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🌱 What we know so far about the fatal Staunton Walmart police shooting

Staunton, Virginia Patch AM: a 4 min read

What's up Staunton! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What we know so far about the fatal Staunton Walmart police shooting
  • How did one Staunton backyard grow 20-foot tomato vines?
  • Staunton man jailed after Augusta County SWAT arrest on rape charges

Also on today's calendar: Mother Goose Time and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 65 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Monday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, temps: high: 72, low: 41.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 64 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Virginia State Police investigate fatal shooting of Portsmouth man shot by Staunton Police (wavy.com) — A Portsmouth man was fatally shot by a Staunton police officer in the Richmond Avenue Walmart parking lot, and Virginia State Police are now handling an independent investigation. The officer is on administrative leave, body-camera footage has been turned over, and Staunton’s police chief has pledged transparency while acknowledging community concerns about race, fairness, and trust in local law enforcement.
   

2. Holy tomatoes! The story behind Staunton's 20-foot plant (newsleader.com) — A Staunton family’s backyard cherry tomato vines have shot up to about 20 feet, producing thousands of tomatoes and delighting neighbors and friends. Planted with starts from the Staunton Farmers’ Market, the plants now climb from roof hooks, with extra harvests shared locally and even brightening days for patients at Western State Hospital.
   

3. Augusta County: Staunton man arrested on rape, forcible sodomy charges (augustafreepress.com) — A Staunton resident has been jailed without bond after Augusta County deputies arrested him in Fishersville on rape and forcible sodomy charges stemming from an alleged incident earlier this week. The sheriff’s office used SWAT, K9, and drone teams while serving a search warrant at Briarwood Apartments, and records show the suspect has prior criminal charges dating back several years.
   

4. Staunton District Traffic Alert for October 5–9, 2026 (virginianreview.com) — Expect lane closures and traffic shifts on I-81, I-64, and key Augusta County routes around Staunton from October 5–9 as VDOT crews pave, inspect bridges, and clear debris. Drivers should watch for flaggers, reduced speeds, and ramp closures, especially near exits 213, 221, and along Route 262 and Middlebrook Avenue by the city line.
   

5. High school scores from around Virginia (rocktownnow.com) — Staunton High edged rival Waynesboro 18–13 in a defensive showdown Friday night, grabbing local bragging rights for Valley football fans. The roundup also notes Buffalo Gap’s big win and Wilson Memorial’s one-point victory, while listing scores from dozens of matchups across Virginia that could shape playoff races in the coming weeks.
   

📸 Around Staunton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Staunton

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📣 Staunton Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Got a couple adorable kittens for neighbors only to surrounding areas.
    Must provide proof of address. They look to be about 5 weeks old. You will most probably need to give them a milk substitute to graduate to canned… (Nextdoor Gypsy Hill Park)
  • Dos anyone know where exactly the mushroom festival in Churchville is located ?
    I think it starts at 10:00. Thank you for any info you can provide. (Nextdoor Hillcrest)
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Customer Service Leader (Office) in Staunton. Apply here.
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Retail Service Specialist in Staunton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Staunton here.

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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Staunton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Staunton

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.