MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas National Battlefield Park will unveil a new permanent exhibit, “Faces of the Fallen,” and host Memorial Day observances from May 24 to May 26, 2025, at Henry Hill, 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas.

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The Fredericksburg Nationals (12-9) defeated the Charleston RiverDogs (8-13) 6-5 on Sunday, April 27, 2025, securing a 4-2 series win. Jackson Ross hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to complete a late-game comeback before 4,007 fans at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The FredNats now head to Salem, with game one set for Tuesday at 6:35 p.m.

Here’s the full press release:

The Fredericksburg Nationals (12-9) launched another late-game comeback against the Charleston RiverDogs (8-13), winning 6-5 on Jackson Ross’ sacrifice fly in the tenth inning. The win, which saw the FredNats score four unanswered runs after the eighth, also secured a 4-2 series victory for Fredericksburg.

In front of a season-high 4,007 fans at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, Fredericksburg’s Davian Garcia and Charleston’s Janzen Keisel took the hill on a “Salute to Service Sunday” with the series on the line. Both pitchers were sixth-round selections in the 2024 MLB Draft and both struggled with command in their respective starts.

The FredNats got to Keisel in the second inning when the Oklahoma State product walked three to load the bases before Cristhian Vaquero smoked a double high off the right field wall, missing a grand slam by a yard. It was Vaquero’s tenth hit of the series and gave him his eighth and ninth RBI to put Fredericksburg up 2-0.

Garcia skirted around traffic with two pickoffs and a double-play ball in the first three innings, but couldn’t avoid damage in the fourth. After a leadoff double from Jack Lines, Charleston’s first hit, Garcia issued his fourth walk to set the table for the RiverDogs. With one out, Nathan Flewelling flipped a double the opposite way to score both runners and came home himself on an RBI single from Larry Martinez, giving Charleston a 3-2 lead.

The RiverDogs got to the FredNat bullpen after that in the sixth inning too, plating two runs off of Kevin Dowdell despite only one hit, extending their lead to 5-2.

After going scoreless for five consecutive frames, Fredericksburg got a golden opportunity again in the eighth. The RiverDog defense finally cracked as Jack Lines booted a Kevin Bazzell ground ball and Randal Diaz raced around the basepaths to score. Two batters later, a pop-up dropped on the infield before a Nate Ochoa single, loading the bases for Carlos Tavares with only one out.

Tavares, the youngest FredNat, came through in the clutch. He rattled a base hit into right field, scoring both Bazzell and Ross, tying the game at five apiece. As had happened so often in the series, Charleston’s mistakes in the field let Fredericksburg back in it.

Neither team scored in the ninth inning, sending Sunday’s contest to extra innings. After Charleston’s sacrifice bunt to move the automatic runner to third base, Flewelling pulled a ground ball to Tavares at first, who was playing in. The runner, Connor Hujsak, broke for the plate and Tavares made another phenomenal play, perfectly placing his throw to the plate to gun down Hujsak and ensuring Charleston wouldn’t score in the tenth.

That meant the FredNats needed just one run to win it and had Kevin Bazzell starting at second. The first batter of the inning, Jorgelys Mota, roped a base hit into right and Billy McMillon conservatively gave Bazzell the stop sign at third. Ross came up next with the game in his hands and was once again the walk-off hero. He had a walk-off home run in the FredNat home opener, but this time just needed to lift a fly ball to deep center field as Bazzell sprinted home to score.

Austin Amaral (1-0) got the win after pitching the tenth and Jonalbert Rumbol (0-1) got the loss. The FredNats have now won three straight to get to three games above .500 for the first time in 2025. They will head to Salem next week, with game one on Tuesday starting at 6:35.

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The Fredericksburg Nationals (11-9) won for the second consecutive night, defeating the Charleston RiverDogs (8-12) 5-3 at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Cristhian Vaquero drove in four runs, including a three-run home run, and the FredNats’ bullpen combined for 11 strikeouts over four innings.

