Stafford County press release | A grassroots effort involving citizens, supervisors, businesses, local organizations and Stafford County staff came to fruition this week when Governor Ralph Northam announced Stafford County is the recipient of an $874,478 FY20 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grant. The grant will be used for a partnership between Stafford County and King George Internet to bring fixed wireless internet to unserved people in the Aquia/Marlborough Point and Griffis-Widewater peninsula. “Internet is vital for businesses, those who work at home and of course, students trying to complete homework,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Meg Bohmke. “This grant will go a long way towards solving that problem and may open up solutions in the future for the remaining unserved areas.” The state had $18.3 million in available funding, and 34 localities filed 39 applications for $43.6 million in funding. Awards were made to the highest scoring projects. This effort was Stafford’s second year applying for the grant, after being unsuccessful in FY2019. One of the grant requirements is for localities to partner with providers. Stafford is partnering with King George Internet (KGI). As well, the Stafford County Economic Development Authority contributed $50,000 to the effort. KGI uses the technology of air fiber from towers to connect homes and businesses. For residences, KGI offers speeds ranging from 25 to 150 Mbps with unlimited usage and no throttling. For businesses, KGI provides higher speeds and will customize speeds according to business needs. KGI has provided service for several years to King George County, Westmoreland County and Caroline County.The grant application process was very involved and was successful primarily because of the grassroots efforts and support of many. The package included letters from those affected including private citizens, the Aquia Bay Marina, Friends of Widewater State Park, the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors, the State Parks Director, Stafford’s Fire Chief Joe Cardello, Stafford Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner, Senator Richard Stuart and Senator Scott Surovell.
“My former colleague, Jack Cavalier, and I met with many citizens and knew how the lack of broadband affected not just their daily lives but their livelihoods as well. We knew something had to be done,” said Supervisor Cindy Shelton, Aquia District. “I am so proud of the power of the people to make a difference. We will continue to work towards connecting all the unreached.”
Once the funding is disbursed to localities, the project must be completed within a year. Stafford County will be making regular updates to citizens on the progress of the project and how citizens can receive service via Stafford’s website and social media pages.
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Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) has announced the closure of all schools and offices for tomorrow, Monday, January 6, 2025. The decision, which affects over 23,000 students and 31 schools across the county, was shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The post reads:
“All Spotsylvania County Public Schools campuses and offices are closed on Monday, January 6, 2025. All school sponsored activities including student externships are cancelled. School employees: Code 0 – no employees report.”
The closure also halts all school-sponsored activities, including student externships, for the day. No details regarding the reason for the closure were provided in the announcement.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the impending winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to the area. The announcement was made on the school division’s official account on X, formerly Twitter.
“Fredericksburg City Public Schools will extend winter break by one day. This means all buildings will be closed on Monday, January 6. Tuesday, January 7, will be a staff workday. Students will report to school on Wednesday, January 8,” the statement read.
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has announced that all campuses will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, due to the anticipated winter storm expected to impact the region. The announcement was shared on the university’s official X account, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, January 5.
The message stated:
“Due to the forecasted winter storm later today, Sunday, January 5, 2025, all UMW campuses (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Dahlgren) will be closed all day Monday, January 6.”
UMW is home to approximately 4,000 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students, with campuses located in Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren. The university comprises three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Business. UMW is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts and personalized learning experiences.
King George County Public Schools announced that all schools in the division will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, in anticipation of inclement weather. The announcement was made via X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns for the safety of students and staff.
The message stated:
“Due to the anticipated inclement weather forecast for tomorrow, January 6, King George County Schools will be closed. Code 1 for 12-month employees (do not report). Please stay safe and warm, and enjoy the extra time at home.”
King George County Public Schools serve approximately 4,400 students across five schools, including three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The school division employs over 300 teachers and staff, working together to support the academic and personal growth of students in the community.
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