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.
“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.”
“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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
