PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for Virginia governor, will headline this year’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner hosted by the Prince William County Republican Committee on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Foxchase Manor, located just outside Manassas.

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The Prince William County Homeless Mobile Unit resumed operations this spring, offering weekly support to homeless residents in the western part of the county. The unit is stationed at Manassas Presbyterian Church, 8201 Ashton Avenue, every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., providing hot meals and referrals for mental health, housing, and substance abuse services. Feeding Friends now operates the unit, which was previously run by Serving Our Neighbors until September 2024.

Full press release:

The Prince William County Homeless Mobile Unit reopened this spring, bringing much-needed services to the unsheltered community in the western part of the county. The mobile unit operates every Thursday from the Manassas Presbyterian Church parking lot at 8201 Ashton Avenue, offering hot lunches, as well as mental health, housing and substance abuse referrals.

Previously operated by the non-profit Serving Our Neighbors, the unit ended operations in September and was donated to Prince William County to ensure the continued delivery of services. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the donation in December, and the unit underwent refurbishment and maintenance before its relaunch. The non-profit Feeding Friends will now assume operational responsibilities.

“I’m excited to get it started up again,” said Acting Assistant Director of the Homeless Services Division,?Tanya Odell. “The mobile unit serves our most vulnerable clients. It allows us to provide services on the spot to support them. It’s definitely needed.”

Phyllis Jennings-Holt, director of the county’s Department of Social Services, also emphasized the importance of the unit in addressing the needs of the unsheltered.

“Folks are in crises,” Jennings-Holt said. “Being unsheltered has an impact on your mental health, your physical health, so being able to go somewhere, even for a short period of time, to get some needs met, to talk to someone about next steps and to possibly get some help is important.”

The mobile unit is designed to meet people where they are and provide immediate assistance to those seeking stability.

“If the client is interested in services, they will be referred to those programs or departments to link them to those services. If they need help from federal agencies, we will help them start the process,” Odell said.

The mobile unit will be staffed by social workers, mental health professionals and outreach workers, operating Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with plans to increase operating hours in the near future.

For more information on available services, visit pwcva.gov/socialservices.

Michele Hupman, Principal of Weems Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Washington Post Principal of the Year for Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS). The award was announced on April 24, 2025, and honors principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and create impactful learning environments. Hupman has served as principal at Weems since 2022 and is recognized for improving student outcomes and school culture.

Here’s the full press release:

Manassas City Public Schools is excited to recognize Michele Hupman, Principal of Weems Elementary School, as the division’s 2025 Washington Post Principal of the Year. This distinguished honor recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their role to create exceptional learning environments, inspire excellence in school leadership, and foster meaningful improvements in their school communities.

Hupman, who has served as principal of Weems Elementary since 2022, was surprised with the announcement on Thursday, April 24, by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman, Deputy Superintendent Craig Gfeller, and Executive Director of Human Resources Billie Kay Wingfield. She was presented with flowers and a banner to hang proudly outside the school for the next year.

A passionate educator with nearly 20 years of experience, Hupman is recognized by staff and peers as a transformative leader who brings energy, empathy, and excellence to every facet of her role. Under her leadership, Weems has seen notable improvements in academic achievement, student attendance, and school culture.

Her nomination was supported by heartfelt letters from multiple staff members, praising her hands-on leadership and uplifting presence.

“‘Have a good day on purpose’—that’s Mrs. Hupman’s tagline, and it resonates! She is positivity personified,” wrote Kindergarten Instructional Assistant Wendy King.

Whether greeting students with hugs, participating in Collaborative Learning Team meetings, attending every after-school event, or setting up monthly attendance celebrations, Hupman is known for showing up, pitching in, and lifting others up. Her leadership style is rooted in service, community connection, and a relentless belief in every student’s potential.

“She has been instrumental in improving our school culture, fostering team spirit, and encouraging inclusion and collaboration among staff, students, the community, and the PTO,” Instructional Assistant Hira Panth noted.

Others praised her leadership in professional learning and her deep investment in staff development.

“She is consistently making sure that the students are at the forefront of all the work we do and teachers have the tools needed to be successful,” said Dhanel Brown, Weems’ Instructional Facilitator. “It is because of her that I decided to apply for the role of Instructional Facilitator—she saw leadership qualities in me that I had yet to see in myself.”

Hupman was one of 27 finalists from the Washington metropolitan area selected to compete for the Post’s Principal of the Year Award.

MANASSAS, Va. —  A false lockdown alert briefly disrupted the start of the school day at Osbourn High School, located at 1977 Eagle Way in Manassas, after a technical error mistakenly triggered a security alarm around 9:12 a.m.

The Manassas City Police Department, which has a school resource officer (SRO) stationed at the school, confirmed that the alert was a false alarm caused by a technology error. Police say they were already on the scene when the alert was issued and remained in constant communication with school administrators throughout the incident.

