The Stauntonian: Volume 1, Issue 32 | Pavement, Pours & Participation
Northbound I-81 shuts down entirely this weekend near Staunton. Three local bartenders are competing statewide. And applications just opened for a behind-the-scenes look at how the city actually runs.
This Week at a Glance
Northbound I-81 near Staunton closes completely overnight Saturday into Sunday so crews can hang overhead signage and prepare for a traffic-pattern shift, sending everyone onto the Route 262 bypass. Three Staunton bartenders have advanced in the Virginia Cocktail Games, and two of them are in a People’s Choice round where online voting closes Saturday. Applications opened Monday for the third year of Staunton Citizen University, the city’s 10-week crash course in its own government. The city also kicked off a new campaign to cut trash tonnage by 5 percent. It’s a heavy week for local arts, with Jazz in the Park on Thursdays, a 1950s sock hop Friday, and a Goth-themed night market downtown Saturday.
Lead Stories
Northbound I-81 Shuts Down Completely This Weekend Near Staunton
Northbound Interstate 81 near Staunton will close entirely from 8 p.m. Saturday, August 8, through 8 a.m. Sunday, August 9, so contractors widening the interstate can install overhead signage and prepare for an upcoming traffic-pattern shift. The closure covers the stretch between exits 220 and 225.
Northbound drivers will detour at exit 220 onto the Route 262 Woodrow Wilson Parkway bypass around Staunton, rejoining I-81 at exit 225 north of the city. Anyone needing to reach I-64 eastbound from northbound I-81 faces a longer path: take the exit 220 detour around Staunton, merge onto I-81 southbound at exit 225, then take exit 221 east onto I-64. Westbound I-64 drivers looking to get onto I-81 northbound follow a similar workaround, taking I-81 south to exit 220 and picking up the same detour. Digital message boards will direct drivers to follow green-and-white Emergency Route C signage through the closure.
The work belongs to a $101 million design-build contract widening I-81 through the Staunton area, one piece of the nearly $4 billion I-81 Corridor Improvement Program running statewide. All three northbound lanes are expected to open by late fall of this year, though full project completion isn’t scheduled until summer 2027. Separately, overnight mobile right-lane closures for pavement marking begin this week between mile markers 225 and 234 northbound, running 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on and off through late September. Drivers can check conditions by dialing 511 or visiting 511Virginia.org.
Three Staunton Bartenders Are in the Virginia Cocktail Games, and Two Need Votes by Saturday
Staunton’s bar scene is punching well above its weight in this year’s Virginia Cocktail Games, the annual competition hosted by Virginia Spirits that challenges bartenders across the commonwealth to build original cocktails around Virginia-made spirits. Three Staunton bartenders advanced out of the western Virginia field, an unusual showing for a city this size against a region stretching across the entire western half of the state.
Breannah Carr of Maude & the Bear has already locked in a spot in the September 12 live finals in Richmond. Carr is no stranger to the competition, having competed in earlier editions before landing in Staunton. Two more, Meghan Kramer and Karen Baxter of Blu Point Seafood, are competing in the People’s Choice Round, where online voting runs August 1 through 8. The top vote-getter claims the final sixth finalist slot from western Virginia and joins the regional winners in Richmond. This year’s competition theme, “Time in a Bottle,” asks competitors to build drinks inspired by a moment, memory, or journey.
Kramer framed the showing as a statement about the town rather than any individual bar, noting that having three bartenders from a place this small in a region spanning all of western Virginia says something about the talent working here. That tracks with a broader run of recognition for Staunton’s food and drink scene: Maude & the Bear landed on the New York Times’ list of the 50 best restaurants in the country last year, and the city is one of four finalists for The Local Palate’s Best Culinary Town in the South, with that result due in December. Voting for the People’s Choice round closes Saturday at virginiaspirits.org.
Want to Know How the City Actually Works? Now Is Your Chance.
The City of Staunton began accepting applications Monday for the third annual Staunton Citizen University, a 10-week program that walks residents through the machinery of their own local government. The city caps enrollment at 25 people, gives preference to Staunton residents, and fills spots on a first-come, first-served basis. In previous years, seats went quickly.
The curriculum covers economic development, budget and taxes, public safety, parks and recreation, courts and corrections, and public works, delivered in two-hour Tuesday evening sessions. Participants also tour the city’s water treatment plant, fire station, police department, and library, and take a riding tour with Parks and Recreation. The 2026 session opens with a virtual orientation Tuesday, September 1, with regular classes running September 8 through November 10 and a graduation ceremony November 12.
City Manager Leslie Beauregard has described the program as a two-way exchange rather than a one-way civics lesson, saying it highlights the people behind the city’s daily work while giving staff a channel for resident feedback. Alumni frequently go on to volunteer or serve on the city’s appointed boards and commissions, making the program a common entry point into local civic life. Applications and a full topic list are at staunton.va.us/SCU, with help available from the City Manager’s office at 540.332.3812.
Quick Hits
Staunton wants to cut its trash by 5 percent. The city launched its “Less to the Landfill” campaign this month, anchoring a new phase of sustainability work with a community-wide goal of reducing trash tonnage 5 percent over the next year. Details on how residents can participate are expected in the coming weeks.
I-81 speed camera revenue keeps climbing. The cameras in the Staunton-area work zone between mile markers 221 and 225 have generated nearly $1.9 million in fines since May, with close to 20,000 citations issued across two months. Every dollar goes to Virginia’s State Literary Fund for public school construction and teacher retirement, not local law enforcement budgets.
Staunton earns its 30th straight Tree City USA designation. The recognition reflects three consecutive decades of investment in the city’s urban tree canopy.
