FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The University of Mary Washington is mourning the loss of its former president, William M. Anderson Jr., who passed away over the weekend. Anderson served as UMW’s president from 1983 to 2006, leading the school through a period of major growth and transition.

According to a statement from the University of Mary Washington, Anderson’s 23-year presidency was the longest of any public university leader in Virginia at the time. During his tenure, the school transformed from a respected liberal arts college into a nationally recognized university.

“President Anderson’s visionary leadership laid the foundation for the University of Mary Washington as we know it today,” said current UMW President Troy Paino in the release. “His commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and student success continues to shape our mission and inspire our work.”

Anderson, who was just 36 when he became UMW’s president, oversaw more than $120 million in capital improvements, including a new library, science center, student and alumni centers, an art gallery, and several residence halls. He also pushed for the creation of the Stafford Campus, which helped pave the way for Mary Washington to earn university status in 2004.

Beyond infrastructure, Anderson supported the launch of academic programs like the Great Lives lecture series and brought technology upgrades such as a campus-wide fiber-optic network. He also strengthened community ties by bringing the Small Business Development Center to campus and founding the Community Outreach and Resources (COAR) program.

UMW’s endowment grew from $1.3 million to $24.5 million during his leadership, allowing for increased student and faculty opportunities. In recognition of his service, the school awarded him a Doctorate of Humane Letters at his final commencement in 2006 and named its athletic facility, the Anderson Convocation Center, in his honor.

Anderson, a native of South Boston, Virginia, held degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University, West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and Virginia Tech. Before becoming UMW president, he served in various roles in higher education planning and research, including positions with the Virginia State Council of Higher Education and the West Virginia Board of Regents.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The City of Fredericksburg is looking for one lucky student to shine on live TV as a Junior Reporter when FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip comes to town next month.

The selected student will join FOX 5’s team on Friday, July 25, 2025, during a live broadcast from Riverfront Park, helping to showcase what makes Fredericksburg unique. The city is inviting students to submit a short video introducing themselves and sharing why they would make a great Junior Reporter. The winning student will appear on-air, interact with FOX 5 staff, and represent Fredericksburg in front of a regional audience.

Submissions are being accepted now at fxbg.com/junior-reporter-contest.

The Junior Reporter spotlight is part of FOX 5’s popular Zip Trip series, which highlights communities across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The Fredericksburg broadcast will air live from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Riverfront Park, located at 713 Sophia Street.

Residents and visitors are invited to be part of the live audience. The event will feature interviews, local attractions, and opportunities for attendees to be featured on TV. Community members will also be able to sample products, meet vendors, and experience the excitement of a live television production.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the spirit and charm of Fredericksburg to a regional audience,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “We encourage everyone to join us at Riverfront Park and be part of this exciting morning.”

The city encourages attendees to arrive early to be part of the festivities and show their Fredericksburg pride on screen.

A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions will become increasingly unstable throughout the day, leading to likely thunderstorm activity after 4 p.m. Forecasters say the setup could produce repeated rounds of storms, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas. A Flood Watch may be issued ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Tuesday’s high will reach around 88 degrees, with southwest winds at 10 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. Rain chances increase to 60 percent in the afternoon, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue into the night, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a low of 73 degrees. The threat of wet microbursts—strong, localized downdrafts—also raises concerns for damaging wind gusts during stronger storms.

The storm system is expected to linger into early Wednesday morning, particularly in southern Maryland, before tapering off. Wednesday will bring a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m., with a high near 85.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and be prepared for the possibility of localized flooding, downed trees, and travel delays.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is expanding the impact of its summer musical Next to Normal with a special speaker series designed to connect the themes of the show to real-life mental health experiences in the Fredericksburg region.

The musical runs from July 2 to August 3, 2025, and explores the story of a suburban family grappling with the effects of bipolar disorder, grief, and emotional trauma. With a contemporary rock score and book by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal won three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Critics from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and The Washington Post named it one of the best shows of the year when it debuted on Broadway.

The show stars Adrienne Hick and Andrew Foote, a real-life couple returning to the Riverside stage after appearing together in The Bridges of Madison County. The cast, along with first-time director Penny Ann Moss, approach the material with fresh eyes—many performing in this show for the first time. The production is part of Riverside’s growing commitment as a nonprofit to present meaningful, community-connected stories.