Manassas City Public Schools also confirmed that the building was secured as a precaution and that the “all-clear” was issued by 9:13 a.m. Normal school operations have since resumed.

“We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community,” the school division said in a statement to families.

Police spokeswoman Alexis Williams emphasized that “everything is okay” and that no threat to students or staff occurred.

MANASSAS, Va. — Electra.aero, a Manassas-based aerospace company, has raised $115 million in Series B funding to move its revolutionary EL9 Ultra Short aircraft into pre-production and certification. The hybrid-electric, nine-passenger aircraft is designed to take off and land in just 150 feet, making it ideal for areas without traditional aviation infrastructure.

Led by Prysm Capital, the funding round brings on Jay Park as a new board member. The EL9 uses blown-lift and hybrid-electric technology to offer the agility of a helicopter, the quiet of an electric vehicle, and the cost-efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft. Electra has already secured over 2,200 pre-orders worth more than $10 billion and is working with the U.S. military through multiple SBIR contracts to explore defense applications.

Electra’s CEO, Marc Allen, says the EL9 represents a leap forward in advanced air mobility, with capabilities that can transform commercial air travel and military logistics alike.

Full Press Release:

Manassas, VA, April 21, 2025 – Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) today announced it has secured $115 million in Series B funding to enter the pre-production and certification phase of the EL9, the first-ever Ultra Short aircraft, which can take off and land in 150 feet – roughly 10% of the footprint required for similarly-sized legacy airplanes.

The round was led by Prysm Capital, and Jay Park, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Prysm, has joined Electra’s Board of Directors.

“We are delighted to welcome Jay and Prysm to the Electra family,” said Electra Board Chair John Langford. “They’ve already become an indispensable partner and advisor as we transition from prototype to product with the EL9.”

By integrating blown lift technology with hybrid-electric propulsion, Electra’s 9-passenger EL9 Ultra Short offers a range of transformative dual-use capabilities. It operates with the landing and takeoff versatility of a helicopter, the quiet of an electric vehicle, and the cost advantage and safety of a fixed-wing, fixed-propeller aircraft. With the EL9, commercial operators can connect communities that lack traditional aviation infrastructure, fly into airports with strict noise restrictions, create new opportunities and business models for cargo services, and save travelers significant time.

For defense operators, the EL9 introduces novel logistics and troop transport capabilities, including the ability to take off and land with a low signature in helicopter-sized spaces in remote, austere areas and providing mobile power capabilities while building on the safety, cost, and range advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft.

Electra has secured more than 2,200 pre-orders valued at over $10 billion for the EL9 – marking one of the largest provisional order pipelines in the commercial Advanced Air Mobility sector. Additionally, Electra has won over 20 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and NASA, and is currently performing on a Strategic Funding Increase contract with the U.S. Air Force to develop the EL9 for military use cases.

“At Electra, we are on a mission to deliver a new era of aviation, a leap forward in advanced air mobility that is both transformational and practical,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “The EL9 Ultra Short opens the door to opportunities to establish new commercial routes, connect communities currently lacking aviation infrastructure, and enable entirely novel logistics capabilities for warfighters. We look forward to working with our partners at Prysm to continue the development of this aircraft and chart a new course for aviation.”

The EL9 delivers up to 3,000 pounds of payload and a range of up to 1,100 nautical miles, with in-flight battery recharging that eliminates the need for ground charging stations. The ability to operate from compact spaces and unimproved surfaces such as grass fields, parking lots, and repurposed heliports opens new routes and economic opportunities, making regional air mobility for passengers and cargo more affordable and accessible than ever before.

“Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short is a game-changing aircraft that unlocks important new capabilities for commercial and defense users,” said Jay Park. “The EL9 is the flagship of Electra’s future family of aircraft that will transform aviation with hybrid-electric technology. We are excited to partner with Marc, John and the team in their commitment to innovating and expanding air mobility solutions.”

Lockheed Martin Ventures (NYSE: LMT), Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON), and Safran (EPA: SAF) are among Electra’s strategic investors along with Prysm Capital, Statkraft Ventures, the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), and other private investors.

Electra has grown to roughly 80 employees and established its position as the first mover and category creator in Ultra Short aviation.

About Electra

Electra.aero, Inc. (Electra) is an advanced aerospace company building hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft that achieve never-before performance advantages to fly people and cargo seamlessly without airports, emissions, or noise. With the Ultra Short, Electra is pioneering Direct Aviation, the next level of connectivity that brings air travel closer to where we live, work, and play. Electra’s Ultra Short technology delivers 2.5X the payload and 10X longer range with 70% lower operating costs than helicopters and eVTOLs with significantly greater safety and far less certification risk.

