“Tom was dedicated to serving the community and helping wherever he could,” the department added. “Tom was also a business leader in Prince William County, growing Pitkins Hardware to what it has become today.”
Pitkin was a longtime member of the Buckhall Volunteer Fire Department and served as chief for more than a decade. Department members asked the community to keep the Pitkin family in their thoughts and prayers during this time.
“Staying off the roads will also provide space for crews removing snow today on primary roads and high-volume secondary roads,” the agency added. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
VDOT crews are actively working around the clock to plow and treat roads after a winter storm left many low-volume secondary roads snow-covered and icy. Interstates and major routes are priority for snow and ice removal before crews shift focus to smaller secondary and residential roads. Drivers should check 511Virginia for current road conditions before traveling. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
Dr. David Ferguson has been appointed Director of Operations for Fredericksburg City Public Schools, effective January 28, 2026. The School Board approved the move, bringing in a seasoned educator with more than 22 years of experience in school leadership and operations.
Ferguson most recently served as principal of Fauquier High School and previously led Rappahannock High School for nearly a decade. His background includes work in Spotsylvania and Richmond counties, with roles focused on facilities, safety, special education, and capital planning. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech.
As cold weather continues across the region, Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials are warning residents to stay off the ice on local waterways. Despite appearances, ice in the area is rarely thick or stable enough for safe recreation.
“Gate 4 (Russell Road/Commissary Gate) is open and operating its normal hours,” Marine Corps Base Quantico announced. “As a reminder: Gate 6 (Onville Road/TBS Gate) is still closed until further notice.”
“The base is still in a Code Red status, essential personnel only,” the installation stated. “The roads remain slick and drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and avoid driving if possible.”
“The Fredericksburg Visitor Center will host a Fredericksburg 250 Open House on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at 601 Caroline Street,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Join us as we kick off the City’s year-long commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.”
“The public is invited to this open house, which will bring together Fredericksburg museums, historical organizations, and community partners to share information about upcoming programs, exhibits, and volunteer opportunities connected to Fredericksburg’s role in the nation’s history,” the city stated.
Virginia State Police are urging residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to hundreds of traffic crashes. Since the start of the storm, troopers have responded to 475 crashes across the Commonwealth as of 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.
Of those crashes, 36 involved injuries and two resulted in fatalities. One fatal crash occurred in Fairfax County on Saturday evening, though police say weather was not a factor. The second fatality happened in Pittsylvania County on Sunday evening, and storm conditions may have played a role. State Police are investigating both incidents.
A fatal crash in Fairfax County led to Virginia State Police activity during a winter storm that continued to blanket much of the state Sunday. Officials said the crash, which occurred Saturday night, is not believed to be weather-related. No other details were immediately provided.
Despite the weather not playing a role in that fatal crash, the storm has created hazardous driving conditions statewide. From Saturday into Sunday night, troopers responded to 378 crashes, including 28 with injuries, as snow and ice made travel dangerous. Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads through Monday morning.
