As Fredericksburg leaders debate the future of data center development, longtime local observer and former city councilor Matt Kelly says the conversation is about more than land use or tax revenue. It’s about how decisions are made — and whether residents are being fully informed along the way.
Kelly shared his views during a recent interview with Potomac Local News, recorded in the wake of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission’s unanimous rejection of the proposed Gateway Data Center.
The Fredericksburg region narrowly missed out on a Winter Weather Advisory as a fast-moving band of snow targets portions of northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and central to northeastern Maryland late Saturday into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, is in effect from midnight Saturday night through 10 a.m. Sunday for areas north of Fredericksburg, including much of the Interstate 95 corridor closer to Washington and Baltimore. Forecast snowfall totals in those areas range from 1 to 3 inches, with localized totals of 4 to 5 inches possible in far northeastern Maryland.
“Please note overnight training operations,” Marine Corps Base Quantico announced. “Louder than usual noise this day.”
“Marine Corps Base Quantico operates 43 live-fire ranges that support training from small arms to explosive demolitions to artillery fire to the delivery of live-aerial munitions,” the installation stated. “Because training on Quantico is continuous, residents can expect to always hear some noise or feel vibrations.”
Fredericksburg Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for the rape of a child under 13. The incident was reported on December 4, 2025, by a now-adult victim who says the assault occurred eight years ago when she was 12.
Detective A. Tittle, assigned to the case, investigated the allegations and confirmed evidence supporting the victim’s account. A felony warrant for rape of a child less than 13 years of age has been issued for a 5’7”, 170-pound man from Fredericksburg. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and red beanie. Police say he frequents the FXBGO bus line, downtown Fredericksburg, and the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.
“Families and community members are invited to review the proposed materials online or attend one of our in-person review sessions,” the school division stated. “Your feedback helps us select high-quality math resources for all learners.”
Manassas City Public Schools is evaluating new instructional materials for kindergarten through 12th-grade math courses. Community members can review the materials online or sign up for in-person review sessions before the public comment period closes on January 23.
The ribbon cutting for the Riverfront Park Ice Rink will now take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a recent postponement.
The Riverfront Park Ice Rink is part of Fredericksburg Main Street’s holiday programming in Downtown Fredericksburg. The seasonal attraction features an eco-friendly synthetic skating surface designed for skaters of all ages, with skate rentals included in ticket prices.
“I won the First District and the Second District in November without any sort of redistricting,” Virginia Scope reported. Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said in response to questions about redrawing Virginia’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Nothing happens unless the people actually vote for it,” she added, underscoring that any change would require voter approval.
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A 44-year-old woman from Richmond was arrested at the Holiday Inn on Sanford Drive in Stafford County for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance. Deputy R. A. Kehoe responded to a disturbance involving the woman, who was found sleeping in the lobby. Upon interaction, the deputy noticed her slurred speech and lethargy, leading to her arrest. A search revealed a smoking device with suspected drugs in her jacket pocket.
In other incidents, a vehicle was vandalized on Sierra Drive, and a mailbox was damaged on Tacketts Mill Road. Both incidents involved damage from blunt objects or vehicles.
