FXBG F1RST
Welcome to Fxbgfirst.com, where you can find local news, top stories, and general interest concerns. Like us on Facebook at FXBG F1RST.
This Day in History: April 20, 1999
Two heavily armed students entered Columbine High School and began shooting. Among those shot and killed were 12 classmates, one teacher, and 15 others were injured in the gunfire. The teen shooters eventually took their own lives.
This Day in History
April 15
1912: The Unsinkable
109 years ago, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage, leading to the massive British passenger liner sinking. Of the 2,224 aboard, more than 1,500 would perish in the cold North Atlantic Ocean before rescuers arrived. The Titanic rests at the bottom the the Atlantic ocean.
1865: Lincoln's Assassination
The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. After hatching a plan to assassinate the president, John Wilkes Booth entered the back of Lincoln's theater box at Ford's Theatre, crept up from behind him, and fired at the back of Lincoln's head, mortally wounding him.
Stafford Resident Victim of Jail Bail Scam
April 12, 2021: The Stafford County Sheriff's Office reports a victim received a phone call stating her grandson had been in a vehicle accident in Texas. The caller told her to send several thousand dollars for his bail. A person claiming to be her grandson's lawyer showed up at her residence to collect the money. She was later told that she needed to send more money to a Maryland address. She complied and sent more money. The woman learned that all transactions were the result of a scam.
Multiple People Injured, Two Shot After Road Rage Incident Near Fort A.P. Hill Gate
April 12, 2021: The Caroline County Sheriff's office says an investigation is ongoing after two people were shot during an apparent road rage incident on Route 301 near the Fort A.P. Hill gate. Major Scott Moser of Caroline County Sheriff's Office says at 4:07 p.m. Monday, a group of five vehicles were traveling north on Route 301 near Fort A.P. Hill when a truck pulling a trailer attempted to pass. The pickup truck tried to get through a gap in the traveling vehicles and ended up striking one, causing that vehicle to hit another. The pickup pulled off to the side of the road and the occupants of the other vehicles approached and began beating on the side of the truck. The driver of the truck called 911 as he tried to drive away from the scene. As the driver was leaving the scene, the trailer that the truck was pulling struck two of the other people that were standing near their vehicles. One man with the group pulled out a gun and began firing at the truck. The pickup driver sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and the person that was hit by the trailer was shot in the backside. At least 3 patients were transported from the scene, one of them by helicopter. Authorities say the shooter has been identified as Jordan Siverling, 21, of Seaford VA. He was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, attempted aggravated malicious wounding, and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held at Pamunkey Regional Jail without bond.
Hopeful Group Sets Out In Search of Missing Katelin Akens
April 11, 2021: A small group of volunteers met near the Virginia Outdoor Center along Fall Hill Avenue Saturday morning April 10. The group of about 15, met at 8:00 a.m and began a search for Katelin Akens around 9:00 a.m. The location at the 'Friends of the Rappahannock' was chosen because the last ping from Katelin's phone came from that area and because her luggage was found just 3 miles away, making the area of particular interest due to its waterways, thick brush, and wooded riverside hills. Linda Williams, a volunteer says "We were hoping to find answers, clothing, remains, any sign of Katelin". Linda was one of the numerous volunteers who joined Katelin's mother Lisa, and numerous others committed to finding Katelin. Saturday's search yielded no results but we are told more searches will be organized in the future. Katelin Akens has been missing for 5 years. Her whereabouts and health remain unknown. Anyone with information leading to the location of Katelin Akens is asked to call Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office at 540-582-7115. (Photo: Pamela Rogowski, Help Find Katelin Akens)
Dispatcher Appreciation Week
Ask just about any First Responder where the heart and soul of their organization is and they will answer, in the Communications Center. Communications Officers, commonly called dispatchers, are not just a single link in the chain of emergency response, they are the hub through which almost all public safety information enters and is disseminated. Call takers answer 911 calls dealing with break-ins, domestics, suicidal subjects, lost dogs, lost children, lost purses. They are asked to route calls for emergency help, routine police service and questions about schools, utilities, courts and bats in an attic. They do it all with one ear on radio traffic, one ear on the caller’s concerns and amazingly are still able to hear what their co-workers are doing and needing. They have a “spidey sense” about when an officer needs help but is unable to communicate, they have committed to memory a thousand SOP’s and know that if they miss one, they will usually hear about it far quicker than when they successfully talk a panicked family member through administering CPR.