A longtime building official retires. John Glover stepped down after more than three decades of public service with the city. David Smithgall succeeded him effective July 1.
Out & About
Jazz continues its Thursday run at Gypsy Hill, Parks and Rec throws a sock hop Friday, Art Hive marks three years with a Goth night market Saturday, and the Staunton Music Festival opens in nine days.
Thursdays Through September 3: Jazz in the Park
The Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand hosts a different professional jazz group every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. through early September, free and open to the public, rain or shine. Concessions available, lawn chairs recommended, family friendly.
Wednesdays: Bluegrass at the Bandstand
Staunton Parks and Recreation runs free bluegrass concerts at the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand on Wednesday nights through August, with sets at 7 and 8 p.m. Rain or shine, concessions available.
Friday: Summer Lovin’ Sock Hop
Parks and Rec hosts a 1950s-themed dance night at the Gypsy Hill Park Gym, 5:30 to 8 p.m., with live period music from Joey Knott. Tickets run $10 individual or $15 per couple, available in advance or at the door. Attendees under 45 must bring a plus one.
Saturday: Art Hive’s Goth Birthday Bash and Night Market
Art Hive marks its third anniversary with a Goth Birthday Bash and Art & Oddities Night Market at the Silver Line Theatre Exchange on North Lewis Street, 6 to 9 p.m. Local art vendors, live tarot readings, darkwave music, and themed drinks from the bar. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
August 14: Family Night Flix at the Bandstand
Parks and Rec screens Project Hail Mary at the Gypsy Hill Park Bandstand, starting at dusk, usually between 8:30 and 9:15 p.m. Free; bring your own snacks. Weather cancellation line: 540.332.3945.
August 15-23: Staunton Music Festival Returns for Its 28th Season
More than 90 musicians descend on downtown Staunton for ten consecutive days of chamber, vocal, and symphonic music across roughly 30 concerts, at venues including Trinity Episcopal Church, the Blackfriars Playhouse, and Silver Line Theatre. Opening night, “Bachanalia,” pairs Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 with later responses from Schumann, Villa-Lobos, and Piazzolla. The festival closes August 23 with a concert performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Many daytime programs are free; evening concerts run $16 to $45. Full schedule at stauntonmusicfestival.org.
Saturdays: Farmers’ Market at the West End
The Staunton Farmers’ Market continues at its temporary 2026 location, 2020 West Beverley Street, Saturdays 7 a.m. to noon through September.
Blackfriars Playhouse
The American Shakespeare Center closes out its run of As You Like It this weekend, playing through August 9, alongside Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in rotation at the Blackfriars Playhouse on Market Street. Several Staunton Music Festival programs take over the Playhouse stage starting August 15 as part of the company’s 25th anniversary season. Verify show times at americanshakespearecenter.com/calendar or call 1-877-682-4236.
River Watch
Live gauge readings for the South River at Waynesboro (USGS Station 01626000) are available on the USGS National Water Dashboard. With the region still under a drought warning advisory, streamflows are worth checking before any activity near the water.
The Sneeze Index
IQAir’s Staunton monitor shows an AQI of 43, Good, with PM2.5 as the main pollutant and pollen at Low. Conditions can shift quickly this time of year, so check before extended outdoor plans.
The Weekly Pump
Virginia’s statewide average for regular gasoline sat at $3.90 per gallon as of Wednesday, per AAA, continuing a slow decline from late July’s peak near $3.96. Premium averages $4.77 and diesel $5.32. Last year at this time, regular averaged $3.07. Use GasBuddy for station-by-station prices near you.
Real Estate Watch
Market data sourced from Virginia REALTORS and Redfin.
Virginia’s housing market had its busiest June in years. The statewide median sales price hit $460,000 in June, up 3.1% from a year earlier, on 11,598 closed sales, a 7.6% jump over last June. Active listings statewide climbed past 26,700, the highest June inventory since 2019, though supply remains tight. Locally, Redfin’s most recent figure puts Staunton’s median sale price at $295,823, up 3.8% year-over-year. Virginia REALTORS’ July statewide report is due out later this month.
Who’s Hiring
Listings sourced from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and employer postings. Salaries listed only where explicitly stated.
City of Staunton — Police Officer: The Staunton Police Department is accepting applications from DCJS-certified candidates. Anticipated starting salary is $50,826, commensurate with experience, plus an additional $1,800/year for officers with an associate degree or higher. Health, dental, vision and life insurance included, with health coverage continuing after retirement. Open until filled. Apply at the City of Staunton HR portal.
City of Staunton — School Crossing Guards: The Staunton Police Department is hiring crossing guards to direct pedestrian and vehicle traffic at designated school crossings ahead of the new school year. Basic knowledge of traffic laws and the ability to react in emergency situations required. Apply at the City of Staunton HR portal.
Daikin Applied — Line Assembler, 1st & 2nd Shift (Verona): Staunton’s largest manufacturing employer is hiring production line assemblers at its Verona facility, 207 Laurel Hill Road. Starting wage is $24.80/hr, plus a $0.80/hr shift differential for 2nd shift (1:50 p.m.–9:50 p.m.). Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k with company match, and 40 hours of paid time off in year one. Apply at daikinapplied.com/careers.
Frontier Culture Museum — Visitor Center Assistant: The state-run museum on Richmond Road is hiring for its visitor center, selling tickets and passes and assisting guests. Pay is $15/hour. Apply through jobs.virginia.gov.
City of Staunton — Utility Service Clerk, Public Works: Clerical and technical work maintaining the city’s computerized utility master files. Full description and compensation at the City of Staunton HR portal.
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.