The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.


Throughout the six-week course, inmates are able to develop their communication skills, build their confidence, develop active listening skills and articulate their stories with intent and purpose, a county press release stated.

Nick Baskerville, who coaches the workshop, emphasized the powerful tool that is storytelling. Baskerville is a storyteller and comedian.


In the latest Manassas municipal elections, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger secured a decisive victory to continue as the city’s mayor, marking the start of her second term in office. A Democrat, Davis-Younger received 8,463 votes (56.91%), defeating Republican challenger Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom, who garnered 6,358 votes (42.75%).

According to the final campaign finance reports, Davis-Younger raised $46,724, while Byrom raised $41,596.


The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will deploy federal monitors to observe elections in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park on Election Day. These monitors will focus on ensuring local compliance with federal voting laws, specifically related to accessibility for voters with disabilities and the availability of language assistance.

Susan Reed, the Voter Registrar for Manassas, confirmed the DOJ’s involvement, stating, “DOJ has contacted me and have agreed to allow DOJ to monitor the precincts. The DOJ monitored right after Manassas City was language required several years ago. The DOJ’s focus is ensuring localities are making progress with ADA and language requirements. I have had positive feedback and also helpful suggestions from them. The DOJ’s monitors are doing their job to ensure federal laws are being followed, and Manassas City wants to adhere to federal law.”


The City of Manassas recently announced the acquisition of the 20-acre Marsteller Middle School property at 8730 Sudley Road, marking a significant step forward in its plans to establish a community hub and address a longstanding need for park and recreational facilities.

To engage the community in shaping this new center, Manassas will hold a public meeting titled “Community Conversations,” inviting residents to share their vision and ideas. The public meeting, open to all residents, will take place on Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Marsteller Park & Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in envisioning the city’s first community center and recreational facility.


The new Dean Park is well on its way to completion, with the fields and courts on track to open in March 2025 following a years-long planning and renovation process.

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If you don’t plan on voting early, make sure to double-check your current polling place on the Virginia Department of Elections website. On Election Day, polling places will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here’s a comprehensive list of early voting locations along with ways to access sample ballots.


The City of Manassas has several boards and commissions that work to inform City Council’s decisions by studying issues, plans and policies.

There are several vacancies in Manassas, and here’s a comprehensive list of the immediate openings with the roles and responsibilities. If any of these positions are of interest, there’s an application and interview process for each.


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