
Stafford town hall generates talk of data centers, affordable housing
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 30, 2025
Stafford County residents came out to Colonial Forge High School Tuesday night to chat with leadership from the board of supervisors and school board.

Caroline supervisors, school board get ‘creative’ in attempt to solve facilities puzzle
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 30, 2025
Board of supervisors advances plan to renovate five school buildings in the county.

Wilson named interim president of Germanna Community College
by FFP staff | Apr 30, 2025
VCCS: The search for a permanent replacement for the retiring Dr. Janet Gullickson will begin soon.
More news from The Free Press

CATIE, bar the door: Alert system wreaked havoc in Caroline schools Tuesday
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 29, 2025
Two false alarms at Caroline High School prompted a lockdown and summoned 19 deputies to search the building.

Spotsylvania adopts school budget; waiting on state to ‘get its act together’
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 29, 2025
Local transfer of $170.8 million represents division’s largest-ever year-over-year increase from board of supervisors.

Black women celebrated for their labor, contributions at tea hosted by Del. Joshua Cole
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 28, 2025
Del. Destiny LeVere-Bolling shared her experiences as a new mother/legislator, and Speaker of the House Don Scott made an appearance.

Stafford County leaders to host joint town hall Tuesday at Colonial Forge
by FFP staff | Apr 28, 2025
The chairman and vice chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, along with the chairwoman and vice chairwoman of the School Board, will lead the meeting.

I-95 southbound on-ramp to be closed for two nights in Spotsylvania County
by FFP staff | Apr 28, 2025
Closures between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. are required for construction on Route 606 widening project.

‘Yes, darling’: Sweet talk, faith and kindness key to Caroline couple’s 77-year marriage
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 28, 2025
Couple met in Caroline in the 1940s, moved to New York in 1955 and returned to the county in 1984.

‘The work got done’: Orrock stresses bipartisanship as he kicks off bid for 19th term
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 27, 2025
He’s being challenged this year by Spotsylvania County School Board member Nicole Cole.
PHOTOS: Earth Day on the Rappahannock at Old Mill Park
by Suzanne Carr-Rossi | Apr 26, 2025
Sights and scenes from this year’s festival, which featured a variety of vendors and educational opportunities.

Caroline supervisors, school board get ‘creative’ in attempt to solve facilities puzzle
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 30, 2025
Board of supervisors advances plan to renovate five school buildings in the county.

Wilson named interim president of Germanna Community College
by FFP staff | Apr 30, 2025
VCCS: The search for a permanent replacement for the retiring Dr. Janet Gullickson will begin soon.

CATIE, bar the door: Alert system wreaked havoc in Caroline schools Tuesday
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 29, 2025
Two false alarms at Caroline High School prompted a lockdown and summoned 19 deputies to search the building.

Spotsylvania adopts school budget; waiting on state to ‘get its act together’
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 29, 2025
Local transfer of $170.8 million represents division’s largest-ever year-over-year increase from board of supervisors.

Black women celebrated for their labor, contributions at tea hosted by Del. Joshua Cole
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 28, 2025
Del. Destiny LeVere-Bolling shared her experiences as a new mother/legislator, and Speaker of the House Don Scott made an appearance.

‘This is a spiritual battle:’ Fredericksburg church hosts summit aimed at rebuilding families
by Taft Coghill Jr. | Apr 25, 2025
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Del. Bobby Orrock (R-Spotsylvania) headlined Thursday’s event at Kingdom Family Worship Center.

City, Stafford farm pursue a GOATed solution to unwanted vegetation
by Joey LoMonaco | Apr 25, 2025
Furry, eco-friendly landscaping project at Old Mill Park is part of 60-day trial program.

Envisioning a ‘downtown’ Stafford: Planning Commission endorses mixed-use development
by Jonathan Hunley | Apr 25, 2025
The project would feature up to 300 apartments and about 57,600 square feet of office and/or commercial space.

Grant will help fund therapist in Fredericksburg City Schools
by FFP staff | Apr 25, 2025
The $90,000 award from the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation to RACSB will also go toward mental-health assessments.

WATCH: Free Press forecast with meteorologist Sean Sublette
by Sean Sublette | Apr 25, 2025
Few showers to start the weekend, but a strong finish.

City investigating cause of Rappahannock Canal drainage
by FFP staff | Apr 24, 2025
Cause of drainage unknown, and residents could soon smell previously-submerged microorganisms.

Caroline carpentry students land major internships; Ford donates van to automotive program
by FFP staff | Apr 24, 2025
Allan Myers, one of the largest construction companies in the Mid-Atlantic Region, selected three CHS students as interns, while Sheehy Ford of Ashland donated a van to the school’s automotive program.

