Author: Caitlyn Meisner

I'm the Manassas Local News Editor. Please send me story ideas and news tips.

Manassas

78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade Winners Announced

By Caitlyn Meisner
The Patriot High School Marching Band won second place in the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. [Photo/Mike Beaty]

The parade organizers released a comprehensive list of winners in performance and float categories. The Chairman’s Award was given to the Manassas Park High School Marching Cougars, who earned a perfect score for their performance during the parade. The Parade Committee Award went to Caporales San Simon VA USA, a Bolivian cultural association.

All of the award winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Manassas City Hall. Winners will receive a trophy and certificate.

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Manassas

Call to Action: Holiday Volunteers Needed Around Prince William

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Samuel Peter via Pexels]

Volunteer Prince William has opened up several new opportunities through the holiday season. Make sure to check out some below. Get into the holiday spirit by supporting the Town of Dumfries Holiday Parade on Dec. 14! Volunteers age 18+ are needed to help direct patrons, provide traffic control, act as route monitors and any other help […]

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Manassas

Sinclair Lane Daytime Closures Begin Monday Morning

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Graphic courtesy of the Virginia Department of Transportation]

According to a release from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Sinclair Lane closures will take place between Brentsville Road and Smithfield Road. Closures will occur each weekday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The VDOT release states those needing to access Sinclair Lane will be able to, but drivers will not be able to go beyond the point of pipe replacement near the property at 11824 Sinclair Lane.

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Manassas

Annual Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade Return to Manassas

By Caitlyn Meisner
The 2023 Greater Manassas Christmas Parade. [Photo/Mike Beaty]

The holiday season will kick off at 5:15 p.m. Friday with Santa Lights Manassas, an annual event for more than 30 years. The tree lighting ceremony takes place the evening before the city’s big holiday parade.

According to the event website, the evening will begin with musical performances. Santa is expected to arrive around 6 p.m., then will greet children and listen to their holiday wishes. Free wagon rides will be available, as well as ice skating at Harris Pavilion.

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Breaking News

Woman, 22, in Critical Condition from Spotsylvania Shooting

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Courtesy of Northern Virginia Police Cars via Instagram]

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene to find the female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, provided “immediate medical attention.” Fire and Rescue transported the female to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.

The case is currently being investigated and does not appear to be a random act of violence, according to the Thursday release. Those with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822 and visiting them online.

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News

Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison in Hoadly Food Lion Murder

By Caitlyn Meisner

Mauricio Antonio Mayorga, 48, was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Nov. 21 for a March 2023 murder in the Hoadly Road Food Lion parking lot.

Judge James A. Willett found Mayorga guilty of one count of second-degree murder following his guilty plea on the charge. Willett also sentenced Mayorga.

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Features

Prince William County Offices Honored for ‘Outstanding’ Initiatives

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Anna Tarazevich via Pexels]

Founded in 1934, VACo aims to monitor state and national laws that will impact local governments and recommend actions at the annual conference in November. According to its website, VACo often represents local governments in the Commonwealth at both the state and national levels.

“These VACo awards exemplify Prince William County’s dedication to preserving our rich cultural heritage and creating meaningful career pathways for our youth,” County Executive Chris Shorter said. “They reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, resilient community where history is honored, and opportunities are accessible to all.”

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Features

Slideshow: 2024 Nokesville Tree Lighting

By Caitlyn Meisner
Santa and Mrs. Claus spoke to and greeted children who attended the tree lighting. [Photo by Mike Beaty]

The Nokesville Community Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Friday evening following Thanksgiving, officially welcoming in the Christmas holiday.

Coordinated by the Nokesville Community Christmas Parade — which will take place on Dec. 14 — dozens attended to see the neighborhood’s tree lit up for the first time this holiday season. One of those attendees was Virginia State Del. Ian Lovejoy (R-22), who represents parts of western Prince William County.

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Features

Free Presentations Offered for Seniors at Hylton Performing Arts Center

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Graphic courtesy of Lifelong Learning Institute]

The programs are both being held at George Mason University’s Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The programs focus on different topics and presented by two experts in their own right.

LLI offers two programs each year in the fall and spring for adults aged 50 and over, drawing on members, local college faculty and residents’ expertise. Classes are typically held at the Hylton Center, as well as local churches, mosques, the Manassas Park Recreation Center and the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College.

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News

Prince William Supervisors Pass on Taxpayer-Funded Sports Complex

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Pixabay via Pexels]

From the Prince William Times:

“Prince William County officials will not move forward with a plan to build a $130 million indoor sports complex with taxpayer money and instead are returning to the idea of trying to recruit a private company to build it as part of a larger development dubbed “The Landing Town Center.”

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