hyperbole

08/19/2024

Three months to the day from his injury, James Monroe High School lacrosse player Gunnar Burns will be coming home.

Family, fellow students and teammates will welcome their friend back to Fredericksburg on Wednesday afternoon after several long months of recovery from a spinal cord injury he suffered on May 21st during an away game against Hanover High School.

Gunnar’s road to recovery hasn’t been easy, nor is it over.

The initial injury left Gunnar without any feeling below the shoulders. That condition has since improved, with Gunnar now able to move his biceps, shoulders and neck. As his body continues to heal, family and friends pray that progress will persist.

According to updates from the family on CaringBridge (a non-profit online service that assists caregivers in their time of need), Burns has been receiving treatment at the Shepherd Center, a facility in Atlanta that focuses on rehab for spinal cord injuries, among a number of other neurological conditions. The most recent post in June details how Gunnar has made a number of friends with other kids on the same floor and thanks a number of doctors and nurses for their care and attention throughout the process. Burns initially received treatment (along with a pair of surgeries) at VCU.

Gunnar’s return comes just over two weeks after the start of the new school year. He’ll begin his senior year with home schooling with the eventual goal of returning to the classroom before graduation.

James Monroe High School held a Rally For Recovery (shown below) in Burns’ honor at Maury Stadium with family and friends two days after the injury. Many friends and teammates joined Gunnar’s mother to speak about how much he means to them.

An initial fundraiser to help with costs related to his injury raised more than $25,000. That money has assisted the family with making modifications to their home for Gunnar’s impending arrival. While those costs exceeded the amount raised, Gunnar’s father James told hyperbole that the contributions from the community ave been “very, very helpful.”

A second fundraiser has been organized to help cover costs associated with Gunnar’s care and transition home. That can be found at bit.ly/3SV9GwV.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/19/2024

I didn't pick up a camera until I was 30 years old.

As an aspiring "digital marketer" (a phrase I now cringe at), it didn’t take long to realize that being serviceable on the shutter would be a requirement for success. Hiring outside talent didn't get the results I needed, and it wouldn't have been sustainable if it had.

I still remember the questions and snarky remarks when I showed up with it to ribbon cuttings and chamber events. Even the company I worked for, which was the reason I bought the damn thing, made fun of me for attempting something new.

At that time, social media was a much different scene. Memes and stock images hadn't really given way to original content just yet. Very few businesses and organizations around here took the idea of hiring a photographer "for Facebook" seriously, at least on any ongoing basis. The mere suggestion of the idea struck many as ridiculous and a waste of time.

My first screen name on Instagram was "Fredericksburg's Worst Photographer." I didn't want to mislead anyone. I wasn't good…at all.

It took an ungodly amount of time combined with trial and error to develop a basic proficiency in the field of photography. Several tens of thousands of hours later, the ability to capture and share what happens in the world around me is a huge factor in my company's ability to not only stand apart, but force its way into an entirely 📰 new industry altogether.

My favorite thing about photography is it takes being outside, onsite and over-the-shoulder, brushing elbows with people and setting foot in places you’ve never met or seen before. Merge it with social media and you've got yourself a competitive sport.

To truly be successful and stand out, it requires a little more of an investment than simply sitting at home and smashing the share button in socks and un**es. It takes being cold, wet, tired, sweaty, sore and occasionally unsafe. There's a constant battle of attrition, because what you made yesterday means absolutely nothing tomorrow. It’s not uncommon for stuff to be stolen, something nobody seems to take very seriously.

And if that weren't enough, it also necessitates standing on your principles and resisting the social, financial and political pressure of censorship once everything fully develops.

But that's what makes it all worth it. It just wouldn’t be quite as interesting otherwise.

The experiences from meeting new people, seeing new things, hearing new ideas and tackling new challenges are the real reward of the journey and the real fruits of the labor. The shots themselves are just souvenirs.

📸 Created by. 🚫 Never courtesy of.



❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/17/2024

It was a Friday night of family fun with Old Dominion Humane Society and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile at Puppies & Popsicles...

