COLUMN: ‘A Pirate Looks at 50’
by Jonathan Hunley | Jun 22, 2026
Your columnist has aged since he last appeared in this space.
Virginia localities raise $119M for school construction through targeted sales tax
by Virginia Mercury | Jun 22, 2026
Lawmakers advanced proposals this year to give counties and cities statewide the option to levy the tax.
On the Agenda, June 22-26
by FFP staff | Jun 22, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
More news from The Free Press
Virginia Medical Imaging sues Mary Washington Healthcare for $2.25M
by Adele Uphaus | Jun 20, 2026
MWHC spokesperson: The suit, which alleges breach of contract, is ‘financially motivated’ and ‘has nothing to do with patient care.’
NTSB report: Bus continued for nearly half a mile after first colliding with traffic in work zone
by FFP staff | Jun 19, 2026
Report: Work zone for overnight paving closed two lanes, right shoulder at time of incident.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate the Storytellers
by Tyrone Brown | Jun 19, 2026
Market Square celebration recognizes emancipation and contributions of Black Americans.
GOP hopefuls in Virginia’s 7th District talk data centers, legislative priorities
by Jonathan Hunley | Jun 19, 2026
Republicans Philip Harding, Doug Ollivant and Rick Smithers appeared at a candidate forum on Wednesday night in Fredericksburg.
Caroline Planning Commission recommends solar ordinance before new state law takes effect
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 19, 2026
A new state law takes effect on July 1 that would permit a battery storage facility by-right if it accompanies a solar project.
Virginia House, Senate to meet Monday as budget deadline inches closer
by Virginia Mercury | Jun 19, 2026
State budget negotiators reportedly reach tentative, unofficial deal.
Group works to mine diamond lore from region’s Black community
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 18, 2026
Fredericksburg Nationals President Seth Silber, area history enthusiast Eunice Haigler are planning a documentary and a book detailing the legacy of Black baseball teams in the region.
King George’s Rinko is Work-Based Learning Professional of the Year
by FFP staff | Jun 18, 2026
Rinko is the career and technical education specialist for King George County Public Schools.
Virginia localities raise $119M for school construction through targeted sales tax
by Virginia Mercury | Jun 22, 2026
Lawmakers advanced proposals this year to give counties and cities statewide the option to levy the tax.
On the Agenda, June 22-26
by FFP staff | Jun 22, 2026
Your weekly look at upcoming public meetings in the region.
Virginia Medical Imaging sues Mary Washington Healthcare for $2.25M
by Adele Uphaus | Jun 20, 2026
MWHC spokesperson: The suit, which alleges breach of contract, is ‘financially motivated’ and ‘has nothing to do with patient care.’
NTSB report: Bus continued for nearly half a mile after first colliding with traffic in work zone
by FFP staff | Jun 19, 2026
Report: Work zone for overnight paving closed two lanes, right shoulder at time of incident.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth 2026: Celebrate the Storytellers
by Tyrone Brown | Jun 19, 2026
Market Square celebration recognizes emancipation and contributions of Black Americans.
Senate budget proposal keeps data center sales tax exemption, adds new tax for industry
by Virginia Mercury | Jun 18, 2026
Proposal adds a tiered tax for the industry that targets diesel generators and would generate $1.8 billion for the state.
Kicking into high gear: Fred City founders aim to begin USL season in 2027
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Jun 18, 2026
Franchise nearing agreement to play its games at the University of Mary Washington starting in May 2027.
Ghanaian mayor of Sister City makes first visit to Fredericksburg Â
by Sarah Artin | Jun 17, 2026
The young mayor of Prince’s Town toured the region this week.
Stafford County community survey reveals resident likes, sparks supervisor ire
by Jonathan Hunley | Jun 17, 2026
Darrell English of the Hartwood District and Crystal Vanuch of the Rock Hill District had issues with the poll.
Stafford County to hold meetings on Comprehensive Plan
by FFP staff | Jun 16, 2026
The county is in the process of updating the document, which serves as a blueprint for development.
Spanberger, legislators roll out retail weed plan, set to launch in July 2027
by Virginia Mercury | Jun 16, 2026
State sales tax on retail weed will be 6% to start and rise to 8% in 2029, while retail locations to be capped at 350 statewide.
Virginia Marine Resources Commission sets public hearing on Caroline water intake facility
by FFP staff | Jun 16, 2026
Hearing will take place next Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the VMRC’s main office.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging joins senior cool care program
by FFP staff | Jun 16, 2026
Program provides fans and/or air-conditioning units to qualified seniors.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat
Biz Beat Clips: The Gauntlet Golf Club
by Bill Freehling | Jun 22, 2026
This week we talk to the new owner of The Gauntlet Golf Club in Stafford County about his plans for the course.
