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Snowstorm preps

A significant winter storm is set to bring 4-12 inches of snow and icy conditions to our region starting Sunday night and continuing through Monday. Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a State of Emergency, mobilizing state resources to prepare for hazardous travel and frigid temperatures.

We’ve got an exclusive interview with VDOT Fredericksburg on how it’s preparing for the storm.

Key Details:

  • Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to disrupt Monday’s commute.
  • VDOT crews are fully mobilized with 900+ equipment to treat and clear roads.
  • Residents are urged to complete travel by Sunday afternoon and stay off roads during the storm.

Temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the week, prolonging icy conditions. For updates and safety tips, stay with us.

Calling it quits

Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary, representing the Aquia District, announced she will not seek re-election when her term ends on December 31, 2025. In a statement posted on Facebook, Gary emphasized her desire to prioritize family and faith, stating, “This is also a time for me to deepen my relationship with the Lord and prepare for whatever comes next.”

Gary’s announcement follows recent controversies, including her censure by the Board of Supervisors on December 17, 2024, for her role in removing a library board member.

Whoa, baby

Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals celebrated the arrival of their first New Year’s babies of 2025. Kylah Ann, born at 1:55 a.m., is the first baby at Mary Washington Hospital, while Miles Roy, born at 4:59 a.m., is Stafford Hospital’s first baby of the year. Both families are overjoyed, and the newborns are healthy and thriving.

In Manassas, the first baby of 2025, Colson James Cormack, was born at 2:43 a.m. on New Year’s Day at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. Weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 20 inches, Colson brings joy to proud mother Miranda Cormack and her family in Warrenton. Delivered by Dr. Victor R. Khayat and assisted by an exceptional care team, Miranda shared her gratitude for the amazing staff who made the moment unforgettable.

Open seat

Fredericksburg City Council seeks applicants to fill the Ward 3 seat following Dr. Tim Duffy’s resignation after 10 years of service. Ward 3 residents interested in serving for the remainder of the term, ending December 31, 2025, should submit a Boards & Commissions Appointment Application and email a resume to [email protected] by January 15, 2025. The Council will discuss the appointment further during its January 14, 2025, meeting and must select a replacement within 45 days of January 1, per the City Charter.

Dr. Duffy announced his resignation during the December 10, 2024, council meeting, citing personal and family health challenges, including his ongoing battle with prostate cancer. His resignation took effect on January 1, 2025, after a decade of service to the Ward 3 community.

Road work ahead

VDOT is set to conduct road work in the Fredericksburg District from January 5–11, 2025, with weather-dependent schedules. Key projects include:

  • I-95 Rappahannock River Crossing (Northbound): Single lane closures between mile markers 134–136 for guardrail installation (Monday–Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
  • 95 Express Lanes Extension (Southbound): Lane closures near Exit 136 for construction work (Wednesday–Thursday, 9 p.m.–5 a.m.).

Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and check VDOT’s updates online.


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Recent Stories

ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.

Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.

Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…

Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?

The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.

Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.

A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.

According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

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