Fredericksburg

“The Fredericksburg Police Department is trying to assist with making a Christmas miracle come true,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Yesterday, a special person turned in a large quantity of U.S. currency that was packaged in a particular envelope.”

“The money was found on December 22 around 3:30 p.m. in the Central Park area,” police said, asking anyone who may have lost the cash to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122, Option 2, and ask for Officer Bach.


Stafford

“The new facility brings more than 225 jobs to the area, with additional positions available,” the county said, noting the site incorporates advanced automation technology alongside traditional distribution operations.

County officials said the distribution center is expected to play a key role in supporting O’Reilly Auto Parts’ continued growth across the Mid-Atlantic region while expanding employment opportunities in Stafford County.


Prince William

Prince William County is making major investments to strengthen public safety and expand support services for residents.[Submitted Photo]“Prince William County is making major investments to strengthen public safety and expand support services for residents,” Prince William County Government announced. “On Tuesday, the Board of County Supervisors approved funding and construction contracts for two significant Capital Improvement Program projects: a new Fire and Rescue Station 27 and the Homeless Navigation Center – East.”

“The new fire and rescue station will provide 24-hour career staffing for a pumper and advanced life support ambulance, improving emergency response for the community,” the county said. “Additionally, the Homeless Navigation Center – East will offer emergency sheltering and a drop-in center to help individuals experiencing homelessness connect to permanent housing solutions.”


Features

“Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Motts Run Reservoir will be open special for the occasion on Thursday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

“Create your own hike or join one of the three guided hikes throughout the day,” the city added, highlighting the Sensory Stroll at 10 a.m., Storybook Trail at 11:30 a.m., and Hidden Creek Hike at 12:30 p.m.


Features

“Today we celebrate his dedication, service, and continued commitment to our community,” the town added. “Congratulations, Jason — thank you for all that you do!”

Forman was recognized during the town’s Holiday Dinner, where Mayor Earnie Porta presented the honor following the results of the Prince William Times’ Reader’s Choice awards.


Politics

“I recognize the complexity of our current challenges and threats posed by the future demands, but the answer is not to sit so our problems only get worse,” Virginia Mercury reported, quoting Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger during remarks at the state Capitol on Thursday morning. “The answer is to work together, be smart, and make targeted investments that lower costs for Virginians.”

Spanberger said she plans to work with lawmakers to make utility bills more affordable as electricity costs continue to rise across Virginia. Her proposals include expanding battery storage capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing overall power use to limit the need for costly new transmission infrastructure.


Schools

“Congratulations to Germanna’s Chief of Police, Craig Branch, on his appointment to Governor Spanberger’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Policy Committee,” Germanna Community College announced. “Your leadership, integrity, and dedication to keeping our community safe make this honor well deserved.”

“Thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and heart,” the college added in its congratulatory message.


Stafford

Students at Stafford High School raised nearly $450 to sponsor a litter of rescue puppies through the Old Dominion Humane Society. The school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter led the fundraiser, which covers the $300 sponsorship fee and provides additional funds to support the nonprofit’s mission of rescuing dogs from neglect and mistreatment.

The students chose an Anime theme for the litter, naming the mother dog Maki and her seven pups Toji, Gojo, Todo, Yuta, Mahoraga, Sukuna and Yuji. The effort was organized by FBLA sponsor Maggie Bautista, an economics and personal finance teacher at the school, who said her students spent months planning, creating posters, and promoting the fundraiser through school announcements.