With the return of the city's safe exchange zone at the Manassas City Police Department, residents of Manassas now have a designated safe space to conduct online purchases and child custody exchanges. Located behind the Public Safety Facility at 9608 Grant Ave., the zone is marked and offers a secure environment for community members to meet.
City spokeswoman Lisa Otten clarified the exchange zone's history, noting it wasn’t removed but relocated to the police department’s new facility in the winter of 2022. "This is a great area for residents who wish to meet each other and exchange items which have been bought or sold using online sites, or domestic child custody exchanges," Otten said.
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Mayor Michele Davis Younger posted on her official mayoral Facebook page the news of her mother’s passing on November 21, 2024. 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 November 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.”
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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.
According to the Prince William County Police Department, an adult female student reported that while she was in a bathroom stall near the gymnasium on the first floor, an unknown individual entered her stall and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a Caucasian or light-skinned individual with a thin build, standing approximately 5’8” to 5’9”. The suspect’s gender remains unconfirmed. At the time of the incident, the individual was reported to be wearing an animal costume mask, a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt, and full-length pants of an unknown color.
In a letter to parents dated November 22, Osbourn Park High School Principal Lisamarie Kane expressed sorrow over the incident and outlined steps being taken in response.
“As soon as our administration team was made aware, our school resource officer and law enforcement officials began an investigation,” the letter states. She added that the school cooperates fully with authorities and supports the victim and their family.
In light of the incident, the school has implemented additional safety protocols, including:
- Increased supervision in shared areas.
- Restricted bathroom access during instructional time.
- Enhanced safety education and support for students.
- Counseling services are being offered to any student who may need assistance.
The Prince William County Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously to help identify the suspect and ensure justice for the victim.
Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but now let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know David Rupert, Baldwin Elementary School's principal since 2020 and longtime MCPS educator. Rupert has been an educator in some fashion in MCPS since 2002, working at Metz Middle School, Weems Elementary, Mayfield Intermediate and coaching at Osbourn High.
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During its November 18 meeting, the Manassas City Council agreed to initiate the process for a council pay raise. This increase would not occur until July 1, 2027, following the next city council election in November 2026.
The council must adopt an ordinance after a public hearing, which will require advertisement in local newspapers twice: the first notice must appear no more than 28 days before the hearing, and the second no fewer than seven days prior.
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Toys for Tots, a national charity program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to less fortunate children across the country during the traditional Christmas season.
New and unwrapped toys will be accepted at the following locations through Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve):
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Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is now live and accepting donor forms! While we’ve been able to get kids sponsored, we still have over 1,300 children who are still waiting on Santa, so your help is still needed! The online donor form is available to sponsor a child or donate a Senior Basket; please visit our website to fill out and submit a form. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps so many of our vulnerable children have a happy Christmas! Volunteers will also be needed Dec. 7-10 to help sort/organize toys and deliver Senior Baskets.
- You can help vulnerable families have a holiday meal for Thanksgiving!  ACTS’ Share the Bounty distribution needs volunteers to help with sorting donations and assembling the Share the Bounty bags during November. This will take place in their Food Donation Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Drive, Dumfries, Monday through Thursday. Volunteer hours are flexible between 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You’ll feel great knowing your giving spirit will help food-insecure families have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy is recruiting volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which runs from Dec. 2 to Feb. 27. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. To learn more, please sign up for a virtual information session at Info session sign-up or contact Seth at 571-428-2524.
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Brain Injury Services (BIS) has an ongoing need for volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury. This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, chess, lunch and more can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit their website for more information.
You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up; serve food; hand out coats, personal hygiene products, diapers; and break down/clean up. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event on their website.
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Welcome (or welcome back) to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.”
We started this series at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year with the nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County Schools, but let's turn our attention to the new and existing Manassas City Public Schools principals. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Andrew Wilson, the principal of Round Elementary School since 2018. Wilson has been with MCPS since 2013 and has worked at Osbourn High School as assistant principal and dean of students. He also has experience in teaching special education.
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On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Manassas City Council and School Board convened a joint meeting to discuss findings from a space needs study and the future of shared facilities for critical city and school operations. The study, presented by Assistant City Manager Steve Burke, identified a 40,000 to 52,000 square foot requirement to house the Department of Social Services, the voter registrar, and the School Board's central office.
Past and Current Facility Plans
