A judge on Wednesday agreed with Fredericksburg City Council’s argument that actions taken in closed session to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat constituted an appointment, not an election, and that the closed sessions were appropriate, says FXBG Advance.

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Virginia Democrats are aiming at kids they claim are spending too much time online, reports WRIC-TV.

“There is one example where a young lady took her own life, and when they looked back on her social media, she had viewed over 2,000 hours of self-harm content,” said Del. Josh Thomas (D-Prince William) at a press conference Tuesday.

The House of Delegates has amended a Senate bill that would require social media sites to limit minors under 16 to one hour per day per platform.

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Stafford County has received an application for a rezoning and conditional use permit to construct a data center along Olde Forge Drive between U.S. 17 and the Rappahannock River, reports FXBG Advance.

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Here’s the latest update on roadwork and lane closures in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg. All projects are weather-permitting, and up-to-date information is available at 511.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.

Stafford County

• Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: Between South Campus Boulevard and Spring Valley Drive.
  • Purpose: Fiber installation under permit.
• Route 3 (Kings Highway)
  • Lane Closures: Sunday–Thursday, 9 p.m.–6 a.m.
  • Location: Bridge over railroad tracks between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road.
  • Purpose: Bridge repairs.
• Route 17 Southbound
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: Between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road.
  • Purpose: Waterline and sewer line installation under permit.
• Route 17 Northbound
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: Between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road.
  • Purpose: Fiber installation under permit.
• Berea Church Road
  • Closure: From Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place.
  • Purpose: Road improvements for a Stafford County project.

Spotsylvania County

• Route 1
  • Lane Alignment Shift: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: Between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road.
  • Purpose: Road improvement connected to the Kalahari Resorts development.
• Route 620 (Harrison Road)
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Location: Between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road.
  • Purpose: Water main installation under permit.
• I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp
  • Lane Closures: Sunday–Saturday, 7 p.m.–10 a.m.
  • Location: Off-ramp to Route 1.
  • Purpose: Construction to widen the ramp and add a right turn lane.
• Spotsylvania Parkway
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  • Location: At intersections with Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak/Yellow Brinch Drive.
  • Purpose: Pedestrian signal installation.

Fredericksburg

• Route 1 Business (Lafayette Boulevard)
  • Lane Closures: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.–Noon.
  • Location: Between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street.
  • Purpose: Construction of a shared-use path.
• Route 1 Intersection Improvements
  • Locations: Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street, and Hanson Avenue.
  • Purpose: Long-term improvements with completion by June 2026.
• Route 1 over Rappahannock River (Falmouth Bridge)
  • Northbound Lane Closure: Ongoing.
  • Purpose: Emergency bridge repairs

Stay informed about traffic impacts by checking 511.VDOT.Virginia.Gov. For ridesharing options, visit GWRideConnect or call (540) 373-7665.

From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office:

DISTURBANCE:
Walmart, 11 Village Parkway, 12/16, 6:41 a.m. Deputy F.C. O’Neill responded to a disturbance. Staff advised a female suspect was screaming at random people inside the business and threatened employees. As soon as Deputy O’Neill entered the business, his ears were assaulted by the continuing screams the suspect was hurling at employees. While attempting to detain the suspect, she would resist; however, that got her nowhere. She was charged with disorderly conduct and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,000 secured bond.

DUI:
Hollywood Church of Brethren, 225 Ferry Road, 12/15, 12:11 a.m. Deputy D.S. Jett was traveling in the area when he observed a swerving Nissan with its high beams active despite opposing traffic being present. Deputy Jett conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver had signs of intoxication, admitted to consuming “three beers,” and did not have a driver’s license. He was charged with driving under the influence, driving without a license, failure to maintain the lane of travel, and failure to dim high beams. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

