Fifteen division winners from across the region will compete for a chance to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Access Eye, the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg sponsor this annual event.

CRRL has organized the Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee since 2017, continuing the tradition previously sponsored by The Free Lance-Star for many years.


Residents near Quantico Marine Corps Base (MCBQ) should be prepared for smoky conditions today as base officials conduct a controlled burn on the west side of Interstate 95. The burn, managed by MCBQ Forestry and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 25.

According to base officials, smoke columns will be visible from the installation and may drift into surrounding areas, depending on changing wind conditions. The controlled burn is part of a regular forestry management effort to reduce wildfire risk and maintain ecological health.


The Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (SJGF) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. The grant will fund an expanded iPad and technology program designed to comfort, connect, and entertain children with complex medical conditions.

The grant will provide iPads, gaming systems, TVs, computers, and adaptive technology to hospitalized children who are homebound or frequently travel for medical care.


Felony Hit & Run Investigation

On February 2 at 9:00 PM, officers in the 1400 block of Admiral Dr. in Woodbridge attempted to make contact with the occupants of a stolen vehicle. The driver, later identified as Timothy Damon RUTHERFORD, reversed and struck an occupied police vehicle before fleeing. No injuries were reported. Two female juveniles fled the scene but were later detained and released to their guardians. Rutherford remains wanted for multiple charges, including felony hit & run, grand larceny, and obstruction of justice.


Trouvaille Brewing Company, a veteran-owned craft brewery in Haymarket, offers federal civilian employees a small token of support during economic uncertainty—one beer for just a penny. The offer, available through March 14, 2025, is open to all current and recently separated federal employees as a way to show appreciation for their service and dedication.

The brewery, which is co-owned by five partners—three of whom work in federal civilian roles and two who are military veterans—understands firsthand the challenges faced by government employees. Trouvaille Brewing’s owners juggle full-time careers while managing the brewery, hosting events, and building relationships with their community. Their deep ties to the area and shared experiences have made them acutely aware of the struggles many local residents face.


Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors and School Board will hold their respective meetings on Tuesday, February 25. Both meetings will be streamed live, with agendas available online.

Board of Supervisors Meeting – 5 p.m.


“It’s been a while since we’ve had Restaurant Week here in Historic Downtown,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Historic Manassas Inc. “Given that February is a slow month for restaurants, we saw this as a great opportunity to bring people downtown, support our local eateries, and introduce the community to new dining experiences.”

New Restaurants Spotlight


Stafford County is providing little information about a shooting that occurred over the weekend in the Malvern Lakes subdivision.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office initially alerted the public to the incident in a Facebook post at 2:09 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The post stated that deputies were on the scene of a shooting on Malvern Lakes Circle and warned of a large police presence in the area.


In December 2024, Northeastern Supply, a plumbing, HVAC, PVF, and water system supplies distributor, opened its new location at 9751 Center Street in the former Southern States feed store building.

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