Business

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is preparing to reopen after a fire temporarily forced the restaurant to close in August 2024. The fire, which originated at a neighboring tanning salon on August 23, caused an estimated $85,000 in damages to the Fredericksburg-area eatery.

Despite the setback, owner and operator James Wright, a former accountant who became a franchisee of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in 2015, has continued to pay his employees throughout the closure. Wright’s dedication to his team, whom he refers to as his family, highlights his deep commitment to his employees and the local community.


News

3 p.m. update — Three (3) victims have been found deceased inside the structure. Due to the extent of their injuries the Medical Examiner’s Office will need to identify the victims and conduct autopsies. No further information is available on the victims.

This scene is very active requiring an in-depth investigation to determine the events that lead up to this tragedy. The exact cause is under investigation. This has become a joint investigation with the County Police Department since the deaths were unattended. Due to the severity of the fire, the ATF will be assisting.


Fredericksburg

Fire alarms went off just before lunchtime on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, bringing firefighters in from several locations in the area and halting traffic and shoppers.

All eyes were on the building at 1016 Caroline Street, an old theater that currently houses a daycare center. Fire trucks and ambulances blocked the street entrances to minimize traffic surrounding the building, and a ladder was extended to the roof, allowing firefighters to access that area.


Stafford

The Stafford Sheriff’s Office was called to Historic Port of Falmouth Beach, 401 River Road, on Saturday, August 24, for a report of a drunken man on the public beach.

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Fredericksburg

The event covered first responders from the Fredericksburg and Caroline, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, filling the main ballroom at the Convention Center. There were 19 awards given out to local Virginia State Troopers and county police officers from all over the area. Included in the 19 awards was a lifetime achievement award given to Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones, Caroline County Citizens Valor awards given to Shericka Twyner, Russell Trainer, and Desiree Dushane, and the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Citizens Valor Award went to Guillermo Shelton and Austin Leonard.

“We are a better region because of you,” added Steve Cox of Rappahannock Goodwill, one of the sponsors at this event, which the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce hosted.


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