Opinion
I heard a rumor today. There’s a possibility of snow next week! All right, I didn’t actually hear a rumor, but I did read several Facebook posts, like this one from WMAL Radio and another from accu-weather.com. After the last few years, it seems early November is too soon for snow, but if we know anything about NoVa, it’s that you never know what’s coming next.
To be prepared now will mean no last minute panic with everyone racing out for their typical “bread, milk toilet paper and snow shovel.” Today is as good a day as any to find your shovel. If you can’t find it, maybe you need to clean out your shed. (This happens to me all the time. I set out on a mission and get side-tracked.
While looking for the snow shovel, I see all the cobwebs that have accumulated in the shed. Next thing you know, I have dragged all the lawn equipment out onto the lawn!)
I couldn’t find my snow shovel. I’m pretty sure it’s because I don’t have one. I had one. I actually had three, but I believe they were worn out and I thought I would replace them at the end of the season.
I don’t think I actually followed through with that plan, though.
I am undeterred because I have a secret weapon! One year, for Christmas, my romantic, thoughtful husband bought me a snow plow! You may scoff. You may think, “What? How about a nice piece of jewelry?” Believe me, the snow plow is the best gift he EVER bought for me!
In our nearly 40 years of marriage, up until the snow plow blessed our home, Bill never shoveled snow. I would always get up before daylight and get the driveway shoveled so he could go to work. Then I shoveled the walks. I shoveled neighbors’ driveways. I shoveled neighbors’ walks. One year I shoveled an entire intersection after the snow plows left banks six-feet high and a single lane open. I worked all day until there were two lanes in every direction.
Most people who have survived winter driving in this area once, stay home the next time. I absolutely am afraid to drive in snow! I’m not afraid I will wreck. I have four wheel drive on a pickup and grew up in Indiana, where we had big snows and lived in Illinois, where we had even bigger snows. What I am afraid of is that someone else will hit me!
To help you brace for the coming season, here’s a video from VDOT to help you track where the plows are. I sincerely hope everyone who can stay home, does stay home when it snows and lets the emergency crews do what they need to do.
I am going to list a couple of my favorite recommendations for snowy weather. Add yours in the comments. Oh, and the reason that snow plow is such a great gift? My husband likes to use it!
Snowfall checklist:
If there is snow forecast, please get your vehicles off the street to let the snow plows do their best work.
When you shovel, please do not throw the snow out into the street! Throw it into your yard. The streets will clear faster with much less icing from freeze/thaw.
Get a weather radio and keep it turned on.
You should already have an emergency kit from tornado season. Be sure batteries are still fresh and add a warm blanket.
Check on older or disabled neighbors and clear a path for them.
What are some of your favorite tips for snowy weather?
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Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
For event inquiries, contact: 540-372-1216 | [email protected]
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
