VDH awards $6.2 million to Town of Bowling Green to address water issues
by FFP staff | Dec 22, 2025
The General Assembly approved $25 million in grant funding earlier this year, with priority given to the Town of Bowling Green and Greene County.
Gov.-elect Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage
by Virginia Mercury | Dec 21, 2025
In meeting with legislators last week, solar power and transmission grid infrastructure came up frequently.
Press Rewind: Dec. 15-20
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 21, 2025
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
More news from The Free Press
Bobby Orrock, defeated in November, doesn’t rule out a return to public service
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 20, 2025
He was feted at a gathering Thursday.
Candidates set in special election for House of Delegates’ 23rd District
by FFP staff | Dec 19, 2025
Seat came open when Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger named Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth.
Lost revenue from tax-exempt veterans leaves ‘hole in the budget’ in King George
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Dec 18, 2025
Statewide veteran tax relief programs have left some localities feeling the impact of lost revenue.
Stafford County asks residents to voluntarily conserve water as state has seen low rainfall
by FFP staff | Dec 18, 2025
Last month was Stafford’s 25th-driest November on record over the past 131 years
Alumni Night strives to celebrate JM’s basketball history and inspire the future
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Dec 18, 2025
James Monroe basketball coaches Chuck Ellis and Julian Bumbrey came up with the idea to hold a triple-header and honor the program’s storied past.
Stafford supervisors continue to register opposition to power line project
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 17, 2025
The board also celebrated outgoing Supervisors Meg Bohmke and Monica Gary, who didn’t seek re-election this year.
‘Caroline Reads’ initiative aims to build up community one book at a time
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Dec 17, 2025
Assistant Superintendent Michael Mudd also announced a $218,000 literacy grant to assist in efforts at Bowling Green Elementary School and Caroline Middle School.
Caroline Historical Society exhibit tells the story of county’s World War II veterans
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Dec 16, 2025
The Caroline Historical Society also features a display telling the story of the history of county churches.
Gov.-elect Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage
by Virginia Mercury | Dec 21, 2025
In meeting with legislators last week, solar power and transmission grid infrastructure came up frequently.
Press Rewind: Dec. 15-20
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 21, 2025
Here’s what you may have missed last week, curated by Free Press staff.
Bobby Orrock, defeated in November, doesn’t rule out a return to public service
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 20, 2025
He was feted at a gathering Thursday.
Candidates set in special election for House of Delegates’ 23rd District
by FFP staff | Dec 19, 2025
Seat came open when Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger named Del. Candi Mundon King as Virginia’s next secretary of the commonwealth.
Lost revenue from tax-exempt veterans leaves ‘hole in the budget’ in King George
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Dec 18, 2025
Statewide veteran tax relief programs have left some localities feeling the impact of lost revenue.
How Fredericksburg-area school divisions fared under the VDOE’s new framework
by FFP staff | Dec 15, 2025
For the first time, accountability and student performance are determined separately.
Tree removal to close Rock Hill Church Road in Stafford County
by FFP staff | Dec 15, 2025
The road will be closed at Aquia Creek from Wednesday through Dec. 22.
On the Agenda, Dec. 15-19
by FFP staff | Dec 15, 2025
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
PHOTOS: North Stafford falls short in first trip to state championship since 2004
by Jeff Kearney | Dec 14, 2025
Scenes from the Wolverines’ 44-0 loss to Oscar Smith on Saturday at JMU’s Bridgeforth Stadium.
Wolverines’ run ends on sour note as Tigers’ championship mettle too much to overcome
by Jamar Billingsley | Dec 14, 2025
Oscar Smith rolled to its second straight Class 6 state title behind dominant effort on both sides of the ball in a shutout win over North Stafford.
‘No more tears:’ Hall’s steady hand guides Wolverines from despair to state title brink
by Jamar Billingsley | Dec 12, 2025
The fourth-year head coach will lead North Stafford against Oscar Smith on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Wolverines’ quest for their — and Stafford County’s — first football state championship.
Stafford residents and school board members worry about ‘Kraken’ project
by Jonathan Hunley | Dec 12, 2025
At meetings this week, elected officials expressed concern about proposed route.
Second time not the charm for proposed Gateway Boulevard data center
by Joey LoMonaco | Dec 11, 2025
Like in July, Planning Commission unanimously recommends disapproval of project.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Banter: Rennie McDaniel and Kelly Johnson
by Bill Freehling | Dec 23, 2025
This week, Bill sits down with Rennie McDaniel and Kelly Johnson to talk about their instrumental role in the successful Monumental Vision campaign for the renovation of Mary Washington Monument.
Biz Beat Clips: $500K project ongoing at Massad YMCA
by Bill Freehling | Dec 22, 2025
This week’s video takes you to the Massad branch of the Rappahannock Area YMCA to learn about a half-million-dollar renovation project and meet the organization’s new CEO.
Biz Beat Roundup: New big-box store coming to Central Park
by Bill Freehling | Dec 17, 2025
Also inside: New location for Bubblebee, housing sales dip in November, William Street property to be sold
Biz Beat Banter: Keith Lebor
by Bill Freehling | Dec 16, 2025
This week, Bill sits down with Olde Towne Butcher owner Keith Lebor to learn about his path to becoming a small-business owner.
Biz Beat Clips: The Barking Barley
by Bill Freehling | Dec 15, 2025
This week’s video takes you to The Barking Barley, Fredericksburg’s first dog-park bar.
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: From donations to destinations: How Goodwill is driving Fredericksburg’s workforce future
by Sponsored Content | Dec 15, 2025
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
by Sponsored Content | Dec 1, 2025
Tips to navigating the holidays without stress.
SPONSORED CONTENT: From diagnosis to triumph: Brett’s breast cancer journey
by Sponsored Content | Nov 3, 2025
Seeking treatment quickly and a strong support system helped her navigate diagnosis.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Fredericksburg Fashion Week kicks off
by LaToya White | Sep 29, 2025
Fashion Week celebrates proclamation, Goodwill partnership, new show launch and a lineup of exciting events
SPONSORED CONTENT: Championing community wellness through sports medicine
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Sep 29, 2025
Preventing and treating injuries is focus at Mary Washington Orthopedics.
News from B101.5/WFVA
LISTEN: Living with loss during a season of celebration
by Ted Schubel | Dec 23, 2025
Leslie Leahy and Stacey Horner Dunn reflect on losing their daughters and discuss how families can navigate grief and find support during the holiday season.
WATCH: Why the perfect coffee mug isn’t so simple
by Ted Schubel | Dec 22, 2025
Kevin Rodrigue of LibertyTown says thoughtful design–from weight to handle to rim–is what turns a handmade mug into an everyday companion.
PHOTOS: Rooted in care–Tree Fredericksburg volunteers at work
by Ted Schubel | Dec 22, 2025
Tree Fredericksburg volunteers were busy pruning, not planting, Monday at James Monroe High School.
Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Dec 22, 2025
VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift temporary lane closures on interstates and other major roads from noon Wednesday, Dec. 24-noon Friday, Dec. 26
LISTEN: Season of giving includes the need for blood donations
by Ted Schubel | Dec 22, 2025
American Red Cross officials are urging more people to donate blood, warning that a small donor base continues to strain supplies.
News from around Virginia
Fun Land Fredericksburg Power Up Trio

