🌱 Missing Spotsylvania Teen Last Seen On May 12 + FredEx Closures

Hi all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Fredericksburg Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 57.
• Wednesday: Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 73 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Fredericksburg today:

1. Sophia Deleon, a 17-year-old girl from Spotsylvania County, has been reported missing by the local authorities who believe she ran away. The last contact she had with her family was on the evening of Friday, May 12. Deleon is described as being 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, with blue-dyed hair, green eyes, and pierced ears and nose. (Fredericksburg Patch)
2. FredEx lane closures will be taking place on May 16 and 17. The project aims to improve access to the expanding region of Prince William County by constructing a new 95 Express Lanes connection point at Opitz Boulevard. To facilitate faster and easier travel through the I-95 corridor in Stafford County, The Fredericksburg Extension (FredEx) project will extend 10 miles south from the current end of the 95 Express Lanes near Fredericksburg. (Potomac Local)
3. The Marine Corps Historic Half Events will take place in Fredericksburg on Sunday, May 21. The 13.1-mile run will pass through various areas of the city, leading to planned road closures starting from 4:00 a.m. until approximately 11:00 a.m. To accommodate residents and visitors, this year's event will start one hour earlier than usual. (City of Fredericksburg)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Fredericksburg:

Tuesday, May 16

• Picnic In The Park At Memorial Park (11:30 AM)

Wednesday, May 17

• Indoor Play Park At Dorothy Hart Community Center (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to the JM Orchestra on bringing home first place! The group earned a first-place trophy at Music in the Parks a competition at Busch Gardens. (Central Virginia Battlefields Trust via Facebook)
• In an effort to enhance preparedness for the upcoming Hurricane Season from Jun. 1 to Nov. 1, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management has designated May 15 to 19 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. The department will offer daily tips during this week to assist individuals in evaluating and enhancing their Emergency Supply Kit and Emergency Plan, emphasizing the significance of early preparation. (Fredericksburg Fire Department via Facebook)
• The Fairy Godmother Project along with the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on May 22. It will take place at River Club Church and those who donate between May 20 to 31 will be entered for a chance to win a trip to Seattle, WA. (FGP Fairy Godmother Project via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (May 16)
• College Steps Q&A Panel Event - Brightpoint Community College (May 18)
• DC Fray // Flag Football Tournament (May 20)
• Beth Sholom Temple Israel Festival (May 21)
• Latin Festival in Fredericksburg, VA (May 21)
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Featured job listings:

• Barbers and Stylists Wanted! Start Now! (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.