All animals pictured are available for adoption. Learn more at olddominionhumanesociety.org.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/16/2024

Fredericksburg’s second structure fire in less than week evacuated the Colonial Village at Greenbrier apartment complex early Friday morning.

A call for a reported structure fire on the 300 block of Greenbrier Drive was received at approximately 2:30 AM. A multi-unit response from Fredericksburg, Stafford and Spotsylvania arrived to find smoke emanating from the third floor of one of the apartment units. Officers from the Fredericksburg Police Department were also on scene to help assist with evacuating residents. Firefighters discovered a small fire in the attic above the bathroom and were able to quickly extinguish it before it extended into the other units.

Firefighters worked for another hour to ventilate the scene and inspect the other units. One apartment was declared uninhabitable and several others experienced water damage, but those residents were able to make other arrangements for the night. No Red Cross assistance was required. The cause of the fire is undetermined. There were no reported injuries.

Complicating matters was Spotsylvania Engine 6 breaking down at the entrance to Greenbrier Drive, blocking the remaining responding units from exiting the neighborhood. Despite that setback, area departments were able to manage simultaneous calls in all three counties.

A structure fire at the Wellington Woods apartment complex last Saturday evening caused several injuries and required a number of residents to relocate.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/16/2024

Live at a structure fire on Greenbrier Drive.

08/15/2024

One of the city's oldest coffee shops may soon be in the hands of new owners.

According to multiple sources, Hyperion coffee shop has been sold to Roadmap Coffeeworks, formerly Lexington Coffee Roasters from Lexington, Virginia. That company has been in business since 1991 and was named one of the 12 Best Coffee Roasters In The US by Forbes in 2018. According to their website, Roadmap Coffeeworks currently has one location with a coffee garden and tasting room, as well as wholesale roasting.

Hyperion has occupied their location at the corner of William and Princess Anne Streets in downtown Fredericksburg since 1994. It shares a name with the Greek Titan of light and translates to “watcher from above.” It’s not clear whether Roadmap Coffeeworks will keep the shop's existing branding and menu or use its own.

Multiple requests for comment to both Hyperion and Roadmap Coffee Works were unreturned.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/13/2024

Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office (540) 582-7115

**UPDATE: Dynasty Collins has been located safely**

An anonymous tip through our P3 system may result in a financial reward. If you have any information, please contact the Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers at (1-800) 928-5822 or (540) 582-5822.

08/12/2024

Three months of 🍿 Movies In The Park with Fredericksburg Main Street kick off this Thursday night!

🎥 Movies In The Park - Monsters, Inc.
📌 Thursday, August 15th
⏰ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
🗺️ Riverside Park
🎟 Free To Attend
👉 bit.ly/46MhDuo

08/12/2024

Local kids were fresh for the first day of school thanks to the efforts of one local barbershop.

Tony Covert, owner of the Gentlemens Club Barbershop in Fredericksburg and Richmond, organized his seventh annual Free Haircut event at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre on Sunday. He and several of the shop’s barbers and stylists set up in DTLR for an afternoon of free fades and hair braiding, and effort that also included free backpacks and school supplies to those in need.

For Covert, using his talents on the trimmers to help others is nothing new. One of eight children, he got his start at age 11 by giving his five brothers haircuts to help his mother save money. His first “real haircut” at age 14 from Paz Bustamante solidified a passion for taking a little off the top.

His mother, Sherri, was on hand to help assist at Sunday’s event. Several area businesses also stepped up to support, including Casey's of FXBG, Illusions Wraps, The Key Team, Monster Roofing and Siding and iGarage body shop.

Next up for Covert and the team will be working with the RACSB during their efforts for Mental Health Awareness month in October.

Find the Gentleman’s Club Barbershop in Fredericksburg at 1320 Patriot Highway in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/11/2024

A structure fire at the Wellington Woods apartment complex left a number of residents without shelter and closed Lafayette Boulevard for several hours on Saturday night.