Level up your fun at Fun Land with the Power Up Trio! Choose any three rides or attractions to experience once, plus get a $10 game card for just $29.99! Purchase online and get an extra $5 game card! Upgrade your visit with the Power Up Trio for an amazing time at Fun Land! Available all day, seven days a week.

A heartwarming musical about two veterans who team up with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn, featuring classic Irving Berlin songs.
Ticket Information:
- Dinner and Show Tickets:
- Adult: $82 (plus applicable taxes)
- Seniors (65+): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Children (3-17): $70 (plus applicable taxes)
- Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Show Only Tickets:
- Adult: $65
- Seniors (65+): $60
- Children (3-17): $55
- RUSH (same day purchase, limited availability, must mention RUSH): $35
Please note that there is a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.
Call for artists

The Fredericksburg Arts Commission is seeking artists for a mural project at the Dorothy Hart Community Center. This will be the first in a series of new public art projects we plan to commission in the coming years.
The mural wall is approximately 4 feet tall by 32 feet wide, and the selected artist will receive a $4,000 stipend, which covers labor and supplies.
The call is open to artists 18 and older, and the selected artist will be chosen through a multi-tiered review process led by the Fredericksburg Arts Commission’s Public Art Committee.
Submission deadline: January 12, 2026.
https://fredarts.com/murals-call-for-entries/
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.



