It takes dedication to be a dispatcher
They are computer geeks with brains tuned to detail, entering endless information into NCIC, VCIN, and departmental systems while being wizards at drawing necessary data out of DMV, alarm companies, reluctant witnesses and small children while triangulating the info with social media information, various databases and prior reports. They do this on weekends, in the middle of the night, while their families weather disasters without them, on Christmas day, their son’s birthday and two weeks after their father died. When they aren’t answering emergency calls, tending to an overeager rookie’s relentless traffic stops, entering data, cross-checking the same data for their partners, or learning new procedures, they are often training new dispatchers, updating their own training, cleaning their work areas or helping a detective or officer with research. They are the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 First Responders to answer the public’s call for help. They do not make enough money, they do not get enough rest, they do not receive enough recognition and they often do not have enough staff. Yet they log back in, shift after shift, don a headset and calmly ask, “911, where is your emergency?” This week we honor them and their quiet yet ever present contributions in keeping us safe.
The Murder of Bryan Michael Mace Still Unsolved After 18 Years
April 9, 2021: On the 18th anniversary of his death, Bryan Mace's murder is still a cold case. On April 9, 2003 Bryan Mace, 20, was shot and killed at his home in the 12000 block of Elk Run Road in Midland VA. Evidence gathered by detectives determined that Bryan walked in on a burglary-in-progress. The intruder shot Mace and lit the house on fire. The autopsy confirmed that Mace died by gunshot wounds, not the fire. The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office asks that anyone with information contact Detective Jonathan Waddell 540-422-8718 or Fauquier County Sheriff's Office at 540-347-3300. A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for Mace's death.
Black Bear Captured on Security Camera in Stafford
March 31, 2021: Videos appearing on security app "Ring" show a black bear wandering through driveways and front lawns in the Lake Arrowhead subdivision. The most recent video shared with Ring users on Monday March 29, shows the bear trying to get into a trashcan near a house early in the morning. The Stafford Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division says they have not yet received reports of bears. More frequent sightings occur during the mating season between May and July. (Photo courtesy of Ring)
Mechanical Problem Sparks Fire That Engulfs Truck Hauling Paper
March 29, 2021: A tractor-trailer fire shut down interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County Monday afternoon. Troopers say the call for a vehicle fire was dispatched at mile marker 125 around 4:36 p.m Monday. A Freightliner truck was traveling north when an unspecified mechanical problem sparked a fire, quickly engulfing the entire truck and trailer. The driver was able to escape uninjured. Two cats also traveling with their human companion, were rescued by citizens passing by. The truck was reportedly hauling more than 40,000 pounds of paper for commercial use. Detours and travel difficulties continued into Tuesday morning, before heavy equipment arrived to peel up the charred remains of the truck and trailer.
Shooting at Weigh Station Leaves One Dead and Two Hospitalized Thursday
March 25, 2021: Virginia State Police say one person is dead and two others injured after a gunfire exchange at a King George County weigh station. The incident occurred at the Dahlgren weigh station on James Madison Parkway (301) at 10:50 a.m Thursday morning. An SUV reportedly pulled off the highway and into the weigh station parking lot on the backside. A few minutes later, a female passenger ran from the vehicle. The male driver of the vehicle got out and began firing shots at her. A VSP Motor Carrier Trooper and a Vehicle Enforcement Officer were inspecting a box truck behind the weigh station when they overheard the gunshots. The officers engaged the male as a gunfire exchange began. The gunman was struck and was pronounced dead at the scene. The female was transported to Mary Washington Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the box truck was struck in the crossfire, he was also transported to Mary Washington Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident. Both Virginia State Police personnel were placed on leave during the investigation, as per policy. King George County Sheriff's deputies and fire/EMS personnel assisted with the incident.
