The Largest State in America after Alaska, Texas From its southern agricultural towns like Fredericksburg to the desert terrains in the west side of Texas with creatively enhanced small towns like Marfa the Lonestar state allows visitors to experience various environmental settings the state presents an overwhelming array of options for small-town getaways making it challenging to decide where to embark on your next adventure each offering a unique and enchanting experience for the perfect weekend getaway A small town in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage Escape to Fredericksburg if you want to spend your weekend strolling vineyards and going out for nights of fresh fine dining one of the most vibrant must-see properties adorned with seasonal flowers and beautiful open-concept wooden architecture Some of the top-rated dining experiences in Fredericksburg can be experienced at Sage Restaurant and Lounge Pronounced "green," Gruene is another historic small town in Texas’ Hill Country region near New Braunfels Start your escape to Gruene by touring or booking a stay in the downtown historic district; some of the best accommodations in the area include the Gruene Mansion Inn Important historical attractions to put on your to-do list include visiting Gruene Hall Texas’s oldest continuously operating dance hall Find quirky small shops like the vintage-themed Gruene General Store and the Gristmill Restaurant when exploring downtown and embracing the southern take on classic architecture Steeped in history, Jefferson boasts well-preserved 19th-century architecture A weekend escape to Jefferson is comparable to traveling back to the War Era with over 100 historic homes Visitors can take steamboat tours along Caddo Lake one of America’s sizeable flooded Cypress forests and explore haunted locations like the Excelsior House Hotel in Jefferson Adding to the fun places to visit in Jefferson is the Jefferson Historical Museum the Victorian garden of House of the Season and Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum Experience the movie set-like wild west theme Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch and shop Wimberley Square to support local businesses when in town Home to the mysterious Marfa Lights, a range of soaring glowing orbs that have fascinated generations of visitors and locals alike, Marfa is also Texas’s standout art colony the small town is famous for its minimalist installations like one of the most unique Prada shops in the middle of nowhere and West Texas landscapes makes it an intriguing destination George have some of the best accommodations in town and are high-in-demand escape options to book in advance of your visit to Marfa and shop at small businesses like the Marfa Book Company and Wrong Store for creative handmade artistic souvenirs to take home and the historic courthouse contribute to its appeal An escape to Fayetteville allows outdoor enthusiasts to explore nearby parks like Lake Fayette Prairie Park and its Oak Thicket Park to enjoy birdwatching and watersports Fayetteville is one of the best escapes near major cities offering a wild-west mind-calming atmosphere located between both major metropolises of Austin and Houston Wooden storefronts enhance the experience in Fayetteville with Instagramable quirky businesses like Orsak’s Cafe and Arts for Rural Texas located around the corner The gorgeous town of Port Aransas and a laid-back atmosphere for a coastal retreat Mustang Island State Park and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve offer natural beauty and outdoor activities The fisherman’s paradise is home to a range of fishing hotspots Stop by the Texas State Aquarium in nearby Corpus Christi and take pictures near a backdrop of the secluded Chapel on the Dunes when escaping to Port Aransas Waxahachie stands out for its Victorian architecture like the Munster Mansion and the castle-like Ellis County Courthouse Waxahachie’s historic downtown is a delight for architecture and history buffs; the Scarborough Renaissance Festival and the Ellis County Museum add to the town’s cultural ambiance Shop dozens of local businesses like Jordan E’s Candy and Popcorn Shop and embark on a self-guided walking tour with maps of local historic attractions and more from the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce Nicknamed the Red Poppy Capital of Texas for its natural Georgetown enhances your Texas escape with Victorian-era architecture and trails of scenic views along the San Gabriel River is the highlight of any visit to Georgetown and its central town square has been voted the most beautiful town square in Texas by multiple travel blogs and the Teal Sky Studio boutique are small businesses to check out during your escape to Georgetown This adorable lakefront town boasts a picturesque square, live theater at the Granbury Opera House and the historic Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour The nearby Lake Granbury allows for watersport activities in appropriate seasons with its Granbury City Beach Boardwalk being one of the best places to catch breathtaking sunsets Stay at the award-winning Inn on Lake Granbury the town is just a 30-minute drive from the town of Glen Rose and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Bastrop is one of the oldest towns in Texas and one of the best weekend escapes to Texas for flawlessly balancing nature and historic attractions to inspire tourism The Bastrop Lost Pines Forest presents a scenic cruise when visiting Bastrop with the 13-mile Loblolly Pine Tree stretch along State Highway 21 you can make your escape to Bastrop a secluded nature trip or a community-oriented small-town experience visiting Bastrop State Park and strolling the Main Street of the Historic District is a must when you visit The charming town of Alpine serves as a gateway for outdoor adventures and is conveniently located just 25 miles from the artistically vibrant Marfa Nestled in the foothills of the Davis Mountains Alpine offers a striking mix of mountainous views and the arid landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert Take a stroll through Historic Downtown Alpine and enjoy a self-guided tour to discover creative wall murals that tell the stories of the town’s history brought to life by the innovative work of local artists With its unique combination of art galleries and close proximity to Big Bend National Park Alpine is the perfect destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts who wish to explore more than just the popular tourist-focused town of Marfa Whether visiting Texas for the first time or looking to escape city life for a few days these 12 small towns in Texas offer an exciting array of activities and attractions for all tastes and interests photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com – After six years of serving tacos and building community Juan More Taco is preparing to close its doors at the beloved Caroline Street location in downtown Fredericksburg