Here’s the full press release:

The Fredericksburg Nationals (11-9) won for the second straight night, beating the Charleston RiverDogs (8-12) 5-3 behind another headlining performance from right fielder Cristhian Vaquero and Single-A’s best bullpen.

On “A Minecraft Movie Night” at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, the FredNats handed the ball to starter Angel Roman, who entered the night with an ERA above 17 and was coming off his most difficult outing of the season. He again got off to a slow start, allowing single runs in each of the first two innings. He gave up two hits in the first and three hits in the second and looked like he may not last past then.

However, with the bases loaded in the second, he forced a groundout to third to strand all three runners. From there, he settled down and was fantastic.

The groundout started a stretch of nine straight batters retired by Roman, who fought through another two baserunners in the fifth inning without allowing a run.

By then, his offense had tied the game. The first eight FredNats went down in order against Charleston’s Jose Urbina before Kelvin Diaz pulled a line drive into left field for a two-out single in the third inning and stole second ahead of Vaquero. Vaquero came into the day having already posted two three-hit games in the series and was fresh off a multi-RBI performance Friday night. In his first act Saturday, the FredNat outfielder laced a single up the middle that drove in Diaz to draw the game to 2-1.

In the fourth, Fredericksburg pounced again. Jorgelys Mota reached on an error, advanced on a passed ball and scored when Nate Rombach whacked a single through the right side. Mota ran through a stop sign at third base and showed off his speed to tie the game 2-2.

In the fifth, after Roman’s efforts, the FredNats saw Moises Gallardo reach on a Charleston error, Elijah Nunez draw a walk and Kelvin Diaz bunt both of them over, giving Vaquero another RBI chance and he didn’t disappoint.

The FredNat switch-hitter stepped to the plate and launched a sky-scraping home run that touched down in the RiverDog bullpen to give the FredNats five unanswered runs and a 5-2 lead. Vaquero’s second home run of the season gave him a FredNat single-game season high four RBI. He’d finish the night 2/4 and now has nine hits in the first five games of the series.

From there, the FredNat bullpen locked things down again. The group that entered the night with a Single-A-best 2.92 ERA saw Gavin Bruni strike out the side in the sixth, Robert Cranz go six up, six down with six strikeouts and Merrick Baldo punch out two more. Of the bullpen’s 12 outs, 11 of them came by way of the strikeout, including seven RiverDogs in a row at one point. Baldo gave up a ninth-inning solo shot, but by night’s end, the Fredericksburg bullpen ERA dropped even further to 2.89.

In a 5-3 victory, Roman (1-1) got his first win of the season as Charleston reliever Noah Beal (0-1) stomached the loss. The FredNats secured at least a series split and will go for a series win in game six Sunday with Davian Garcia (1-1, 4.15) on the mound in a 1:35 start.

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The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will host its first event of the year, the Warbird Expo, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Culpeper Regional Airport. The event will feature warbird rides in a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and a Stearman bi-plane, as well as a helicopter demonstration flight. As part of a Mother’s Day weekend promotion, all mothers attending will receive free non-alcoholic drinks from the Law Dawgs food truck.

Here’s the full press release:

Culpeper, VA – The Capital Wing of the CAF, Commemorative Air Force, will be hosting its first event of the year on Saturday May 10 at the Culpeper Regional Airport. This Warbird Expo event will feature warbird rides in a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber and Stearman bi-plane, plus an exciting helicopter demonstration flight at mid-day.

“As this is Mother’s Day weekend, we have a special treat for all the moms in attendance. All Moms will receive free drinks (non-alcoholic) all day at the Law Dawgs food truck,” said Pete Ballard, event coordinator. “Most people think of WWII warbirds as a passion enjoyed by only men. Not true. The Capital Wing has several women members and three of them will be at this Warbird Expo event. Nancy Gorell is a CAF certified Marshaller (an aircraft traffic cop), Val Lackey runs our PX, and Neharika Gambhir wears many hats and was recently featured in the CAF national magazine. All of them will be glad to talk to women and girls about opportunities to be around WWII warbirds at the Capital Wing,” said Ballard. “Oh, and by the way, the Law Dawgs food truck is owned and operated by Rhonda Hunt. She would love to talk to you.”

