Founded in 2020, Commonwealth Aviation has merged with Aero Elite and expanded to a new office space in Manassas, becoming one of the largest flight schools in the mid-Atlantic. The new location was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on November 1, offering a professional and welcoming environment for students and pilots.

Press Release:

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Fire crews responded to a car fire that spread to a house and surrounding brush on Molair Road near Manassas. The fire caused extensive damage to the home, which was deemed unsafe, and the American Red Cross is assisting two occupants.

Press Release from Prince William Fire and Rescue:

House Fire

Sunday, November 10, 2024

10:18 AM

This morning units were dispatched to the 11800 blk of Molair Road ([Near] Manassas) for a caller reporting a car on fire next to a house. Crews arrived on the scene with an auto fire and a rapidly spreading fire into a single-family dwelling. The surrounding brush and other combustibles were also ignited. The location of the home required rural water supply operations, but the fire was quickly brought under control. The home sustained extensive damage and was declared unsafe to occupy by the Building Official. No injuries were reported. The American Red [Cross] is assisting 2 adult occupants who were displaced. Based on observations and witnesses, indications are the fire was ignited by the recently driven and parked vehicle igniting combustible vegetation under the vehicle.

 

 

Prince William County has completed a $30-million infrastructure project along Prince William Parkway and Discovery Boulevard, funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The improvements include expanded lanes, a shared-use path, and a sidewalk, aimed at reducing congestion and supporting economic growth in the area.

Press Release:

Prince William County has successfully completed substantial improvements along 5,000 feet of Prince William Parkway and 1,500 feet along Discovery Boulevard, including enhancements at the intersection of Discovery Boulevard and Hornbaker Road.

The $30-million project, funded entirely by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, or NVTA, features a new 10-foot-wide asphalt shared-use path and a five-foot-wide concrete sidewalk. It also adds a lane in each direction on Prince William Parkway, expanding the road to three lanes in each direction within the project limits. Discovery Boulevard now includes a 2,000-foot extension as a four-lane divided roadway from its intersection with University Boulevard.

The improvements are expected to significantly reduce wait times at traffic signals along Prince William Parkway and enhance access to key county destinations, particularly in the Brentsville Magisterial District.

“This interchange is the main gateway to Innovation Park, George Mason University SciTech campus and the future Innovation district,” Brentsville District Supervisor Tom Gordy said at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “And these are all magnets for economic development for Prince William County. By next year, we will see a town center coming to life, and having this interchange complete before the new traffic comes ensures that we will be able to accommodate the growth that we hope to see from all these investments.”

Prince William County Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson agreed with Gordy’s comments.

“This critical project improves access to Innovation Technology Park,” Jefferson said. “This is an area of critical importance to the county, and it’ll be great to have the infrastructure in place to support future growth.”

Jefferson went on to thank the NVTA for funding the project.

“This $30 million project would not have been completed without funding from NVTA, and NVTA has been a vital partner on so many transportation projects across our county; and this is just the latest project we’ve collaborated on together,” Jefferson said.

NVTA Executive Director Monica Backmon said she remembers the groundbreaking for the project in 2018.

“It just speaks to what we do and who we are at the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority,” said Backmon. “Multi-modal is what we do… reduced congestion means improved quality of life… reducing congestion means a direct impact and a positive impact on the economy.”

Christina Winn, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the new transportation infrastructure in supporting Prince William County’s economic development goals.

“When you look at really being able to attract jobs and improve the quality of life for employees, having an amazing transportation network is paramount,” Winn said. “This project is going to continue to move Innovation Park and Prince William County forward.”

With these upgrades, Prince William County residents and visitors will benefit from improved mobility, reduced congestion and increased economic opportunities.

Watch the Buzz video from the event.

We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.

If you want to get some winter fun on the ice, Harris Pavilion in Manassas will transform into an ice skating rink from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy skating under the winter sky, with all the details on times, costs, and skate rentals available on the Manassas City Parks, Culture & Recreation website. For those looking to make it a private affair, the pavilion offers one-hour private ice skating sessions for groups of up to 20, perfect for family get-togethers or office holiday parties.

Manassas Park is also joining in the festivities with their Light Parade & Viewing Party on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Manassas Drive & Park Central Plaza. The event will feature a light parade, tree lighting, food trucks, a holiday movie, and even a chance to grab a photo with Santa. It’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy a night of holiday lights and cheer. For more information, you can check out mpdpr.com/mplightparade.

In Nokesville, two cherished holiday traditions are back. The Nokesville Tree Lighting kicks things off on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m. at 12923 Fitzwater Drive. Bring the family out to meet the Claus family, enjoy caroling, and soak up the holiday spirit. Then, on Saturday, December 14, at 4 PM, Santa will make a special return for the annual Nokesville Christmas Parade. With Santa riding on a holiday-themed float and community participants adding to the cheer, this parade will light up the season. Miller Toyota and Prince William County F.U.N sponsor both events.