the family-owned business announced it would be leaving the space after lease negotiations fell through “Every chapter has an end,” the post began “and today we’re writing the last lines at our Caroline St Juan More Taco opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Fredericksburg in 2019 after gaining a local following with its food truck The shop quickly became more than a place to grab a bite—it became a hub for connection the restaurant partnered with others to deliver more than 45,000 meals to elderly residents “We’ve shared so many memories inside these walls,” the post continued and years of watching customers’ children grow Special recognition was given to longtime team members Jose and Aaron with Jose—eldest son of founder Maria Martin—described as “a true cornerstone of Juan More Taco.” Although the restaurant doesn’t yet have a closing date the owners invited customers to visit in the coming weeks to say goodbye and use any gift cards Remaining balances will be honored at their Richmond location with events in Fredericksburg continuing as planned “This is not a goodbye,” the message concluded A tragic fentanyl overdose led to murder charges for two parents in Prince William County and public intoxication incidents in Stafford and PWC – Severe thunderstorms that swept through Stafford County on Monday with the hardest-hit areas now including Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour – Republicans from across Prince William County gathered at Fox Chase Manor for their annual black-tie Lincoln Reagan Dinner drawing a record crowd and laying out their strategy ahead of the 2025 election cycle – A bank tenant inside a newly completed data center in Manassas has triggered a sweeping local tax exemption upending financial expectations and leaving city officials blindsided and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University Read More Submit your own Community Post here Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up MD considers his patients quite literally as family “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.” Read More Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012 this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health This unique Convention truly has something Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has Andruw Musett had a breakout performance in a Salem uniform Sunday afternoon The Red Sox catcher hit two home runs and drove in four runs as Salem defeated Fredericksburg 9-6 in the series finale before an announced crowd of 1,989 at Salem Memorial Ballpark Musett had the big swing in Salem’s eight-run sixth inning with a three-run homer The Red Sox (12-14) sent 11 batters to the plate in the frame and his two-run homer capped the eight-run frame four-RBI performance of his professional career Yoeilin Cespedes and Freili Encarnacion each went 2 for 4 Griffin Kilander (1-1) allowed one unearned run on three hits over 2 1/3 innings of relief to pick up the victory Manuel Medina allowed one hit and struck out three over 2 2/3 scoreless innings to record his first save of the season The Red Sox and Nationals (13-13) were rained out Saturday The postponed contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader on June 18 in Salem Salem begins a six-game series on Tuesday at Fayetteville The first pitch for the series opener is at 6:05 p.m The sixth inning took quite some time to complete Tuesday night at Salem Memorial Ballpark Red Sox closer Michael Sansone recorded 83 strikeouts over his first 26 appearances with Salem Natanael Yuten didn’t wait long to end Friday night’s game in the 10th inning Salem starter Blake Aita took a perfect game into the sixth inning Thursday night Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account A Spotsylvania high school senior was shot and killed early Saturday following a reported burglary attempt in the county Charles Carey said a 911 operator received a call about 3 a.m from a resident in the 2700 block of McKenzie Lane off Tidewater Trail who claimed that someone was trying to break into his home the resident had gotten into some sort of confrontation with the alleged would-be burglars and had fired several shots who was scheduled to graduate from Massaponax High School in a couple of weeks and was treated for minor injuries and released A third juvenile who was involved in the incident was unharmed Carey said there was evidence that someone had tried to kick in the back door of the home He said the investigation is in its early stages and no further information was immediately available No charges had been filed as of Saturday night released a statement Saturday expressing sympathy to the Bosworth family and concern for the effect the slaying will have on fellow students He said counselors were scheduled to be available at the school’s prom Saturday night and at school on Monday to support anyone who needs help coping with the tragedy “Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” Lancaster wrote kepps@freelancestar.com Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email Email notifications are only sent once a day Police arrived to find the subject on the ledge of the bridge on Garrisonville Road (State Route 610) getting ready to jump onto Interstate 95 ammunition and various paraphernalia were seized Tuesday The latest suspect is named in court records but his name is not being printed yet because he is a juvenile was found guilty of aggravated malicious wounding shooting at an occupied vehicle and possessing a firearm as… Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Stop by the open-house format public meeting to learn more and offer comments or review materials online and take the online survey FREDERICKSBURG – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a public information meeting to share information on an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Germanna Point Drive Extension project in Spotsylvania County The environmental assessment will assess potential alternatives for a future connection between Germanna Point Drive and Spotsylvania Avenue has initiated an Environmental Assessment in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR Part 771 to evaluate potential improvements to the transportation network in and around Germanna Point Drive and Spotsylvania Avenue The in-person meeting will be held in an open-house format to provide flexibility for the public to review project boards and discuss questions with project representatives.  Public meeting materials, including informational boards, brochure, and the opportunity to provide comments are available now on the project website.  The public is encouraged to provide input in one of several ways: 2025 will be included in the public record for this public involvement process Proposed design plans are not yet available Additional public meetings and opportunities to submit public comments will be provided as the project advances. