Three organizations in the Fredericksburg area have received grants to help reduce homelessness and boost housing stability.
The funding comes from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grant program. Governor Abigail Spanberger, Democrat, announced the statewide allocation of $14 million for 61 projects on March 11, 2026. The grants support permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and innovative programs for vulnerable groups.
The Prince William Committee of 100 (PWC100), a nonpartisan local business and civic group serving Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, is hosting a community forum on Virginia’s proposed redistricting constitutional amendment. The event, “The Rush to Remap: Are You Ballot-Ready?”, takes place Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Brittany’s Restaurant in Woodbridge.
Networking starts at 6 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. The forum includes a buffet dinner featuring salmon, lemon pepper chicken, BBQ meatballs, Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, rice, vegetable medley, cheesecake, and soft drinks, plus a cash bar. Tickets cost $35 for PWC100 members and $40 for non-members, with registration required.
The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT announced the passing of its longtime Executive Director, Karen Smith. She served the organization for 58 years, shaping services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) across Prince William County.
Smith led with integrity and vision, opening the county’s first residential program for adults with ID/DD and helping build one of the area’s largest transportation fleets for those services. Her efforts also supported closing state-run institutions, allowing more community-based living. The organization, based in Woodbridge, provides residential, childcare, and support programs that touch thousands of local families.
Prince William County police were called at 12:04 p.m. to the intersection of Parkgate Drive and Old Church Road in Nokesville for reports of the crash.
Investigators determined that the driver was traveling north on Parkgate Drive, just beyond Old Church Road, at a high rate of speed when the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. Both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Council Member Theresa Coates Ellis highlighted the event during the March 9, 2026, City Council meeting, calling it “a big favorite in our city.” She encouraged everyone to “wear your green so you don’t get pinched” and to “support our businesses afterwards—our restaurants and our shops, and our factory and our museum… so much to see and do in Manassas.”
The parade offers a classic seasonal kickoff, with participants and spectators alike filling the charming downtown area to celebrate Irish heritage and local spirit.
The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) celebrated outstanding contributions to historic preservation during its 71st Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event honored individuals, businesses, and organizations for their exceptional efforts in safeguarding the Fredericksburg area’s unique cultural heritage and historic built environment.
The awards highlight a range of projects and lifelong commitments that protect the city’s architectural legacy, from rehabilitating historic homes to restoring iconic signage and conserving key structures.
From mid-March through early May, thousands of anadromous fish surge upstream, drawing wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, and families to the riverbanks. Stafford County stands out as a prime, accessible spot to witness this ancient migration—often called one of the region’s best-kept secrets for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience blending wildlife, history, and seasonal wonder.
American shad (*Alosa sapidissima*) and hickory shad (along with river herring like alewife and blueback) are the stars. These fish spend most of their lives in the salty Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay but return each spring to freshwater rivers to spawn.
Detectives executed a search warrant at the Gainesville home of the primary suspect, 19-year-old J’Shaun Zomari Williams, of the 14200 block of Haro Trail. Williams was not located during the attempted service of the warrants and remains at large. Police are asking the public for help in locating him.
Williams, described as a Black male, 6’1”, 175 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes, faces charges including murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, willful discharge of a firearm in a public place, concealed carry, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Fredericksburg rubber duck races will return after a hiatus. The City of Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, and Friends of the Rappahannock announced the event revival.
Proceeds will be divided between Friends of the Rappahannock, which supports river conservation, and the FUNd Parks Fund, which supports local parks and recreation.