Biz Beat Roundup: Area housing prices hit new high
by Bill Freehling | Jun 17, 2026
Also inside: Additional tenants announced for Thornburg project, area commercial Realtor receives distinction, rezoning requested in Stafford
Biz Beat Banter: Dr. Maithreyi Sarma
by Bill Freehling | Jun 16, 2026
Bill sits down with Dr. Maithreyi Sarma, a hematologist and medical oncologist for Mary Washington Healthcare.
Biz Beat Clips: Amazon in Stafford, Part Two
by Bill Freehling | Jun 15, 2026
This week, we wrap up a two-part series taking viewers inside Amazon’s two large Stafford warehouses on Centreport Parkway.
Biz Beat Roundup: Two area banks officially tie up
by Bill Freehling | Jun 10, 2026
Also inside: Major project under way adjacent to Kalahari, area businessman re-appointed to UMW board, Under Armour opening area store
Sponsored Content
SPONSORED CONTENT: Community baby shower connects families with resources
by Mary Washington Healthcare | May 31, 2026
Free event provides a one-stop resource hub for families preparing to welcome a child.
SPONSORED CONTENT: You are not alone
by Mary Washington Healthcare | May 3, 2026
A message to mothers about mental health.
SPONSORED CONTENT: CareerPath program promises direct connection to real jobs
by Sponsored Content | Apr 23, 2026
Goodwill answers top questions about new program.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Mary Washington Pulmonology brings advanced lung care to Fredericksburg
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 29, 2026
Early diagnosis is one of the most powerful tools to treat lung disease.
SPONSORED CONTENT: The life-saving power of colonoscopies
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 1, 2026
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
News from B101.5/WFVA
Area road work this week
by Ted Schubel | Jun 22, 2026
For updated information, check 511 Virginia.
LISTEN: Some area Special Olympics Virginia Athletes at USA games this week
by Ted Schubel | Jun 22, 2026
About a dozen Special Olympics Virginia athletes from the Fredericksburg area are in Minneapolis this week for Special Olympics USA games.Â
Food Bank distribution this week
by Ted Schubel | Jun 21, 2026
Full details on their Facebook Events Page or the free REDFOODVA app–Come once a week for Drive-Thru or Walk-Up distributions.
WATCH: Search continues for another kitchen at Ferry Farm
by Ted Schubel | Jun 19, 2026
Archaeologists say they’ve uncovered a remarkable amount of information at the kitchen site at Ferry Farm in Stafford, but one of the biggest questions remains unanswered.
PHOTOS: Floods, fish, Washington and Gary the Goose featured in new Fredericksburg mural
by Ted Schubel | Jun 18, 2026
Fredericksburg artist Bill Harris continues work on a new mural downtown on the Sophia Street side of the Goolrick’s building.
News from around Virginia
Cash Camp

No tents, just cents.
Trail mix? Check. Piggy bank? Double check. At Cash Camp you’ll earn your financial badge by learning the ropes of banking, saving, credit, and more — all while having a blast with themed games and hands-on challenges.
You’ll learn how to build a budget that works, how credit, loans, and debt work, career building tips and tricks, and more!
The money adventure for 12-17 year olds.
Note:Â Lunch will be provided. If your student has allergies, they will need to bring their own lunch. If you have additional questions, you can reply to the confirmation email and we will respond as quickly as possible.
If you’ve got a smartphone, bring it along! We’ll use it for a few activities — but don’t worry, it’s not required.
Historic Germanna 70th Annual Conference and Reunion

History buffs, family genealogists, and local residents of all ages are invited to partake in Historic Germanna’s 70th Anniversary Conference and Reunion, taking place from Thursday July 16 through Sunday July 19. Learn about the often overlooked history of Germanna, a keystone of this region’s history, through exciting lectures, hands-on archaeology, special exhibits, and more! A variety of activities are planned for each day of the conference; choose to attend one or all of the many engaging events we have planned.
A schedule-at-a-glance is available below; you can learn more by visiting germanna.org/conference.
Interested attendees can register at germanna.org/conference; don’t wait – if you register by June 1, you can take advantage of our special Early Bird rates!
Thursday, July 16, 2026:
10:00am-4:00pm: Registration – Historic Germanna Visitor Center (2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up your registration packet, check out the exhibits and library, and meet friends and family!
10:00am-4:00pm: Public Archaeology Day – Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle Site – View archaeology work in progress at the Fort Germanna/Enchanted Castle site. Check out the interesting artifacts and the stories they tell. Visit with our resident archaeologists as they talk about this year’s discoveries. No registration required. Upon arrival to the Visitor Center, attendees will be given a timed ticket and directions to access the site. Last entry at 3:00pm
12:00pm-4:00pm: Special Exhibit – Hitt Archaeology Center (2058 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – View a rare new anniversary exhibit, on display for this weekend only, featuring significant artifacts from the collections of Historic Germanna and other cultural institutions.
