Red Dragon, 6 Bears & A Goat, Highmark, and Strangeways – Fredericksburg’s local breweries have helped the city earn a nomination for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Town Beer Scenes. Staunton is the only other Virginia city on the list.

The city said the nomination celebrates the area’s craft beer culture and recognizes the community of brewers and craft beer enthusiasts. Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the city, said, “This nomination is a testament to the hard work of our local breweries and the support of our community. We invite everyone to cast their votes daily and help us showcase Fredericksburg’s exceptional beer culture to the nation.”

The Fredericksburg area, including Stafford and Spotsylvania, is home to 12 breweries and a new dog park with a taphouse expected to open this year. Stafford is home to World Beer Cup winner Barley Naked and the newly opened Laudenbach Brewing.  The Fredericksburg Area Beer Trail marks the breweries located in Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and Stafford, and offers a Passport visitors can have stamped at each participating brewery.

The nomination also noted Fredericksburg’s annual beer festivals at the Fairgrounds and the city’s Oktoberfest celebration, which began in downtown Fredericksburg before moving to the FredNats stadium.

The Brewer’s Association estimates the brewing industry contributed over $1.6 billion to Virginia’s economy in 2023 and over 11,000 jobs.

Fans can visit USA Today daily and cast their vote for Fredericksburg, VA.

Voting ends on February 24 at noon, and the top 10 winners will be announced on March 5.

Fredericksburg Police have launched automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones at Hugh Mercer Elementary and James Monroe High School to curb speeding and improve safety. The move is part of a partnership formed in November 2024 between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the city, aiming to reduce speeding near schools and protect students, staff, and families.

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Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.

The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.

The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.

The board will also discuss whether to create a committee to review the purpose of the Diversity Advisory Coalition (DAC), which was formed in September 2020 in the wake of protests and riots following the death of George Floyd. The DAC website shows no meetings since 2022, although many were scheduled in 2023. The meeting notes from October 2022 state DAC had reached out to the board for participation in DAC events, but received no response. In November 2022, they decided not to hold a December meeting. We reached out to the members listed online, but received no response.

The board will also consider a draft of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Stafford County Department of Economic Development. The Director of Economic Development was given the task in January 2024 to clearly define the tasks and duties of each entity and ways in which they need to collaborate. The office of Economic Development consulted with county administration to draft a division of duties chart, which they then presented to the EDA who approved it in August 2024. A future, finalized version will be presented for consideration at a later meeting.

Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.

A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.

Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.

Brady credited those drought conditions with the increased fire activity in Stafford. The area saw brushfires along I-95; one day in March, she said, several brushfires were held in Stafford and around the Commonwealth. With brushfires, responders must monitor humidity levels and the speed and direction of wind in order to minimize the spread.

While the risk of brushfires in this area is low, Brady said fall and spring are typically higher-risk seasons, but brushfires can break out at any time of the year.

Brady highlighted the importance of following burn bans and burn laws, encouraging residents to dispose of charcoal and cigarette butts in fire-safe containers, closely tend to any open flames, and make sure they have “30ft of “defensible space” around structures. Creating defensible space includes clearing yard debris like dead trees or limbs, large bushes, and leaves away from their homes, garages, and barns.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests keeping the first five feet closest to a home or structure clear of flammable materials such as wood mulch, leaves, pine needles, and wooden furniture. They also encourage maintaining the structure by replacing shingles and broken siding and keeping decks, carports, and garages in good condition to minimize the chance of embers entering the space and igniting a fire.

NFPA says the space five to thirty feet from the home should minimize or delay the spread of any fires. Adding cement, dirt, or stone surfacing and breaking up landscaping can help slow fire spread.

The caller’s information determines the fire department’s next steps when a fire is reported. The number of units responding and the type of fire vehicles are based on the information provided by the caller and water availability in the area. The first vehicle on the scene is responsible for assessing the situation and calling in any additional support.