Jiffy Lube, 724 Warrenton Road, 12/15, 4:49 a.m. Deputy C.R. Newman was observing traffic on Warrenton Road when a vehicle made a U-turn during a red light. Considering the infraction occurred right in front of him, Deputy Newman quickly conducted a traffic stop. The driver had signs of intoxication and admitted to running the red light because of “stomach issues.” The driver would have bigger issues during the field sobriety tests when he refused deputies commands and attempted to get back into his vehicle. He was detained shortly after. The driver was charged with driving under the influence, failure to obey a traffic light, and obstruction of justice. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Area of Richmond Highway and Telegraph Road, 12/15, 9:33 p.m. Deputy J.J. Suh responded to a drunk driver complaint. The caller advised a black Ford was having a hard time maintaining its lane. Deputy Suh found the suspect vehicle pretty easily due to it still swerving around and he conducted a traffic stop. When Deputy Suh made contact with the driver and asked if there was a reason why she was swerving, the driver advised it was because she was “drunk.” Her honesty continued as she admitted to consuming five Modelos. She was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

Intersection of Kings Highway and Cool Springs Road, 12/16, 6:06 p.m. Deputy R.B. Brooks and Deputy C.D. Quebedeaux responded to a drunk driver complaint. It was advised a Jeep was driving in the middle of the roadway. When deputies arrived, they observed the Jeep displaying less than ideal driving behaviors. As deputies made contact with the driver, she would ask for directions to CVS in order to pick up her “meth.” While CVS is a drug store, it is not that kind of drug store. After field sobriety tests, the driver was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober. It is not all bad news, for the driver remarked multiple times that due to this, deputies “saved my life.”

PUBLIC INTOXICATION:
Bearded Monkey, 564 Warrenton Road, 12/15, 1:33 a.m. Deputy R.L. Beasley responded to a report of some monkey business. It was advised a male, who was acting belligerent, was attempting to fight people. Deputy Beasley made contact with the suspect and quickly noticed strong signs of intoxication. The suspect was charged with public intoxication and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.

The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.

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Press Release:

Stafford County is preparing to recognize individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to its parks system and the character development of its youth. The annual Florence D. Helms Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in volunteer activities in memory of one of Stafford’s most inspiring parks volunteers, Florence Helms.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our many parks and recreational offerings,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District. “The Florence Helms Award recognizes those who share her dedication and loyalty to the youth of Stafford.”

Helms, a registered nurse, passed away unexpectedly in 1975 of cancer but left her mark on the youth of Stafford County. As an active member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, she was instrumental in establishing a volunteer program of medical examinations by doctors for sports programs in the area. Helms was also active in the early years of growth and development of the Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation. This award has been given to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in recreation, education, guidance, health, or other fields in which the service contributed to the character development of the youth of Stafford County.

In keeping with the spirit of the Florence Helms Award, two annual awards may be given:

• An award in recognition of an individual for lifetime volunteer dedication and contribution toward the development of youth of Stafford County
• An award in recognition of a group/organization that has provided support and made outstanding lifetime volunteer contributions toward the development of youth of Stafford County

The criteria for selecting the winner include: years of volunteer service (20 years minimum), degree of dedication, fruits of accomplishments, and degree of interest and concern for the youth with whom the candidate/organization has been associated.

To be eligible for consideration, completed nomination forms must be returned to the Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation office no later than January 31, 2025. Please visit www.staffordparks.com or call 540-658-5181 to obtain a nomination packet. Nominations may be submitted digitally at www.staffordcountyva.gov/florencehelmsaward.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission released its long awaited report on data centers Monday, detailing the expected soaring energy demands and large economic benefits of the industry ahead of the 2025 General Assembly session.

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Lane closures, construction, and repair projects are scheduled across various highways and local roads in the Fredericksburg District, including sections of I-95, Route 1, and Route 17. Additional closures and detours are planned for bridge repairs, road widening, and infrastructure improvements in multiple counties, with some projects extending into 2025-2026.

Press release:

All work is scheduled weather permitting. Updated information on work zones and lane closures is available on 511.VDOT.Virginia.Gov.

Interstate 95 Northbound and Southbound

Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton) to Exit 148 (Quantico)
Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mobile shoulder closures on I-95 northbound and southbound for overhead sign base inspection. All interstate travel lanes will remain open.

