In a unique and chilly demonstration, residents of Fredericksburg gathered Wednesday to protest a proposed data center development near the Rappahannock River by building snowmen.
Organized by the Rappahannock Community Coalition, the âSnowmen Against Data Centersâ rally took place just one day after nearly 10 inches of snow blanketed the region. The snowmen were erected on the Mary Washington University Campus, City Hall, and a house off Harrell Road in Stafford County.
The protest comes on the same day of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission meeting, where commissioners took up a proposal to endorse a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, a Zoning Map Amendment applying the Technology Overlay District, and a Zoning Proffer Amendment â which would clear the way to build the city's first data center. The city council announced it would pursue the data center on an "accelerated" timeline in December but has yet to disclose which firm would develop the project.
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Fredericksburgâs Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering eventsâincluding the inauguration of President Donald TrumpâBoutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theaterâs menu.
A Culinary Journey to Riverside
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Prince William Countyâs State of the Parks event, initially scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Forest Park High School, has been postponed due to weather conditions and other considerations.
The State of the Parks event, set to feature insights from Prince William County Parks and Recreation Director Seth Hendler-Voss, will be rescheduled, with a new date and time to be announced soon.
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Median Snow Totals by Region:
Fredericksburg:
- 6.5 inches
Manassas area:
- 9.5 inches
Prince William County:
- 7.8 inches
Stafford County:
- 7.8 inches
Spotsylvania County:
- 6.4 inches
The heaviest snowfall totals were recorded in Manassas and parts of Stafford County, where accumulations neared 9.5 inches. Many roads across the region remain snow-covered and hazardous, prompting school closures and delays for Tuesday.
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Updated 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 5 â As another major snowstorm blankets Stafford County with over six inches of snow on February 11, 2025, local officials are grappling with Virginia Department of Transportationâs (VDOT) depleted snow removal budget, which was exhausted by a previous winter storm on January 5â6.
During a Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 6, 2025, VDOT Residency Administrator Kyle Bates delivered a stark warning about the agencyâs financial limitations.
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The Haymarket Police Department has launched a new initiative to collect and analyze traffic volume data to enhance road safety and improve traffic management in town.
During the Haymarket Town Council meeting on February 3, 2025, Police Chief Allen Sibert shared findings from a speed sign installed on the eastbound lane of Washington Street, the townâs main thoroughfare. The data collected over the past six months revealed that the highest volume of traffic occurs during lunchtime hours, surpassing even the traditional rush hour periods.
"This data is invaluable as it allows us to better understand traffic patterns and adjust enforcement efforts accordingly," said Chief Sibert. "We want to ensure our roads remain safe and that we are using our resources where they are most needed."
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On Monday, February 10, 2025, the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden featured a special appearance by Chesty XVI, the United States Marine Corps' bulldog mascot. This presentation was part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation's (MCHF) celebration of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary. Chesty XVI was accompanied by his handlers and MCHF President and CEO, retired Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, from the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, now in its 149th year, remains one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States. This year, more than 2,500 dogs from across all 50 U.S. states traveled to New York City to compete for Best in Show, a title that comes with recognition, prestige, and a trophy.
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Law enforcement and emergency responders in Prince William County, Stafford County, and the City of Manassas handled multiple incidents over the past several days, including a house fire that displaced a family in Woodbridge, two shooting investigations, drug-related arrests, and a series of disturbances and crimes.
Prince William County
House Fire Displaces Family in Woodbridge
On February 10 at approximately 8:30 p.m., fire crews responded to a house fire on the 3000 block of Fillmore Drive in Woodbridge. Flames broke out in the homeâs laundry room, causing moderate damage. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported. The home was deemed unsafe for occupancy, and two adults and one child were displaced. The Red Cross is providing assistance. The Fire Marshal confirmed the fire started in the laundry room, though the cause remains under investigation.
Shooting Investigation in Woodbridge
Prince William County police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 14100 block of Bay Vista Drive in Woodbridge on February 10 at 11:23 p.m. A 23-year-old man was with a group of individuals when they demanded his property. During the altercation, a shot was fired, striking the victim in the upper body. The suspects dispersed before officers arrived. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities believe the incident was not random, and the investigation is ongoing.
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The Manassas City Council has voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor companyâs continued presence in the city. The agreement, approved during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures that Micronâs annual tax payments will increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has sparked concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources indicate that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micronâs Manassas facility.
