Fredericksburg celebrated the grand opening of its new Visitor Center on January 10, 2025, with an open-house event that drew hundreds today at the newly renamed City Center government building, formerly known as the Executive Plaza. Community members gathered at 601 Caroline Street to explore the revamped space, enjoy light refreshments, and learn about the Visitor Center’s offerings.
The new facility, described as brighter and more accessible, provides an inviting hub for showcasing Fredericksburg’s artists and businesses. “The center is fabulous,” said Mayor Kerry Devine. “It has space for showcasing our artists and businesses, and we’re just so excited to welcome people to this new center.”
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Prince William County Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 6:19 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found no immediate signs of injuries or involved parties at the scene. However, shortly thereafter, they were notified that a 22-year-old man was being treated at a local hospital for gunshot wounds. Tragically, the man later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Calvin Tyshaun Odell Batson, 22, of Woodbridge.
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NVCT is a regional nonprofit founded in 1994 to safeguard the region's wildlife and natural landscapes. According to the nonprofit's website, it has protected more than 9,000 acres of land across the region in both urban and rural areas.
Doves Landing is a 308-acre park with access to the Occoquan River. 95% of the land is forested and the area around the river are considered a crucial wetland habitat. The county acquired the land in the 1990s, but remained vacant until the Board of County Supervisors made it a park in 2013.
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The UVA Health Prince Wiliam Medical Center in Manassas has earned a top spot in the U.S. News & World Report list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, a recent press release stated.
The hospital system's Manassas campus received a "high-performing" rank from the publication, the highest recognition a hospital can receive. U.S. News & World Report highlighted the hospital's low unnecessary Cesarean section and newborn complication rates and saw it as a birthing-friendly facility.
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The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System warns residents to stay off naturally occurring ice on local waters, as it is often too thin and weak for safe outdoor activities. Unlike ice in colder northern climates, ice in this area is prone to cracks, instability, and variability due to fluctuating temperatures, moving water, and wildlife activity.
Key dangers include rapid ice deterioration, which can outpace its formation, and the risk of falling into icy waters, where hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes, making rescues extremely time-sensitive.
Safety Tips:
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
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Here’s a summary of recent incidents reported by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
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A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nokesville has been arrested. On January 8, 2025, Prince William County Police apprehended James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge. Byrd faces charges of involuntary manslaughter - DUI related and DUI for his role in the crash that occurred on August 28, 2024, along Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive.
Police reported that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the life of Thomas Spencer Stark, 63, of Nokesville, who was driving a 2003 Lexus GX. Byrd's court date is pending, and bond information is unavailable.
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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors began its first meeting of 2025 with a significant leadership transition. Supervisor Deuntay Diggs was elected chairman in a 4-3 vote, succeeding outgoing Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. Diggs addressed his new role during the meeting and outlined his expectations for the year ahead, emphasizing transparency and teamwork.
Chairman Diggs' Vision