Billboard Placed Along a King George Highway Puts Spotlight on Missing Girl
March 24, 2021: A giant billboard along James Madison Parkway in King George County was installed by The Aware Foundation this week. The foundation's focus is helping to locate missing persons. The billboard features Katelin Akens, age 19, who went missing December 5, 2015 after she was last seen with her step-father James Branton. Branton said he'd drive Katelin to Washington-Reagan National Airport so she could fly back home to Arizona after her visit with her newborn nephew; she never made it to the airport, or back to Arizona. Branton allegedly texted Lisa Sullivan (Katelin's mother) the day Akens disappeared, that he had dropped her at the Springfield Metro Station so she could take the Metro train to Reagan from there. Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office Det. Sharon Williams said the phone was never at Reagan Airport at any point. Katelin's mother urged her to call after vague and unusual text messages were sent, as the strange responses worried her. Katelin never responded back. On December 7, 2015, two days after she was allegedly dropped off, her luggage and identification was found in a roadside ditch in Spotsylvania. Branton has refused to cooperate during the investigation. The Aware Foundation placed the billboard on James Branton's route to work, hoping he will come forward with crucial information. Anyone with information is asked to contact Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office at 540-582-7115.
Weather and Traffic
7-Day Forecast
Weekly Weather Forecast for August 9 - August 15, 2021
Above average temperatures expected
Experts with the National Weather Service have predicted above-average temperatures through the month of April.
Stafford: Portion of Winding Creek Road to Close for 6 Months
Beginning March 15th, Winding Creek Road between Embrey Mill Road and Walpole Street, will be closed for approximately six months to allow for road improvements relating to a private development planned in the area. The Virginia Department of Transportation will have detour signs in place.
No Injuries Reported After Train Crashes Into Vehicle Tuesday Evening
March 23, 2021: Around 7:32 p.m Tuesday evening, the Stafford County Emergency Communications Center got a call stating a vehicle had been struck by a train in the area of Brent Point Road and Arkendale Road in the northeastern end of the county. A full emergency response was dispatched. Responders arrived to the scene to find a vehicle had been struck by the locomotive. All train traffic on the tracks was halted until the scene was cleared. Amazingly, there were no injuries from the violent collision and no chemical hazards were reported as a result of the crash. Railroad authorities and the sheriff's office are investigating but it is believed that the vehicle stalled on the tracks.
Fredericksburg Cable Man Arrested on Multiple Charges of Child Pornography After Lengthy Investigation
March 19, 2021: The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said they have arrested a Fredericksburg cable man for child pornography, some reportedly captured in customers' homes while he was working. In June of 2020, the FBI and investigators from the Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children began looking into 23 year-old Michael Byers of Fredericksburg. Authorities say they suspected Byers was uploading the explicit material to digital messaging services, even sharing photos of children during conversations with undercover agents online. Law enforcement said they later determined some of the material was captured while Byers was working for a local cable company. Investigators executed a search warrant of Byer’s Fredericksburg home on March 16, 2021 and seized evidence of possession, manufacturing, and illegal distribution of the highly explicit material. Byers turned himself in after Detective Martin obtained warrants for an arrest. Byers has been charged with 10 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. He is currently held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. Stafford County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.
