🌱 New ER Opens On Route 3 + Stafford's Affordable Housing Committee

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through all the most important things happening these days in Fredericksburg.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine; breezy, warmer. High: 62 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in Fredericksburg:

1. A new emergency room has been opened by Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center in Fredericksburg which is managed by HCA, Virginia, and Mary Washington Healthcare. The full-service center, located at 5005 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, has 11 rooms and 10 exam rooms and treats both adults and children. More severe cases can be transported to Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, which is approximately nine miles away. (PotomacLocal.com)
2. Dakota Michael Richard, 22, has been sentenced to serve 20 months in prison for causing a serious injury to another driver while driving under the influence in Spotsylvania County. Richard pleaded guilty in Spotsylvania Circuit Court to DUI maiming, DUI, and two counts of driving on a suspended license. The victim, Hannah Hall, was seriously injured in the head-on collision and had to be extricated from her vehicle and flown to the VCU Medical Center in Richmond for treatment. (Subscription: Fredericksburg.com)
3. The Stafford County supervisors have established an affordable housing committee to address the region's growing housing affordability issue. The committee aims to examine the lack of affordable housing for working adults, such as teachers, deputies, firefighters, and elderly residents, who struggle to find affordable rental or homeownership options. Even for those who earn a decent paycheck, owning a home in the area remains a challenge due to the rising prices, according to a report by the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors. (Subscription: Fredericksburg.com)

Today in Fredericksburg:

• FTE Presents: Stop Kiss At 810 Caroline St. (2:00 PM)
• 38th Annual Benefit Oyster Roast At 2400 Airport Ave. (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Two men have been charged with breaking into vehicles and stealing credit cards in Stafford County. They were pursued by police and crashed into a State Trooper's car in the jail parking lot before attempting to flee on foot, but were apprehended with the help of a K-9 unit and off-duty sergeant. (FOX 5 DC)
• Patch is providing free editorial coverage to Fredericksburg business owners to promote their businesses and share their latest news with the community. Interested businesses can fill out a form and share their story, which will be featured on the Patch website, social media, and email newsletters, providing businesses with greater visibility and exposure. (Fredericksburg Patch)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Fredericksburg area at the link, including Chaos, Wild, Mayham, and more! (Fredericksburg Patch)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— 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.