To deepen that connection, Riverside will host featured speakers before five performances, each offering insight into mental health and wellness. Talks begin at 6:30 p.m., between dinner service at 5:30 p.m. and the show’s 7:30 p.m. curtain. Food service will continue during the talks.

Featured Speaker Schedule:

July 3 – Antwaun Carey Gay
A longtime public servant in Stafford County and a licensed minister, Gay has worked in law enforcement, juvenile justice, and youth sports. He is the author of When a Man Exhales and the brother of musical legend Marvin Gaye.

July 10 – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
Jacque Kobuchi, LCSW, and Katie Barnes, LPC, will share practical tools for mental wellness and highlight local services offered through RACSB, including emergency mental health response and school-based therapy.

July 17 – Mental Health America Fredericksburg
Hailey Jobin will introduce the MHAfred HELPLINE, a regional mental health provider directory, and discuss additional support initiatives offered by the nonprofit.

July 24 – Fredericksburg Christian Health Center
Dr. Theron R. Stinar, D.O., a family physician and CEO of FCHC, will share his personal journey through grief and faith after losing his son to suicide. Dr. Stinar is a U.S. Army veteran and longtime medical mission advocate.

August 3 – Randy Feltner
A local firefighter, Feltner will speak candidly about the mental health challenges first responders face. Through his own story and those of others, he hopes to raise awareness and offer support to those struggling in silence.

Riverside hopes the speaker series will encourage conversation, reduce stigma, and empower audience members to seek help when needed. For showtimes, ticket prices, and more information, visit riversidedt.com.

MANASSAS, Va. – All lanes on Sudley Road are back open following an overhead communications wire issue that forced a full road closure earlier today.

Verizon completed repairs to the overhead lines by 3:29 p.m., and traffic signals are once again operating on their normal timing. City of Manassas Electric crews and police responded to the scene, with initial assistance from Verizon beginning around 1 p.m.

Although the road is fully reopened, drivers traveling northbound on Sudley Road may still encounter delays, particularly back to Stonewall Road. City officials expect traffic to return to normal as flow improves.

Police have not disclosed the cause of the issue.

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Signal Bay Waterpark will now open on Thursday, July 11, city officials announced Friday, marking the latest delay in the park’s summer season.

The waterpark typically opens Memorial Day weekend, but the city had already postponed this year’s opening due to ongoing renovations. Officials initially hoped to welcome guests by June 23, and later targeted July 4. Now, the city says “everything else is ready to go” — they’re just waiting on the delivery and installation of a new water feature.

The upgrades include a new pool liner and refreshed attractions designed to enhance the visitor experience. Once complete, the park will resume normal summer hours and offer its popular lazy river, slides, and splash zones for children and families.

Signal Bay Waterpark is a key draw for residents each summer, and city leaders thanked the community for its continued patience. More updates are expected to be posted on the city’s Facebook page.

MANASSAS, Va. – Authorities in Prince William County are investigating the death of a 45-year-old man who was found unconscious along a roadside in Manassas.

Prince William County police officers were called to the area of Rixlew Lane near the railroad tracks at 3:51 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. When they arrived, they found the man unresponsive on the side of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a preliminary investigation, there were no signs of foul play. Police say the man’s body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

“There is no threat to the community concerning this incident,” police said in a statement.

Authorities have not yet released the man’s name. More information will be shared as the investigation continues.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new episode of RV There Yet on the Discovery Channel is giving viewers a scenic and heartfelt tour through Prince William County, highlighting its natural beauty, rich history, and growing entertainment scene.

The episode, which aired Saturday, June 28, 2024, follows the show’s hosts as they explore several top destinations in the area. Their journey begins at Prince William Forest Park, where they meet Ranger Joshua Stringer and learn about the park’s origins as a 1930s New Deal project designed to give urban families access to the outdoors. The hosts hike, bike, and camp while discovering the area’s deep Native American and Civil War roots.

Next, the hosts visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico. They describe the museum as one of the most emotional they’ve ever toured, praising its immersive exhibits that include lifelike Marine figures, battlefield simulations, and even scents that bring historical scenes to life.

The episode also takes viewers to Manassas National Battlefield Park, where the hosts walk the grounds of the First Battle of Bull Run and learn about the early days of the Civil War, including the story of civilian casualty Judith Henry. A stop in historic downtown Manassas shows the city’s post-fire architecture, strong sense of community, and support for local businesses.