Invasion of the Cicadas
March 18, 2021: After spending most of the last year locked inside homes, area residents will emerge to enjoy the warmer weather just a few weeks before Brood X cicadas are making their final burrowing path out of their underground homes. Billions of cicadas are expected to emerge mid to late May, shed their shells then spend two to four weeks sounding their loud mating call. After a few weeks of fruitful frolicking, they will lay their eggs in trees before dying. When the offspring hatch, they will travel back into the ground from whence their ancestors clawed, to restart another 17 year cycle. When this generation of cicadas made their way underground 17 years ago, the New England Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII, Kanye West was in the news and only 55% of adult internet users had broadband at home, which means (at least if you live in South Stafford) not much has changed. Brood X is one of the largest broods of cicadas, possibly reaching trillions in population. Reaching up to two inches in size, they have dual wing sets and five eyeballs, two of which are bulging and red in color. According to pestworld.com, Brood X cicada mating songs can reach up to 100 decibels, which is slightly louder than a lawn mower. They typically emerge en masse once the temperature reaches approximately 64 degrees. The good news is that they are harmless to humans, animals and even trees, except to the very smallest saplings.
Victims Identified in Fatal Crash That Killed Two On State Route 3 in Spotsylvania
March 16, 2021: A Locust Grove resident and two Fredericksburg residents were involved in a multi-vehicle crash Sunday morning March 14 in Spotsylvania County. According to a news release, the crash occurred at 6:00 a.m Sunday about a mile west of Elys Ford Road along Plank Road. J’haun G. Pendleton, age 27 of Fredericksburg, was reportedly traveling the wrong way in traffic when his 2008 Mercury Milan collided head-on with a 2014 Mazda 3 traveling west on Plank Road. The impact from Pendleton's Mercury caused the Mazda to collide with A Jeep Wrangler that was also travelling west. The Mercury then caught fire. J’haun G. Pendleton was pronounced dead at the scene. The 23 year-old male driver of the Mazda, Isaac D. Evans, of Locust Grove was also pronounced dead at the scene. A 45 year-old Fredericksburg woman driving the Jeep sport utility was transported to Mary Washington Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Virginia State Police Culpeper Division Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation.
Two People Killed, One Injured In Sunday Morning Crash On Plank Road Near Presidential Resort in Spotsylvania
March 14, 2021: Virginia State Police say two people were fatally injured and one person sustained only minor injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on Route 3 in Spotsylvania early Sunday morning. The crash occurred around 5:45 a.m near Wilderness Presidential Resort, about a mile west of Elys Ford Road. The roadway was closed for an extended period of time for crash reconstruction and reopened around 3:00 p.m Sunday afternoon. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Fiery Crash in Spotsylvania Claims Two Recent High School Graduates
March 9, 2021: The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to a vehicle crash in the 7000 block of Smith Station Road around 7:56 p.m Monday March 8. Deputies arrived to the scene to find a Toyota Sport Utility vehicle had left the roadway before striking a tree and catching fire. The vehicle was reportedly occupied by 5 males, ages 19-20. Citizens passing by and others stopped to assist after observing the occupants appeared entrapped in the vehicular inferno. Two of the five occupants sadly lost their lives and were pronounced dead at the scene. The three additional occupants were transported to trauma centers for treatment. The roadway remained closed for an extended duration of time to allow investigators to reconstruct the accident. Preliminary investigations have revealed that speed appears to be a factor in the tragic incident. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Stafford County School Superintendent Scott Kizner Announces Cancer Diagnosis; Temporarily Stepping Aside For Treatment
March 9, 2021: SCPS Superintendent Kizner sent notification to his colleagues today that he will be temporarily stepping away from his duties. Sharing that he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer last summer and has received treatment locally, he explained he was now starting the process for a Stem Cell/Bone Marrow transplant next week at the Massey Cancer Center at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. No information was provided about who would take over his duties but he ended the letter on an optimistic tone, noting that he deals with adversity in his job daily with a positive attitude and he will tackle this hurdle with the same frame of mind.
