MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas Olive Oil Company celebrated a significant milestone on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its 10th anniversary in Historic Downtown Manassas.

The event, held at 4 p.m. on July 11, 2025, welcomed customers, community members, and local officials to the shop at 9406 Grant Avenue. Attendees were treated to celebratory snacks, including cheese and crackers, brownies, and other goodies as part of a weekend-long event honoring the store’s decade of business.

In addition to the in-store festivities, the shop offered a 10% discount on all products from Friday through Sunday, both in-store and online. The automatic discount gave longtime fans and new customers a chance to stock up on a wide selection of fresh olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars sourced from around the world.

Manassas Olive Oil Company first opened its doors in 2014. Since then, it has become a staple in the downtown business community, known for its tasting gallery that features more than 40 varieties of oils and vinegars, along with gourmet goods like crackers, cheese, honey, spice blends, and handmade pottery.

The business also offers private group tastings for up to 20 people and encourages walk-in tastings during normal business hours, which are Tuesday through Sunday.

For more information, visit manassasoliveoil.com.

MANASSAS, Va. – On Monday, July 14, the Manassas City Council is expected to vote on transferring $725,000 from its capital reserves to the city’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the purchase of another property behind the Manassas Shopping Center.

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According to Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) officials, Osbourn High School's connector project, which aims to provide a safe walking space from the school's main building to the Johnson Learning Center, is "on time and under budget."

The project was first proposed by Superintendent Kevin Newman, Ed.D., in 2022, and recently began construction at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

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MANASSAS, Va. – A small plane carrying 27 rescued animals touched down at the APP Jet Center in Manassas on Wednesday afternoon, marking another mission by Pilots To The Rescue.

Onboard were 15 cats and 12 dogs transported from overcrowded shelters in Birmingham, Alabama. The flight was made possible by the BISSELL Pet Foundation and volunteers like pilot Paul Mamauag and his co-pilot Mackenzie.

“A lot of these pets need rescue because unfortunately in the southern states that we have, it gets very overcrowded, especially during storms like we’ve seen in Texas and Florida,” said Mamauag. “Pets just become displaced or lost and they end up in overcrowded shelters, which unfortunately end up to euthanization.”

“Our main mission is to help rescue them from those states and move them up north to shelters that are a lot less crowded and don’t have euthanization,” he added.

The animals will be cared for by the Charles County Animal Care Center in Maryland, Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Virginia, and Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in New Jersey.

“Honestly, one of my friends who’s also a volunteer rescue pilot for the El Paso Rescue Viking, he introduced me to the owner, Michael, and I hopped on a trip with him,” Mamauag said. “We went down to, I forget where, but we rescued about 35 cats that day.”

“Honestly, it was just a great feeling being able to work with them and meeting all the foster parents and the shelters and the people around. It was really inspiring and I really wanted to help out and enjoy.”

Mamauag has been a pilot for about three to four years and has flown “well over 50 missions.”

“Usually we have our typical house pets, dogs and cats, but every now and again we’ll get a couple foxes, cats, anybody that really needs help rescuing,” he said.

“Well, I believe so far we’ve done four or five this month. It’s really getting up there because of the summertime. But usually we do about once a week, once or twice a week,” he said of the mission frequency.

“Well, you can look it up on our website on podsfortherescue.org. For anyone, shelters or people looking to see if they can help move animals from those states down south to up north, that’s our biggest mean of communication,” he said. “And yeah, fantastic.”

“I love what I do, but the only reason we’re able to do what we do is due to donations of people that also love these animals,” Mamauag said. “So if you want to continue to support us, we love it and we thank you.”

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MANASSAS, Va. – The Manassas City Republican Committee headquarters was vandalized on July 4, 2025, in an incident now under investigation by police.

Zachary Murphy, a committee member, discovered the damage shortly before 9:45 a.m., Saturday, July 5, while walking to the city’s farmers market. He had spent the morning decorating the headquarters at 9016 Center Street for Independence Day, hanging an American flag, and putting up patriotic bunting.

“While I was walking to the farmers market, I got a text about what had happened,” Murphy said.

On the front window of the building, someone had scrawled the word “Fash”—an apparent attempt to write “fascist.” “It looks like they were trying to write ‘fascist,’ but they weren’t very good at spelling or spacing,” Murphy noted. He also observed a suspicious substance on the window that he believed to be urine. Murphy removed the graffiti using nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol.

Murphy said that someone had also pulled down one of the American flags, but there was no video surveillance on the building to capture the vandalism. Manassas police responded to the scene, and a bystander reported seeing a suspicious individual in the area. Another committee member, Stephen Kent, visited the building at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 to retrieve his bike and confirmed the flag had been removed.

Murphy expressed frustration but also called for constructive civic engagement: “Get your message out—it’s your civic duty to speak your mind—but it’s got to be constructive.”

The vandalism came as the local GOP committee prepared to celebrate July 4 and support its slate of candidates in upcoming elections.