The incident began shortly before 11:00 PM with a call for a report of smoke. On the scene, a heavy amount of smoke was billowing out of the 1718 building. A multi-unit response including firefighters from Spotsylvania entered the building while Fredericksburg's Ladder 1 unit deployed on top of the adjacent apartments.

After approximately 10 minutes on scene, first responders had the incident under control. At that time, several residents reported feeling ill and required medical attention, including one that was taken to the hospital for treatment. A number of animals were also present inside the apartments at the time of the incident, but were able to be rescued in time without harm.

Firefighters worked until the early morning hours to ventilate the scene and monitor the building’s carbon monoxide levels before allowing residents in the impacted units to retrieve belongings. Property maintenance and the Red Cross are working to relocate tenants.

The building’s 12 units were declared uninhabitable and the area is currently taped off. The case of the fire is not yet known.

This story will be updated with details as they become available.

Fredericksburg Police Department
Fredericksburg Fire Department
Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/11/2024

Live at a structure fire at the Wellington Woods apartment complex off of Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/10/2024

Fredericksburg Police Department (540) 373-3122

‼️UPDATE: Noah has safely returned home!
________________________________________
‼️ RUNAWAY JUVENILE ‼️

Noah Loving ran away from his residence on 8/9/2024. He is believed to be staying with a friend in the Fredericksburg area.

If you have any information on Noah’s whereabouts, contact the police at 540-373-3122. To make an anonymous tip, send a text to “847-411” and text “FPDtip” followed by your tip. Or, download the free FPD Tip app available for Android and iPhones. To download the app, search “FPD Tip” in the Google or iTunes App Store.

08/10/2024

Thursday morning's shooting is still under investigation, according to the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Units responded to the 200 block of Duke Street in Fredericksburg's Mayfield neighborhood shortly before 1:00 AM on Thursday morning for a report of a shooting into an occupied dwelling.

On the scene, units blocked off both sides of Duke Street as half a dozen officers were observed searching both sides of the street with flashlights. There were no reported injuries.

According to interim PIO Jessica Carter, the police aren't releasing any further information at this time. The case is currently being handled by Detective Wright. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact the department at (540) 373-3122.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/09/2024

☀️ After a week of rain, enjoy a mid-summer morning market to end ...

👨‍🌾 Fredericksburg, VA Farmers Market
📌 Saturdays
⏰ 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🗺️ Hurkamp Park
🎟 Free To Attend
👉 bit.ly/3wpiDGw

08/07/2024

Office of Stafford County Sheriff (540) 658-4450

📌 Update (08/10/24 at 9:31 AM): The Stafford County Sheriff's Office reports that Beverly Rugama has been located.

Runaway:
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office needs your help locating Beverly Rugama. It is believed she is in the Woodbridge area. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact local law enforcement.

08/07/2024

Tuesday evening's 🌆 2024, an evening with Spotsylvania's first responders and a surprise visit from Governor Glenn Youngkin.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/07/2024

Live coverage of a reported odor of smoke in the 10500 block of the Abberly Village Lane.

Shortly before 12:00 AM on Wednesday morning, a call for a reported odor of smoke was received. According tor radio traffic, a number of residents of the Abberly at Southpoint: Apartments reported smelling smoke in their units and the building was reportedly partially evacuated.

On the scene, a number of firefighters were observed as were two extended tower units. After a brief time on scene, the situation was reported clear. There were no reported injuries, though its unknown if any of the units were damaged.

📌 Update (08/07/24 at 11:23 AM): According to Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management, the smoke was caused by a small fire on an apartment balconey, which was quickly extinguished.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom
📌 myhyperbole.com

08/06/2024

🏈 Football
🏑 Field Hockey
🏐 Volleyball
🏃 Cross Country

Back to school, back to sports! The full fall schedule for James Monroe High School's autumn athletics is out with every game from Homecoming to Senior Night...

👉 Find the full schedule at bit.ly/46xuvEs.

08/05/2024

🌃 About last night...

📌 Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia

08/04/2024

Local vendors, live music and a whole lotta bottles of bourbon at 🥃 A. Smith Bowman Distillery's 2nd Annual Summer Festival...

