Author: Mike Salmon

Fredericksburg

Roadside Clearing in Fredericksburg Part of Power Grid and Data Center Upgrade

By Mike Salmon
On one side of the cleared corridor is the jogging trail; on the other sits Mary Washington Hospital.

In response to booming data center growth and population increases in the Fredericksburg area, Dominion Energy has launched a power line upgrade project along Falls Run near the canal crossing and Friends of the Rappahannock headquarters.

Passersby on the road can easily spot the cleared space beneath the power lines, now equipped with temporary roads and a temporary bridge. Dominion crews are steadily advancing on the initiative known internally as “Project TL29.” A major component involves replacing aging power lines installed in the 1950s.

Go to Roadside Clearing in Fredericksburg Part of Power Grid and Data Center Upgrade Read more
Fredericksburg

Trolley of UMW Basketball Players Hits Fredericksburg Streets in Mini-Parade

By Mike Salmon
University of Mary Washington basketball players wave and high-five fans from the trolley during Saturday’s championship parade through downtown Fredericksburg on April 18, 2026. The Eagles were celebrating their 2026 NCAA Division III national title. (Photo by Mike Salmon)

The City of Fredericksburg celebrated the University of Mary Washington’s national basketball championship with a drive-thru parade through downtown on Saturday, complete with blue and white balloons, smiling basketball players, and streets lined with enthusiastic onlookers.

At the first corner where the trolley full of players turned onto Princess Anne Street, Chloe Paino was waiting to greet them. Paino’s father is Troy Paino, president of UMW, and she wore a UMW sweatshirt.

Go to Trolley of UMW Basketball Players Hits Fredericksburg Streets in Mini-Parade Read more
Manassas

Manassas’ New Ballet Brand ‘R-Class’ Masters the Art of Rugged & Dainty Pointe Shoes

By Mike Salmon
Natalya Balatsenko displays shelves of the Russian-made ballet shoes

A very important part of ballet is shoes. For dancers dressed in tights and tutus, getting up on pointe is a move known as “pointe,” and it requires a rugged pair of ballet shoes. Rugged yet dainty is the combination that sets apart outfitter R-Class, a new ballet outfitter in Manassas.

“It’s important to really work on the fit,” said Jennifer Fitzpatrick, who is one of the founders of R-Class with fellow dancer Natalya Balatsenko. Ballet dancers start out at a young age, wearing socks or tights, but haven’t reached the pointe level with fancy shoes. That comes with experience. “When you get on pointe shoes, it’s a real big deal,” she said. 

Go to Manassas’ New Ballet Brand ‘R-Class’ Masters the Art of Rugged & Dainty Pointe Shoes Read more
Manassas

Manassas Regional Airport Conducts First Full-Scale Emergency Exercise

By Mike Salmon
One of the high school students gets a shot at acting hurt. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

Manassas Regional Airport successfully completed its first Full-Scale Exercise on March 11 to test the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP), a key step in maintaining readiness and supporting its path toward commercial passenger service.

The drill, required under 14 CFR § 139.325 by the Federal Aviation Administration for Class I airports, must occur at least once every 36 consecutive calendar months. It simulated a realistic scenario involving coordination among multiple agencies to ensure effective response capabilities.

Go to Manassas Regional Airport Conducts First Full-Scale Emergency Exercise Read more
Features

Marine Football History Honored at Quantico

By Mike Salmon
Ron Eckert explains the team painting “Semper Fi on the Field” by Jason Breidenbach. [Photo: by Mike Salmon]

A former U.S. Marine Corps football team is getting new recognition with a permanent display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Marine Football History Honored at Quantico Read more
Fredericksburg

Renovations Signal Change on William Street

By Mike Salmon
The Liberty Street side is where most of the work is being done. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

This one’s for the people who really care about local news. Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts. Think that’s you? 👉 Join Locals Only Already a member? Sign in

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Renovations Signal Change on William Street Read more
Fredericksburg

Legacy of Horace Hill Packs Fredericksburg Visitor Center

By Mike Salmon
National Park Service rangers’ Ashley Ranalli and Supervisor Lewis Rogers shared information about the investigative steps it took.

On May 5, 1864, Horace Hill was killed near Chancellorsville while fighting Confederate forces with the 111th New York Volunteers, commanded by Lt. Reuben J. Myers.

This one’s for the people who really care about local news.

Locals Only members get deeper reporting, more context, and fewer shortcuts.

Think that’s you?
👉 Join Locals Only
Already a member? Sign in

Go to Legacy of Horace Hill Packs Fredericksburg Visitor Center Read more
View More Stories