Construction has begun on the Wellington Road Shared Use Path, a long-awaited project aimed at closing a crucial gap in the city’s pedestrian and bicycle network. The new path will run along Wellington Road from Nokesville Road to Prince William Street, offering a safer and more convenient route for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project, designated as Wellington Road Shared Use Path Gap, will construct an 1,800-foot trail segment in a single phase. With a total budget of $1.3 million, the project covers design, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and necessary railroad agreements. M&F Concrete, Inc. has been awarded the contract to carry out the work.
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A sweet and affectionate feline named Maggie is looking for a new home after her previous living situation became too stressful. This 9-year-old tuxedo cat was surrendered to the Stafford County Animal Shelter after experiencing anxiety due to conflicts with other cats in her home. Now, she’s ready to find a loving family who can give her the attention and care she deserves.
Maggie has already been spayed and is declawed, making her adoption process straightforward with no restrictions. While she is still adjusting to shelter life, her affectionate nature shines through—she’s a cuddler at heart and has done well with young children in the past. Though she hasn’t yet had roommates at the shelter, she may be compatible with older or more relaxed feline companions. However, she would also thrive as the only pet in a calm, loving home.
Maggie is available for adoption on a first-come, first-served basis. Potential adopters should bring a valid photo ID, and if their ID does not reflect their current address, proof of residency may be required. The shelter also offers cat carriers for $5 if needed.
Stafford County Animal Shelter
Address: 26 Frosty Lane, Stafford, VA 22554
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosted the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at James Monroe High School.
The competition, sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, featured 14 division winners from across the region.
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In an op-ed published by The FXBG Advance, Mayor Kerry Devine warned that rejecting the TOD could push Fredericksburg to the back of Dominion’s “rapidly expanding project list,” potentially delaying or preventing the city from securing the necessary power for a proposed data center campus.
Seeking clarification, Potomac Local News asked Dominion whether the City Council’s decision would have affected Fredericksburg’s place in the company’s project queue.
“Requests for transmission infrastructure to serve large new customers, like data centers, are evaluated in the order they are received,” responded Aaron Ruby, Dominion’s Director of Virginia & Offshore Wind Media. “I believe that’s what was meant by the project queue.”
Ruby did not elaborate on whether any specific localities had been deprioritized in the past, nor did he provide examples of projects being moved to the back of the line.
Background: City Council Approves Technology Overlay District
On February 25, 2025, Fredericksburg’s City Council unanimously approved the TOD, paving the way for the city’s first data center campus. The project, led by The Silver Companies in partnership with STACK Infrastructure, is expected to include between eight and twelve data centers in Celebrate Virginia South.
Fredericksburg joins nearby Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties, with multiple data centers operating within their jurisdictions. Proponents say the TOD positions the city to compete for a lucrative data center industry share.
Supporters: Economic Benefits and Strategic Planning
Supporters of the measure argue that the TOD is an essential step in attracting data center investment, which could generate significant tax revenue for Fredericksburg.
“This could bring up to $60 million annually, funding for schools, infrastructure, and helping to keep property taxes stable,” said Councilman Will Mackintosh.
Others believe the overlay district allows the city to set clear guidelines for data center development, ensuring new projects align with Fredericksburg’s long-term vision.
Opponents: Environmental, Transparency, and Health Concerns
Critics warn that the data centers’ immense energy demands could conflict with Fredericksburg’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. Environmental activist Alexanna Hengy pointed out that the proposed data center campus could double the city’s energy consumption.
“There are serious concerns about what this will do to our climate goals,” Hengy said.
Some residents also expressed frustration over the speed of the approval process. Former City Council member Matt Kelly criticized what he saw as a lack of transparency, arguing that the city had not provided sufficient details on energy and water agreements before making a final decision.
Additionally, there are concerns about the proposed data centers’ proximity to residential areas. Hengy noted that some facilities would be built within 120 feet of apartment buildings and a nursing home, raising fears about noise pollution and potential health risks for nearby residents.
With the TOD approved, developers must now work with Dominion Energy to assess the site’s power infrastructure. Ruby stated that Dominion will only begin evaluating the project’s energy needs once a data center officially moves forward with development.
“It’s too early to say how much infrastructure would be needed or what the timeframe would be, since that all depends on the size and scope of the development,” Ruby explained.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors will address two key issues at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.: unveiling the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 budget and the first official step toward the development of Musselman Park.
First Look at the County Administrator’s Proposed FY2026 Budget
One key item on the agenda is the presentation of the County Administrator’s proposed FY2026 operating budget. This proposal will outline funding priorities for county services, infrastructure, public safety, and education.
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Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) has appointed Dr. Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Newman, who has been with MWHC since 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, takes over following the departure of Dr. Michael McDermott, who served as CEO since 2015.
McDermott announced his resignation in December 2024 to become the President and CEO of Montage Health, a healthcare system based in Monterey, California. McDermott expanded services during his tenure at MWHC, strengthened the system’s financial position, and advanced its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region, according to a press release.
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Stafford County
Update: Malvern Lakes Shooting
Investigators have provided an update on the recent shooting in Malvern Lakes. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was a 21-year-old male who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No further details have been released at this time.
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Prison Sentence Commuted for Former FCPD Officer Who Fatally Shot Man in Tysons
Former Fairfax County police officer Wesley Shifflett, who fatally shot Timothy Johnson outside Tysons Corner Center in 2023, has had his prison sentence commuted by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Shifflett was convicted of reckless discharge of a firearm and sentenced to three years, but Youngkin deemed the punishment excessive. FFXnow
Manassas Special Education Teacher Honored with Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award
Manassas City Public Schools has recognized Sarah Johnson, a special education teacher at Baldwin Intermediate School, with the prestigious Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award. Johnson’s dedication to her students and innovative teaching methods have significantly enhanced the learning experience for her special education students. InsideNoVa
Virginia General Assembly Approves Budget with Tax Rebates and State Employee Bonuses
Virginia lawmakers have passed a two-year budget that includes $200 tax rebates for individuals, pay raises for state employees, and bonuses for teachers. Legislators warn that potential federal job cuts could impact the state’s economy, prompting plans for a special session later this year. The Center Square
Manassas Park School Board Seeking Applicants for Open Seats
The Manassas Park School Board has two terms expiring June 30, 2025, and one term expiring June 30, 2026, due to a resignation. Residents interested in applying for these positions must be registered voters and should submit their resume to Lana Conner at 100 Park Central Plaza or via email at [email protected] by 4 p.m. on April 1, 2025. More details are available on the Manassas Park City Schools website.
Residents and business owners in Manassas Park who have overdue taxes and other unpaid city bills may soon see their names displayed publicly. City officials plan to implement a new initiative to post the names of delinquent account holders on the city's website and an electronic message board at City Hall.
The policy, which is permitted under Code of Virginia §58.1-3924, is part of an effort by the Manassas Park Treasurer’s Office to increase collection rates for past-due payments.
