All drivers, including those with hybrid vehicles with clean fuel plates and carpoolers, will need an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® FlexSM to use the Express Lanes
I-95 HOV Rules Change in December
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Plan Ahead for the I-95 Express Lanes
Decide in advance if you want or will be able to use the Express Lanes.
Fredericksburg Sponsors Gun Give Back Event
The voluntary Gun Give Back program will allow gun owners to turn over unwanted firearms to police, no questions asked.
Riverfront Park Public Meeting
By Susan Larson
The Riverfront Task Force is hosting a public meeting from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, to update citizens on the status of Riverfront Park and garner design ideas.
Free Lance-Star Publishing Company Advances Toward Sale of Assets
By Susan Larson
The Free Lance-Star Publishing Company was back in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond on Thursday. Attorney’s for the publishing company asked U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin R. Huennekens to authorize the use of cash collateral through April 30. Lynn Tavenner, the attorney representing the Free Lance-Star, said it would “allow the sale process to get moving.”
More Parking for Downtown Fredericksburg Visitors
By Susan Larson
The City of Fredericksburg has made more parking available for downtown visitors.
The city has leased a private parking lot for night and weekend public use. “This is the first agreement of this type in the city,” said City Manager Bev Cameron. “It’s an effective means to improve utilization of the parking inventory in downtown Fredericksburg.”
Need Help Filing Your Taxes?
By Susan Larson
The Rappahannock United Way (RUW) is offering several free services to help individuals file their 2013 Income Taxes.
From 4 – 8 p.m. Monday, March 10, RUW is hosting “Ladies Night for Financial Divas,” a free event for women to learn how to how to complete and file their 2013 taxes. Coaches will be present to answer all tax related questions and provide guidance. Participants are asked to bring all income forms (W2’s, 1099’s, etc.), a photo ID and the social security cards for all dependents.
Friesner Hosts City Council Campaign Kick-Off Sunday
Richard K. Friesner is hosting his official Fredericksburg City Council campaign kick-off from 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday, March 9. Friesner is running for Ward 3.
The Week Ahead: Fredericksburg City Council Presents FY2015 Recommended Budget
By Susan Larson
MONDAY, March 10
Architectural Review Board Meeting, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
TUESDAY, March 11
BizDev Summit 2014, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Statewide Tornado Drill, 9:45 a.m.
Fredericksburg’s Liberty Pawnshop & Gold Agrees to Refund Customers
By Susan Larson
Liberty Pawnshop & Gold, LLC, reached an agreement March 11 with the Commonwealth of Virginia related to state motor vehicle title loan violations.
The Fredericksburg area pawn shop agreed to give refunds as part of the settlement.
Liberty made at least 54 motor vehicle title loans without a valid license between August 8, 2011, and February 23, 2013, according to Attorney General Mark Herring. The company also charged interest in a way that broke the law.
Riverfront Park Master Plan, Survey Available
By Susan Larson
Citizens have another opportunity to submit suggestions for the City of Fredericksburg’s planned Riverfront Park.
City of Fredericksburg Personal Property Tax Payment Schedule Changed
By Susan Larson
City of Fredericksburg personal property taxes will now be billed in two equal installments annually.
Fredericksburg’s 2014 personal property taxes will be due on May 15 and November 15.
City Treasurer Brenda Wood recommended the change to help residents pay their bills and lessen the work load for city staff who have been managing an increasing number of payment plans.
City Manager Recommends $84M Fredericksburg Budget
By Susan Larson
City Manager Bev Cameron recommended an increase of just over 3.6 percent in the FY2015 Fredericksburg budget. “This is the fourth consecutive year without an increase in any tax rates,” Cameron told City Council during their March 11 meeting.
The total recommended budget is $84 million.
Turner Withdraws from Fredericksburg City Council Race
By Susan Larson
Hashmel C. Turner, Jr. has withdrawn as a candidate for the Ward 4 seat on Fredericksburg City Council.
“[I]t makes no sense to have two candidates running from the same neighborhood,” Turner wrote in a March 11 letter to the Free Lance-Star.
Falmouth Firefighter, Quantico Marine Receives Geico Military Service Award
By Susan Larson
A Falmouth volunteer firefighter and Quantico Marine reservist has received the 2013 Geico Military Service Award for the reserve/national guard.
Collaboration is Key to Solving Crime: Attorney General Herring Meets in Fredericksburg with Local Leaders
By Susan Larson
Everyone around the table agreed. Collaboration is the key to solving crimes.
Attorney General of Virginia Mark R. Herring was in Fredericksburg March 18 as part of his statewide tour to meet with local public safety, law enforcement and elected officials.
Parking Lots In, Beach Out? Plans for Tourism in Falmouth
By Susan Larson
Some blame lack of parking. Others the popular Rappahannock River beach at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park.
What is in agreement is something needs to be done.
Herring Supports Health Insurance Tax Credits for Virginians
“Up to 495,000 Virginians may be eligible for some level of tax credit, averaging $2,900 per year, and totaling up to $1.02 billion annually.”
By Mark Kelly, Office of the Attorney General
Richmond–Attorney General Mark R. Herring has filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the case of King v. Sebelius, which is currently on appeal before the Fourth Circuit.
Fredericksburg Events: Future of Fredericksburg, Doodle Drawing, Scarlett O’Hara in Lecture and More
By Susan Larson
The following Fredericksburg events are scheduled the week of March 24 – 28, 2014. Click the hyperlinks for details.
MONDAY, March 24
Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative Community Meeting, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, March 25
Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative Hears Community’s Vision
By Susan Larson
It was standing room only as Brad Belo of Virginia Main Street introduced the format of Monday night’s Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative (FMSI) meeting. “I’m really impressed,” he said of the 87 people gathered in the community room at the Free Lance-Star. “In meetings like these, I usually have 25 people.”
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