Featured on the ramp at the Warbird Expo will be one of the helicopters of AirCare6 operated by PHI Air Medical and based at the Culpeper Regional Airport. “We have made arrangements with AirCare6 to let the public get up close to this unique helicopter ambulance,” said Jerry Garegnani, one of the Capital Wing members organizing the event. “The crew of AirCare6, which includes several women aviation nurses, will explain what they do and show the public the inside of the helicopter,“ he said.

In addition, all those purchasing a warbird ride will receive a unique CAF Challenge coin, custom flight certificate, and booklet about their warbird. “For most people, a warbird ride is a bucket list item, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Ballard. “We will be providing rides in our TBM Avenger, the largest single-engine bomber of WWII powered by a huge radial engine developing 1,900 hp and the Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane. Either warbird is an exciting experience.”

Warbird rides in the TBM Avenger and Stearman may be booked in advance at the Capital Wing rides website https://www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/. Flights not sold in advance will be available for purchase at the airport on the day of the event.

On static display will be a Japanese Fuji LM-1, one of only three still flying in the world, a North American T-6 Texan, and a French Alouette II, the world’s first jet powered helicopter. At mid-day the Alouette will provide a thrilling airborne demonstration, depending on weather and pilot availability.

The Culpeper Regional Airport is located on Beverly Ford Road at Rts 15/29 in Elkwood, VA. Parking and admission are free. The Warbird Expo will be open from 10 am until 4 pm Saturday May 10.

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The Fredericksburg Nationals (10-9) scored seven unanswered runs to defeat the Charleston RiverDogs (8-11) by a score of 8-1 on Firework Friday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

The game remained close through the first five innings, tied 1-1 after solo runs from each team. Jackson Ross hit a solo home run in the second inning for the Nationals, and Charleston tied the game in the fourth. In the sixth inning, Fredericksburg took advantage of Charleston’s defensive mistakes, scoring four runs, followed by three more runs in the eighth inning.

The Nationals’ bullpen pitched six scoreless innings to secure the team’s largest winning margin of the season and tied the series at two games apiece. Matt Bollenbacher earned the win for Fredericksburg. Game five of the series is scheduled for Saturday, with Angel Roman starting for the FredNats.

Here’s the full press release:

The Fredericksburg Nationals (10-9) took advantage of late mistakes made by the Charleston RiverDogs (8-11) and scored seven unanswered runs to win 8-1 on a Firework Friday at Virginia Credit Union Stadium.

When the sixth inning started, the game had been played to script. In a tight, well-pitched series, the FredNats and RiverDogs were again playing close in a 1-1 tie. Both starters, Yoel Tejeda Jr. (3+ IP, 1 ER) and Ryan Andrade (4.0 IP, 1 ER), were long gone and their offenses were stifled. The Nationals’ run came via a Jackson Ross solo home run, his third of the year, to start the second inning, while the RiverDogs nickel and dimed their way to a run in the fourth.

Outside of putting baserunners on, neither offense was having much success scoring.

Then, the FredNats got some help in the sixth inning, a frame that doomed Charleston. Reigning Carolina League Player of the Week Jorgelys Mota drew a one-out walk to reach for his second time. Ross came up next and rolled a ground ball to short that looked like an inning-ending double play. Charleston shortstop Jack Lines wildly sailed his throw down the right field line, though and Mota motored around to score and give the FredNats a 2-1 lead.

After a Nate Rombach walk, Nate Ochoa rifled a line drive into center field that would’ve loaded the bases, but Angel Mateo overplayed it and it sailed right by him to the wall, scoring both runners. Another Charleston miscue, a wild pitch, brought Ochoa home and completed a four-run inning that put Fredericksburg ahead 5-1.