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2030 VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 If you need more information in regards to your civil rights on this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency Please note that this file is not ADA compliant Read through the obituaries published today in Fredericksburg Free Lance Star – The Salem Red Sox (9-14) got a much-needed lift on Wednesday night thanks to one of their newest players delivered the biggest swing of the game with a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning – The Salem Red Sox (9-14) got a much-needed lift on Wednesday night thanks to one of their newest players helping the Red Sox snap a short skid with a 4-2 win over the Fredericksburg Nationals (13-10) at Carilion Clinic Field Salem opened the scoring in the second inning after Starlyn Nunez reached base on a fielding error by Fredericksburg second baseman Yoander Rivero The speedy infielder stole second—his second stolen base of the season—and came around to score two batters later on a single by Yosander Asencio Nick Peoples turned around a fastball from right-hander Ben Hansen and drove it over the left-field wall for his third home run of the season Jorgelys Mota made it 2-1 with an RBI knock through that plated Jackson Ross made his professional debut after being selected in the 2024 MLB Draft allowing just two hits and two runs (only one earned) He left the game in the fourth inning with one on and one out and completely changed the tone of the game The right-hander from Venezuela turned in his best outing of the season giving up only one hit and striking out five keeping the Nationals off-balance with a mix of breaking balls and well-located fastballs Cohen’s effort gave the Red Sox a chance to come back Andruw Musett led off with a single and advanced to second when Kleyver Salazar drew a walk Frederik Jimenez brought home the tying run with a sacrifice fly to center field Both bullpens traded zeroes in the fifth and sixth but the deadlock was finally broken in the seventh Natanael Yuten lined a one-out single into the outfield De Leon worked a 1-1 count against Fredericksburg reliever Austin Amaral De Leon crushed a hanging slider that cleared the 26-foot-high left-field fence providing the spark that Salem was looking for all game The two-run blast was his first home run of the season “I didn’t think I was going to get it out of there when I first made contact,” De Leon said postgame “I was sitting on the fastball and I ended up getting a slider but I was able to get a hold of it.” Cohen returned to the mound and hit Mota with a pitch before Nate Rombach reached on an error bringing the go-ahead run to the plate with no outs retiring Randal Diaz on a shallow flyout to center before striking out Peoples manager Ozzie Chavez would go to the bullpen The southpaw Michael Sansone was called on to close the game out and retire Moises Gallardo for the 27th out Sansone fired the first pitch and got a swing and miss Gallardo than stepped out of the batter’s box and adjusted his batting gloves before digging back in The second pitch was a swing and a miss to bring the count to 0-2 Gallardo once again departed the batter’s box and adjusted his batting helmet This time the home plate umpire Derek Gibson would call time point to his right wrist and issue a pitch clock violation on Gallardo for strike three Sansone recorded the strikeout on just two pitches and earned the save on a 4-2 Salem win The victory evens the series at one game apiece Game three is set for Thursday night at 6:35 p.m Right-hander Blake Aita is scheduled to take the mound for his fifth start of the season as the Red Sox are in search of back-to-back wins Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A would-be burglar is dead and a second suspect wounded after a Virginia homeowner opened fire during a break-in early Saturday The deadly robbery remains under investigation after breaking into a residence near McKenzie Lane in Spotsylvania County Deputies responded to a 911 call about a residential burglary in progress where the resident had fired shots at intruders inside the home A second suspect — a juvenile — was treated for minor injuries and released no charges had been filed as the sheriff’s office continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident “This is an ongoing investigation,” authorities said “No additional information is available at this time.” Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group Updated information on work zones and lane closures is available on 511Virginia Sunday – Thursday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m Alternating single lane closures on the off-ramp from Interstate 95 southbound to Route 1 alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew between Route 301 and Hazelwood Lane alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew between the Mattaponi River bridge and O'Brien Court The right turn lane from Ladysmith Road westbound to Route 1 northbound will be closed for milling and paving Sunday - Monday, Single lane closure between Welford and Fall Hill Avenue Alternating lane closures between Route 1 and Wallace Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone Alternating lane closures between Bridgewater and Route 1 Alternating lane closures between Fall Hill Avenue and Welford alternating traffic directed by a flagging crew on the following days and routes: Sunday – Thursday, 9 p.m.-6 a.m Alternating lane closures on Route 17 northbound between Route 216 and Route 3 for bridge repairs alternating traffic through the work zone along the following routes: Alternating lane closures for paving work between Route 607 (Port Conway Road) and Stafford County line alternating traffic along the following routes: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Alternating lane closures with flagging for bridge repairs at the King William County line Tuesday – Thursday, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. and Wednesday – Saturday Alternating lane closures with flagging for road resurfacing between the Moncuin Creek bridge and Route 30 Alternating single lane closure for pavement patching work between Route 600 (W River Road) and King and Queen County line 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 Construction will also be underway along the road shoulder Alternating single and double lane closures on Route 1 between the I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway Mobile operation with mobile lane closures between I-95 southbound off-ramp and Southpoint Parkway for signal inspections Single lane closure between Benchmark Road and Pierson Drive alternating traffic between Fairview Road and Louisa County line Flaggers will direct drivers through the work zone The eastbound and westbound travel lanes of Mudd Tavern Road and Morris Road will be shifted slightly to the right starting the evening of Sunday This shift will create space for construction crews to build medians that will separate eastbound and westbound traffic on Mudd Tavern Road and Morris Road and accommodate work on other road widening activities Law enforcement will direct traffic as needed between 9 p.m Alternating lane closures will be in place overnight as traffic is shifted and lane markings will guide travelers through the temporary pattern Single lane closure between Hickory Hill Drive and Summit Crossing Road with one-way Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Single lane closure between Lewis Thornburg Road and Pullen Drive with one-way Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m Alternating lane closures between Dogwood and Gordon Road and Old Plank Road and Gordon Road for road widening Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m Alternating lane closures on Gordon Road between Old Plank Road and Legacy Woods Drive for road widening Monday – Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m Sunday - Saturday, 7:30 p.m.