🌱 Manassas Man With Counterfeit Cash Arrested + New Restaurant Ideas

Hi there, Manassas! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mild with periods of sun. High: 61 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Manassas:

1. Manassas Police have arrested a man in possession of concealed weapons and $12,000 of counterfeit cash, thanks to an anonymous tip. According to the Manassas Police Department, on Feb. 26 the tip reported a suspicious person at a self-storage facility on Technology Drive. When officers arrived at the facility, they found two reportedly intoxicated men who were in possession of weapons, burglary tools, and what looked like narcotics. Police arrested one of the men, identified as 35-year-old Peter Benavage of Manassas on Feb. 28; officers later searched Benavage's home to find more weapons as well as more than $12,000 in counterfeit cash. (WRIC ABC 8News)
2. Two new restaurant ideas are headed to the former Okra's space in Old Town Manassas. Miguel Pires, the restaurateur behind Zandra's Taqueria, and his team will be converting the former banquet space at Okra's into an "Asian street food concept called Zengo's" according to the Manassas Economic Development Authority. The former bar and kitchen area will be turned into a pub called Gladfy at the same time. (Inside NoVA)
3. Three adults have been displaced from their home in Manassas due to a fire that began from smoking materials on the back deck. According to the fire marshal's office, the blaze was caused by smoking materials that were improperly discarded. Fire and rescue officials warn that smoking materials should never be thrown away or around anything that is combustible. (Prince William Times)

Today in Manassas:

• Lucky St. Patrick's Bracelet Craft At Independent Hill Neighborhood Library (All Day)
• Monday Night Bingo At Park West Lions Club (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Osbourn High School's 10th Annual Art Exhibit was unveiled Friday night at Jirani Coffeehouse! Check out these amazing art pieces all created by local high school students. (Historic Manassas, Inc. via Facebook)
• The Manassas City Police Department is offering a Cadet Program to any rising adult in the community interested in law enforcement. Candidates must be 17 years or older. This is an excellent opportunity to work with officers and community leaders while still in school getting on-the-job training. (Manassas City Police Department via Facebook)
• Habitat For Humanity ReStore in Manassas has a beautiful cushioned bench available for only $45. Hurry before it's gone tomorrow; Manassas Restore is closed Sundays and Mondays. (Habitat For Humanity ReStore - Manassas via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Information and Planning Meeting for Relay for Life/American Cancer Society (March 7)
• PWLT Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (March 10)
• Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.