Interstate 95 Southbound

Exit 126 (Spotsylvania) Off-Ramp
Sunday – Friday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single-lane closures on the off-ramp from Interstate 95 southbound to Route 1. Construction to widen the ramp and add a right-turn lane to Route 1 southbound.

King George County

Route 218 (Caledon Road)
Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 218 near the intersection with Comorn Road and Vertical Ridge Road. Guardrail installation. A flagging crew will direct one-way, alternating traffic as needed.

Route 218 (Caledon Road)
Sunday – Thursday, 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Flagging operation at the bridge over railroad tracks near Route 206. Bridge repairs. A flagging crew will direct one-way, alternating traffic through the work zone.

King William County

Route 360 Eastbound (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway)
Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.-6 a.m. and Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 eastbound between Route 30 and Hanover County line.

Spotsylvania County

Route 1
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All travel lanes will remain open, but the alignment of the Route 1 travel lanes has shifted slightly between Arcadia Road and Mudd Tavern Road for road improvement work connected with the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions development. Permit work. Construction will also be underway along the road shoulder.

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
Sunday – Friday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m. Alternating single and double lane closures on Route 1 between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway. Single lane closures starting at 7 p.m. and double lane closures starting at 9 p.m.

Route 1 at Southpoint Parkway
Sunday, 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Intermittent northbound and southbound turn lane closures on Route 1 at the Southpoint Parkway intersection. Traffic signal maintenance.

Harrison Road
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single lane closure between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road/Leavells Road with one-way, alternating traffic. Installation of water main under permit.

Millsgarden South Subdivision
Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Millsgarden South subdivision.

Southpoint Parkway
Sunday – Friday, 7:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m., and Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1.

Spotsylvania Parkway
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closures between Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak Drive/Yellow Birch Drive for traffic signal work.

Summers Landing Subdivision
Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mobile lane closures for road resurfacing on various routes in the Summers Landing subdivision.

Stafford County

Route 1 Northbound and Southbound
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single lane closure between South Campus Boulevard and the Potomac Creek bridge. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 3 (Kings Highway)
Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures on Route 3 at the bridge over CSX railroad tracks, which is between Cool Springs Road and Chatham Heights Road. Bridge repairs.

Route 17 Northbound
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Right lane closure between Poplar Road and Hartwood Church Road. Fiber installation. Permit work.

Route 17 Southbound
Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single lane closure between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road for waterline and sewer line installation under permit.

Route 17 Southbound
Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 17 southbound near Marsh Road. Guardrail installation.

Route 218 (White Oak Road)
Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 218 near Glebe Road. Guardrail installation. A flagging crew will direct one-way, alternating traffic as needed.

Route 610 (Garrisonville Road)
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Single lane closure on Route 610 between Algrace Boulevard and Ripley Road. Construction for turn lane extension. Permit work.

Berea Church Road CLOSURE
Berea Church Road is closed from Berea Knolls Drive to Theresa Garden Place, and northbound access is closed from Route 17 to Berea Knolls Drive. Construction for a Stafford County project to improve Berea Church Road. View the project page at staffordcountyva.gov.

Willows Subdivision
Wednesday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Crews will be applying fresh shoulder stone along multiple routes in the Willows subdivision. A flagging crew will direct one-way, alternating traffic as needed.

Additional Projects in Fredericksburg District

Caroline County

Route 638 (South River Road) Bridge Replacement
Construction is underway to replace the Route 638 (South River Road) bridge over South River. A portion of South River Road is closed with a detour in place. The project will be complete by Sept. 2025.

City of Fredericksburg

Route 1 at Fall Hill Avenue, and Route 1 at Princess Anne Street and Hanson Avenue
Intersection improvement projects are underway on Route 1 at the intersections with Fall Hill Avenue and Princess Anne Street/Hanson Avenue. Construction will be complete by June 2026. Intermittent single lane and shoulder closures will be needed at times, but most lane closures will occur overnight, and outside of peak weekday commute times.

Lafayette Boulevard at Twin Lakes/Kensington
Construction is underway on a $2.4 million bicycle and pedestrian connector project. Most construction will occur on the road shoulders and outside of the travel lanes. The project will be complete by Nov. 2025.

