The Stauntonian: Volume 1, Issue 22 | Set, Stamped & Splash-Ready
The 6th District race takes shape. Staunton’s Main Street designation is restored. And the pool house opens tomorrow.
This Week at a Glance
The filing deadline for Virginia’s U.S. House candidates came and went Tuesday, and the 6th Congressional District now has a full field: five Democrats will compete in the August 4 primary against incumbent Republican Ben Cline, who is running unopposed on his side. The Staunton Downtown Development Association has reclaimed its Main Street accreditation after a year-long effort to rebuild and re-staff. A Staunton man was arrested last week on rape and death threat charges following a May 12 incident. And the Gypsy Hill Park Pool House, postponed from last Saturday due to cold weathe, holds its rescheduled ribbon cutting tomorrow morning. Beverley Street’s demonstration project starts Monday.
Lead Stories
Five Democrats Will Face Ben Cline in August
Tuesday’s filing deadline closed the book on the 6th Congressional District candidate field. According to Ballotpedia and the Virginia Department of Elections, five Democrats filed to run in the August 4 primary: Pete Barlow, an Augusta County emergency management professional who initially exited the race after redistricting but re-entered once the old maps were confirmed; Wendy Gooditis, a former state delegate from Loudoun County; Beth Macy, the Roanoke-based author of Dopesick; Ken Mitchell, who ran in 2024 against Cline; and Hugh Murray. On the Republican side, incumbent Congressman Ben Cline is running unopposed.
The primary is August 4. Early voting opens June 19. The general election is November 3. The 6th District, which includes Staunton, carries a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+12, meaning the district has leaned 12 points more Republican than the national average in recent presidential elections. Democrats will need to choose a nominee capable of closing a substantial gap.
Staunton Regains Its Main Street Designation
The Staunton Downtown Development Association has reclaimed its Virginia Main Street and national Main Street America accreditation, per WHSV and the Staunton News Leader via AOL. The recognition had lapsed in 2024 after three executive director changes in rapid succession left required monthly reporting to the Virginia Main Street Program incomplete.
The path back took about a year. Vice Mayor Brad Arrowood stepped in as interim executive director in September 2024 and spent months rebuilding compliance. In April, the SDDA hired Adam Greenbaum, a local business owner already invested in downtown, as the new full-time executive director. He started April 7. The accreditation followed.
“I think main streets are the heart of many, many communities, including Staunton,” Greenbaum told WHSV. He described Beverley Street as a daily reminder of what downtowns across the country used to be before malls and suburban development pulled activity away from city centers. Arrowood, who hit the requirements to re-earn the status before handing off to Greenbaum, called it “a lovely thing to finally get the notification of.” SDDA board president Heather Leonard said Greenbaum was chosen because the board wanted “a leader who not only understands the complexities of running a small business, but who has lived the realities of investing in downtown over time.”
The Main Street designation matters practically. It unlocks grant eligibility through the Virginia Main Street Program and signals to outside investors and businesses that Staunton’s downtown organization meets the performance standards for preservation-based economic development.
Staunton Man Arrested on Rape, Threat Charges
Ditania Jamal Wells, 51, of Staunton was arrested Monday, May 19, on one count of rape and one count of threats of death or bodily injury, following an investigation into an incident that occurred earlier in the month, per Rocktown Now. Staunton Police Sergeant Christopher Ammons confirmed the arrest.
According to court records reviewed by WHSV, the alleged incident occurred in the early morning hours of May 12 at a Staunton apartment. The suspect, described as an acquaintance of the victim, allegedly raped her while she slept, then threatened her life with a knife when she called 911. He fled when she made the call. Police matched a knife description from the scene to a separate earlier call involving Wells. Facebook messages allegedly sent by Wells were also part of the investigation.
Wells had a court appearance scheduled yesterday, May 27, in Staunton General District Court, per Rocktown Now. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Staunton Police Department at 540-332-3842.
The Pool House Opens Tomorrow… For Real This Time
The Gypsy Hill Park Pool House ribbon cutting was postponed from last Saturday, May 23, after cold temperatures made the timing impractical, per the City of Staunton. The rescheduled ceremony is Friday, May 29 with the ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. and the pool opening at noon. Free ice pops while supplies last.
The new building replaces a structurally unsound 1958 pool house found unsuitable for use during the 2025 season. The $2.5 million facility, built by Lantz Construction of Rockingham County and designed by Wiley Wilson, is ground-level and fully accessible, with individual unisex restrooms, large changing areas, a covered concession patio, and a direct walkway from parking to the pool deck. The pool season runs through Labor Day weekend. Details at ci.staunton.va.us/departments/parks-recreation/community-pools.
Beverley Street Closes a Lane Monday as the Demonstration Begins
The Beverley Street demonstration project starts Monday, June 1. For the entire month, the right travel lane on a two-block stretch of East Beverley Street between Augusta Street and Market Street will close, with benches, greenery, and pedestrian-friendly features installed in its place. On-street parking is not affected. The project is funded through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and previews permanent curb extensions planned for 2027, per the City of Staunton.
The city’s survey closes June 1 at connect.cspdc.org/staunton-beverley-street-demonstration-project. If you have an opinion on how Beverley Street should look, this weekend is your last chance to register it before the project starts.