The FredNats added three more runs in the eighth inning, courtesy of outfielders Elijah Nunez and Cristhian Vaquero, who both had RBI base hits. Vaquero had his second three-hit game of the series, driving in two runs as well and adding a mind-bending stolen base and a game-changing diving catch that stranded the bases loaded for Charleston – a banner day for Washington’s 26th-ranked prospect (MLB Pipeline).

The FredNats held on to win 8-1, their largest winning margin of the season, and tied the series at two games apiece. Again, the FredNat bullpen helped fuel the win, with six scoreless innings from Matt Bollenbacher, Erik Tolman and Austin Amaral.

Bollenbacher (1-0) got the win as Dominic Niman (1-2), who pitched the sixth inning, got the loss despite not allowing an earned run.

In game five of the series Saturday, the FredNats send Angel Roman (0-1, 17.61) to the mound against Jose Urbina (0-1, 2.57) in a 7:05 start.

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The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy graduated its 60th Basic Law Enforcement Session on Friday, April 25, 2025, during a ceremony at Chapel Springs Church in Bristow. The graduating class included 17 Prince William County Police officers and one Prince William County Sheriff’s deputy. Each graduate completed 24 weeks of training in areas such as firearms, use-of-force decision making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation, and crash investigation. Police officers typically start with an annual salary of $62,000.

Here’s the full press release:

Police Basic Recruit School Graduates Today

The Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement 60th Session graduated on Friday, April 25, 2025, in a ceremony at Chapel Springs Church in Bristow. This class was composed of 17 Prince William County Police officers and one Prince William County Sheriff’s deputy.

The 18 men and women completed a 24-week course of training in all aspects of police work, including classes in firearms, use-of-force decision making, driver training, legal training, patrol techniques, criminal investigation and crash investigation. Brief biographies of each graduate follow:

Dalen T. Armeni is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, with a bachelor’s degree in history. He serves in the Army National Guard at the rank of Second Lieutenant. Additionally, he was the Class Guide of the 60th Session. Officer Armeni is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Justin L. Barnes is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with bachelor’s degrees in criminology and sociology. He serves in the U.S. Army Reserves at the rank of First Lieutenant. Officer Barnes is assigned to patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Gabriella M. Butcher is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. She has family in law enforcement. Officer Butcher is assigned to patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Ty M. Clingerman is a graduate of Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va., with a master’s degree in coaching and sports leadership and bachelor’s degrees in sociology and psychology. He has family in law enforcement. Additionally, he was the Class Vice President of the 60th Session. Officer Clingerman is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Reese W. Creadon attends the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. Officer Creadon is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Waghma Ghairat is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University in State College, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She speaks Farsi, Urdu, and Pashto. Officer Ghairat is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Michael J. Labella, IV is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Officer M. Labella is assigned to patrol in central Prince William County.

Ryan P. Labella is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College in Blacksburg, with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Officer R. Labella is assigned to patrol in western Prince William County.

Selvin J. Milian Garcia is a graduate of Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Comercials Romulo Gallegos in Guatemala City, Guatemala, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He speaks Spanish. Additionally, he was the Class President of the 60th Session. Officer Milian Garcia is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Michael P. Nowell is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Nowell is assigned to work patrol in central Prince William County.

Jamal P. Ortte is a graduate of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He has family in public safety. Deputy Ortte is assigned to the Sheriff’s Office.

Melensky Saint Louis is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, with an associate degree in criminal justice. He has family in law enforcement, and he speaks Haitian Creole and French. Officer Saint Louis is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Abdul M. Sami is a graduate of ECPI University in Manassas with an associate degree in cybersecurity. Officer Sami is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

Guillermo Sanchez is a graduate of Paoli Junior-Senior High School in Paoli, Ind. He worked as a corrections officer in Louisville prior to joining this Department. He speaks Spanish. Officer Sanchez is assigned to patrol in western Prince William County.

Adam D. Snover is a graduate of Frazier Mountain High School in Lebec, Calif., and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science and cyber security at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the rank of Sergeant. He has family in law enforcement. Officer Snover is assigned to work patrol in western Prince William County.