The Republican Party in Manassas advocates for conservative principles outlined in the Republican Party of Virginia’s creed, including free enterprise, fiscal responsibility, constitutional limits on government, and a strong national defense.

In April 2024, George Ellis was elected the new chairman of the committee. The committee holds monthly meetings, typically on the second Wednesday, at Old Towne Sports Pub in downtown Manassas.

The committee endorsed Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom for mayor and Robyn Williams, Lynn Forkell Greene, and Stephen Kent for City Council in the 2024 local elections. It has also nominated Nate Fritzen for City Treasurer and Deon Shamberger for Commissioner of Revenue in 2025.

The group encourages civic participation through volunteering, campaigning, and attending events. For more information, visit manassascitygop.com.

MANASSAS, Va. – A dragon, a swamp, and a whole lot of heart are taking over the stage at All Saints Catholic Church this summer as the Upper Room Theatre Ministry prepares for its biggest production yet: Shrek the Musical.

Celebrating nearly 25 years since its founding, the Upper Room Theatre Ministry has transformed from a small church program into a regionally recognized theater experience. What began in 2000 with just 14 cast members in Godspell has become a summer tradition that draws talent from across the Mid-Atlantic and fills seats with thousands of theatergoers from around the region.

“From the very beginning, it was about giving young people something bigger than themselves to be a part of,” said Chris Zavadowski, one of the theater’s longtime leaders. “And now it’s something the whole community looks forward to every year.”

This summer’s production of Shrek the Musical features seven performances from July 15–20, with an expected audience of more than 3,500. The show includes a cast and crew of volunteers—some seasoned professionals, others brand new to the stage. Zavadowski and fellow director Rob Tessier say that’s part of the magic: a mix of Broadway-caliber talent and first-time performers learning side by side.

Auditions for Shrek drew more than 170 hopefuls from Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and West Virginia. The production will feature a massive 14-foot-tall set, an orchestra performing on 78 different instruments, and a show-stopping, 13-foot animatronic dragon—custom built by a team in China that typically creates creatures for theme parks.

Tessier, who also serves as the church’s Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, says the production has a deeper purpose. “The incredible thing is that all profits go back into supporting our youth ministry programs,” he said. “Last summer alone, we funded mission trips for about 150 students through the success of our theater program.”

From costume rentals sourced from Philadelphia to volunteers who have gone on to perform on Broadway, at Disney, or with the National Symphony Orchestra, the production draws top-tier talent. But what makes the ministry stand out is its commitment to community and mentorship. Volunteers help train aspiring sound engineers, lighting designers, and stage crew members—many of whom get their first exposure to the arts through Upper Room.

“We jokingly call it ‘Camp Upper Room’ sometimes,” said Zavadowski. “Every person involved, whether it’s their first show or their 100th, grows and learns through this process.”

This year’s production promises more than spectacle. At its core, Shrek the Musical offers a message about dignity, acceptance, and self-worth. “It’s a story that reminds us that everyone has a place and a purpose,” said Tessier. “We want audiences to leave smiling, laughing, maybe even a little teary-eyed—but definitely feeling something meaningful.”

Performances will be held at the All Saints Performing Arts Center, just outside Old Town Manassas. The venue includes free parking, reserved seating, and family-friendly matinees. VIP passes are also available and include perks like backstage tours and exclusive photo ops.

For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit upperroomtheatreministry.org/tickets.

July will be a fun and (hopefully less) warm month around Prince William County and Manassas with dozens of activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Thursday (July 3)

• Teen Pocky and KitKat Taste Test, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

Friday (July 4)

• Celebrate America, 3 to 10 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 7

• Mini Mandalas, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Teen Bunny Cuddle, 4 to 5 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• A Dicey Affair, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Summer Scares Book Tasting, 6 to 7 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 8

• Bugman, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Hawaiiana, 10:30 to 11::30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Animal Therapy Petting Zoo, 11 a.m. to noon (Potomac Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• DIY Soapmaking for Teens, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• TAG Makers – Summer Edition, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Enslow Duo), 7 p.m.

July 9

• Friends Book Sorting, 1 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• CASA Health Navigators, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 10

• Sidewalk Chalk Day, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)

July 11

• BUG Fest, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Central Library)
• Fascinating Fossil, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)

July 12

• Tiny Art, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Dale City Library)
• Beautiful Binding Basics, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Latin American Artisans & Entrepreneurs Expo, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Swift Escape, 1 to 2 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Drawing 101, 1 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)
• Murder Mystery, 2 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 13

• NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 14

• Paper Clip Washi Jewelry Take and Make, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Winnie-the-Pooh, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Stuffie Taxidermy, 2:30 to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

July 15

• 8-Bit Art with Perler Beads, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Murder Mystery: Teen Edition, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Ransom Note Bookmarks, 2 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday (Kevin Koa), 7 p.m.

