Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Motts Run Reservoir closed for the winter, shutting its gate, boathouse and Nature Center while hiking trails stayed open for off-season visitors.

Ivyhill MX+ in Caroline County opens this week to give local motocross riders a new training facility for practice and skill development.

The site supports growing interest in motorsports for our community.

Quacktoberfest held a fall festival and rubber ducky derby on Monday, Oct.

19 in Fredericksburg and gave local families a fun day to celebrate autumn.

Stafford County Public Schools will hold three community sessions to draft its next five-year strategic plan.

Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. & Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the School Board Chambers.

Local high school seniors can apply for free to UMW using the Common App code VCAW during Virginia College Application Weeks, Oct.

19-30. UMW also hosts a FAFSA webinar today from 6 to 7 p.m. to guide families through the financial aid process.

Stephannie Benson from Columbia Gas explains how to sign up for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program.

Applicants can apply online, by phone (1-855-635-4370) or in person until November 13.

Mary Washington Healthcare emails show autoclaves at Fredericksburg and Lee’s Hill OB/GYN clinics lacked weekly spore testing for at least two years — leading them to switch to disposable instruments after a July 28 discovery.

MWHC said later tests were negative and no patient notification was needed.