Travis O. Tracey is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Tracey is assigned to work patrol in central Prince William County.

Aidan W. Wiecki is a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, with a bachelor’s degree in vessel operations and technology. Officer Wiecki is assigned to work patrol in eastern Prince William County.

As the need for highly skilled and capable law enforcement officers increases, the Department continues to seek qualified applicants for police officer positions. All interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Recruiting at (703) 792-7924 or visit the Department’s website at www.joinpwcpd.org. You can also find us on social media.

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WOODBRIDGE — Prince William County police are investigating a shooting that occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m. on April 24 in the 14900 block of Enterprise Lane. Officers said a verbal altercation between occupants of a red sedan escalated into gunfire between the sedan’s occupants and nearby pedestrians.

The sedan fled the scene by vehicle, and the pedestrians left on foot before police arrived. One bullet struck a home, causing debris to injure a resident inside. Another round struck an unoccupied vehicle. Officers and a K-9 unit searched the area but were unable to locate anyone involved. The investigation is ongoing.

MANASSAS AREA — A 35-year-old man was stabbed following an altercation on April 24 at approximately 1:36 p.m. in the 7300 block of Miramar Drive. According to police, the victim and an acquaintance, identified as Adrian Basilio Espinoza, engaged in a verbal dispute that escalated. Espinoza allegedly cut the victim with a knife before fleeing.

Warrants have been issued for Espinoza, 33, of the 8500 block of Kirby Street in Manassas, charging him with malicious wounding. Efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

WOODBRIDGE —
Reckless Handling of a Firearm:
Officers already in the area of Featherstone Road and Arizona Avenue on April 23 around 8:39 p.m. heard multiple gunshots. Police said a sedan traveling eastbound on Featherstone Road fired several rounds into the air before fleeing. No injuries or property damage were reported.

MANASSAS —
Vandalism on School Grounds:
A School Resource Officer at Colgan High School discovered vandalism inside a textbook on April 23 at around 12:16 p.m. Police said swastikas and derogatory language had been drawn inside the book. No threats toward students or staff were found, and no additional vandalism was reported.

Arrests in Prince William County

MANASSAS AREA—
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [Juvenile]:
A 15-year-old male was arrested after assaulting a School Resource Officer and attempting to disarm him at Osbourn Park High School. The juvenile is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Sexual Assault:
Edwin Alberto Mendoza, 28, was arrested for sexually assaulting two women near Community Drive and possession of suspected illegal drugs. He is being held without bond.

Sexual Assault Investigation:
Edgar Antonio Lopez Hernandez, 48, was arrested following an investigation into a reported sexual assault at the Forest Park Mobile Home Park. He faces charges of two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of object sexual penetration.

WOODBRIDGE —
Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [Hospital Incident]:
Hawa Kaloko, 23, was arrested after allegedly assaulting two officers and hospital staff during an evaluation at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

Assault & Battery on Law Enforcement Officer:
Humberto Hernandez-Valles, 41, was arrested after resisting officers and allegedly kicking one officer and attempting to bite another during a call on April 24. He is being held without bond.

Attempted Abduction [Domestic]:
Quentine Preston Forge, 31, of Fredericksburg, was arrested after he allegedly headbutted a woman and attempted to drag her from a fitting room at PRIMARK inside Potomac Mills Mall on April 24. Forge is charged with attempted abduction, assault and battery, and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bond.

Malicious Wounding [Domestic]:
A 47-year-old man was arrested following a domestic dispute on April 24 at a residence in the 2900 block of Wetherburn Court. Police said Bedri Sinan Kahramanoglu headbutted a 48-year-old family member during an argument. Kahramanoglu is charged with malicious wounding. Court date pending; bond unavailable.

DUMFRIES —
Threats to Bomb:
Candice Sherrell Logan, 35, was arrested for allegedly threatening to bomb Potomac Middle School. She was charged with threats to bomb and disorderly conduct.

