Fredericksburg

Two-vehicle crashes near I-95 lead to multiple arrests, underage drinking charges

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“During the early morning hours on January 1, 2026, officers responded to the area of Plank Road and I-95 for two separate motor vehicle collisions that occurred within minutes of each other,” Fredericksburg Police Department reported. “Evidence inside the suspect vehicle suggested alcohol was a factor in the crash.”

“Investigation would reveal that six total people were inside the red Nissan during both crashes; four adults and two juveniles,” the Fredericksburg Police Department stated. “It was also discovered that the driver of the suspect vehicle removed a license plate from the suspect vehicle prior to fleeing the scene with the female passenger.”

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Manassas

Jill Spall elected Manassas School Board Chair at annual meeting

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

The School Board of the City of Manassas began the new year by electing Jill Spall as its new chair during its annual organizational meeting on January 5, 2026. Spall, who previously served as vice chair, takes over leadership of the board and says she’s focused on continuity and keeping students at the center of decision-making.

Dr. Zella Jones was elected vice chair, stepping into the role as the board looks ahead to another year of guiding Manassas City Public Schools. The board also approved several routine appointments, including continuing Alba Garza as Clerk and Maureen Wilcoski as Deputy Clerk.

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Features

ARTfactory to celebrate young talent at Off the Wall High School Awards on Jan. 10

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

The ARTfactory in Manassas will host its 22nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition awards ceremony on Saturday, January 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with awards announced at 2:30 p.m. Guests can meet student artists, view the exhibit, and enjoy a live judging of Wearable Art designs.

This year’s exhibit, running from December 18, 2025, through January 25, 2026, features work by more than 70 students from nine Prince William County high schools. Categories include Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography, with professional adjudicators selecting winners in each.

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Features

Leopold’s Preserve draws 20,000 visitors a year, foundation tells Haymarket officials

By Uriah Kiser

Representatives of the White House Farm Foundation presented an overview of Leopold’s Preserve to the Haymarket Town Council on Monday, detailing the conservation property’s history, public access, and ongoing stewardship efforts.

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Prince William

From data centers to school meals, Roem and Thomas preview 2026 session in Haymarket

By Uriah Kiser

State Sen. Danica Roem and Del. Josh Thomas, both Democrats, briefed the Haymarket Town Council on their legislative priorities for the 2026 Virginia General Assembly during the council’s regular monthly meeting on Monday, highlighting proposals tied to data centers, energy infrastructure, education, and local government authority.

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Business

Buc-ee’s asks Stafford planners to delay review of proposed travel center

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“Buc-ees has asked the Stafford Planning Commission to defer holding a second public hearing on its proposed project at the intersection of Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge Drive in the Garrisonville district,” FXBG Advance reported. “The Planning Commission in October voted to defer making a recommendation on the project to its January 14 meeting, but the company has indicated that it needs more time,” county planning staff said in a January 5 email to community members.

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Stafford

Stafford County Fire & Rescue to Host January Blood Drive With Inova

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
Join Stafford County Fire & Rescue in starting the year by saving lives[Submitted Photo].

“A single donation can help up to three patients in our region,” the post continued. “As a thank-you, donors will receive a specialty sweatshirt in honor of National Blood Donor Month.”

The blood drive is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Gym, located at 1201 Courthouse Road in Stafford. Donors are asked to bring a photo ID and allow about one hour for the donation. Appointments can be scheduled online or by phone.

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Fredericksburg

Rappahannock health officials urge residents to make wellness a priority in 2026

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

As the New Year begins, the Rappahannock Area Health District is encouraging residents to take small, steady steps toward healthier living in 2026. The agency, which serves Fredericksburg and the surrounding region, shared a list of simple wellness habits and local health programs to help residents stick to their resolutions.

Interim Health Director Dr. David C. Rose emphasized starting with manageable goals. “Together, we can make 2026 a year of stronger bodies and calmer minds,” Rose said in a press release. Tips include getting at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, eating more fruits and vegetables, prioritizing sleep and stress management, and keeping up with regular health screenings.

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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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