One Person Airlifted After Single-Vehicle Crash Early Tuesday Morning
March 9, 2021: Personnel from Stafford County and Quantico Fire/EMS arrived to the scene of a single-vehicle collision with a tree on Jefferson Davis Highway near the Quantico Corporate Center around 4:25 a.m Tuesday morning. One patient was quickly extricated from the vehicle and transferred to a helicopter for airlift to a trauma center. The patient's injuries were described as serious. No additional information was available at the time of this release.
King George Deputies Issue Multiple Summons After Massive Car Meet Friday Night
March 6, 2021: Around 7:10 p.m Friday evening, deputies initially responded to James Madison Parkway (301) for a complaint of a black sports car driving erratically with green underglow. A deputy in the area observed the vehicle as it passed at speeds greater than 90 mph. Other deputies combed the area in search of the vehicle. A black Mustang was located and a traffic stop was initiated, the driver was cited for speed and illegal modifications. Emergency communications continued to receive calls regarding drag racing and loud vehicles. On one occasion, deputies entered pursuit with a Nissan GTR as it weaved in and out of traffic at reckless speeds, and ran red lights. While pursuing the high performance car, other modified vehicles attempted to block deputies from performing a traffic stop. Assistance from Virginia State Police was requested after all county units were tied up with similar complaints. Groups of vehicles seemingly ignoring all traffic laws, ran through numerous red lights before crossing into Westmoreland County. During another pursuit, spikes were deployed by a Trooper as a speeding vehicle made its way to the Harry Nice Bridge and into Maryland. Similar incidents carried on, well into the night. Authorities had learned of a massive car meeting at Colonial Beach Dragway earlier in the afternoon and anticipated the complaints, but the number of vehicles proved to be overwhelming for county deputies.
Wanted Man Shot in the Neck at England Run Apartment Complex; Suspect at Large
March 4, 2021: An early morning shooting rattled residents in the England Run Apartment complex in south Stafford. According to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting, which occurred in the area of Heron Drive, involved multiple shots fired from at least two firearms. One gun was recovered at the scene and multiple vehicles were damaged by gunfire. A male victim, age 21, was shot in the neck and shoulder. He then drove to the Commerce Parkway 7-11 where he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.The victim had several active warrants in Stafford and Fredericksburg for failing to appear in court. He is currently out on bond and is expected to recover from his injuries. The shooting does not appear to be random and the investigation is on-going. Anyone information about the event is asked to call Detective N.D. Ridings at (540) 658-4400.
King George Home a Total Loss After Tuesday Night Fire
March 3, 2021: Shortly after 10:00 p.m Tuesday night, King George County Emergency Communications received a call regarding a house on fire. Fire/EMS personnel quickly arrived to the 8090 block of Gallant Green Drive to find a 2-story residence completely engulfed by fire. Within minutes fire officials were able to determine the home was a complete loss. Responders were able to control the massive blaze for an extended duration of time, until it was ultimately extinguished. The resident was reportedly able to take shelter with a family member. No injuries were reported at the scene. Firefighting operations were led by King George County, with the assistance of NDW Dahlgren Fire Station 28 and Stafford County.
Stafford Deputies Calm Knife-wielding Woman
March 1, 2021: Around 4:33 p.m Monday afternoon, Stafford County Sheriff's Office received a call about woman at an intersection with a knife. Captain B.G. Worcester and Deputy R.A. Weatherholtz responded to the area of Tacketts Mill Road and Barrington Woods Boulevard after a caller reported a woman threatening to cut her own throat with a large butcher knife. Deputies trained in crisis intervention were able to establish communication with the distraught woman. The woman dropped the knife after only a few minutes of contact with the sheriff's deputies. Through the valuable training and the commitment to the community which they serve, the deputies were able to get the woman assistance with a mental health professional.
Become a Sponsor
Are you interested in becoming a supporting sponsor? We are currently exploring partnership options to help you advertise for your local business, additionally we will be offering support to non-profit organizations and sharing event postings. More info soon; we may be contacted via Email or social media with questions or concerns.
