Fredericksburg Schools Delayed After Mass Shooting

Fredericksburg City Public Schools will open two hours late today in response to a mass shooting that left three people dead and three others hospitalized in nearby Spotsylvania County.

School officials made the decision late Tuesday, citing the “profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community.”

The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle, just off Lafayette Boulevard. Deputies arrived to find six victims with gunshot wounds. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, and three others were hospitalized. Authorities have not released their conditions or the identities of the victims.

No arrests have been made. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active, and the public is urged to avoid the area.

This remains a developing story. Potomac Local News will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Prince William County Reaffirms Commitment to Fix Route 28 After Canceling Bypass Project

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson issued a statement today after the board voted to reimburse the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for nearly $7.5 million in expenses related to the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass Project.

“While we canceled this specific project, Prince William County officials remain determined to find a solution to the traffic issues in the Route 28 corridor,” Jefferson said.

Background: Supervisor Vega’s call to widen Route 28

For Second Straight Year, I-66 EMP Sponsors PWCCF’s Back-To-School Event

I-66 Express Mobility Partners reaffirmed its support of the Prince William County Community Foundation’s annual Back-To-School Community Event with a $5,000 donation. The event returns August 2 at Gar-Field High School, providing backpacks and resources to more than 7,000 students.

Scholarships Awarded to Students at Annual Education and Workforce Breakfast

Six local students were recognized at the Prince William Chamber Foundation’s Education and Workforce Breakfast on April 3. Each received a $2,500 scholarship based on academic achievement and community involvement. The event also included a panel discussion about how local businesses can better support student success through Career and Technical Education partnerships.

2025 Community Health Assessment Released; CHIP Planning Kicks Off

The 2025 Community Health Assessment for the Fredericksburg region identifies top issues, including behavioral health, access to care, and healthy lifestyles. Community input will now help shape a Community Health Improvement Plan.

Planning Meeting: April 10, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
John F. Fick III Conference Center, Fredericksburg
Register here

James Long Park Intersection Project Completed in Haymarket

Prince William County completed a $5.5 million project to upgrade access to James Long Park in Haymarket. Improvements include a realigned intersection, safer entrances, and a paved parking lot. County leaders hailed the project as a model of cross-departmental collaboration.

$12.5 Million Route 1 Project to Begin in Stafford County

Stafford County will soon begin work on Route 1 at Telegraph Road and Woodstock Lane to ease congestion and improve safety. The $12.5 million project includes turn lanes, a realigned intersection, and a new median.

Public Info Meeting: April 14, 5–7 p.m.
George L. Gordon Jr. Government Center
Project details

Fredericksburg Earth Day Festival Set for April 26

The region’s largest Earth Day event returns to Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg on Saturday, April 26. Expect 70+ vendors, goat yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, and more.

April 26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Event details at earthdayfred.com
Read our full preview

I-95 Southbound Off-Ramp at Exit 126 to Close Overnight

I-95 Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) will be closed overnight from 11 p.m. April 10 to 4 a.m. April 11 for paving. Alternate exits include Route 3 (Exit 130) and Thornburg (Exit 118).
More from VDOT

Dr. Brenda J. Russ Named Principal of Hugh Mercer Elementary

The Fredericksburg City School Board appointed Dr. Brenda J. Russ as the next principal of Hugh Mercer Elementary School in Fredericksburg, effective April 7. A veteran educator and “equity leader,” she brings a decade of experience and deep roots in the community.

Coming Wednesday on PotomacLocal.com

Dumfries considers launching its own Economic Development Authority
Town leaders say creating an EDA could give them more power to grow business and attract investment through property deals, grants, and development bonds.
Manassas plans $1.3 million renovation to Harris Pavilion — delayed until 2026
Supply chain delays have pushed the long-awaited repairs to the city’s iconic gathering space into next year.
Stafford’s Government Center getting a $1 million upgrade
The main lobby and Board chambers will undergo modernization for the first time since the building opened in 1990.

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Route 28 update, school scholarships, Earth Day preview, and more