Press Rewind: Jan. 26-31
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
Today’s news sponsored by:
From Fredericksburg to West Africa: Humanitarian mission features donated ambulance
Medical supplies from the now-closed Moss Free Clinic also will be used in Ghana and Benin.
Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors message to the state: ‘We are still a Second Amendment sanctuary county’
Board also discussed updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan at Thursday night’s meeting.
More news from The Free Press
Fredericksburg Nationals announce 2026 coaching staff
Manager Chris O’Neill leads a staff of seven newcomers to the Washington organization.
UPDATED: Fredericksburg, Stafford schools offering free meals to students
Renatos, a downtown Fredericksburg restaurant, also will provide free pasta meals for children between 3-6 p.m.
Rappahannock Tribe challenging DEQ approval of Caroline County water permit
DEQ approved Caroline’s permit request to withdraw 9 million gallons per day from Rappahannock in November.
After three decades as ‘the community’s conscience,’ Payne retiring from CASA
Payne worked with Rappahannock CASA since its inception in the early 1990s.
Updated storm alerts: Here’s the latest information for the Fredericksburg area
Closures and delays around the region for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
PHOTOS: A snowy Sunday in downtown Fredericksburg following Winter Storm Fern
Photojournalist Jeff Kearney braved the icy conditions to see how Fredericksburg and its residents were faring a day after Winter Storm Fern.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools names David Ferguson as new Director of Operations
Ferguson, who starts Jan. 28, brings more than 22 years of experience in public education to the position.
UPDATED: On the Agenda, Jan. 26-30
Scheduling updates to public meetings in the region have been added.
From Fredericksburg to West Africa: Humanitarian mission features donated ambulance
Medical supplies from the now-closed Moss Free Clinic also will be used in Ghana and Benin.
Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors message to the state: ‘We are still a Second Amendment sanctuary county’
Board also discussed updating the county’s Comprehensive Plan at Thursday night’s meeting.
Fredericksburg Nationals announce 2026 coaching staff
Manager Chris O’Neill leads a staff of seven newcomers to the Washington organization.
UPDATED: Fredericksburg, Stafford schools offering free meals to students
Renatos, a downtown Fredericksburg restaurant, also will provide free pasta meals for children between 3-6 p.m.
Rappahannock Tribe challenging DEQ approval of Caroline County water permit
DEQ approved Caroline’s permit request to withdraw 9 million gallons per day from Rappahannock in November.
Winter storm alerts: Here’s the latest information for the Fredericksburg area
Post has been updated with weather-related closures for Monday.
King George supervisors express support for data center project despite resident concerns
After holding two public hearings, board deferred vote to its Feb. 17 meeting.
Power company officials: Be prepared for multi-day outages
Companies warn that a quarter inch of ice may result in lengthy power outages.
WATCH: Here’s what to expect from this weekend’s winter storm
Meteorologist Sean Sublette breaks down the forecast, timeline and potential implications across the Fredericksburg region.
A year after Sweet 16 run, UMW hoops keeps the momentum going
Eagles are 15-1 and ranked No. 6 in the latest D3hoops.com top 25.
Fusing school and tools: Kaine talks welding, CTE in Spotsylvania County
The Democrat also spoke about situations in Venezuela and Greenland.
Spotsylvania school system strives to ‘educate the whole child’ with budget proposal
The school division’s proposed budget calls for a $55.4 million increase from fiscal year 2026.
Stafford supervisors reconsider leasing county land to Patawomeck Tribe
The board also agreed to give incentive grants to LongHorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden, which are slated to come to the county.
Today’s news sponsored by:
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Roundup: Restaurant Row getting new eateries
Also inside: Falmouth property getting new life, Spotsylvania Towne Centre business gets new name, incentives approved for two national eateries in Stafford
Biz Beat Banter: Danilo Orofino’s journey from Sicily to Fredericksburg
This week, Bill sits down with Orofino restaurant owner Danilo Orofino to discuss his journey from Sicily to Fredericksburg and the stops along the way.
Biz Beat Clips: Smugglers Cafe aims to bring Disney-esque experience to Fredericksburg
This week on Biz Beat Clips we take you to Smugglers Cafe in downtown Fredericksburg, which offers “bold brews,” “Cosmic cookies” and an experience “for intergalactic travelers.”
Biz Beat Roundup: Trader Joe’s confirms plans for local store
Also inside: Chipotle drive-through requested, real estate firm getting new digs, new tenant for former bank branch
Biz Beat Banter: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
On this week’s episode, Bill sits down with Brian Shanle and Jeff Oliveri, respectively the general manager and assistant general manager of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ new Spotsylvania County resort.
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: A love note to the community for Heart Month
Taking care of patient hearts is personal for this echocardiographer.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Hospital launches lifesaving stroke procedure
Thrombectomy can dramatically improve recovery and survival rates.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
In April 2026, Goodwill will launch the CareerPath Accelerator, an AI-powered platform designed to bridge gaps between job seekers, training providers, and employers.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Finding calm and staying healthy during the holiday season
Tips to navigating the holidays without stress.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From diagnosis to triumph: Brett’s breast cancer journey
Seeking treatment quickly and a strong support system helped her navigate diagnosis.
News from B101.5/WFVA
PHOTOS: Cold takes over as ice forms at city dock
Sustained cold has turned parts of the Rappahannock River into an icy landscape at City Dock.
LISTEN: Empowerhouse warns winter weather can trap victims
Prolonged winter weather has kept many families indoors this week.
LISTEN: UMW Admissions: Easier FAFSA, but don’t rush the college essay
With college admissions deadlines approaching, Sarah Lindberg (front), Director of First-Year Admission at the University of Mary Washington, says families may find the newly redesigned FAFSA easier to navigate than in past years.
WATCH: Inside Habitat’s self-help program: Time, teamwork, and commitment
Central Rappahannock River Habitat for Humanity’s Jason Tickle hosted a virtual information session, giving potential homeowners a closer look at what it takes to build with Habitat.
PHOTOS: Happiness is…..Waking up to a plowed street!
It’s still icy but sometime overnight a VDOT crew working a 12-hour shift came opened up some streets in South Stafford!
News from around Virginia
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.