Potomac Local News

Published January 9, 2026 at 1:00PM

Stafford County’s first-ever Shop Small Stafford campaign brought out hundreds of residents to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025. The initiative, organized by the county’s Economic Development Department, combined digital engagement, live events, and local promotions to boost awareness and foot traffic for small businesses across the area.

Fifty local businesses joined the effort, offering in-person and online shopping opportunities as well as participating in a pop-up Shop Small Market at Long Family Markets. Using a centralized Digital Passport system, 320 shoppers checked in at local stores throughout the day, generating 319 estimated transactions and nearly $35,000 in gross receipts. County officials say about $23,775 of that stayed in the local economy.

Traffic

At least six crashes trigger hours-long gridlock near Quantico and Garrisonville Road

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 9, 2026 at 9:30AM

A crash at Taylor's Grocery on Route 1 in North Stafford was one of six crashes that snarled area roads for hours on Thursday, January 8, 2026. [Reader submitted photo]

A series of crashes across Interstate 95 and nearby roadways caused severe northbound traffic gridlock in North Stafford and the Quantico area for hours during Thursday evening’s rush hour.

Business

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber names 2026 board leadership

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 9, 2026 at 9:00AM

Ginni Matern, Ryan VanderWijst, Cyndi Mack, Pete Humes, Brian Shanle [Submitted Photos]

“The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Ginni Matern as the 2026 Chair of the Board,” Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce announced.

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Prince William

Prince William County Has Spent $1.6 Million Defending Digital Gateway in Court; Supervisor Seeks Reconsideration

By Potomac Local News

Published January 9, 2026 at 8:45AM

Stewart

“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

New Fredericksburg City Council members sworn in; Chuck Frye named vice mayor

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 9, 2026 at 7:00AM

“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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Fredericksburg

Riverside reports banner year after nonprofit shift, cites surge in attendance

By Potomac Local News

Published January 8, 2026 at 1:00PM

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Director Patrick A'Hearn speaks about the theater's transition to a non-profit corporation.

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

Fredericksburg agrees to $365,000 settlement with EMS staff over overtime pay dispute

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 8, 2026 at 9:15AM | Updated January 8, 2026 at 12:38PM

“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

Prince William County highlights major accomplishments from 2025

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 8, 2026 at 8:45AM

[Submitted Photo]

“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

Shining Sol Candle Shop to close Old Town Manassas storefront after nearly a decade

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 7, 2026 at 3:30PM

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.

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