Brady said Stafford County has five brush trucks and five tankers; brush trucks are smaller, which allows them to reach more challenging locations. Tankers move more significant amounts of water to areas without easy access to hydrants, and the Department of Forestry can also provide additional support if needed. Responders also continually monitor the situation to determine if evacuations may be necessary.

Brady said the goal in responding to brushfires is to contain and extinguish the fire quickly. Using hand rakes and digging fire lines helps contain the spread of the fire; in areas with rugged terrain, the department may borrow bulldozers from the Department of Forestry to cut fire lines.

Stafford firefighters all train with brush trucks and learn brushfire management tactics. They also have continuous training on managing rural water supply issues, such as when they must secure water sources in areas without fire hydrants.

Stafford County also coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate planning and training for all emergencies and establish public communication and methods for requesting additional resources or equipment when needed. They can partner with other agencies in the event of a more significant fire in the area and send Stafford firefighters to different places in need.

In March 2024, Stafford sent two brush trucks to assist Page County during an outbreak of fires across the Commonwealth. In 8 days, 92 wildfires burned over 12,700 acres across Virginia.

Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.

GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school's website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.

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After 17 years as a teacher, Spotsylvania’s Leslie Robinson has learned how to make her students laugh. In almost two decades, Robinson has taught every grade level from pre-school to adult high school, and currently teachers High School Family and Consumer Sciences in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She is also a popular social media content creator, with thousands of followers and views on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Robinson said she loves bringing comedy into her classrooms, saying it helps students retain more information and also lets them find enjoyment in learning. Making the jump from the classroom to the public was a logical next step – Robinson said, “it only made sense to share that same energy and approach with fellow teachers.” Robinson honed her comedy skills in the classroom, saying, “Teenagers are the toughest audience out there,” and finding the ability to both connect with them and make them laugh is akin to “surviving ‘audience boot camp.'” 

Robinson’s comedy career evolved from creating social media content, which led to an article in The Washington Post. She began traveling across the country performing stand-up comedy and joining tours like Bored Teachers Comedy Tour and Teachers Do Standup Tour, and also visited ABC’s Good Morning American and The Tamron Hall Show. Robinson said walking onto the stage for the Bored Teachers tour was her most memorable comedy moment so far – “a big theater with an audience of thousands of people cheering with excitement to see me.”

Robinson also travels for public speaking and motivational speaking gigs, attending conferences as a keynote speaker and demonstrating how teachers can bridge the gap for better communication and connections with their students.

Robinson was nominated for a 2025 Cheer Choice Award, which highlights social media content creators who are making positive impacts using their platforms. Nominees are chosen based on consistently positive messages and original creativity, amongst other criteria.

Robinson will visit Fredericksburg on February 1, 2025 with the EPIC! Ladies Night Tour. Robinson said she started the tour as a women’s ministry, describing it as “a tour of imperfect women who are comedians with powerful testimonies. I want women to leave Epic! feeling seen and knowing that they’re not alone in whatever they’re carrying.”

Tickets are sold out, as of January 21. The 7 p.m. show will be held at Memorable Moments, an event planning company and venue, at 10829 Patriot Highway.

With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America’s 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we asked some of the Fredericksburg area’s elected representatives about their visions for 2025.

Senator Mark Warner (D) said:

“I’ve been proud to be a member of many bipartisan gangs during my time in the Senate. In fact, it’s through bipartisan work that we managed to tackle COVID-19, fund our national parks, bring back American manufacturing, fuel investment in underserved communities, and so much more. It’s my priority to ensure that this bipartisan work continues – even under a Trump administration. As we dive deeper into the 119^th Congress, I’m looking forward to defending and building on the progress we made under President Biden. To do that, I’ll continue to work with anyone who has a good idea, regardless of party affiliation.”

