Press release:
It is with great sadness that the Manassas City Police Department announces the passing of former Chief of Police John Skinner. Chief Skinner dedicated his life to Law Enforcement with over 37 years of service across all levels, from the line officer to the Chief of Police. He began his career in 1974 with the United States Secret Service Uniform Division.
In 1975, he moved to the City of Fairfax Police Department starting as an officer. He moved through various positions and ranks eventually being selected as Chief of Police in 1993 where he served until his 1st retirement in 1998.
In 1998, Chief Skinner accepted the role as our Chief of Police for the Manassas City Police Department, which he held until his 2nd retirement in 2010. Chief Skinner led our agency through a professional age of policing, a highlight was bringing an enhanced accreditation standard to our department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
“Chief Skinner implemented a high standard and expectation of professionalism. He had the vision to pursue] Accreditation (CALEA) that greatly improved our operations with updated policies, accountability, and professional standing,” said current Manassas City Police Department Chief Douglas W. Keen Chief Skinner’s positive impact on the community is immeasurable. On behalf of all current and retired members of the Manassas City Police Department, we thank Chief Skinner for his leadership and service.
Rest easy Chief, your legacy lives on through us.
The principal of Hayfield High School announced Monday night that the football team will withdraw from the postseason, according to a statement written by Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid and addressed to Fairfax County Public School families.
The statement said Reid has “asked Tom Horn, Executive Director, Activities and Student Athletics, to work with VHSL to take any and all appropriate next steps.”
The Manassas Economic Development Authority (EDA) will hold a special meeting on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the first-floor conference room of City Hall. The meeting, a joint work session with the Manassas City Council, will focus on the interim operations and potential uses of the Manassas Shopping Center before its scheduled demolition.
The meeting is open to the public.
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Fairfax County Public Schools officials are embroiled in controversy surrounding former Prince William County varsity football coach Darryl Overton, who previously coached at Freedom High School and Woodbridge Senior High School.
Allegations of illegal recruiting and exploiting homeless student loopholes have led to Hayfield Secondary School’s ban from playoff participation, Where Overton is the head coach. While a court injunction briefly reinstated the team’s eligibility, other Fairfax County high school football coaches threatened to boycott the playoffs if Hayfield was allowed to compete.
Text messages obtained by the Fairfax County Times implicate Hayfield’s athletic director, Monty Fritts, in a potential scheme involving illegal recruiting practices and motivations tied to personal ambition and financial gain.
Manassas Park is set to begin a new chapter in its leadership by hiring Carl Cole as its new City Manager. Cole, who will assume his role on January 13, 2025, brings over 25 years of public sector experience, including significant leadership roles in city management and law enforcement.
According to Acting City Manager Keith Nguyen, Mr. Cole’s base salary will be $215,000. Acting City Manager Keith Nguyen emphasized that the Governing Body conducted an extensive vetting process to identify the best candidate for the position. “The Governing Body went through an extensive vetting process and picked the best candidate for this job,” Nguyen stated.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors discussed a proposed Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance during their meeting on November 19, 2024. The ordinance aims to address housing affordability challenges by increasing the availability of affordable housing units within the county and implementing a Housing Trust Fund to bolster development efforts.
The ADU Ordinance would allow developers to include affordable units within new residential developments voluntarily. Although mandatory ADU policies exist in other jurisdictions, Prince William County cannot enforce such measures under Virginia state law. Instead, the county incentivizes developers to participate by offering benefits such as expedited permitting processes, reduced fees, and increased development flexibility.
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Fredericksburg spent the weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit. The Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend featured two free public events that closely mirrored the original activities hosted in Lafayette’s honor.
Today will begin with a special Masonic Welcome at Fredericksburg’s historic Masonic Lodge No. 4, located at 803 Princess Anne Street. From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., General Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, was made an honorary Lodge Member in a ceremony that highlighted artifacts from his original 1824 visit, including the very punch bowl used during the reception two centuries ago.
At noon, a Historic Church Service was held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, where Lafayette and his entourage joined the community in prayer and thanksgiving. The service mirrored the original event, complete with an address by the Rev. Edward McGuire, who was both the church’s rector and a fellow Mason in 1824.
This afternoon, history enthusiasts can attend a book lecture at the Masonic Lodge from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Historian Chris Ruli will present insights from his forthcoming book, Brother Lafayette, delving into the General’s ties to the Masonic fraternity and his enduring impact.
Throughout the afternoon, guided tours will also be available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering visitors a closer look at venues tied to Lafayette’s visit. Departing every half hour from Market Square, these tours feature the George Washington Mother Lodge and other key sites.
The weekend began yesterday with a Welcome Event at 10 a.m. in Market Square. General Lafayette, portrayed by Mark Schneider of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, arrived in a horse-drawn carriage to cheers from the community. Attendees enjoyed performances of period music and appearances by historical interpreters in authentic 1820s attire. Following the reception, guests explored the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s exhibit, Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom.
In the afternoon, visitors participated in guided tours of the George Washington Mother Lodge (Masonic Lodge No. 4) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tours departed every half hour, offering a detailed look at sites Lafayette visited during his stay.
General Lafayette’s 1824 tour of the U.S. came during a time of division and uncertainty. Invited by President James Monroe, his visit marked the 50th anniversary of American independence and celebrated the shared ideals of liberty, equality, and unity. As the last living American Revolutionary War general, Lafayette was met with universal affection and gratitude across all 24 states of the young nation.
Lafayette’s advocacy for human rights, religious freedom, and the abolition of slavery left a lasting impact. His 1824 tour brought hope and inspiration to a nation in turmoil, and his legacy continues to resonate 200 years later.
Mayor Michele Davis Younger posted on her official mayoral Facebook page the news of her mother’s passing on Nov. 21. Deaconess Thelma Davis, who endured a challenging health journey over the past six months, was remembered by her daughter as a “profound blessing” in her life.
“With a heavy heart, I share that my beloved mother, Deaconess Thelma Davis, transitioned to eternal rest yesterday, November 21st,” Davis Younger wrote in her post on Nov. 22. “While it is difficult to say goodbye, I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is now singing joyfully among the angels.”
The loss comes nearly two years after Davis Younger’s husband, James Younger, passed away in March 2023. She reflected on the grief and the community’s support, writing, “James was a generous soul, always willing to lend a helping hand and contribute to the betterment of his family and community.”
Despite the back-to-back losses of two of her closest family members, Davis Younger has continued to serve the Manassas community. Earlier this month, voters reelected her to a second term as mayor. She is scheduled to be sworn into office on Dec. 9.
Davis Younger’s post about her mother was met with condolences and support from residents and colleagues. “Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, and support during this time,” she wrote. “Your love and encouragement mean so much to me and my family.”
Authorities have launched an investigation following a report of a sexual assault that occurred earlier this school year at Osbourn Park High School.
The incident, which reportedly occurred within a school bathroom during the first two weeks of the academic year, was disclosed to police and school officials on November 15, prompting an immediate response.