-5:30 a.m Alternating single lane closures for pavement marking Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m Alternating single lane closures on Southpoint Parkway between Deep Creek Drive/New Berne Road and Holley Oak Drive/Yellow Birch Drive to allow crews to install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) The existing crosswalk is between two Lee's Parke subdivisions An RRFB is a pedestrian-activated device that emits rapidly flashing yellow LED lights at a crosswalk Single lane closures between Cool Springs Road and Blue and Gray Parkway Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m Intermittent right lane closures on southbound Route 17 between Village Parkway and Hartwood Church Road to install waterline and sewer line under permit Wednesday – Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m Road resurfacing between Route 3 and Route 603 (Caisson Road) Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Single lane closures between Route 3 Business and Route 218 (White Oak Road) Single lane closures between Route 1 and Truslow Road Road resurfacing near Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) Road resurfacing near Route 603 (Caisson Road) Road resurfacing near Route 627 (Mountain View Road) Alternating lane closures between Route 17 and end of state maintenance for pavement marking work Alternating lane closures between Celebrate Virginia Parkway and Route 17 for pavement marking work Road resurfacing near Hollywood Farm Road and Gateway Drive Wednesday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m Road resurfacing between Route 3 and Nomini Hall Road Alternating lane closures for road resurfacing between Route 205 (James Monroe Highway) and Route 205 (Ridge Road) 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 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 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 Route 17 and Woods Cross Road Intersection Safety Improvement Construction is underway on a $5.1 million project to improve safety and modify the Route 17 and Route 610 (Woods Cross Road/Davenport Road) intersection left turns and through movements are prohibited at the intersection All side street approaches will begin with a right turn Drivers will turn right onto Route 17 at the intersection before making a U-turn at designated locations Construction is expected to be complete by Dec 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 Left turns from Windsor Road to Route 14 eastbound are prohibited Route 614 (Rock Spring Road) Culvert Repair and Bridge Replacement Rock Spring Road is closed for a culvert repair and a bridge replacement project Rock Spring Road will reopen to through travelers in Dec and separate crews will be mobilizing at the bridge over Exol Swamp The road will remain closed to through traffic at Exol Swamp for approximately 10 months The existing Exol Swamp bridge was built in 1965 and has a weight posting of 15 tons Motorists should follow the posted detour route 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 Route 3 over Camps Prong Bridge Maintenance Route 3 is reduced to one lane in each direction at the bridge over Camps Prong for a bridge maintenance project Single lane closures on eastbound and westbound Route 3 will remain in place 24 hours a day until repairs are complete in Nov which is the erosion of soil around a bridge foundation A dedicated right turn lane is under construction on eastbound Route 3 (Main Street) at the intersection with Route 688 (James B The turn lane is designed to accommodate truck traffic as through trucks must use Route 688 to avoid a through truck restriction on a portion of Route 3 in Kilmarnock Project completion is scheduled for June 2025 Route 790 (Kamps Mill Road) over Camps Millpond in Lancaster County has closed for motorist safety after a routine inspection of a culvert found deterioration.Motorists should use Route 3 as the recommended detour VDOT will announce an estimated timeline to reopen the road to traffic once the emergency repair project schedule is finalized 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 Mudd Tavern Road is being widened to four lanes between I-95 and Route 1 is under construction parallel to Mudd Tavern Road and will connect with South Roxbury Mill Road and Dan Bell Lane 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 Monroe Bay Circle is closed at the bridge over Monroe Creek as construction begins to build a new bridge over Monroe Creek Monroe Bay Circle will be closed until the new bridge opens in Sept GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing information and matching service for the Fredericksburg area and is part of the George Washington Regional Commission Please note that this file is not ADA compliant. Choose one of below options: SALEM, Va. – The Salem Red Sox (8-14) dropped the series opener to the Fredericksburg Nationals (13-9) on Tuesday night, falling 9-5 at Carilion Clinic Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark. Making his first start of the season, left-hander Shea Sprague delivered a standout performance for Salem. The 2024 13th round draft pick worked five innings, allowing just two runs while striking out nine — the most by any Red Sox pitcher this season. Both runs against Sprague came during two out rallies. In the third inning, Elijah Nunez opened the scoring with an RBI double, and Cristhian Vaquero followed with a run-scoring single in the fifth to put the Nationals ahead 2-0. Through five innings, the game was moving quickly and featured just two runs and a combined seven hits. But momentum swung dramatically in the sixth inning, which produced 12 total runs, seven walks and six hits between the two teams combined. Fredericksburg erupted for seven runs to start the frame. Salem reliever Nicholas Judice struggled in his appearance, recording only one out and issuing five walks and having all seven runs credited to him. RBI hits from Jorgelys Mota and Randal Diaz helped key the offensive outburst, as the FredNats pushed their lead to 9-0 before