Quick Hits
City Council meets tonight. Council convenes for a work session at 5 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. at Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers, 116 W. Beverley St. Meetings are open to the public, per the City of Staunton calendar.
Blue Ridge Area Food Bank launches summer meal programs. The Food Bank is beginning its summer programming, projected to provide thousands of meals to more than 500 students across the region by August, per WHSV. The summer months bring heightened need as school-year meal programs pause. Volunteering and donation information at feedingamerica.org.
Lee Highway paving continues. Route 11 (Lee Highway) single lane closures between Spottswood Road and Spitler Circle run 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. through June 26, per VDOT.
Drought warning remains active. The DEQ drought warning for Staunton and the Shenandoah Drought Evaluation Region continues, per the City of Staunton newsroom.
Out & About
Two openings in two days: the pool house tomorrow morning and the Blackfriars summer season tonight.
Tonight: Blackfriars Summer Season Opens
The American Shakespeare Center opens its Summer 2026 season tonight with two productions entering rotating repertory: William Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Both run through August 8. Rosalind takes charge in the Forest of Arden; Grover’s Corners goes about its quiet, irreplaceable days. The summer repertory is one of ASC’s most beloved formats — two entirely different worlds on the same intimate stage on alternating nights. Tickets and showtimes at americanshakespearecenter.com or call 1-877-682-4236.
Tomorrow: Gypsy Hill Pool House Ribbon Cutting
Friday, May 29. Ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Pool opens at noon. Free ice pops. Gypsy Hill Park, 215 Cochran St. Full details at ci.staunton.va.us/departments/parks-recreation/community-pools.
June 6: Rhythm & Rescue Music Festival, Augusta Regional SPCA
The Rhythm & Rescue Music Festival returns June 6 at the Augusta Regional SPCA, with live music and proceeds supporting the shelter’s mission. More details at wqsv.org/events.
June 13: Renaissance Supper at the Blackfriars Playhouse
One night only: a Renaissance Supper on the Blackfriars Playhouse stage, Saturday June 13 at 7 p.m. Inspired by the food, fellowship, and table traditions of Shakespeare’s era. Tickets at americanshakespearecenter.com.
Saturdays: Farmers’ Market at the West End
The Staunton Farmers’ Market continues its temporary 2026 location at 2020 West Beverley Street, Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon through September. Fresh produce, meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods, coffee, and local artisan goods each week.
River Watch
The South River at Waynesboro (USGS Station 01626000) continues to run below its seasonal norm under the active DEQ drought warning. Live gauge readings at the USGS National Water Dashboard.
The Sneeze Index
Grass pollen is in full build heading into June. Check IQAir’s Staunton monitor and Weather Underground’s Staunton station for current air quality readings before extended outdoor plans. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion on Moderate or higher AQI days.
The Weekly Pump
Virginia’s statewide average for regular gasoline has eased to $4.333 per gallon as of Wednesday, per AAA, down from the Memorial Day weekend peak of $4.431 and a slight sign of relief after weeks of climbing prices. The national average stands at $4.459. Prices declined in 40 states last week as falling oil prices offered some offset to the ongoing Iran conflict pressures, per WSLS. Diesel remains at $5.465 statewide. Use GasBuddy for station-by-station prices near you.
Real Estate Watch
Market data sourced from Redfin, Zillow, and Realtor.com via FRED.
The most recently confirmed closed sale data from MLS records puts the Staunton city median sale price at $286,000, up 10.1% year-over-year, per Redfin’s February 2026 figures. Price per square foot came in at $215, up 22.8% year-over-year. Zillow’s current index puts the average home value at $276,602, up 3.4% year-over-year, with typical homes going to pending in around nine days. The Virginia REALTORS monthly local market report publishes locality-level closed sale data around the 15th of each month and should now have April figures available.
Who’s Hiring
Listings sourced from Indeed and the City of Staunton HR portal. Salaries listed only where explicitly stated.
City of Staunton — Firefighter/EMT: Staunton Fire and Rescue is filling immediate and future vacancies. Requires Firefighter II and EMT certifications and passing scores on a regional written and physical ability test. Advanced Life Support certification and aerial operations experience are a plus. Apply at the City of Staunton HR portal.
City of Staunton — Sales & Marketing Manager (Visit Staunton): Full description and compensation at the City of Staunton HR portal.
City of Staunton — Utility Technical Services Supervisor: Public Works is seeking a Supervisor for its Utility Technical Services Division. Full description and compensation at the City of Staunton HR portal.
City of Staunton — Equipment Operator I, Park Maintenance: Parks and Recreation is hiring for semi-skilled maintenance work operating motorized equipment. Apply at the City of Staunton HR portal.
Specialty Beverage of Virginia — Delivery Driver (Staunton): Retail route delivery based out of the Staunton terminal, Saturday through Monday, 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pay is $17.50/hr. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k, ESOP, and profit sharing. Search “Specialty Beverage Staunton” on Indeed or ZipRecruiter.
A Note from the Editor
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The Stauntonian covers news, culture, and civic life in Staunton, Virginia. Tips, corrections, and story ideas: brad@stauntonian.com.