Spotsylvania - Page 7 of 15 - Potomac Local News

Health Officials Confirm Rabid Raccoon Found in Spotsylvania County

Published May 16, 2025 at 1:39PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Health officials have confirmed a raccoon found near the 7000 block of Stubbs Bridge Road in Spotsylvania County tested positive for rabies, according to the Rappahannock Area Health District.

Anyone who may have had contact with the animal is urged to seek medical care right away and contact the Spotsylvania County Health Department at 540-507-7386. Pet owners concerned their animal may have been exposed should call their veterinarian and contact either the Health Department or Spotsylvania County Animal Control at 540-507-7549.

Plan Ahead: Dale City Rest Area Closures, Lane Shifts, and Road Work on I-95 and Local Roads This Week

By Potomac Local News

Published May 9, 2025 at 12:46PM

Drivers traveling on Interstate 95 and local roads through Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region this week should plan for overnight lane closures, ramp work, and rest area closures, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Dale City Rest Area to Close for Paving

Lake Anna’s Summer Safety Plan: More Testing, Public Warnings After 2024 Illnesses

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published May 7, 2025 at 11:00AM | Updated May 7, 2025 at 1:35PM

As Memorial Day approaches, local officials are ramping up safety efforts at Lake Anna in response to last summer’s E. coli outbreak that left two dozen people sick—most of them children.

In the summer of 2024, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported a total of 25 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections associated with Lake Anna. The majority of these cases occurred among children under 18 years old. Five of the affected children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication requiring hospitalization.

Shots Fired During Early Morning Break-In; 1 Dead, 2 Teens Involved

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 3:23PM

[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. – A young man is dead and two juveniles are involved following a shooting during an early morning break-in just two miles from Shannon Airport.

According to a press release from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to McKenzie Lane around 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, for a reported burglary in progress. A resident at the home told dispatchers they had fired shots.

Heads-Up, Drivers: Here’s Where VDOT Is Doing Road Work This Week

By Potomac Local News

Published May 3, 2025 at 10:21AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – If you’re traveling through the Fredericksburg region this week, expect to see crews working along Interstate 95 and several major routes in surrounding counties. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its list of scheduled lane closures and maintenance activity for May 4–10, 2025. All work is weather permitting, and up-to-date info is available on 511Virginia.org.

According to a press release from VDOT, drivers are advised to use caution, stay alert, and plan for possible delays when traveling through active work zones.

The Future of VRE Part III: Paying for the Vision: The Big Costs — and the Bigger Opportunities

By Potomac Local News

Published April 28, 2025 at 3:15PM

This is the final part of our three-part series exploring Virginia Railway Express’ vision for the future. Thank you for following along.

For more coverage of local transportation and infrastructure developments, make sure to sign up for our free email newsletter.

The Future of VRE Part II: More Trains, More Often: What Riders Can Expect by 2030 and 2050

By Potomac Local News

Published April 27, 2025 at 2:00PM | Updated April 28, 2025 at 1:51PM

Editor’s Note:

This is the second in our three-part series on the future of Virginia Railway Express (VRE). We’re breaking down VRE’s bold System Plan 2050 — and what it means for you.

Germanna Launches Community Survey to Help Shape Presidential Search

By Potomac Local News

Published April 27, 2025 at 8:55AM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Germanna Community College is inviting students, employees, alumni, and the broader community to weigh in as it begins the search for its next president.

The college launched a community survey this week, asking participants to rank the importance of various leadership priorities, from fostering student success and expanding career-focused programs to strengthening partnerships with business and education leaders. Germanna officials say public input will help define the values, qualities, and goals the next president should embody.

The Future of VRE: What 2050 Could Look Like

By Potomac Local News

Published April 26, 2025 at 2:00PM

Be sure to sign up for our free email newsletter to get local transportation, government, and business news sent directly to your inbox.

At the April 18, 2025, VRE Operations Board meeting, planners unveiled a sweeping System Plan that would transform VRE from a traditional commuter service into a true regional backbone — connecting communities across the region with frequent, reliable rail service.

CTAC Endorses New Route for Rappahannock River Crossing; Regional Vote Set for June 16

By Potomac Local News

Published April 22, 2025 at 3:46PM | Updated April 25, 2025 at 6:16PM

Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River. [VDOT]

The Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a panel advising the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO), voted 9-4 in favor of a new option, informally dubbed “CTAC Option C.” The route would use Celebrate Virginia Parkway in Stafford County and cross the river where one of the previously studied alternatives—Option D—was proposed.

During a presentation at the April 21 FAMPO Policy Committee meeting, CTAC member Al Watkins said the new route was the result of “many, many, many hours” of analysis by committee members. The preferred alternative aims to reduce environmental impacts, minimize new road construction, and improve regional traffic flow between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.