the Red Sox could respond. Salem mounted a rally of its own in the home half of the sixth. Fraymi De Leon and Starlyn Nunez opened the inning with back-to-back walks. Yoeilin Cespedes put Salem on the board with an RBI double to right-center. Kleyver Salazar followed with a run-scoring groundout, and Freili Encarnacion ripped an RBI double to left. Frederik Jimenez then delivered an RBI single, and a wild pitch later allowed him to score, cutting the deficit to 9-5. The Red Sox threatened again in the seventh. Karim Ayubi singled, Nunez reached on an error by the second baseman and Salazar drew a walk to load the bases with two outs. But the rally came to an abrupt end when Encarnacion grounded out to second base. From there, the Nationals’ bullpen held firm. Gavin Bruni, Matthew Bollenbacher, Robert Cranz and Merrick Baldo each tossed a scoreless inning to keep Salem off the board the rest of the way and preserve the win for Fredericksburg. The loss marks Salem’s fifth straight home loss and drops the club to 4-6 at home this season. The series continues Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. at Carilion Clinic Field. Right-hander Ben Hansen is scheduled to make his debut for the Red Sox. The former BYU Cougar was assigned to Salem on Tuesday as part of a roster move that sent Franklin Arias, Brandon Clarke and Matt McShane to High-A Greenville. 22-mile detour lifted for Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road after being closed for emergency repairs in March 2023 FREDERICKSBURG – Route 628 (Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road) is now open at the bridge over the Mattaponi River, located at the King and Queen and King William county line. Currently, crews are removing signs from the 22-mile detour after completing the $4.2 million emergency repair project. During a routine inspection in March 2023, crews identified significant deterioration in key bridge elements, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) closed the bridge for motorist safety. VDOT accelerated the emergency repair design and schedule after the closure. In 2024, crews began work to replace the bridge's entire superstructure, which includes new bridge beams, deck, rails, and travel surface. Crews finished ahead of schedule to reopen the bridge and road before June 2025, the anticipated completion date. An average of 295 vehicles a day crossed the bridge on Dorrell Road/Spring Cottage Road. The main threats are large hail, damaging wind gusts, and heavy rains with an isolated tornado also possible. FORECASTSHARE PHOTOS & VIDEOFredericksburg drug bust leads to arrest of two women 136 grams of meth seizedby SGB San Antonio | Justin Kraiza Texas — A months-long investigation by the Gillespie County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division led to the arrest of two women on April 24 The investigation initially focused on Melissa McDonald suspected of selling methamphetamine in Kerrville and Fredericksburg Authorities executed a search and arrest warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of East Highway Street in Fredericksburg investigators discovered approximately 136 grams (4.8 ounces) of methamphetamine McDonald was arrested and booked into the Gillespie County Jail on a felony warrant for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance She was found to have an outstanding felony arrest warrant for aggravated robbery from Lubbock County and was in possession of approximately 0.5 grams of methamphetamine Manzanares was arrested and booked into the Gillespie County Jail for her outstanding warrant and a charge of possession of a controlled substance If you’re looking to sleep in and still get a stellar meal in downtown Fredericksburg you’re in luck—local restaurants are serving up some serious Sunday brunch vibes Whether you’re in the mood for a mimosa or something a little more adventurous like salmon ramen there’s something for everyone this weekend At Sunken Well Tavern Highlights include the Picanha Steak served with cheesy potatoes and eggs your way a hearty Country Fried Steak smothered in gravy They also offer vegan-friendly options like the Chili Crisp Avocado Toast and plenty of creative sides Just a short walk away, The Alpine Chef is going big with brunch from 11 a.m They’re known for their giant Bloody Marys and rotating specials like pork filet with asparagus ratatouille It’s a great pick for anyone craving a hearty German twist on their Sunday plate Foode is also bringing their A-game with a fresh and locally sourced brunch served until 3 p.m Favorites include the Everything Biscuit packed with cheesy eggs and bacon and Buttermilk Waffles with rosemary maple syrup Expect options like the Around the Way Girl espresso cocktail and sparkling Respect Your Elders elderberry mimosas Big thanks to these restaurants for sharing their brunch menus early—so we could round them up and help hungry locals make plans Submit your own Community Post here. Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health. Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until midnight on Tuesday. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Fredericksburg man arrested after firing gun during Wakefield High School confrontationby Katie Bourque (7News) — A Fredericksburg man was arrested after a shot was fired during a confrontation at Wakefield High School grounds on the evening of April 26 according to officials from the Arlington County Police Department Police were dispatched to the 1300 block of S SEE ALSO | Student, 17, arrested after loaded ghost gun was found at a Charles County high school A man had attempted to enter the school's sports field when Mark Hutcherson during which Hutcherson reportedly threatened him Hutcherson then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and fired a single shot into the air before fleeing the scene Responding officers quickly located the suspect near S The investigation revealed Hucherson's gun and evidence of a shot being fired Hutcherson was arrested and charged with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a weapon on school property Call 641-330-7174 for info on that meeting – Broadway actor and Fredericksburg native Tug Coker is stepping into one of the most iconic roles in American theater—Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird—as he makes his hometown stage debut at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday – Thursday, 7 p.m.-10 a.m Construction to widen the ramp and build an additional right turn lane to Route 1 southbound Wednesday – Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m Tuesday – Thursday, 9 p.m.-6 a.m Paving work between Devils Three Jump Road and landfill entrance A flagging crew will alternate one-way traffic through the work zone Paving work between Warner Hall Road and Route 17 Paving work between Ditchley Drive and Route 3/14 Paving work between Route 17 Business and end of state maintenance Paving work between Guinea Road and Glass Road Wednesday - Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Alternating lane closures for paving work between Route 607 (Port Conway Road) and Stafford County line 7 a.m.