City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County

Route 1 over the Rappahannock River (Falmouth Bridge)
The northbound right lane is closed on the Route 1 bridge over the Rappahannock River (Falmouth Bridge) for an emergency bridge repair project. Two southbound lanes and a single northbound lane remain open. The sidewalk along the northbound lanes is also closed on the bridge. Northbound Route 1 delays at peak times are likely. A vehicle weight limit is posted for this bridge at 16 tons for single-unit vehicles and 24 tons for tractor-trailers. Emergency repairs are under design. An estimated project completion date will be available once the design is complete.

Essex County

Route 639 (Walnut Shade Road)
Route 639 (Walnut Shade Road) is closed to through traffic at Baylors Creek due to a culvert failure that also damaged the road’s travel surface. Walnut Shade Road is anticipated to be closed to through traffic through mid-January 2025, while repair work is underway. Motorists should follow signs posted along the recommended detour route, which is approximately 9 miles long.

Gloucester County and Mathews County

Route 3/14 Westbound Bridge Rehabilitation
A major bridge rehabilitation project is underway on the Route 3/Route 14 westbound bridge over Burke Mill Stream, which is located at the Mathews and Gloucester line. Crews are improving the 76-year-old structure by replacing the bridge deck, beams, bridge railings, and guardrails. The westbound Route 3/14 travel lanes are closed at Windsor Road. Eastbound and westbound Route 3/14 traffic is crossing the eastbound bridge, with one lane open in each direction. Left turns from Windsor Road to Route 14 eastbound are prohibited. Project completion in Nov. 2025.

King and Queen County and King William County

Route 628 (Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road) Bridge Closure
Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road is closed at the bridge over the Mattaponi River, located at the King and Queen and King William county line. A detour route is posted. Construction is underway on a major bridge rehabilitation project. The road will remain closed until early June 2025. The bridge closed for motorist safety in March 2023 after a routine inspection found significant deterioration in key bridge elements.

King George County and Westmoreland County

Route 205 (Ridge Road) Bridge Repairs
Ridge Road is reduced to one lane beginning at the bridge over Rosier Creek for repairs. A temporary traffic signal directs one-way, alternating traffic on Route 205. This traffic pattern is in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Route 205 will be reduced to a single lane at Rosier Creek for approximately three months, through late Jan. 2025.

Spotsylvania County

I-95 Southbound Exit 126 Off-Ramp and Route 1 Southbound
A second right turn lane is under construction from the I-95 southbound off-ramp at exit 126 onto Route 1 southbound. Route 1 southbound is being widened from the off-ramp to Southpoint Parkway with an additional turn lane. A second right turn lane is being added from Route 1 southbound to Southpoint Parkway. Traffic islands will be installed along Southpoint Parkway as a safety improvement to allow left turns into driveways but restrict through and left-turning traffic exiting from side streets. Project completion in Aug. 2025.

Route 606 (Mudd Tavern Road) Widening
Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1. A new secondary access route, Route 2092, is under construction parallel to Mudd Tavern Road and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane. Project completion in May 2025.

Route 620 (Harrison Road) Reconstruction and Widening
Harrison Road is being widened to four lanes between Gordon Road and Old Plank Road. The project will build a center turn lane along Harrison Road and additional through travel lanes at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections, and extend the current turn lanes at these intersections. Sidewalks will be built along Harrison Road, and pedestrian crossing signal equipment and crosswalks will be added at the Old Plank Road and Gordon Road intersections. Project completion late summer 2026.

Westmoreland County

Route 658 (Monroe Bay Circle)
Monroe Bay Circle is closed at the bridge over Monroe Creek, as construction begins to build a new bridge over Monroe Creek. Motorists are to follow the posted detour. Monroe Bay Circle will be closed until the new bridge opens in Sept. 2025.

Commuting and Ridesharing Information

GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing information and matching service for the Fredericksburg area, and is part of the George Washington Regional Commission.

Let GWRideConnect help you discover your commuting options, such as carpools, vanpools, and transit. Visit gwrideconnect.org or call 540-373-7665.