Several Manassas police officers were recognized for bravery at a recent ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.
From Manassas police :
On January 14, 2024, Officers responded to the Brentwood Apartments area for a possible shooting. Once on scene, Officers located a subject suffering from gunshot wounds.
The subject was rapidly losing blood and consciousness. Officer Stadtman provided Officer Ricapito with a tourniquet.
The City of Manassas recently announced the acquisition of the 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, marking a significant step forward in its plans to establish a community hub and address a longstanding need for park and recreational facilities.
To engage the community in shaping this new center, Manassas will hold a public meeting titled "Community Conversations," inviting residents to share their vision and ideas. The public meeting, open to all residents, will take place on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Marsteller Park & Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in envisioning the city’s first community center and recreational facility.
The Manassas City Council has narrowed its search for a new city manager, announcing that it will interview five candidates on Nov. 14 and 15.
This announcement, which comes just days before the city’s General Election, raises anticipation for a potential new appointment in early 2025, following a year without a permanent city manager.
The new Puller Veterans Care Center (Puller VCC) is being built on the former Vint Hill Farms Station in Fauquier County, which previously served as a United States Army and National Security Agency facility. The site played a critical role in eavesdropping on enemy communications during World War II, when it intercepted a message that helped lead to the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The new care center will deliver top-quality care to Virginia veterans in a home-like setting. The 128-bed facility will feature all private rooms that will be organized into households and neighborhoods that surround a central community center. [Virginia Department of Veterans Services]The Puller Veterans Care Center, a long-awaited state-run facility for Northern Virginia veterans, will not open by the end of 2024, as previously expected. Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) officials now anticipate the facility will open in early 2025, marking the latest in a series of setbacks for the project, which has been delayed multiple times since its original 2022 target.
“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.
On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.
Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka’s rendition of the national anthem followed as voices joined in unison to celebrate the freedoms the veterans fought to protect.
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Commissioner Charles Ziegler, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services commissioner, took the stage. A retired Navy veteran with 31 years of service, Ziegler spoke poignantly about veterans' sacrifices and the American flag's enduring symbolism. "The American flag has been the symbol of our nation's unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens," he remarked. "Every pledge of allegiance we take, and every flag-raising we witness is a celebration, and it honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe."
Reflecting on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, Ziegler emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in today’s world, drawing a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. "With all the distractions that we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?" he asked the crowd. "The raising of our flag and our pledge of allegiance embodies patriotism, sacrifice, devotion, security, and loyalty."
The Honor Guard formally raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Constantine Ferssizidis, Board Member of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduate. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he sustained severe injuries. He credited the support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund with helping him and his family through his recovery. "They were always with me from the very beginning," he said. "I’m proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to help all branches, supporting over 33,000 veterans across this nation."
Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories of veterans from the Manassas area and underscoring their essential role in the community. “Veterans are the very lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton stated, adding, “The best way to honor veterans' service is to speak their names, share their stories, and remember their contributions to our country.” She recounted a meeting with local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share their legacy.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed deep gratitude to all veterans present and nationwide. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are owed to their sacrifices,” he stated.
The Manassas Park Veterans Flag Ceremony poignantly reminds the city of its dedication to honoring its veterans, recognizing their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant part of the population, strengthening local businesses, enriching community values, and shaping future generations with their resilience and service.
The new Dean Park is well on its way to completion, with the fields and courts on track to open in March 2025 following a years-long planning and renovation process.
The new park is part of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, which will be replacing the existing Jennie Dean building on the same lot in Manassas. Designs for the new building were approved in February, and there were disagreements between City Council and the Manassas City Public School Board about the future of the existing building in the spring.
The districts most likely to shift Virginia’s current balance of power in the House of Representatives from Democratic to Republican would be District 7 or 10, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project – but that may prove a tough feat for District 10’s Republican Mike Clancy.
Clancy is a lawyer, tech executive and “national media commentator,” according to his campaign website. He was the clear winner of the district’s Republican primary, capturing nearly 65% of the vote. But he has never been elected to state-level office before. At the same time, his competitor is Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, elected to the state Senate after two terms in its House of Delegates.
On October 29, a stabbing was reported on Stream Walk Lane. A 41-year-old man was cut multiple times during a verbal argument with a 28-year-old suspect, who is now wanted for aggravated malicious wounding. The victim was treated for serious injuries, and efforts to find the suspect have not been successful.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On October 29 at 10:26PM, officers responded to the 8000 block of Stream Walk Ln. [near] Manassas (20109) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 41-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused cut the victim multiple times before the parties separated and the accused left the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital for serious, non-life threatening injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Rene DELCID ROMERO. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Declid Romero, R.
Wanted: [Photo from July 2023]
Rene DELCID ROMERO, 28, of the 8200 block of Community Dr. [near] Manassas
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’5”, 165lbs., with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for aggravated malicious wounding
The City of Manassas has several boards and commissions that work to inform City Council's decisions by studying issues, plans and policies.
There are several vacancies in Manassas, and here's a comprehensive list of the immediate openings with the roles and responsibilities. If any of these positions are of interest, there's an application and interview process for each.
Several Manassas police officers were recognized for bravery at a recent ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.
On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.
Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka’s rendition of the national anthem followed as voices joined in unison to celebrate the freedoms the veterans fought to protect.
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Commissioner Charles Ziegler, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services commissioner, took the stage. A retired Navy veteran with 31 years of service, Ziegler spoke poignantly about veterans' sacrifices and the American flag's enduring symbolism. "The American flag has been the symbol of our nation's unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens," he remarked. "Every pledge of allegiance we take, and every flag-raising we witness is a celebration, and it honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe."
Reflecting on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, Ziegler emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in today’s world, drawing a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. "With all the distractions that we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?" he asked the crowd. "The raising of our flag and our pledge of allegiance embodies patriotism, sacrifice, devotion, security, and loyalty."
The Honor Guard formally raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Constantine Ferssizidis, Board Member of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduate. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he sustained severe injuries. He credited the support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund with helping him and his family through his recovery. "They were always with me from the very beginning," he said. "I’m proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to help all branches, supporting over 33,000 veterans across this nation."
Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories of veterans from the Manassas area and underscoring their essential role in the community. “Veterans are the very lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton stated, adding, “The best way to honor veterans' service is to speak their names, share their stories, and remember their contributions to our country.” She recounted a meeting with local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share their legacy.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed deep gratitude to all veterans present and nationwide. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are owed to their sacrifices,” he stated.
The Manassas Park Veterans Flag Ceremony poignantly reminds the city of its dedication to honoring its veterans, recognizing their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant part of the population, strengthening local businesses, enriching community values, and shaping future generations with their resilience and service.
From The Center Square:
On October 29, a stabbing was reported on Stream Walk Lane. A 41-year-old man was cut multiple times during a verbal argument with a 28-year-old suspect, who is now wanted for aggravated malicious wounding. The victim was treated for serious injuries, and efforts to find the suspect have not been successful.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
![The City of Manassas shared some birds-eye view updates on the Dean Park renovations. [Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dean-park-5-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dean-park-1-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dean-park-2-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dean-park-3-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas via Facebook]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/dean-park-4-1260x840.jpg){kind=link}