The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is testing a new way to manage parking at commuter lots through the innovative ParkZen app. Initially launched in November 2024, the pilot program has been extended through May 2025 to further evaluate the appâs effectiveness in providing real-time parking availability at six commuter lots in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
What Is the ParkZen App?
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Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a femaleâs body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found both a male and female deceased within the residence. The victims were identified as 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb. Authorities confirmed that the pair had been living together, although the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) initiated an investigation, conducting interviews and collecting evidence at the scene. Preliminary findings revealed that both victims suffered what law enforcement officers call “fatal injuries,’ and the incident has been classified as a homicide.
More as we have it.
Upcoming road work in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and surrounding areas includes several projects to improve infrastructure and ensure safe travel for drivers. On Interstate 95 southbound, the Exit 126 off-ramp in Spotsylvania will have alternating single-lane closures from Sunday through Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., as crews work to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane to Route 1 southbound.
In Fredericksburg, Wellford Street will see waterline work from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with flaggers alternating one-way traffic between Route 1 and Wallace Street.
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Fredericksburg Free Press â Community leaders and local officials in the Fredericksburg area are grappling with how to protect undocumented immigrants in the context of mass deportation efforts directed by President Trump and enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Â
One aspect of the presidentâs new border policy is particularly troubling to some in the Fredericksburg area â the removal of the protection of migrants at schools, churches and hospitals. Â
Spotsylvania County Public School Superintendent Clint Mitchell sent a letter to the âSCPS communityâ stating that school officials and administrators will not inquire about the immigration status of students, or their families and that confidential student information will only be disclosed to authorities âin strict compliance with state and federal laws.âÂ
After 17 years as a teacher, Spotsylvania's Leslie Robinson has learned how to make her students laugh. In almost two decades, Robinson has taught every grade level from pre-school to adult high school, and currently teachers High School Family and Consumer Sciences in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She is also a popular social media content creator, with thousands of followers and views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Robinson said she loves bringing comedy into her classrooms, saying it helps students retain more information and also lets them find enjoyment in learning. Making the jump from the classroom to the public was a logical next step - Robinson said, âit only made sense to share that same energy and approach with fellow teachers.â Robinson honed her comedy skills in the classroom, saying, "Teenagers are the toughest audience out there," and finding the ability to both connect with them and make them laugh is akin to "surviving 'audience boot camp.'"Â
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âI saw on the Ring doorbell, a guy with a big check and flowers,â said Shellyâs daughter Vicky. They are now $10,000 richer.
Shelly entered the Publishers Clearing House a few times before and won small prizes but continued to enter their drawing. This time it paid off â hefty, $10,000. However, PCH has given away bigger prizes in the past and continues to have drawings in the millions.Â
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Dr. Janet Gullickson, the first female president of Germanna Community College, will retire in July 2025 after eight years of leadership.
During her tenure, Gullickson oversaw significant enrollment growth, national recognition by the Aspen Institute, and the distinction of being the first college to host Amazon Web Services' mobile classroom. She also spearheaded work-based learning initiatives, including paid internships, to enhance student career readiness.
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Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Prince William County Public Schools
On Thursday, January 9, all Prince William County Public Schools will be closed for students and teachers.
– All 250-day employees and all pay grade 13 and above report at 10 a.m.
Stafford County Public Schools
Schools will be closed for students on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
– Emergency personnel will report on time.
– All 12-month employees will report to work at 10 a.m. If you are unable to report to work safely, liberal leave is authorized.
– Thursday, January 9 will serve as a workday for all licensed employees beginning at 10 a.m. While buildings will be open to enable maintenance crews to clear any remaining snow and ice, telework is permitted and encouraged where duties allow.
Manassas City Public Schools
Manassas City Public Schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to hazardous road conditions.
– Code BLUE for employees.
Manassas Park City Schools
Schools will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy conditions.
– Code RED for employees.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All Fairfax County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
– School offices and central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
- Essential workers should report at 8 a.m.
- 12-month employees should report at 10 a.m.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
- Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
- Essential personnel will report at specified times.
- All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
- Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
- Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will close all its locations early at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, citing icy road conditions that make travel hazardous. This decision follows a two-day closure of all CRRL locations earlier this week due to heavy snowfall that blanketed the region.
The library system made the announcement at midday on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.
CRRL serves a broad region, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland. With 10 branches and a robust online resource platform, the library offers services ranging from book lending and computer access to educational programs for all ages. The early closure will impact planned events and services scheduled for Wednesday evening. Patrons are encouraged to use the libraryâs extensive online catalog and digital resources during the closure.
The winter storm that prompted these closures brought significant disruptions across the area, impacting schools, businesses, and local government operations. Library staff have worked to ensure buildings are safe and accessible during this challenging weather. However, todayâs icy conditions pose continued challenges for travel in the region.
