🌱 Staunton sting nets six suspects accused of targeting minors online

Coffee in hand, Staunton? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Staunton sting nets six suspects accused of targeting minors online
• How a $15.5M rail grant could transform Staunton’s train station lighting
• Why Staunton’s Main Street ranks among Virginia’s most charming downtowns

Also on today's calendar: Art in the Park 2026.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 81 and low of 62 degrees.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 86, low: 64. 🌶 Hot!
• Monday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 68 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• Staunton police arrest six in online sting (newsleader.com) — Staunton police say six men were arrested in a recent sting targeting adults who allegedly tried to solicit minors online, with all suspects now held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail. One case detailed involves a 31-year-old Staunton resident accused of sending explicit messages to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old and arranging a meeting at Reservoir Hill Park.
   

• FRA's $5.3 Billion Program Creates Lighting Opportunities (lightnowblog.com) — Staunton’s Amtrak station is in line for up to $15.5 million in federal rail funds to restore platforms, canopies, and significantly improve nighttime lighting and safety. The broader $5.3 billion FRA package also modernizes trains and grade crossings nationwide, but the Staunton allocation could directly enhance local travel comfort, accessibility, and visibility for riders using the downtown station.
   

• These 10 Virginia Main Streets Will Make You Fall In Love With Small-Town Life (myfamilytravels.com) — Staunton’s Main Street gets statewide love for its richly preserved Victorian architecture and the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, which draws theater fans from around the world. The piece highlights how restored buildings now house shops and restaurants, showing how historic preservation fuels downtown Staunton’s character, tourism appeal, and everyday charm for residents.
   

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📸 Around Staunton

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Staunton

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday September 5

• Art in the Park 2026 →
  Gypsy Hill Park, 600 Churchville Ave, Staunton
  10:00 am

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📣 Staunton Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Monday August 31

• KCVBall@Riverheads
  Kate Collins Middle School Waynesboro, VA 22980
  5:30 pm

Tuesday September 1

• Gym/KCVBall
  Kate Collins Middle School Waynesboro, VA 22980
  4:00 pm
• KC/CrossCountry/@StewartMiddle
  Kate Collins Middle School Waynesboro, VA 22980
  5:30 pm

Thursday September 3

• KCVBall/H/SDraft
  Kate Collins Middle School Waynesboro, VA 22980
  5:30 pm
• School Board Meeting at the Augusta County Government Center
  Augusta County Verona, VA 24482
  6:30 pm

Friday September 4

• Aud/Williamson
  Kate Collins Middle School Waynesboro, VA 22980
  8:00 am
• Weekly Guided Tastings at Accordia →
  Accordia, 114 E Beverley St, Staunton
  5:00 pm
• Together: Family Recovery Screening at The Wayne
  Waynesboro Public Schools Wayne Theatre, 521 W Main St, Waynesboro, VA 22980, USA
  6:00 pm

Monday September 7

• Holiday: Schools & Offices Closed
  Augusta County Verona, VA 24482

Saturday September 12

• Elevated Summer Cookout →
  Queen City Brewing Ltd, 834 Spring Hill Rd, Staunton
  4:00 pm

Sunday September 20

• African American Heritage Festival →
  Gypsy Hill Park, 600 Churchville Ave, Staunton
  2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Anyone going to Staunton Market tomorrow Saturday
  I live only a few blocks away killionalice33@gmail.com I need transportation. Will pay (Nextdoor Staunton/West Beverley)

• Amedisys, Inc. posted a job opening for Home Health Aide - Must have CNA in Virginia in Staunton. Apply here.
• McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew Team Member - No Experience Required in Staunton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Staunton here.

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🗞 Nearby News

Verona

• Measles deaths prompt vaccination reminder in Virginia (whsv.com)

Fishersville

• Irvin Washington Judd Jr. (pagevalleynews.com)
• Virginia Lottery Pick 3 Night, Pick 3 Day results for Aug. 27, 2026 (newsleader.com)
• Augusta Health Celebrates Five Years in Mayo Clinic Care Network (augustahealth.com)

Stuarts Draft

• Abi Bennington thriving at middle for Riverheads volleyball: Roundup (newsleader.com)
• Stuarts Draft man, 85, dies from injuries in Albemarle County crash (whsv.com)

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Ok Staunton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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