Business

“We are also pleased to welcome Ryan VanderWijst, Chief Financial Officer of SimVentions, as our 2026 Vice Chair of the Board,” the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce stated. “Ryan’s financial expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber and our members.”

The Chamber also announced new board members for 2026, including Cyndi Mack of Universal Dynamics, Pete Humes of Atlantic Union Bank, and Brian Shanle of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Chamber officials said the board will help guide the organization and support the region’s business community in the coming year.


Prince William

“That is a motion that really needs to be split into two separate motions,” InsideNoVa reported. “Basically, the way it is, because of the weight of it, because it was the same [legal] firm – pure and simple, more than anything, it was a mistake to vote that way. It was a mistake on my end to vote that way.”

“As of Dec. 18, 2025, the total funds spent in the [Digital Gateway] rezoning and real estate assessment litigation is $1,663,478.72,” InsideNoVa [reported], citing a county spokeswoman. “These cases are complex and this number includes the costs for the work of attorneys in the outside counsel law firm, expert witnesses, court reporters and transcripts, costs of preparing and filing the appeals briefs, preparation of the extensive legislative record, etc., spanning more than two years.”


Fredericksburg

“Ward 1 Matt Rowe, Joy Crump (Ward 2), Susanna Finn (Ward 3) and Chuck Frye Jr. (Ward 4) took turns reciting the oath,” Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “Frye was named vice mayor — a largely ceremonial role that he held previously — in a unanimous vote.”

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Event

High school students from across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region are invited to participate in Dialogue for Democracy at George Mason University!

Hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, this event offers high school students an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about democracy, civic engagement, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.


Fredericksburg

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is riding what its CEO calls the strongest two-year stretch in the venue’s history, buoyed by a fall-and-holiday surge that brought nearly 26,000 people through the doors for two productions alone.

Patrick Ahern, Riverside’s CEO and producing artistic director, shared the figures during a Jan. 5, 2026, appearance on “Town Talk” on NewsTalk 1230 WFVA, a Fredericksburg-area radio program hosted by Ted Schubel.


Fredericksburg

“The City of Fredericksburg has agreed to pay $365,000 to 15 current and former first responders, compensating them for ‘back pay, liquidated damages, service awards, attorneys’ fees, and litigation expenses,’” hyperbole reported. “That amount will be covered by the city’s insurance policy, those records state.”

“The City does not admit any allegations made against it in the Lawsuit,” court documents state. “The City of Fredericksburg is pleased to report that, thanks to the City’s insurance coverage, the Kirby et. Al v. City of Fredericksburg lawsuit has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties.”


Prince William

“From expanding broadband access ahead of schedule to launching PWC 311 for faster, easier connection to county services, every step was guided by the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan,” the county stated. “Looking back, it’s inspiring to see how much we can accomplish together when a community works as one.”

County officials pointed to several key milestones from 2025, including the opening of the Crisis Receiving Center Complex, nearly $1 billion invested in public schools, expanded funding for affordable housing, adoption of the Affordable Dwelling Unit Ordinance, and new tools to improve access to county services.


Business

The owner of Shining Sol Candle Company says he plans to close the company’s Old Town Manassas storefront later this month, ending a nearly 10-year run on Center Street while keeping the business alive online and at its Myrtle Beach location.

Founder Pete Evick, a Manassas native and longtime guitarist for Bret Michaels, announced the decision during a nearly 40-minute livestream in which he described mounting personal debt, burnout, and the ongoing financial strain of operating a staffed brick-and-mortar store.


Prince William

The Dumfries Town Council on Jan. 6 voted down an ordinance that would have dissolved the town’s Economic Development Authority, leaving the EDA in place after a closely divided 4-3 vote.

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Prince William

 

The Prince William County Police Department is rallying individuals, families, friends, and co-workers to join them for the chilly fundraiser. Participants can plunge solo or as a team, with options to join Team PWCPD or create their own group to raise money for the cause.