Vice President Kamala Harris (D) outperformed — commanded a larger, more comfortable lead — President Joe Biden in Manassas City in the 2024 presidential election, gaining a higher percentage of the city's voters than Biden did in 2020.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), a nonpartisan nonprofit that provides accessible financial and campaign information for elections, in last week's presidential election — despite President-elect Donald Trump's performance in other Virginia counties and cities — the City of Manassas shifted more to the left, a trend not seen in many neighboring jurisdictions.

This article is for our Locals Only members. Please Sign In or upgrade and Become a Locals Only Member today! Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

Following the Tuesday, November 5, 2025, General Election, Manassas Park will see a new mayor and a fresh face on the city council. Democrat Alanna M. Mensing, who ran unopposed, will assume the mayoral role, succeeding outgoing Mayor Jeanette Rishell. Mensing received 83.87% of the vote, marking a significant shift as Rishell, mayor since 2016, did not seek re-election this year.

Mensing, who has been involved in city government, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has served as Vice Mayor from 2022 to 2024 and has been a city council member since 2019. Additionally, she sits on the Manassas Park Planning Commission and previously served a term on the city’s school board. Outside of her public service, Mensing is a self-employed music teacher, offering lessons to local children and teaching piano at the Manassas Park Community Center from 2015 to 2020. She has resided in Manassas Park since 2009.

Democrat-endorsed Stacy J. Seiberling, who received 22.53% of the votes, will join the council. She brings a strong background in public service and local involvement. Seiberling has been a Manassas Park resident since

1999, serving on the Manassas Park School Board and the city’s Social Services Committee. She also has extensive experience in IT solutions, government management, and project management and holds a PMP certification. As a council member, Seiberling intends to prioritize fiscal responsibility, improve government transparency, and focus on community-driven solutions.

Returning to the council are two incumbents, Yesenia E. “Yesy” Amaya and Darryl G. Moore were re-elected. Amaya, originally from El Salvador, has been a Manassas Park resident since 2001. She brings business experience from owning and operating a bakery in Prince William County and an event venue with her sister. She captured 26.51% of the vote. Moore, a seasoned policy expert with 13 years in management with the Oakland Housing Authority and former Berkeley, California, city council member, garnered 26.25%.

Independent candidate Laura H. Hampton lost her re-election bid. Hampton, a lifelong Manassas Park resident, has served on the council since 2021. She is well-known for her advocacy work, including founding local initiatives like the Manassas Park Community Maintenance Group and Keep the Park Beautiful.

This election ushers in a blend of continuity and new perspectives for Manassas Park. Mensing is poised to lead the city into its next chapter as mayor, and Seiberling is adding her expertise to the governing body. The new council will focus on local issues, aiming to make the city a better place to live and work.

Federal and state

Democrats kept their stronghold in Manassas Park as Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic candidates continued to secure significant leads over their Republican counterparts despite a stronger showing from former President Donald Trump in neighboring Prince William County.

In the Presidential race, Harris captured 58.57% of the vote in Manassas Park with 3,341 votes, while Trump followed with 38.50% and 2,196 votes. The outcome highlights the challenges Republicans face in gaining traction in this Democratic-leaning area, even as Trump’s performance across Prince William County showed marked improvement over previous years. According to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), Trump narrowed the Democratic lead in Prince William County, winning 40% of the vote compared to his 36% share in 2020. Vice President Harris, meanwhile, won 57% of the county, a six-point drop from President Joe Biden’s 2020 win.

In the race for U.S. Senate, winning incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine maintained a comfortable lead, receiving 63.38% of the vote (3,545 votes) in Manassas Park. Republican challenger Hung Cao garnered 36.15% (2,022 votes). Kaine’s stronghold reflects the Democratic presence in this Senate seat and adds momentum for his party at the state level.

For the 10th District House of Representatives seat, Democratic candidate Suhas Subramanyam received 59.40% of the Manassas Park vote, totaling 3,281 votes. His Republican opponent, Mike Clancy, received 39.95%, or 2,207 votes. This demonstrates a similar trend to the Senate race, with Democratic support prevailing in the district. Subramanyam will replace the retiring Jennifer Wexton (D) who did not seek re-eleciton.

These results come amid a new alliance for local Republicans. In October, the Prince William County Republican Committee announced that it merged with the Manassas Park Republican Committee. The consolidation aims to strengthen the Republican base in Prince William County and Manassas Park as the party seeks to build on Trump’s gains.