Stafford County

Robbery Suspects Caught:
Deputies arrested Claude Church Jr., 30, and Heather Harrison, 38, after spotting them near Woodland Drive on April 24. Both were wanted out of Fairfax County for robbery charges. Church faces additional charges for possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia. Both suspects are being held without bond.

Fraud and Foot Chase at Panera Bread:
Shane Williams, 28, was arrested on April 23 after trying to use counterfeit money at Panera Bread on Stafford Market Place. Williams fled on foot but was tackled by a Sheehy Toyota employee before deputies detained him. He is charged with possession of forged currency, use of forged currency, possession of a fictitious identification, and obstruction of justice.

Assault at Jay’s Sports Lounge:
Deputies responded to a fight between two women at Jay’s Sports Lounge on April 24. Police said one woman assaulted and dragged the other by her hair after the victim took her car keys to prevent drunk driving. The suspect was pepper-sprayed in self-defense. She was charged with assault and battery and public intoxication and is being held without bond.

Drugs at Rappahannock Regional Jail:
Staff at the Rappahannock Regional Jail found a suspected controlled substance hidden inside an AirPods case belonging to a new inmate brought in from another jurisdiction. The substance was seized, and charges are pending.

Fraud During Traffic Stop:
A traffic stop on April 24 near Richmond Highway and Sage Lane led to the arrest of a driver who provided a false identification. Deputies discovered the man had no driver’s license. He is charged with falsely identifying himself to law enforcement, driving without a license, and having an expired inspection. He is being held on a $2,500 secured bond.

Hit and Run on Hulls Chapel Road:
Deputies responded to a damaged mailbox on April 24. It was determined a FedEx driver struck the mailbox. No injuries were reported.

Phone Stolen on River Crest Way:
A resident reported that he accidentally dropped his phone and it was missing when he returned to the area. Deputies are investigating the larceny reported on April 24.

Public Intoxication on Little Whim Road:
Deputies arrested a man on April 24 who was reportedly intoxicated and on his way to steal more alcohol. He was charged with public intoxication and held until sober.

Stolen Property at Traffic Stop:
Deputies arrested a driver near Access Eye on Cambridge Street after discovering one of the vehicle’s license plates was reported stolen. The driver was charged with receiving stolen goods and failure to obey a traffic light and is being held without bond.

Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act, which would allow the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages directly to consumers. Subramanyam, who represents Manassas and western Prince William County, said the bill would expand opportunities for local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries while providing a new revenue source for USPS. Industry groups, including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, support the bill.

Read more about Congressman Subramanyam’s first 100 days in office here.

Here’s the full press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 25, 2025

Congressman Suhas Subramanyam Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Market Access for Local Breweries and Wineries

Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the bipartisan USPS Shipping Equity Act to allow the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship alcoholic beverages to consumers.

“This prohibition era restriction on the Postal Service is unnecessary and imposes on consumers and our small businesses,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “I’m thrilled to partner with Congressman Newhouse on a bipartisan fix to expand opportunities available to our local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries and provide a new revenue source for USPS.”

“The wine, beer, and spirits industries are at a real disadvantage in delivering their high-quality products across the country,” said Congressman Dan Newhouse. “While other carriers deliver alcohol, current law prohibits the United States Postal Service from doing so. This legislation supports small craft breweries and wineries in rural areas like Central Washington and offers new opportunities for market access through the USPS. I thank Rep. Subramanyam for joining me in introducing this bipartisan legislation as we work to unlock the USPS for our local producers.”

The legislation allows the USPS to ship alcoholic beverages directly from licensed producers and retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws at the delivery location. It levels the playing field and increases consumer and manufacturer choice while bringing in millions of dollars in revenue for USPS per year. The legislation is supported by industry partners including the American Craft Spirits Association and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

“We thank Representatives Newhouse and Subramanyam for their bipartisan legislation. As our small, domestic businesses have grown over the past 15 years, allowing the USPS to ship craft spirits will provide access to another important delivery option for small distillers in the U.S,” said Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association. “Many of those distilleries are located in rural areas where support of their local Main Street matters. Access to the thirty-one thousand post offices in the U.S. would be a game changer, helping their small businesses to succeed and grow. We hope the Congress will act soon on this important small business initiative.”