6:00pm-9:00pm: Faith and Revolution: A Colonial Evening at Little Fork Church –  Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – Kick off this exciting weekend with an opening gathering at Little Fork Church! This event introduces participants to the religious and cultural life of colonial Virginia, showing how churches, clergy, and communities were part of everyday life. Step into the social and spiritual world of Revolutionary-era Virginians as you share a colonial-style picnic supper inspired by eighteenth-century Virginia, while historical interpreters portray clergy from several Christian traditions active during the Revolutionary era. Along the church’s historic grounds and ADA-accessible interpretive trail, temporary installations will introduce visitors to clergy figures and religious communities that shaped the religious landscape of colonial Virginia.
Friday, July 17, 2026:
9:00am-4:00pm: Before Religious Freedom: Faith Traditions in Revolutionary Virginia Symposium – Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – As Little Fork Episcopal Church and our nation celebrates 250 years, join distinguished speakers representing the Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, and Presbyterian faiths as they discuss the history of American religion in 18th century Virginia — and its role in fomenting revolution by 1776. Scholars representing several Christian traditions present in colonial Virginia will interpret the roles their traditions played in the religious and political developments surrounding the American Revolution. Each speaker will offer insight from within their own denominational or scholarly perspective, helping participants understand why the emergence of religious liberty during this period was such a significant historical development. A catered lunch is included.
6:00pm-10:00pm: 70th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Celebration – Historic Germanna Visitor Center Campus (2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508) – The signature evening of the celebration weekend will feature a tented dinner at the Historic Germanna Visitor Center Campus. Delicious fare will be catered by Coopers Cookin and Catering, accompanied by live music and dancing. The evening will culminate with the presentation of three distinguished awards, including a special honor for Orange County historian Frank S. Walker, Jr. Our special exhibit featuring significant artifacts will also be available for viewing during the cocktail hour.
*Please note: Full-conference attendees save $20 on tickets to this can’t-miss event*
Saturday, July 18, 2026:
9:00am-4:00pm: Historical & Genealogical Conference – BIGGER LOCATION: Germanna Community College, Daniel Technology Center (18121 Technology Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701) – Breakfast and lunch included. Don’t miss this incredible lineup of speakers as we dive into fascinating topics about Germanna and its surrounding environs’ history.
Speaker Sessions
â–ª Roll Call
â–ª The Culpeper Minute Men – Jim Bish
â–ª Peter Muhlenberg and the 8th Virginia – Gabe Neville
â–ª Hunter Iron Works – Jerrilyn MacGregor
â–ª Memories of Early Germanna Reunions – David Brown
â–ª Religious Freedom Panel Discussion
â–ª Archaeology Update – Kelly Arford-Horne, Director of Archaeology & Cultural Resources
â–ª Germanna Update – Executive Director Jennifer Hurst-Wender & President Keith Hoffman
â–ª Travels with Germanna
5:00pm-7:00pm: Salubria Open House –Â Historic Salubria (19173 Salubria Ln, Stevensburg, VA 22741)Â –Â Tours start at 5:30pm;Â drop by anytime. Learn about the exciting updates from our Historic Structure Report and paint analysis.
7:00pm-9:00pm: Oktoberfest! – NEW LOCATION: Old Trade Brewery (13270 Alanthus Rd, Brandy Station, VA 22714) – Get those lederhosen and dirndls out of the closet! There will be music, dancing, conversation, and plenty of German-inspired food for all. Alpine Chef of Fredericksburg will be catering delicious German fare. Food, soft drinks, and two alcoholic drink tickets provided.
Sunday, July 19, 2026:
Choose one:
10:00am: Worship at Hebron Lutheran Church – Hebron Lutheran Church (899 Blankenbaker Rd, Madison, VA 22727) – Morning worship at Hebron Lutheran Church, presided by Dr. Guy Erwin, constructed in 1740 by Germanna colonists and their descendants, in beautiful Madison. Following service, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch catered by Graves Mountain Lodge, complete with a dozen delicious homemade desserts at Hebron Lutheran Church Hall before embarking on your journey home. *Lunch must be reserved separately*
or
10:00am: Colonial Service at Little Fork Church – Little Fork Episcopal Church (16461 Oak Shade Rd, Rixeyville, VA 22737) – Commemorate Little Fork’s 250th anniversary with a colonial-style service. Following service, enjoy lunch at the historic church to round out its 250th commemoration. *Lunch must be reserved separately.*
FREE Music Bingo For A Cause – Supporting Courtland HS FFA

Presented by: Treck Realty
15492 Creekside Ln.
Sunday, July 19th, from 12pm to 3pm
• FREE to play – no entry fee required
• Additional games can be purchased at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/music-bing-for-a-cause
• Music Bingo with prizes each round
• 50/50 raffle benefiting the cause
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.

















