Development News for Staunton, Virginia

Stanton Fire Department Seeks Federal Grant to Increase Staffing

The Stanton City Council considered a resolution authorizing the city to apply for the 2026 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. This grant aims to enhance fire department staffing by allowing for one additional person per shift, bringing the minimum to 11 firefighters per shift. The grant would fund 75% of the salaries for the first year, with decreasing percentages in subsequent years, and requires the city to maintain the positions for a total of seven years, with the city covering the full cost after the initial grant period. The fire chief presented data on current staffing levels, the department's response standards, and the potential benefits of increased staffing, including improved response times and a positive impact on ISO ratings, which can lower homeowner insurance premiums. Council members discussed the financial commitment and the need to secure funding for the post-grant period.

New Health Director Outlines Priorities for Central Shenandoah Health District

Xavier Crockett, the newly appointed Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District, introduced himself to the Stanton City Council. He provided an overview of his background, his 15 years in healthcare with leadership roles in public health in Georgia and Colorado, and his recent move back to Virginia. He outlined the health district's focus areas, including chronic disease prevention, expanding maternal and child health services (particularly addressing late or no prenatal care), and addressing social determinants of health such as housing and transportation. Crockett also discussed the rebuilding of the 'Connection to Care' program, which supports community health workers, and the ongoing conversations about standardizing this program and securing stable revenue streams. He mentioned exploring the return of family planning and dental services, referencing successful programs in Colorado and Georgia, such as a community navigation program and a coordinated care model team approach.

Commonwealth's Attorney Urges Stanton Residents to Lock Car Doors After Rise in Break-ins

Stanton Commonwealth's Attorney John Babel addressed the council and public regarding a recent increase in car break-ins, with multiple firearms stolen from unlocked vehicles. He urged residents to lock their car doors, emphasizing that unlocked vehicles are an 'attractive nuisance' and contribute to a general feeling of unsafety in the community. He stated that two significant cases involving teenagers who stole items from numerous unlocked cars, including firearms, were handled that day. Babel stressed that while Stanton is a small town, locking car doors is a simple yet effective measure to enhance personal and community safety.

Stanton Declares June LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Honors Local LGBTQ+ Center

The Stanton City Council officially proclaimed June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The proclamation acknowledged the historical significance of the Stonewall riots and the ongoing LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, celebrating June as Pride Month nationwide. It affirmed Stanton's commitment to equity, justice, diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and kindness for all residents, including the LGBTQ+ community. The proclamation specifically honored the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center of Stanton for its work in advocacy, education, and providing safe spaces for the rural LGBTQ+ community since its establishment in July 2018 by Christopher Wood. The representative from the Shenandoah LGBTQ Center expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and safety for the LGBTQ+ community and encouraging continued efforts to make Stanton a more just and welcoming city.