The adventure wraps up with food, drinks, and live music at NOVA Live, formerly Farm Brew Live, which the hosts describe as “an entertainment complex at the highest level.” The episode features stops at MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, Two Silos Brewing Company, and the Black Sheep restaurant, where they sample craft cocktails and celebrate Virginia-made products.

Warm, humid weather will give way to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon as a weak cold front drifts through the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say the day will start mostly sunny with highs reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, but the combination of heat and moisture will create unstable conditions leading to thunderstorm development. Areas west of the Blue Ridge and into the Shenandoah Valley could see storms as early as noon, while the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas can expect storm chances between 2 and 8 p.m.

Storms will be hit or miss and difficult to time, but some could bring strong wind gusts and heavy downpours. The highest risk is along and east of the Blue Ridge through the I-95 corridor, where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk for severe weather.

Storms will taper off after sunset with lows dropping into the upper 60s and low 70s. Some patchy fog may form before daybreak Monday.

🌦 Weather Outlook

• Today (Sunday): Hot and humid with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Heat index near 100°F.
• Tonight: Storms ending after sunset. Lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Patchy fog possible.
• Monday: Partly sunny with a continued chance of isolated afternoon storms. Highs in the upper 80s.
• Tuesday: Drier and slightly cooler with highs in the mid-80s.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm. Highs near 90°F.

VDOT Travel Alerts: June 29 – July 5, 2025

As we head into the July 4 holiday weekend, here’s what to know before you hit the road.

Heads up! VDOT will suspend many highway work zones and lift lane closures on interstates and other major roads starting at noon Thursday, July 3, through noon Monday, July 7. But here’s what’s happening before and after the break:

Stafford County

• Route 3 (Kings Highway): Expect single-lane closures through Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for fiber work.
• Route 17 Southbound: Right lane closures from Village Parkway to Hartwood Church Rd., Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (waterline and sewer installation).
• Garrisonville Road (Route 610): Overnight lane closures Sunday–Thursday, 10 p.m.–5 a.m., for utility repair.
• New Hope Church Rd. & Hollywood Farm Rd.: Daytime resurfacing, Monday–Thursday, with flaggers alternating one-way traffic.
• Subdivision resurfacing: Work happening in Country Wood Estates and Roseville Plantation, expect alternating one-way traffic.

Spotsylvania County

• I-95 northbound and off-ramps near Exit 126: Nighttime lane closures Sunday–Wednesday for paving. Some ramp closures to Route 1 northbound, use Exit 118 or 130 as detours.
• Route 1: Expect alternating closures, resurfacing, and signal work from Southpoint to Roxbury Mill Rd. and beyond.
• Route 3: Signal and guardrail repairs between Gordon Rd. and Orange Plank Rd., Monday–Thursday.
• Route 17 (Mills Drive): Southbound right lane closed near Massaponax Church Rd.
• Route 610 (Old Plank Rd.) & Route 620 (Harrison Rd.): Daytime closures for widening and water main work.
• Subdivision resurfacing in Rivers Bluff and Sunset Harbor neighborhoods.

City of Fredericksburg

• Fall Hill Avenue: Daytime lane closures Monday–Wednesday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., between Route 1 and Bridgewater Street. Flaggers will be on site.
• Ongoing projects:
  • Route 1 intersections at Fall Hill and Princess Anne/Hanson – overnight lane closures as needed.
  • Lafayette Blvd. at Twin Lakes/Kensington – shoulder work for new bicycle/pedestrian path.

King George County

• Route 301 Northbound: Left lane closed near Route 218 for guardrail repairs, Monday–Thursday.
• Route 602 (Chapel Green Road): Resurfacing from the Stafford line to Fletchers Chapel Rd., Monday–Thursday. Flaggers alternating traffic.

Project Reminders

• Spotsylvania: Work continues on I-95 Exit 126 area improvements, including turn lane expansions, noise barriers, and ramp widening.
• Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Rd.) widening continues through June.
• Stafford: Route 620 (Harrison Rd.) widening underway with pedestrian upgrades.
• Fredericksburg: Intersection projects and the Lafayette Blvd. connector project will continue through 2025–26.

🛻 Need a better commute?
GWRideConnect can help you carpool, vanpool, or find transit. Visit gwrideconnect.org or call (540) 373-7665.

🗺️ For real-time updates, check 511Virginia.org or use the 511 mobile app.

Drive safely this week!