-7 p.m.Alternating lane closures with flagging for road resurfacing between the Moncuin Creek bridge and Route 30 Paving work between Point Anne Drive and Grafton Church Road Tuesday – Wednesday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Traffic shift. Northbound and southbound Route 1 travel lanes will be shifted slightly to the right, creating space for crews to work on median construction. Read the release here Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All travel lanes will remain open and Friday - Saturday, 10 p.m Thursday – Friday, 9 a.m.- 7 p.m Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Single lane closure between Lewis Thornburg Road and Pullen Drive with one-way Tuesday – 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. Click here for the Spotsylvania County project page Single lane closure between Old Plank Road and Gordon Road Flaggers will alternate one-way traffic through the work zone Tuesday – Thursday, Noon - 3:30 p.m and Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m.- 5:30 a.m Alternating single lane closures for paving work Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m Wednesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m Wednesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m Tuesday – Wednesday, 9 a.m Single lane closures between Hospital Center Boulevard and Eskimo Hill Road Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Single lane closures between Route 3 Business and Route 218 (White Oak Road) Tuesday – Wednesday, 9 p.m.-5 a.m Alternating lane closures for traffic signal work at the Mine Road/Staffordboro Boulevard intersection 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. Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m Right lane closure on Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St will be maintained by slightly shifting vehicles traveling south into a dual turn lane Right turn lane closure on Twin Lake Drive at Lafayette Boulevard for shared use path construction Alternating lane closures between Bellehaven Drive and Guinea Road Alternating lane closures between Chapman Drive and Bellehaven Drive Monday Alternating lane closures for shoulder widening near Route 17 Alternating lane closures with flagging for paving work between Route 3 and Route 218 (Caledon Road) Alternating lane closures with flagging for bridge repairs at the King William county line Elba Road is closed to through traffic to allow crews to replace a culvert and restore the roadway after damage from severe weather on Wednesday Detour is Route 629 (Walkerton Landing Road) and Route 633 (Stones Road) Alternating lane closures with traffic directed by a flagging crew at the intersection with Route 688 and Harris Road Route 638Route 639Route 825Route 1010Route 1012Route 1013Route 1016Route 1040Route 1043Route 1044Route 1045 Route 3 over the Rappahannock River (Norris Bridge) Alternating lane closures with automatic flagging devices directing traffic through the work zone for structural steel rehabilitation project on the Robert O Route 604Route 605Route 606Route 646Route 711Route 714Route 715Route 721 Road resurfacing between the Lancaster County line and Clifton Avenue Single lane closure between Hood Drive and Route 1 alternating traffic between the I-95 interchange and Route 2092 (Dan Bell Lane) connector road Single lane closure between Lewis Thornburg Road and Pullen Drive with one-way Single lane closure between Kingswood Boulevard and Salem Church Road/Leavells Road with one-way Click here for the Spotsylvania County project page Single lane closure between Old Plank Road and Dogwood Avenue Single lane closures between Route 3 Business and Route 218 (White Oak Road) 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 Construction to widen the ramp and add an additional right turn lane to Route 1 southbound Single lane closures on Route 17 northbound and southbound Mobile work to install raised pavement markers Single lane closure on Route 218 near Vertical Ridge Road Route 360 Eastbound (Richmond/Tappahannock Highway) Alternating lane closures for bridge repairs on Route 360 eastbound between Route 30 and Hanover County line and double lane closures starting at 9 p.m Single lane closures between Pacific Drive and Route 1 Single lane closures on Route 3 eastbound and westbound 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 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 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 An estimated project completion date will be available once the design is complete 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 Motorists should follow signs posted along the recommended detour route A major bridge rehabilitation project is underway on the Route 3/Route 14 westbound bridge over Burke Mill Stream Crews are improving the 76-year-old structure by replacing the bridge deck The westbound Route 3/14 travel lanes are closed at Windsor Road Eastbound and westbound Route 3/14 traffic is crossing the eastbound bridge Left turns from Windsor Road to Route 14 eastbound are prohibited located at the King and Queen and King William county line 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 Ridge Road is reduced to one lane beginning at the bridge over Rosier Creek for repairs A temporary traffic signal directs one-way This traffic pattern is in place 24 hours a day Route 205 will be reduced to a single lane at Rosier Creek for approximately three months 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 GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing information and matching service for the Fredericksburg area Let GWRideConnect help you discover your commuting options, such as carpools, vanpools, and transit. Visit www.gwrideconnect.org or call (540) 373-7665.  (7News) — Two people received minor injuries after their plane landed upside down and into trees in Fredericksburg according to a Spotsylvania County Fire official Emergency crews were called to the 11000 block of Scarlet Oak Road shortly after 3 p.m after reports that a single-engine plane landed in trees The area sits about 8 miles from downtown Fredericksburg and 60 miles from D.C had taken off from Leesburg Executive Airport en route to an airport in the Hampton Roads area when an oil pressure issue prompted an emergency landing officials said a plane was found upside down with two people inside and both occupants were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Officials did not provide details on the type of plane involved in the incident crews remained on scene to investigate the incident and clear a small fuel leak Detour lifted and road reopened after repairs completed almost two months early FREDERICKSBURG – Route 601 (Bush Mill Road) in Northumberland County is now open after a maintenance project was completed almost two months ahead of schedule Bush Mill Road over Bush Mill Creek closed on Feb It was anticipated to remain closed between Route 604 (Hazard Drive) and Route 611 (Gilliams Road) until early June and are currently removing signs and barrier today It's one of multiple structures undergoing repair as part of the $3.1 million maintenance project in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas to address scour. Scour is the erosion of soil around the foundation of a box culvert or bridge Approximately 300 vehicles a day travel on Bush Mill Road according to VDOT"s most recent traffic count Dominion Energy reports more than 5,200 customers without power in affected neighborhoods Specific outage counts include 85 customers in Leeland and the largest outage in the area encompassing Austin Ridge and Aquia Harbour The National Weather Service says the storms were part of a larger system driven by a cold front moving through the Mid-Atlantic The most intense period of storm activity was expected between 5 and 10 p.m Radar scans Monday evening showed rotating storm cells and strong shear conditions Scattered showers may persist into Tuesday but the threat of severe weather is expected to taper off as the system moves north Forecasters say clearer skies are likely by Wednesday with another front expected later in the week – More than 200 delivery drivers working for Genesis Logistics in Stafford County have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 322 a union representing workers across Virginia drivers who deliver products to 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region voted by more than 90% in favor of unionization The drivers are now preparing to negotiate their first contract with the company “I want to personally congratulate these workers and welcome them to our Teamsters family,” said Dwayne Johnson “Despite an aggressive campaign of illegal union busting these workers remained determined to achieve the dignity and respect they deserved.” and illegally disciplined those who supported the organizing effort Teamsters Local 322 said it filed more than a dozen unfair labor practice charges during the organizing drive Genesis Logistics operates a distribution facility at 705 Bradburn Place in Stafford County “We organized with the Teamsters because we’ve had enough — enough of the low pay and poor benefits,” said Genesis driver Matthew Relford and we’re ready to fight for what we’ve rightfully earned.” Potomac Local News reached out to Genesis Logistics for comment on the vote and the union’s allegations Teamsters Local 322 represents more than 2,000 workers in Virginia FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – If you’re traveling through the Fredericksburg region this week, expect to see crews working along Interstate 95 and several major routes in surrounding counties. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released its list of scheduled lane closures and maintenance activity for May 4–10, 2025. All work is weather permitting, and up-to-date info is available on 511Virginia.org and plan for possible delays when traveling through active work zones A black snake found inside the Stafford County Courthouse was safely removed Thursday morning without objection—or appeal Deputies discovered the snake slithering down a hallway and quickly intervened humorously dubbed “Rocky Bal-Boa,” and relocated it to nearby woods and no injuries were reported during the unconventional eviction A woman died following a two-car crash on Dale Boulevard in Prince William County at the intersection of Dale Boulevard and Barksdale Street Investigators said the driver of a 2008 Honda Civic was heading east on Dale Boulevard and attempted to turn left toward Barksdale Street while the signal flashed amber was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital Police say speed appears to have been a factor Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Prince William County Police Springfield man assaults deputy outside Stafford motel Deputies were called to the Motel 6 on Richmond Highway around 9:36 p.m for a report of a man sleeping on the cement outside They found 28-year-old Jacob Jones curled in the fetal position Jones admitted to having “one or two drinks” before becoming combative and assaulting a deputy twice Jones resisted during his transport to the magistrate and was charged with public intoxication He is being held on a $10,000 secured bond Deputies responded to a reported stolen truck on Laurel Drive at 4:13 p.m Security footage later revealed the man had simply forgotten where he parked The man was charged with public intoxication and filing a false police report and held on a $1,000 secured bond a distributor at Sheetz on Wyche Road reported his iPad had been stolen Surveillance footage helped identify a suspect who was later stopped on his way to court and the iPad was recovered in nearby woods He was charged with larceny and held without bond Deputies responded to three separate larcenies on May 1: deputies responded to Walmart on Garrisonville Road where staff reported an employee had opened a six-pack of beer in the breakroom and consumed it without paying The employee was issued a summons for shoplifting Unknown suspect assaults man on Olympic Drive a man reported being assaulted by a stranger on Olympic Drive who was charged with assault and battery and held on a $5,000 secured bond A man wanted in Indiana for violating felony probation turned himself in at the Ford T He was charged as a fugitive from justice and is being held without bond – Stafford County is tackling two major traffic challenges — and it’s asking residents to weigh in while preparing to break ground on a major intersection upgrade The county is seeking public input on two of its most congested and crash-prone corridors: Garrisonville Road (VA 610) and Warrenton Road (US 17) Both routes have been flagged for safety and congestion concerns The county plans to apply for state funding through the Virginia SMART SCALE program in 2026 to study each area under the PATHS (Program for Affordable Transportation Hotspot Solutions) program Drivers who use these roads are encouraged to complete brief online surveys by May 16 The feedback will help identify trouble spots—specific intersections or road segments—so planners can target the most pressing problems More chances to give input will come this fall a $30 million construction project will begin in late May 2025 to improve the Route 1 and Courthouse Road intersection part of Stafford’s larger $70 million investment in transportation includes widening Route 1 to a four-lane divided highway adding dedicated turn lanes at major intersections and enhancing pedestrian access with sidewalks and crosswalks Stafford will host a public information meeting on the project Thursday Residents and business owners can view plans the new turn lanes and upgraded signals should help move traffic more efficiently and reduce wait times while the concrete median and better pedestrian access are expected to improve safety More details on the Route 1/Courthouse Road project are available at staffordcountyva.gov/route1courthouse Part 2: Fixing the Bus Problem — New Plans for Transportation in Stafford – The Class of 2025 is stepping into their future with confidence and pride Today we celebrate all the paths ahead—college Stafford County Public Schools kicked off May with a celebration of Decision Day honoring graduating seniors for their post-high school plans Whether students are preparing for college the day recognizes the many routes seniors will take after graduation high schools marked the occasion with T-shirt signings “The countdown to graduation is on… we couldn’t be prouder.” Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025 will take place on May 30 and 31 with each high school hosting its own event Mountain View High School will hold its ceremony on May 30 at 6:30 p.m Seniors at each school will receive tickets for family and friends and more details are available on individual school websites The celebration continues later this month with Senior Walks on May 28 giving graduates a chance to visit their former elementary schools and inspire the next generation of students – The Ferry Farm neighborhood will host its first "Furry Friends of Ferry Farm" guided walking tour on June 7 The 1.3-mile loop will showcase pets from the neighborhood and encourage donations for the Stafford County Animal Shelter The event is free and will start and end at Ferry Farm Elementary School This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page “This restaurant is more than just a business – it’s a part of our story and our community,” said James Wright who has proudly operated the Fredericksburg location for years “We kept paying our people even when the doors were closed because we believe in showing up for our team and now we’re showing up again for Fredericksburg with Legit the restaurant is hosting a Grand Reopening Celebration from April 22–27 $2 Pulled Pork Sandwich with the purchase of a Big Yellow Cup  Free Pulled Pork Sandwich with the purchase of any 1 Meat Plate  $9.45 Pit Boss Special – ¼ lb and a Lil Yellow Cup  Located at 100008 Southpoint Parkway the restaurant has long been a neighborhood favorite for authentic the Wrights are ready to fire up the pit and welcome guests back to the table “James and Tawana are the kind of owners every brand hopes for,” said Laura Rea Dickey and grit—and they make you proud to wear the Dickey’s name the Wrights remained committed to their team and guests Their leadership and loyalty were never in question—just like the quality of their cue “What James and Tawana have done—rebuilding with heart and hustle—is the definition of resilience,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. “Their passion and drive are what make this brand more than a business as the hickory smoke once again drifts across Southpoint Parkway “We’ve been counting down the days,” James Wright added It’s about reuniting with the community that stood by us And now we get to thank them the best way we know how: with a plate full of Texas barbecue.” is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list GILMAN — The East Marshall Community School District Board of Education has selected Dr Kevin Seney as the next district superintendent pending board approval according to a press release issued Monday Seney is the current superintendent of the Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District where the release said he has “aligned building goals and evaluation metrics with the board’s mission and values” while also leading “the development of a strategic plan that has given the district direction related to academic excellence “I am honored and grateful to join the East Marshall CSD team as superintendent,” Seney said “I look forward to building strong relationships with staff and the community as we work together to support student success It was very evident during the interview process that there is a lot of community pride in the school district a strong desire to build on their strengths and I’m very excited to be a part of that moving forward.” Prior to his time at Sumner-Fredericksburg Seney was principal of Grinnell High School and he also served as principal and activities director at Chariton High School he has experience as an associate principal and athletic coach He began his career in education as a teacher in the Seymour Community School District a master’s degree in educational leadership and an educational specialist master’s degree He also earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Luther College Seney brings a strong record of leadership and a clear commitment to student achievement to our school district community,” East Marshall Board President Lisa Meling said “We are confident he will be an excellent fit for our district and will help guide our students and schools toward a bright future We look forward to the impact he will make as he takes on this critical leadership role.” Board members worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search The board received 12 applications for the position and final interviews were conducted with four candidates on April 2 Seney will officially begin leading East Marshall CSD as the superintendent effective July 1 Editor’s Note: This is the sixth story in a series of nine honoring the 32 men from Grundy LLC | https://www.timesrepublican.com | 135 West Main Street Sign up for TPR Today Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning The Crabapple fire north of Fredericksburg was 100% contained on Friday after burning for nearly 150 hours The fire burned 9,858 acres and destroyed nine residences and several other buildings Fredericksburg Fire EMS reported on Facebook on Thursday that the blaze — which the Texas A&M Forest Service titled the Crabapple Fire — originated on the roadside near Crabapple Road state agencies and federal resources led us to this point,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said He added: “Although this fire may be contained our hearts continue to go out to the people that lost homes Our area is still in extreme drought conditions so we ask everyone to please be vigilant of anything that may start another fire.” Officials warned that Gillespie County and the Texas Hill Country remains in extreme drought and at risk for fires The cause of the fire is still undetermined Social media and news reports in recent days were filled with dramatic and tragic stories and images of smoke-filled horizons brightly colored fires contrasting with the brown and gray landscapes they consumed and left behind dropping red chemicals or brownish water onto the inferno Leo Tynan has a home near Enchanted Rock Road and saw portions of the fire as it spread: "The wind was probably carrying embers a good distance out ahead of it You could see literally explosions along the horizon when it would hit into dense cedar areas where the trees would just explode."