Stauntonian Vol. 1, Issue 1 | Safe Crackers, Solar Cameras, and Slam Dunks
A wild start to 2026: The "Flock" contract ends, a $300k jewelry heist rocks the county, and the Storm stays perfect.
Happy New Year, Staunton.
Welcome to 2026. We are kicking off the year with a blowout tournament win for The Storm, a confirmed “lift” for the massive new water tower, and the details on a “Mission Impossible” style heist at a local jewelry store.
🚨 The Lead
The top 5 stories shaping our city this week.
The Storm Remains Undefeated After Holiday Tournament
The Staunton High Boys Varsity Basketball team proved they are the team to beat this season after crushing Justice High School 67-39 on Tuesday (Dec 30) in the Twila Showalter Tournament. The blowout victory followed a much tighter 55-53 win over East Rockingham on Monday, cementing a perfect 7-0 start to their season as they head into Saturday’s game against Alleghany.
City Council Officially Terminates “Flock” Camera Contract
Following a month of public debate regarding privacy concerns, Staunton City leadership has confirmed they will not renew the contract with Flock Safety. The solar-powered license plate readers, which had been installed at key intersections to track vehicle movement, will be removed in the coming weeks after officials determined the vendor’s corporate values did not align with the community’s policing goals.
Massive Water Tower Bowl Lifted into Place
Commuters on I-81 have likely noticed a major change to the skyline this week, as construction crews successfully lifted the 264-ton steel bowl to the top of the new water tower at Staunton Crossing. The 1-million-gallon tank is a critical infrastructure project designed to pressurize the city’s water system using gravity rather than electric pumps, ensuring better reliability during power outages.
New Juvenile Courthouse Opens Its Doors
City officials and members of the judiciary officially cut the ribbon on the new Juvenile & Domestic Relations (J&DR) District Courthouse this week. The multi-year construction project was designed to address severe overcrowding and security vulnerabilities at the previous facility, providing a safer and more private environment for sensitive family law cases.
Gardner Springs Pump Station Overhaul Complete
In a quieter but vital infrastructure win, the City announced the completion of the Gardner Springs Pump Station upgrades. This $13 million project modernizes the primary machinery that pumps drinking water to thousands of residents and includes a new elevated design to protect the pumps from future flooding events.
🚓 The Blotter
Police reports and investigations from Dec 29 – Jan 1.
Texas Man Killed in Head-On Collision on Route 262
Virginia State Police have identified the victim of the fatal crash that closed Route 262 near Middlebrook Road earlier this week. Stephen Sean McMahon, 40, of Hays, Texas, died at the scene when his Mitsubishi Outlander crossed the median and struck a 2024 Audi Q5 head-on; the driver of the Audi, 73-year-old Alan J. Wallis of Craigsville, was hospitalized with serious injuries.
“Safe Cracking” Heist at The Velvet Case
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sophisticated burglary at The Velvet Case jewelry store on Rowe Road, where suspects reportedly broke through a back wall to access the building. Investigators determined the thieves cut through the business’s safe to steal approximately $300,000 in inventory, a method that suggests a high level of professional planning.
Stolen Vehicle Recovered at Home Depot
Police arrested four individuals from Pennsylvania on Monday (Dec 29) after locating a stolen white Toyota Sienna in the parking lot of the Home Depot on Burgess Road. Authorities spotted the out-of-state vehicle shortly before 10:00 AM and took the suspects into custody without incident; they are currently being held at the regional jail.
Rocktown Now Crime Log (See lower section of article)
Deputy-Involved Shooting Investigation Continues
State Police are continuing their investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred just west of the city limits on Parkersburg Turnpike. Authorities verified that the suspect involved in the altercation was killed during the exchange of gunfire, while the Augusta County Sheriff’s deputy involved is currently recovering from a gunshot wound sustained during the incident.
Courthouse Vandalism Suspect Sought
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a woman connected to recent vandalism at the local courthouse. Surveillance images show the suspect defacing public property; authorities are urging anyone who recognizes her description to contact the department.
🤧 The Sneeze Index
Air quality check.
Air Quality: 🟢 Good (AQI 38).
Pollen: Low (Dormant).
Conditions: Cold and damp.
💼 Who’s Hiring?
First jobs posted in 2026.
City of Staunton: Hiring a Part-Time File Clerk for the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Western State Hospital: Hiring Security Officers ($23/hr) and Transportation Operators.
Dept of Behavioral Health: Hiring a Housekeeping Worker (Full Time, ~$34k/yr).
🌊 River & Fishing Watch
Conditions for the South River (Waynesboro Gauge).
River Level: 2.60 ft (Low/Steady).
Status: The water is clear but skinny. Great for wading, terrible for paddling.
⛽ The Weekly Pump
Gas prices in Staunton (Zip 24401).
City Average: $2.61 / gallon.
Cheapest Found: $2.58 (Citgo / W Beverley St).
Trend: Steady.
🏡 Real Estate Watch
Homes sold in the final days of 2025.
The “West End” Standard
Sold: 501 W Johnson St
Price: $395,000
Details: 4 Bed / 2 Bath (2,204 sq ft).
🐾 Adoptable Friends
Meet the residents at the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.
The “Baking” Bunnies
The shelter still has rabbits available for adoption to start your new year.
Meet: Flour (Bunny #13).
Details: Adoption fees for rabbits are currently $20.
🎬 At the Visulite
Playing downtown this weekend (Jan 2–4).
Cosmic Charlie (Live Concert)
The Visulite transforms into a concert hall this weekend.
What: A high-energy Grateful Dead tribute band doing “Dark Side of the Dead.”
When: Friday (Jan 2) and Saturday (Jan 3) at 8:00 PM.
Tickets: $25 at the door.
The Movies
Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13): 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM.
The Housemaid (R): 12:15 PM, 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM.
Thats the news. Enjoy the first weekend of 2026.
— The Stauntonian