Senator Tim Kaine (D) released a statement online on January 3:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve Virginians for another six years. I’m proud of what we’ve done so far to lower health care costs, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, protect our national security, and grow our economy by bringing new investments to Virginia. I look forward to building on this progress together. I know that for many Virginians, the new Administration brings uncertainty and even fear, but I will always fight to build a brighter future for all Americans—no matter who you are, who you love, what you look like, how you worship, or what your economic status is. I’m excited to continue traveling across the Commonwealth and working together to strengthen our economy by lowering costs, expanding access to job training programs, and making it easier for families to access affordable child care. I will also keep seeking common ground to support Virginia’s servicemembers and meet our defense needs, and make progress on commonsense immigration reform, gun safety legislation, and more.”

Congressman Eugene Vindman (D) released a  Jan. 2 statement in which he said:

““I am honored and humbled to officially begin serving the people of Virginia’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. In Congress, I will fight to keep the promise of America alive for everyone across the Commonwealth and our country……

I want every working American like my Dad to have the chance to live their American Dream, and I will fight everyday for families and workers chasing the Dream. That work starts by working across the aisle to lower costs, improve public education, and protect our most basic rights and freedoms.

I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will find bipartisan solutions by listening to constituent concerns, responding with pragmatic legislation, and delivering real results for communities across the Seventh District and the nation…”

Delegate Joshua Cole (D) said:

“As we prepare to start 2025, my focus and vision, specifically for the 65^th District and the greater Fredericksburg area, is to make sure we prioritize our working families and the families most vulnerable among us. Ensuring well-paying jobs are coming to the region, access to affordable housing, and boosting our local schools.”

The Fredericksburg City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The council’s work session begins at 5 p.m., and their regular session begins at 7:30 p.m.

The regular meeting will be streamed live, and the agendas for both meetings has been posted online.

During the 5 p.m. work session, the council will hold a planning commission interview and then discuss the proposed technology district overlay with the planning commission. City staff presented plans for a 250-acre technology district at a December 10, 2024 council meeting. The district will be located in Celebrate Virginia South, parallel to the Rappahannock River.

After two public meetings in October, the council voted on October 23 to amend the city code in order to allow data centers within most commercial zoning districts in the city. The purpose of the district is to promote the development of data centers in areas where new or existing infrastructure could support the centers.

The noise limit for the data centers would be 60 decibels (dB) during the day and 50 dB at night; a graphic in the city’s presentation compares 60 dB to human conversation and 50 dB to the sound of a home refrigerator.

The district also will require that no buildings be visible from the Rappahannock River frontage throughout all four seasons.

The council has acknowledged its timeline for pursuing data centers is aggressive. Mayor Kerry Devine first proposed data centers in a July 2024 council meeting, and the council aims to have a final vote on the Technology Overlay District in February 2025.

In the 7:30 regular meeting, public comment will be allowed. Comments may be submitted by mail or e-mail four hours before the start of the meeting, or speakers may attend the meeting in person. The council plans to read submitted comments aloud during the meeting, and public speakers will be allowed five minutes.

The council will also consider a proposal to remove its Railroad Station Overlay District (RSO) zoning from areas surrounding the downtown train rail. The RSO was created in 1991 and modified in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The changes were intended to help fill vacant lots and smooth the transition from commercial to residential areas. The proposal notes little infill has occurred and suggests the presence of vacant lots is an unpleasant view for train riders.

At a December 11, 2024 meeting, 21 residents expressed concerns about removing the RSO, while four people spoke in favor.

The City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County have both announced water main breaks on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

From Fredericksburg, 10 p.m.:

There have been two water main breaks, one in the area of River Walk Street and Bakersfield Lane and the other in the area of Hanson Avenue and Woodford Street. The residents in both areas will be without water for an undetermined amount of time. We ask for your patience during this time.

From Stafford, 1 p.m.:

There is a water main break at 324 Warrenton Road. The far right westbound lane of Route 17 (Warrenton Road) is closed while repairs are made. Please be careful driving in the area as crews are out working to try to get the repair made as quickly as possible.