Press release:
Dylan Smith and Ester Garrido, who share a passion for fitness, recently opened Training Ed, a private personal training studio in Manassas at 9824 Liberia Avenue. With 10–15 years of experience and multiple certifications, their trainers provide personalized, contract-free sessions in a supportive environment.
The facility is equipped with premium gear and offers both in-person and virtual coaching, focusing on education and tailored programs for lasting results.
Celebrate Training Ed’s opening at their ribbon-cutting event on January 31 at 3:30 p.m., or learn more on their website.
The City Council unanimously approved the appointment during its Nov. 25 meeting, emphasizing Burke's experience and commitment to the community.
Burke will begin his tenure on Feb. 3, 2025, make a $246,000 annual salary, and bring over two decades of public administration experience to his new role. He has previously served as town manager for Front Royal and Luray, Va., where he was credited with implementing infrastructure projects and fostering community engagement. In January, Burke joined Manassas as the Director of Public Works, where he spearheaded improvements and built a rapport with city staff and residents.
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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 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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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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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.
While officers do not monitor exchanges, the area’s proximity to the police department gives residents an added sense of security.
The return of the safe exchange zone reflects a growing need for secure public spaces to facilitate online transactions and sensitive custody exchanges. Communities nationwide have embraced similar zones as a preventive measure against fraud, theft, and disputes.
Residents are encouraged to use the safe exchange zone whenever possible. Its location behind the Public Safety Facility ensures convenient access while maintaining privacy for those conducting exchanges.
For more information about the safe exchange zone, visit the Manassas City Police Department website.
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.”
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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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.