July 16

• Retro Horror Movie Night, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

July 17

• Cryptid Party, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

July 19

• Kinderquarium, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Ghost Talk with Old Spirit Investigations, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)
• Twilight Trek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

July 21

• Melodic Adventures: Our Colorful World of Feelings, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Once Upon a Crime, 2 to 3 p.m. (Montclair Library)

July 22

• Wildlife Center of VA, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Cup of Cozy Mysteries, 11 a.m. to noon (Nokesville Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Grayson Moon Duo), 7 p.m.

July 23

• Not Just a Pretty Face, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)

July 24

• Alcohol Ink Art Night, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

July 26

• Circuit Court Clerk’s Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Murder Mystery, 11 a.m. to noon (Lake Ridge Library)
• Nature’s Palette, 2 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)

July 27

• International Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

July 28

• Pipecleaner Dragonfly, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Teen Stipple Art, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Books Alive, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

July 29

• Halloween in July Story Trail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday (Shane Gamble), 7 p.m.

July 31

• Intro to Glass Fusing, 2 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

MANASSAS, Va. – Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is officially underway, thanks to a major investment from the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a $2.6 million grant from GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative focused on strengthening regional economies and supporting high-wage industries. Local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will contribute an additional $1.3 million, bringing the total initial investment to $3.9 million.

The funding supports the launch of the Innovation District centered around George Mason University’s SciTech Campus in Prince William County and the City of Manassas. The 3,800-acre district is expected to accelerate growth in sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors while helping residents build careers without leaving the region.

According to a 2024 concept plan, the Innovation District will serve as a connector between local jurisdictions, research institutions, and private industry. “Serving as a catalyst, convener, connector, communicator and capacity-builder, the Innovation District will be a destination for ambitious minds to fuel lasting economic growth,” the plan states.

Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe of Manassas said the partnership between Manassas, Prince William County, and George Mason University leverages the area’s existing strengths. “We’ve got a critical mass of technology and brain power, and frankly, money, that can come together and create a technology hub that will benefit everyone,” Wolfe said.

The district will be guided by the Innovation District Committee, a public-private partnership chaired by Amy Adams, executive director of George Mason’s Institute for BioHealth Innovation. While the committee will oversee funding, marketing, and outreach, land use decisions will remain with Manassas and Prince William County.

Several programs will roll out over the next 18 months, including a Fall 2025 launch of an International Life Science Soft Landing Program to attract global startups, a corporate mentorship initiative for senior engineering students, and a Winter 2026 launch of a Life Science Certificate Program and Young Professionals Network.

Founding partners include George Mason University, the City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, Prince William County, and private firms such as Micron, ATCC, and Employment Enterprises. Dominion Energy, IMEG, and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce are also backing the effort as SciTech Innovators.

The funding will also help pay for staffing, marketing, and accelerator programming to support start-ups and existing companies in navigating regulatory pathways, building strategic plans, and connecting with investors.

“The Innovation District will connect education, research, and industry,” Adams said. “It gives students and employers new ways to create real-world impact.”

MANASSAS, Va. – The contract will fund a range of research and testing activities focused on hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems (HEPPS). Electra will apply these efforts to its EL9, a nine-passenger ultra-short takeoff and landing (Ultra-STOL) aircraft currently in development.

According to a press release from Electra, the project will deliver “valuable insights and test data to help the Army understand the benefits, trade-offs, and operational procedures associated with operating hybrid-electric propulsion systems.”

“This work gives the Army a clear path forward in understanding how hybrid-electric technologies can support real operational demands, while enabling entirely new logistics capabilities,” said Donn Yates, Vice President of Government Programs at Electra. “Electra’s hybrid-electric Ultra-STOL aircraft redefines what’s possible for Army Aviation with its ability to operate from small, rugged sites, reduce fuel demand, and increase flexibility for the commander.”

Electra’s EL2 prototype aircraft has already demonstrated ultra-short takeoff and landing in under 150 feet. The EL9 is designed to operate in helicopter-sized spaces and deliver mobile power, while retaining the range and safety of a fixed-wing aircraft. Over the next 18 months, Electra will carry out a six-part effort that includes trade studies, operational analysis, modeling, simulation, and flight testing.

The company has previously flown the NASA Administrator aboard the EL2—the first time a U.S. government agency head has flown in an electric aircraft. This marks the sixth contract the Army has awarded to Electra to support the development of its Ultra-STOL technology.

MANASSAS, Va. – All lanes on Sudley Road are back open following an overhead communications wire issue that forced a full road closure earlier today.

Verizon completed repairs to the overhead lines by 3:29 p.m., and traffic signals are once again operating on their normal timing. City of Manassas Electric crews and police responded to the scene, with initial assistance from Verizon beginning around 1 p.m.

Although the road is fully reopened, drivers traveling northbound on Sudley Road may still encounter delays, particularly back to Stonewall Road. City officials expect traffic to return to normal as flow improves.

Police have not disclosed the cause of the issue.