Electra’s team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, with over 40 prior aircraft successfully developed and/or certified. Electra’s contracted customers include NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy, along with over 2,200 aircraft under Letters of Intent from 50+ commercial customers, including both airlines and helicopter operators.

Artifact to Be Featured During Site's 200th Anniversary Celebration

MANASSAS, Va. — A piece of American history has been unearthed at the Liberia House, one of the most historically significant sites in Northern Virginia.

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MANASSAS, Va. — There’s more than meets the eye at Liberia House, one of the most historic homes in Northern Virginia. On April 19 at 2 p.m., you’ll get the rare chance to explore every level of the house—from its mysterious basement to the sunlight-filled attic—during a guided tour offered in both English and Spanish.

This special “Basement to Attic Tour” invites visitors to experience the stunning architecture of the home and learn stories of the people who once lived there, including soldiers, servants, and presidents. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. To reserve a spot, visit cityofmanassas.recdesk.com.

Before you go, here are three fascinating facts you might not know about Liberia House:

1. It Served as a Headquarters and a Hospital
Liberia House played a significant role in the Civil War. Confederate leaders used it as a headquarters, and after Union forces took control of the area, it became a field hospital. The house quietly witnessed the war from both sides.

2. Two Presidents Walked Its Halls
Liberia House is one of the few places in the U.S. that hosted both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Though their visits were years apart, this makes the home a unique piece of American history with connections to both Union and Confederate leadership.

3. It Was Saved by the Community
Decades ago, Liberia House had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to the City of Manassas and dedicated residents, it was preserved and restored, ensuring future generations could learn from its rich past. Each tour ticket helps support ongoing restoration efforts.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for something new to do in Manassas, the Liberia House tour is a chance to step back in time and walk through a home that stood through some of the most dramatic moments in our nation’s history.

Event Details:

• Date: April 19 at 2 p.m.
• Location: Liberia House, Manassas
• Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children
• Tours available in English and Spanish
• Registration: cityofmanassas.recdesk.com
• To learn more about the house, visit visitmanassas.org.

MANASSAS, Va. — Firefighters from the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Prince William County responded to an apartment fire this afternoon at 8872 Oliver Court, just off Liberia Avenue, where smoke was seen billowing from a second-story unit in a three-story building.

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MANASSAS, Va. — Bill Reeder, the founding dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died over the weekend after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family in hospice care, according to a message shared by current Dean Rick Davis.

Reeder joined George Mason University in 2001 and led the newly established CVPA for 14 years. Under his leadership, the college expanded its offerings to include now-thriving programs in Film and Video Studies, Computer Game Design, and Arts Management. These additions played a pivotal role in shaping the college into a comprehensive institution for arts education.

“He had a transformative physical impact on the arts landscape at Mason,” Davis wrote in a Facebook post announcing Reeder’s passing. “Bill will be remembered for his energetic and passionate advocacy for artists of all kinds and at every stage of their journeys.”

Reeder spearheaded the creation of the Art and Design Building on Mason’s Fairfax Campus and coordinated philanthropic, university, and state support to expand and renovate other key arts facilities.

Perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in Prince William County, where his advocacy and vision led to the creation of the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. Through countless community meetings, strategic partnerships, and tireless campaigning, Reeder brought to life a long-held dream of an arts hub serving western Northern Virginia.

“At times it seemed as if Bill was almost single-handedly willing the center into existence — but it was really his tireless behind-the-scenes coordination of university, civic, and volunteer energy that carried the day,” Davis wrote.

Former Prince William County Supervisor Marty Nohe shared his personal memories of Reeder in a heartfelt tribute posted to Facebook. Nohe recalled their first meeting, where instead of jumping into a pitch for the Hylton Center, Reeder asked about Nohe’s children and shared advice drawn from his experience at the Newark Community School of the Arts.

“It is still the best lobbying meeting I have ever had,” Nohe wrote. “He explained that he loved talking to parents of young children about their dreams for their kids and about how to help those kids become the best version of themselves, just like he had done with me years before.”

Reeder’s influence extended beyond academia and the arts. In 2015, he ran for a seat on the Prince William County School Board, driven by his belief in public education and support for children’s creative growth. While he did not win the election, Nohe said Reeder described the campaign as “one more chapter in his extraordinary biography.”

“Bill loved being in front of an audience and could command the attention of any room,” Nohe wrote. “He didn’t need trophies or titles or to see his name carved into a plaque. He absolutely had an ego; but it grew not from having people tell him that he was great, but rather from knowing that he had helped others find their own greatness. He certainly did that for me.”

Reeder continued teaching and mentoring students in arts management after stepping down as dean in 2015. Memorial service details will be announced in the coming days.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center will honor Reeder’s legacy at its upcoming gala. “At this year’s Gala we will take a moment — or three — to remember Bill’s foundational contributions,” Davis noted.