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom - myhyperbole.com

08/01/2024

Office of Stafford County Sheriff (540) 658-4450

Update: Josephine Compton has been safely located. Thank you to everyone that provided information on this case.

Runaway Alert: Detectives are attempting to locate 12-year-old Josephine Compton. If you have any information please contact our office at 540-658-4450.

08/01/2024

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Motts Run Reservoir with a series of Concerts by Canoe this September.

The Wednesday night concerts are all scheduled from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The price for each show is $10 per car, with boats available for rent for an additional fee. Below is the full schedule of September performances:

📌 Wednesday, September 4th: Darcy Dawn
📌 Wednesday, September 11th: Acoustic Onion
📌 Wednesday, September 18th: Swamp Trash Band
📌 Wednesday, September 25th: Moch Pryderi

The events culminate with an 🥳 Anniversary Celebration Saturday on September 28th from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM with food trucks, boating and a live performance from Tommy Filkoski with Larry, Harry and Buck. That event is free to attend.

Motts Run Reservoir was built in 1971 and features nearly 15 miles of hiking and biking trails for all ages and abilities. As the source of nearly 95% of the city's drinking water, it's capable of providing between 3.5 and 4 million gallons of water per day. No swimming is allowed.

Learn more and find the full schedule of Concert by Canoe performances at bit.ly/4d8kxvG.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom - myhyperbole.com

08/01/2024

📸 July In Photos:

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom - myhyperbole.com

07/31/2024

Live at a car fire on Lafayette Boulevard.

07/30/2024

One week from tonight! Enjoy an evening of family fun, games, food and community outreach with area first responders.

🌇 National Night Out with Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office - Roger L. Harris Sheriff
📌 Tuesday, August 6th
⏰ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🗺️ Spotsylvania Towne Centre
🎟 Free To Attend
👉 bit.ly/3Acn9tI

07/29/2024

A vehicle fire closed the northbound lanes of Patriot Highway late Sunday evening.

Units from Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management received a call for a reported vehicle fire involving a tractor trailer at the corner of Patriot Highway and Market Street at approximately 10:45 PM on Sunday night.

On the scene, units encountered a fully engulfed semi-truck in front of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant, as seen in witness video provided to hyperbole. According to radio traffic, the driver was able to exit the vehicle uninjured and there were no other occupants inside.

The fire was quickly brought under control, but the truck was heavily damaged. The northbound lanes reopened to traffic shortly after 11:30 PM.

The cause of the fire is unknown. The scene is under investigation. Find more video in the latest story.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom - myhyperbole.com

07/27/2024

🌃 Is your city neighborhood planning a celebration for ? The Fredericksburg Police Department would like to hear about it!

Contact Sergeant Rivers at [email protected] with your plans, schedule and location and the department will contact you about scheduling officers to attend.

is an annual campaign that promotes better connections and relationships between the community and law enforcement. This year it will be observed Tuesday, August 6th.

👉 If your neighborhood would like their celebration featured, email [email protected].

07/26/2024

The 🎡 Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair, Inc. kicks off ten days of family fun tonight!

👉 Find the full schedule, tickets and more at bit.ly/3JdtaZ3.

07/25/2024

Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office (540) 582-7115

**UPDATE: Kennedy Kaus has been located safely and Claire Kaus has been arrested**

An anonymous tip through our P3 system may result in a financial reward. If you have any information, please contact the Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers at (1-800) 928-5822 or (540) 582-5822.

07/24/2024

Missing Fredericksburg area man Jonathan Corey has been located alive and well.

According to a Facebook post on his brother's account, Jonathan was picked up by family on Tuesday evening. The photo shows a Jonathan in the rear of a vehicle smiling, appearing to be in good spirits. In the comments, dozens of friends celebrated his safe return.

Corey was reported missing to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office on July 12th after family and friends had not heard from him for several days.

❤️ Fredericksburg's Original Social Media Company
🚨 No Newsroom Is The New Newsroom - myhyperbole.com