On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative's (NOVEC) Board of Directors named Kristen Senechal as the organization's next president and CEO.
"After an eight-month national search, the Board selected [Senechal] because of her extensive knowledge and more than 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry," Board Chairman Wade House said. "The Board also is impressed with her leadership style of prioritizing people first."
Senechal is the executive vice president of transmission and chief operating officer at Lower Colorado River Authority (LRCA) in Austin, Texas. She joined LRCA in 2017 following nine years at CenterPoint Energy in Houston.
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Join the fun at the Manassas Winter Market on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Prince William Street Commuter Lot in Historic Downtown Manassas. Shop for baked goods, fresh produce, warm beverages, and other seasonal delights while supporting local vendors. The market runs every Saturday through March 22, making it the perfect spot to stock up your pantry and enjoy cozy winter vibes.
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Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) recently sent six of its lineworkers to assist the Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) in Crewe, Va., in restoring power to the area following recent snowfall.
NOVEC sent its crew of six men, pictured above, on Jan. 7 to work for three days with SEC, which serves more than 59,000 people. The recent winter storm, according to a NOVEC press release, left 28,000 in the area without power.
"It was good to know we were helping people," Jake Till, one of NOVEC's lineworkers, said. "It’s a small, close-knit community. The lineworkers at Southside appreciated our support."
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The “light duty” basic police accident tow and clean up — which includes the towing and removal of a car involved in a crash and cleaning the crash site of minor debris — fee would increase from $290 to $375. The non-accident fee — requiring a vehicle to be towed not in the case of an accident — would increase from $210 to $250.
The “heavy duty” towing fees have the largest increase if approved; the basic police accident tow and clean up will increase from $475 to $1,000. The non-accident tow fee will increase from $160 to $800.
According to city documents, the policy was last revised in May 2019 and instated in January 2020. These new fees will be instated later this month.
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Insidenova – “The Manassas City School Board is requesting the appropriation of state funds for a pilot alternative education program.
The board discussed the possibility of such a program in December. Manassas City Public Schools currently has an agreement with Prince William County Public Schools to use its program at Independence Nontraditional School.
The Independence program has limited spots – roughly 20 – for Manassas students, and any additional Manassas students who need alternative education are moved to online classes.”
According to survey results recently released by the city at the Jan. 13 City Council meeting, 79% of Manassas City residents think it's an excellent or good place to live.
The survey, conducted by ETC Institute, a national market research firm for local governments, was conducted in 2024 as part of the city's efforts to poll its residents every two years on a wide variety of issues, city services, public safety and quality of life. The last citywide survey was conducted in 2022 by ETC, which has been working with the city since 2014.
Jason Morado, the director of community research at ETC, said the survey was sent out to random residents via mail and online mostly in September and October 2024. He also said 407 people responded, surpassing the city's goal of 400 respondents.
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On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Manassas City Council received the Electoral Board's annual report, presented by Pamela Kincheloe, who is secretary of the city's electoral board. The report highlighted voter participation trends, the logistics of the 2024 election, and the city's electoral outcomes.
Voter Participation and Trends
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The Manassas City Council voted unanimously on Monday, January 13, 2024, to purchase a 1.56-acre property in Downtown Manassas from the Manassas Ice and Fuel Company (MIFCO). The $3.1 million acquisition is part of the city's ongoing strategy to control downtown development and foster community-focused growth.
The newly purchased property, which includes multiple parcels on Center Street, is zoned for industrial use (I-2), allowing developments up to 75 feet in height. City officials highlighted the importance of acquiring the land to guide its future use and prevent projects that may not align with the downtown's character.
“This purchase ensures that we, as a city, can decide what happens on this key piece of land,” said Vice Mayor Wolfe. “Without this step, the property could have been developed by-right into something like a storage facility or data center, which may not align with our downtown vision.”
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"My passion for special education is rooted in the belief that all students – regardless of their backgrounds or challenges – can succeed when given the right support and resources," Hammond said. "I am dedicated to providing that support, advocating for my students and creating an environment where each child can thrive."
Haydon Elementary Principal Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., said Hammond was a passionate advocate for students."I have rarely encountered a professional so unwavering in her commitment to equity for all students," Goldzung said. "Through her words and actions, she thoughtfully challenges assumptions and established practices to ensure that decisions are student-centered, data-informed and lead to high-quality instruction."