Author: Mauriah Church-Barbour

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg swears in new City Council members at historic Market House

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
We congratulate Councilors Matthew Rowe, Joy Crump, Susanna Finn, and Charlie Frye, Jr. and look forward to the work ahead for our community.[Submitted Photo].

“Vice-Mayor Frye was unanimously elected by the council to continue to serve as Vice-Mayor,” the city stated.

The ceremony was held at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, home to the historic Town Hall Market House, which city officials note is the second oldest continuously used town hall in the nation. The swearing-in marked the formal start of the new City Council’s term and included the council’s annual organizational meeting.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Masons to honor Revolutionary War General George Weedon with wreath ceremony

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 will host a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, January 10, to honor General George Weedon, a Revolutionary War hero and early Fredericksburg civic leader. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Masonic Cemetery, at the intersection of Charles and George Streets, where Weedon is buried.

The Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, M.W. Matthew Todd Szramoski, will lead the tribute as part of his Founders’ Footsteps Commemoration Tour. The tour highlights the contributions of Virginia Freemasons to the American Revolution. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to a reception and tour of the historic Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, located at 803 Princess Anne Street.

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Manassas

ARTfactory announces new vision board wellness workshop for January

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
New Wellness class has just dropped! [Submitted Photo]

“2026 is the year to reclaim your physical and mental health, and our newest wellness workshop is the perfect way to help organize your thoughts so you can conquer the new year,” Virginia ARTfactory announced. “‘Visualize & Align: A Vision Board Workshop’ is a reflective, hands-on collage workshop led by Endira of Affirmation Ally, in collaboration with The ARTfactory’s Artful Wellness series.”

“With light guidance and gentle prompts, this session offers space to pause, get clear, and visually align with what matters to you in the year ahead,” the organization said.

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Fredericksburg

City invites public to First Friday opening reception for Civil War exhibit

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
You're invited to the opening reception of this special exhibit [Submitted Photo]

“This collaborative exhibit is presented by the City of Fredericksburg and the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park,” the city said, noting the exhibit is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, February 1, and is part of Fredericksburg’s First Friday programming, highlighting local history and community partnerships.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg police seek owner of large amount of cash found in Central Park area

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“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.

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Stafford

O’Reilly Auto Parts opens largest distribution center in Stafford County

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
O'Reilly Auto Parts has officially opened a new 550,000-square-foot distribution center in Stafford County, Virginia [Submitted Photo]

“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.

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Prince William

Prince William County approves new fire station, homeless navigation center projects

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
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.[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.”

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Features

Fredericksburg invites public to First Day Hike at Motts Run Reservoir on Jan. 1

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Kick off the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike![Submitted Photo]

“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.

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Features

Occoquan deputy police chief Jason Forman named Prince William Times Reader’s Choice winner

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
The Town proudly recognizes Deputy Chief of Police, Jason Forman for being voted Prince William Times Reader’s Choice for Best Law Enforcement Officer [Submitted Photo]

“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.

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Politics

Spanberger outlines energy priorities with focus on efficiency, battery storage

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
Photo: Spanberger Facebook page

“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.

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