraudulent purchases made from another state on one of their financial cards. Deputy D. S. Jett responded to the complaint and is handling the investigation.


Traffic

“Light snow showers could cause slippery road conditions in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula over the weekend,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Less than one inch of snow accumulation is forecast for most of the Fredericksburg area, with a potential for 1-2 inches of snow in northern Stafford County.”

“On Sunday afternoon and evening, gusting winds of 25-35 mph are forecast, which could lead to downed trees, tree limbs, and debris in the road,” the agency stated. “VDOT crews will mobilize in 24-hour emergency operations between late Saturday and early Sunday morning, depending on the arrival time for inclement weather in each region.”


Manassas

A barricade situation in Manassas ended peacefully Thursday after police arrested a man accused of brandishing a gun and cutting a woman with a knife during a domestic dispute. Officers responded around 7:30 a.m. to a reported fight involving weapons at a home on the 8600 block of Carlton Drive.

One man, a 26-year-old from the area, fled the scene but was detained. A witness helped officers locate a discarded firearm. Meanwhile, two other victims were found on foot nearby, one with a non-life-threatening wrist injury.