by Bob Hurley | Mar 29, 2026 | Features, People, Top Story
The morning begins in a hush. A thin veil of mist hangs over the rolling fields of Virginia’s Piedmont as riders gather, their horses shifting beneath them in the cold March air. Breath rises in soft clouds. Leather creaks. Hounds stir with anticipation. Then, a horn...
by Bob Hurley | Mar 29, 2026 | Features, People, Sidebar
Each year, as late October settles over the Virginia countryside, members of the Rappahannock Hunt gather with their hounds for a time-honored ritual: the Blessing of the Hounds, a ceremony that marks the opening of the formal hunting season. Steeped in faith and...
by Ireland Hayes | Mar 26, 2026 | Crime and Courts, Sidebar
Victim: ‘It’s stayed with me’ Defendant: ‘I’m sorry for everything I’ve done’ A Rappahannock County Circuit Court judge last Thursday sentenced a Washington man to 105 years in prison with all but six years suspended on charges related to an inappropriate relationship...
by Ireland Hayes | Mar 25, 2026 | Crime and Courts, Sidebar
Health issues — ‘wiggy hormones’ — led to arrests, he says Attorney James William “Bill” Fletcher III pleaded guilty last Thursday to two counts of reckless driving over the 2024 Christmas holiday for which he received suspended jail time, fines and a year of...
by Emily Freehling | Mar 23, 2026 | Local Government, Sidebar, Top Story
A stranger comes to Rappahannock County and starts walking into public offices. “Can I have a copy of the superintendent’s employment contract?” she asks the receptionist at the Rappahannock County Public Schools administration office. “I’d like a list of all property...
by Foothills Forum Staff Report | Mar 23, 2026 | Local Government, Sidebar
By Stan Crock Congress adopted the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in 1966 requiring agencies to disclose requested information unless it falls under exemptions that protect personal privacy, national security and law enforcement. All 50 states have freedom...
by Ireland Hayes | Mar 22, 2026 | Crime and Courts, Sidebar
‘[She] is a danger to the community’ A Rappahannock District Court judge refused Tuesday to release on bond a defendant facing her sixth DUI charge, saying she is “a danger to the community.” Brittney Lee, 38, of Washington was denied bond after her arrest...
by Ireland Hayes | Mar 22, 2026 | County, Local Government, Real Estate, Top Story
After years of discussions about the need for more space, the Rappahannock County Public Library Board of Trustees is considering a move to relocate to the Rush River Commons development in the Town of Washington. The board voted Mar. 9 to sign a non-binding agreement...
by Foothills Forum Staff Report | Mar 20, 2026 | County, Local Government, Sidebar
Foothills Forum journalist Tim Carrington and Rappahannock News editor broke down key questions and concepts for this year’s county budget cycle in a video series, “Budget Building Blocks.” Watch them below: Budget Building Blocks: How...
by Ireland Hayes | Mar 17, 2026 | Crime and Courts, Sidebar
A Fairfax County man was indicted by a Rappahannock County grand jury Monday for eluding, reckless driving and other charges related to a 120 mph chase on Route 211 that resulted in a three-vehicle crash. Virginia State Police Trooper Eric Smith attempted to pull...