Longtime educator, parent Andy Wolfenbarger announces candidacy for Fredericksburg City School Board
by FFP staff | Apr 24, 2025
He will run for vacant Ward 1 seat in November.
Fredericksburg Biz Beat

Biz Beat Roundup: Rappahannock United Way to cease local operations after 85 years
by Bill Freehling | Apr 30, 2025
Also inside: Another expansion for major local employer, Chamber honors local businesses and entrepreneurs, Embrey Mill Town Center attracts new businesses.

Biz Beat Banter: Ryan DeWeese
by Bill Freehling | Apr 29, 2025
In this week’s Biz Beat Banter podcast episode, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center CEO Ryan DeWeese talks about his career in healthcare, the healthcare needs of the local community and more.

Biz Beat Clips: Third location for Collage Spa
by Bill Freehling | Apr 28, 2025
This week’s Biz Beat Clips video takes you to the third location for Collage Spa — this one in Spotsylvania County.

Biz Beat Roundup: $38 million real estate deal closes in Spotsy
by Bill Freehling | Apr 23, 2025
Also inside: New public-parking option in downtown Fredericksburg, $2.7 million sale at Lake Anna, former Visitor Center getting new life downtown.

Biz Beat Banter: Mary Katherine Greenlaw
by Bill Freehling | Apr 22, 2025
Former Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw talks about her life, her many different careers, and her proudest moments as Fredericksburg mayor.
Sponsored Content

SPONSORED CONTENT: Joe and Mary Wilson NICU provides hope, healing and expert care for newborns
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Apr 15, 2025
New unit at Mary Washington Hospital opened in March, serving newborns and their families.

SPONSORED CONTENT: The benefits of robotic surgery
by Mary Washington Healthcare | Mar 18, 2025
A Mary Washington Healthcare surgeon offers perspective on the benefits and applications of robotic surgery.
News from B101.5/WFVA

WATCH: Love Scrub returns to Hurkamp Park
by Ted Schubel | Apr 30, 2025
The Love Scrub begins Sunday morning at 10.

WATCH: Area postal workers picking up food from you May 10th
by Ted Schubel | Apr 29, 2025
It’s the annual Stamp Out Hunger event.

NSWC Dahlgren Division range testing April 29 and 30
by Ted Schubel | Apr 29, 2025
Officials say the testing will likely result in very loud noise 8-5.

LISTEN: Spotsylvania woman in Favorite Chef competition
by Ted Schubel | Apr 28, 2025
The competition is in the 4th round and Lori Williams is currently second in her group.

PHOTOS: Mock crash scene created at Orange County High School
by Ted Schubel | Apr 28, 2025
Orange County Public Schools, Orange Fire and EMS, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police worked together on the event.
News from around Virginia



Open Figure Drawing

Pay the Model Night. Come draw our live model (semi-nude). Every Thursday. Pay what you can. All proceeds go to model and materials. Newcomers welcome! Materials provided if needed. Must reserve spot prior to event via email. Must be 16+ to participate.

Fredericksburg SPCA Compassionate Care Camp

Give your children the opportunity to connect with animals and become advocates for animal welfare this summer at the Fred SPCA Compassionate Care Camp! Designed for ages 6-13, our camp introduces kids to animal care, career fields, and the work we do at the Fredericksburg SPCA. From learning about dogs and cats to exploring foster and adoption practices, there’s something for every young animal lover. All camp proceeds support our life-saving mission.
Week-long sessions run Monday-Friday with half-day (9 AM-12 PM) or full-day (9 AM-4 PM) options, discounted rates and financial assistance may be available.
Spring Break Camp (March 24-28) and Summer Camp (June-August) feature specialized weeks, including Sensory Friendly Week tailored for campers who thrive in quieter, soothing environments. Learn more and register today to make a difference for animals and your child’s summer experience!

Long Family Farmers Market

Dive into the heart of local flavor with Long Family Markets, where every bite and buy supports local dreams! Since 2015, we’ve been the go-to spot in Northern VA for fresh, made-with-love goods. From Stafford to Spotsylvania, and soon Woodbridge, we’re growing to bring more of what you love closer to you. Proudly veteran-owned, we’re not just a market; we’re a community, celebrating local foods, artisan crafts, and the stories behind them. Shop with us and taste the difference passion makes!
Long Family Markets partners with the best local producers to bring you a wide variety of products that are made, baked or grown by the seller. At all of our market locations you will find locally grown fruits & vegetables, meats, eggs, seafood, honey, cheese, baked goods, pickles, kettle corn, salsa, candles, soaps, plants, flowers, home decor, hand crafted artisan goods and more.
We are proud to be a Veteran Family Owned Business.
Some events listings provided by The City of Fredericksburg Tourism Department and the Stafford County Tourism Department.