Good morning, Fredericksburg.

A 12-person delegation from Schwetzingen, Germany is touring Fredericksburg this week as part of the sister city program; they are training with local firefighters and visiting key sites nearby.

The group will also explore sports inclusion initiatives and food production at the University of Mary Washington.

On Oct. 1, a Food Network chef highlighted local dining spots, Gelati Celesti launched its charitable Just Ask flavor, and the governor announced a state outdoor post.

UMW will add men’s volleyball as an NCAA sport and elevate cheerleading to varsity status in fall 2027.

Head coaches will be hired this fall (with volleyball officially launching in spring 2028) as the university expands its athletic programs to offer more opportunities for student-athletes.

The Spotsylvania County School Board voted 5-2 Monday to add a legislative request for pre-employment, suspicionless drug testing for new school hires (along with salary increases and more mental health staff) to its agenda, and it will ask state legislators to review its legality in January.

Drivers on Route 1 can expect brief daytime delays next week as VDOT inspects Falmouth Bridge *with alternating lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.* from Monday, Oct.

5 to Friday, Oct. 9, weather permitting.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Spotsylvania School Board voted 5-2 to add drug testing for new school hires to its legislative wish list, and it also proposed salary increases, a funding-formula change, and more mental health staff.

The vote marked a key step in outlining future hiring policies.