A fire that broke out Monday evening has left four residents without a home after damaging a Dale City townhouse.
Fire and rescue crews responded at 6:45 p.m. on December 22, 2025, to the 15100 block of Catalpa Court. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke coming from the townhouse. All occupants had safely evacuated the building before firefighters arrived.
A Dumfries man has pleaded guilty in connection with a 2023 shooting that left a 3-year-old child dead and four others — including three other children — seriously injured.
Kenyatta Oglesby, 23, entered a guilty plea on December 22, 2025, to one count of second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement for a 40-year prison term. He also pled guilty to four counts of aggravated malicious wounding, with sentencing still to be determined. Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth and Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Sweet are prosecuting the case. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
Prince William County officials reviewed the results of a yearlong workforce development study on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, outlining how the county could take a more active role in connecting workers, employers, and training providers without duplicating existing services.
The presentation, delivered during the Dec. 16 Board of County Supervisors meeting, focused on findings from a $100,000 workforce study funded with American Rescue Plan Act economic recovery dollars and conducted by TIP Strategies.
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.”
“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.
“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.
A Stafford man was arrested after an incident involving a firearm. On December 15, 2025, deputies responded to a home on Cliff Circle following a report of a break-in. A child returning from school discovered the door unlocked and encountered a man inside with a gun.
The suspect, identified as a 28-year-old male, pointed the firearm at the child and instructed them to enter the home. The child fled to a nearby family member’s house, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
“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.