“The NRLCA thanks Congressman Newhouse and Congressman Subramanyam for introducing the USPS Shipping Equity Act, legislation that modernizes outdated regulations and allows the Postal Service to deliver products like wine, beer, and spirits,” said Don Matson, President of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. “This act promotes fairness by allowing USPS to compete on equal footing with private carriers, creating new opportunities for rural communities and small businesses to expand through USPS’s reliable service. It also generates revenue that can be reinvested to improve customer service. It’s a commonsense reform that helps USPS meet the needs of modern society and drive economic growth across the country.”

Full bill text can be found here.

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The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board received a $90,000 grant from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation to support behavioral healthcare services in Fredericksburg City Schools. The grant will fund a therapist position, comprehensive assessments, screenings, referrals for treatment, care management, counseling services, and family support services. RACSB officials said the funding will help address mental health needs among students.

Here’s the full press release:

MEDIA RELEASE

Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
600 Jackson Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
www.rappahannockareacsb.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2025, Fredericksburg, VA

Grant Will Provide Mental Health Therapist to City School Division

Fredericksburg, Virginia – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is pleased to announce the receipt of a $90,000 grant from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation to support behavioral healthcare services in Fredericksburg City Schools.

The money will allow RACSB to continue to provide a therapist for the school division. Additionally, the community services board will use the grant to provide comprehensive assessments—including screenings and referrals for treatment, care management, counseling services, and family support services.

“These funds will allow us to provide a behavioral health supports program, which provides evidence-based, recovery-oriented treatment focused on youth,” said RACSB Executive Director Joe Wickens. “We know that many students struggle with mental health issues, and this grant will help us address these challenges and provide the supports needed to help children in our community thrive.”

About half of Virginia middle and high school students reported a mental health need, with 20 percent saying they engage in self-harming behaviors and 12% saying they had considered ending their lives, according to a report by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia called “The Shape of Youth Mental Health in Virginia.”

“The American Academy of Pediatricians declared a national emergency in children’s mental health needs, and we see that need here in the Fredericksburg community,” Deputy Executive Director Brandie Williams said. “In 2021, the Virginia Youth Survey found that 38 percent of respondents felt sad or hopeless every day for two or more weeks. Think about that for a minute: Young people with their futures in front of them feeling little to no hope. We felt compelled to address this, and our agency is grateful to the Hospital Community Foundation for partnering with us to help local students find the hope they desperately need.”

Founded in 1970, RACSB provides public behavioral health and developmental disability services to residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — City officials are investigating after the canal was found drained on Thursday morning, prompting concerns from residents about the cause and potential impacts on the surrounding environment.

City spokeswoman Caitlyn McGhee said the issue appears to have originated from one of the canal’s sluice gates, which was found open, along with an unknown problem involving a level sensor. Both issues are under active investigation.

“There have been previous issues with the sluice gates,” McGhee added.

City staff, along with a contractor, are now assessing the situation and identifying the necessary repairs to both the gate and the adjacent canal infrastructure. No outside wildlife or environmental agencies are currently involved in the repair process.

While water levels remain low, city crews are taking advantage of the situation to inspect and, if needed, repair the aeration system within the canal. Staff are also removing debris that had been hidden underwater before the incident.

The assessment of the sluice gates and removal of debris is expected to take a couple of days. Inspection and repairs to the aeration system will occur at the same time. If no additional issues arise, McGhee said Public Works anticipates it will begin pumping water back into the canal next week.

Residents near the canal may notice an odor during this period. McGhee stressed that there is no public health or safety concern associated with the smell, which stems from natural biofilm, algae, and mud exposed by the lowered water levels.

The City will continue to provide updates about the situation through its social media platforms.