The American Legion Post 10 is hosting its annual Veterans Day ceremony in the City of Manassas Saturday (tomorrow) at the Harris Pavilion.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, but attendees should be seated in the pavilion by 9:30 a.m. There will be several performances this year by the following:

• Osbourn High School Marching Band;
• Unity Reed High School Air Force JROTC;
• Northern Virginia  Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band;
• The Young Marines; and
• The Boy Scouts.

And several people will give their remarks at the ceremony:

• M.C. Gunnery Sgt. M. Lewis;
• Steve Botello (Chaplain, American Legion Post 10);
• Douglas Keen, Manassas City Police Chief/Interim City Manager;
• Rick Raskin (Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7589);
• Cmdr. Stan Moore (American Legion Post 10);
• Lt. General Dan O’Donohue (USMC retired); and
• Rebecca R.Neiss.

Post 10 was formerly charted in 1986 and is named for Robert “Bobby” Vincent McMaugh, a member of the Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 18, 1983. According to the Post 10’s website, McMaugh was killed with 16 other Americans and dozens of Lebanese citizens when the embassy was attacked.

If you’re going:

• What: Veterans Day Ceremony by the American Legion Post 10
• When: Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m.
• Where: Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St., Manassas)

Today, the Bull Run Rotary Club kicks off its 8th Annual Flags for Heroes ceremony, a moving tribute honoring veterans, active-duty service members, frontline workers, and local first responders. This event, hosted on the lawn of the Manassas Museum at 9101 Prince William Street, begins with an opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and will remain on display until November 16.

Throughout the morning, Bull Run Rotary members and volunteers have been busy setting up the flag display and transforming the museum lawn with hundreds of American flags, each dedicated to a hero. Over the past eight years, the Flags for Heroes initiative has raised more than $35,000 through flag sponsorships, with proceeds benefiting the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. This organization provides a peaceful sanctuary for wounded veterans, helping them reconnect with family and find respite.

For a $50 donation, community members can sponsor a flag in honor or memory of a loved one who has served. The public is encouraged to visit the display to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals, each flag symbolizing dedication and bravery.

The Flags for Heroes event is more than just a display—it’s an opportunity for the Manassas community to unite, celebrate its heroes, and support a cause dedicated to those who have given so much.

For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.

With local Democratic victories and federal Republican victories, a large swath of elected officials and political groups took to X — formerly Twitter — to express gratitude, sadness and to celebrate.

Thank you, Virginia. It’s an honor to be your Senator. pic.twitter.com/iyVvFj5uVO

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) November 6, 2024

Thank you, Virginia! pic.twitter.com/D4gVsG2zVM

— Eugene Vindman (@YVindman) November 6, 2024

Nationally, I'm at a lost for words, so I'm focusing on Virginia broadly and SD-30 specifically.
Locally, our Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park Democrats swept the seats they contested: 2 mayors, 6 city council seats (3 per city) and 3/4 of the Manassas School Board seats. ?

— Sen. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) November 6, 2024

I am honored and humbled that the people of Virginia’s 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our… pic.twitter.com/rV1Kez0Evn

— Suhas Subramanyam (@SuhasforVA) November 6, 2024

CONGRATULATIONS @SuhasforVA!

I couldn’t be prouder to call Suhas my next Congressman, and to have him carry on my legacy fighting for the families of #VA10.

Suhas is going to be an outstanding leader who will bring our community together. pic.twitter.com/NBu4DdXw1R

— Jennifer Wexton (@JenniferWexton) November 6, 2024

Congratulations @SuhasforVA! Mid-and-Western Prince William County will be well-served.

Thank you again, @JenniferWexton for your years of service to our shared constituents. https://t.co/eP5qdJS1Sv

— Kenny A. Boddye (@KennyBoddye) November 6, 2024

The #Latino Vote….Historic Shift, 41%!!! Hard working folks who love America and know in their hearts, we deserve so much more.

Gracias mi gente hermosa! ???? pic.twitter.com/2Lr82m1fA3

— Yesli Vega (@yestoyesli) November 6, 2024

Congratulations to the Congressman-Elect for Virginia's 7th District: @YVindman!

Thank you to @SpanbergerForVA for helping to pave the way to keeping VA-7 blue through your tireless service to our shared constituents! https://t.co/eNQrfoBVNT

— Kenny A. Boddye (@KennyBoddye) November 6, 2024

The #Latino Vote….Historic Shift, 41%!!! Hard working folks who love America and know in their hearts, we deserve so much more.

Gracias mi gente hermosa! ???? pic.twitter.com/2Lr82m1fA3

— Yesli Vega (@yestoyesli) November 6, 2024

pic.twitter.com/KQWK5BVsTA

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) November 6, 2024