In Memory of Officer Ashley Guindon
Feb 27, 2021: On the anniversary of Officer Ashley Marie Guindon’s death, we remember her incredible life of service. She served her country during 6 years as a U.S. Marine Corps Reservist (becoming a helicopter pilot), she worked with Prince William County Police Special Victims Unit and as a dedicated volunteer with the Suicide Prevention Project before becoming a police officer. Officer Guindon, 28, was shot and killed on the first call of her first night shift, responding to a domestic violence incident. Her death was a tragic loss not just to her loved ones, Prince William Police department and the community, but to all the people she would have spent her life serving. We honor Officer Guindon’s memory today.
Scam Caller Requests Gift Cards for TV Service Discount
Feb 20, 2021: The Stafford County Sheriff's Office reports a person fell victim to a gift card scam. According to the report, a victim was contacted by an entity identifying as a representative from DirecTV. The caller told the victim that he was eligible for a discount if he purchased $375 worth of eBay gift cards and provided the information from the cards. The inclined victim complied and sent all of the card information to the apparent scammer. The victim later found out it was a fraudulent bartering scheme.
More Local News
More of the content you want to read
New Stafford County tracking dog named
March 1, 2021: The newest member of the Stafford Sheriff's Office is a bloodhound named Ruby. Ruby's arrival is anticipated to take a few weeks. The name was chosen after the Stafford Sheriff's Office held a name search on their social media platforms. Other popular names were Hope, Daisy, and Lucy. We welcome Ruby.
Auto Racing
March 7, 2021: Brandonbilt Motorsports (Brandon Brown #68) claims an 11th place finish at Las Vegas. Up next, Phoenix Raceway on March 13 for the LS Tractor 200.
Spring is in the air
Warmer temperatures have become noticeable during day and night. Daffodils emerging, small buds on trees and bushes, the sound of frogs fills the night. We are ready for all of it. Spring is less than 20 days away. Can you believe that? We made it through the cold and we can now look forward to the reward that awaits us.
Alleged Amazon Caller Requests Payment For Shoes
Beware, a caller from an unknown phone number but sometimes a local number, states they are calling on behalf of Amazon. The apparent scammer says that you owe a various amount of money to Amazon, generally $70 or $100 for a pair of shoes that were never paid for. The caller proceeds to request payment information. Do not provide any caller with your credit/debit card numbers or bank account information; verify purchases via Email or online retailer accounts. Fraud and suspicious callers should be reported to law enforcement and company consumer relations.
Features
Shining light on local businesses
77' Barbershop
A barbershop with spectacular service. Styling, cutting, and trimming are all on the menu here. Men, women, and children receive the perfect haircut each and every visit.
Rebeca Hathaway Photgraphy
Specializing in family photography, Rebeca Hathaway Photography has become known for exceptional quality, wall art, and capturing moments that will last a lifetime.
Our Partners
Making a difference in our community
FXBG Public Radio
Fredericksburg's premier streaming station. Catch some of the area's hottest DJs spinning a variety of tracks from the 80's to now. Exclusive scheduled programming and updates on local entertainment.
Southland Services
Retaining an average rating of 5.0 on HomeAdvisor.com, Southland Services has you covered with a variety of landscaping needs, from lawn care to snow removal. Need something else? Quotes and estimates are free!
About
We cover breaking news and other information of interest to our community. Focused primarily on local events such as fire/public safety incidents, weather, traffic, schools, and sports, we also provide relevant editorial content, highlight local small businesses and share community activities that concern our readers. Secondarily, stories of general interest from other areas are sometimes shared. We serve Stafford County, Fredericksburg City, Spotsylvania County, King George County and Caroline County. We are volunteers, donating our time to keep local citizens informed. This page is not funded, operated, or associated with any local, state or federal agency or entity and does not necessarily reflect the views of any.