Spotsylvania - Page 2 of 12 - Potomac Local News

Kaine and Vindman Push to Restore Disability Program Funding Cut from Spotsy Schools

Published July 23, 2025 at 4:15PM

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A new bill from Senator Tim Kaine and Congressman Eugene Vindman aims to restore federal funding cut earlier this year from a program that supported high school students with disabilities in Spotsylvania County and across the country.

The “Charting My Path for Future Success” program—launched in 2019—was canceled by the U.S. Department of Education in February 2025, halting services like tutoring and mentoring for more than 1,600 students nationwide. Spotsylvania schools say the funding loss put them in a $2 million bind, threatening over a dozen staff positions and programs for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

VRE Proposes 5% Fare Hike for FY2027 Amid Rising Costs and Slower Ridership Recovery

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 1:15PM

A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

The VRE Operations Board is expected to review the proposal in September 2025 as part of the draft FY2027 budget. The plan would trigger a public participation process in fall 2025 before any final vote.

Current Fares and Impact

Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center Celebrates 5 Years in Fredericksburg, 10 Years in Virginia

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 11:15AM

The practice is celebrating 10 years of serving patients across Virginia and five years at its Fredericksburg-area office, located on Lafayette Boulevard in Spotsylvania County. Founder Dr. Danielle VonDerLinden shared that her team has helped more than 16,000 patients over the past decade — totaling nearly 60,000 visits. “We think of our mission — exceeding our patients’ expectations when they choose us to be part of their health care team,” she said during the ceremony.

In a Facebook video, Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears praised the clinic for opening its Fredericksburg office in 2020 — during the height of the pandemic — and continuing to grow. “They are doing fantastic work helping our community with all needs, foot and ankle,” she said.

Widening of Route 2/17 in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Aims to Ease Traffic, Improve Safety by 2029

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 22, 2025 at 9:00AM

Route 2/17 (Dixon Street) near Dixon Park in Fredericksburg, where VDOT plans to widen the road to four lanes and add a shared-use path as part of a $70.6 million improvement project. [Photo: VDOT]

The proposed $70.6 million project would expand Dixon Street (Route 2) and Tidewater Trail (Route 17) from two to four lanes between Dixon Park and Imboden Street, just south of Shannon Airport. Funded through Virginia’s SMART SCALE program and local contributions, the project combines two separate applications from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania into one construction contract.

What’s included in the project?

Spotsylvania Regional Celebrates 15 Years of Caring

By Potomac Local News

Published July 7, 2025 at 7:30AM

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center CEO Ryan DeWeese and Berkeley District Supervisor Kevin Marshall speak during the hospital’s 15th anniversary celebration, where 30 founding employees were honored for their service.

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center recently marked its 15th anniversary with a celebration honoring the hospital’s long-standing commitment to the community.

In a Facebook post following the event, the hospital highlighted the milestone with special recognition for 30 employees who have been with the hospital since its opening day on June 7, 2010. CEO Ryan DeWeese and Berkeley District Supervisor Kevin Marshall spoke at the event, applauding the hospital’s growth and dedication to patient care.

Spotsylvania Town Center Now Has a Place for Playing Hooky

By Mike Salmon

Published July 3, 2025 at 2:30PM

What started as a separate movie theater and bowling alley with a myriad of names is now “Hooky,” an entertainment destination at Spotsylvania Town Centre that offers something for everyone, even if you’re playing hooky from another obligation.

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Weekly Traffic Update for Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Fredericksburg

By Potomac Local News

Published June 29, 2025 at 11:00AM

As we head into the July 4 holiday weekend, here’s what to know before you hit the road.

Heads up! VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift lane closures on interstates and other major roads starting at noon Thursday, July 3, through noon Monday, July 7. But here’s what’s happening before and after the break:

OmniRide Ridership Surges, Prompting Overcrowding Concerns on Key Commuter Routes

By Uriah Kiser

Published June 24, 2025 at 2:30PM

WOODBRIDGE, Va. –A surge in riders across OmniRide commuter bus routes is triggering overcrowding issues on several key lines, prompting officials at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) to weigh how and where they can expand service — especially as the region heads into a busy fall season.

Speaking during the June 5 PRTC Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director Dr. Bob Schneider said ridership dipped slightly in May due to seasonal factors like Memorial Day and rainy weather, but overall remains strong.

FAMPO Advances Rappahannock River Crossing Despite Spotsylvania Concerns

By Potomac Local News

Published June 24, 2025 at 1:15PM

A view of newly erected pylons that will hold a bridge that will carry I-95 travelers across the Rappahannock River. [Photo: Susie Webb/PLN]

On June 16, the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Policy Committee approved Resolution 2550, selecting Option C—a route connecting Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County with Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard in Fredericksburg—as the preferred corridor. The approval allows consultants to complete cost estimates and finalize documents ahead of a federally required environmental review (NEPA).

Fredericksburg officials supported Option C with a 6-1 vote, and Stafford County unanimously endorsed it. Spotsylvania County declined to endorse a specific route, raising concerns about potential impacts on local roads such as Fall Hill Avenue, Bragg Road, and River Road.

SPOTSYLVANIA: Plane Crash and I-95 Shooting

By Potomac Local News

Published June 20, 2025 at 4:57PM

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A chaotic Friday afternoon in Spotsylvania County saw both a small plane crash and a road rage shooting just minutes apart, prompting two separate investigations by Virginia State Police.

At around 2:15 p.m. on June 20, a road rage incident on Interstate 95 southbound escalated when shots were fired near the 122-mile marker. Police say the confrontation involved a black Tesla and a black pickup truck, possibly a Toyota Tacoma. The Tesla was struck multiple times by gunfire, but no one was injured. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call Virginia State Police Division II Dispatch at 804-750-8778.