“The annual Stafford County Tree Lighting is making its way into town,” Stafford County announced. “Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5 when Stafford County kicks off the season with lights, music, food trucks, vendors, and a little holiday magic at the Stafford County Tree Lighting.”
Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Stafford County Government Center. Parking will be available at the VDOT Courthouse Road Commuter Lot, with shuttle service provided to and from the event.
A new mural inside District Hemp Botanicals in Old Town Manassas aims to do more than decorate—it’s designed to guide and inspire. Unveiled during a community gathering on November 21, the “Old Town Manassas Map Mural” highlights the city’s downtown area and encourages both locals and visitors to explore its small businesses and cultural spots.
Barbara Biddle, founder of District Hemp Botanicals, commissioned the mural to mark her store’s 8th anniversary. Located at 9417 Main Street, the artwork reflects the store’s mission of fostering wellness and community. “Our hope is that the mural will help transform a walk in Manassas into an experience,” Biddle said during the event, which included remarks from Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and representatives from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
Black Friday crowds, early-morning bargain hunters, and plenty of folks who stayed home instead — how did you tackle this year’s shopping rush? Vote in our quick poll and let us know whether you braved the stores before sunrise, waited it out, or clicked your way through the sales online.
“The black-box theater awaits student thespians, their lines memorized, spouting high school drama,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “And the band and locker rooms stand ready for the sounds of Friday night football victories.” “Hartwood High School, one of three new schools Stafford is opening next fall, is coming along, on schedule and within budget,” the publication added.
The update came during a recent media tour and a presentation to the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, where officials said the school remains on track to open for students next year.
“A newly introduced bill for Virginia’s 2026 legislative session would prohibit most law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing official duties,” 13NewsNow reported. The bill defines “facial covering” broadly — including opaque masks, balaclavas, tactical or ski masks, gaiters or any item concealing a substantial portion of the face — and bans them unless one of several narrow exceptions applies.
Under HB 7, officers who violate the prohibition could face serious consequences. The bill authorizes disciplinary action (including dismissal, suspension, demotion, transfer, or decertification), establishes a Class 1 misdemeanor for unauthorized face-covering use (unless the employing agency has a written policy allowing it), and enables civil lawsuits — allowing a person injured by misconduct of an officer knowingly wearing a prohibited covering to sue for damages, with sovereign immunity waived.
The survey comes as national polls show similar restraint, with Gallup and Deloitte reporting flat or declining holiday budgets across the U.S. The Roanoke College survey points to price pressures and a softening job market as factors shaping household expectations.
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“A special visitor showed up at Neabsco Regional Park, a wild turkey wandering through its natural habitat,” PWCParks announced. “With a rich diversity of bird species, the park is always full of life.” “Reminder: Enjoy from a distance and don’t feed the wildlife, they thrive best on their natural diets.”
Neabsco Regional Park, located at 15125 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, is known for its wetlands, boardwalk, and abundant birdlife, making wildlife sightings like this a common treat for visitors.
Spotsylvania Towne Centre is getting into the holiday spirit early this year, opening its doors at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, November 28, with giveaways, entertainment, and cheerful surprises for shoppers. The first 200 people through the door will receive free swag bags filled with goodies—including a chocolate bar that could win one lucky visitor a $500 gift card.
Shoppers can also stop by the mall’s holiday gift wrapping station, located near Pandora and hosted by the Chancellor High School Lightning Regiment Marching Band, to have their purchases wrapped for the season.
“I have also prepared a letter in opposition of the proposed project with suggestions to mitigate impacts,” Rock Hill District Supervisor Crystal Vanuch said in a recent social-media post. She added that Darrell English, Hartwood District Supervisor, will sign the letter and that she plans to invite other Board colleagues to join after the upcoming meeting.
Vanuch noted that the county’s options are limited, urging concerned residents to engage their state delegate and senator as the county learns more about the plans. She also said she copied all of Stafford’s state representation on the letter she will send after the Board’s Dec. 2 meeting.
