The News Leader (Staunton, VA)

The News Leader serves as a source of local news and information for Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County in Virginia. We provide digital updates around the clock and also publish a daily print edition.

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Staunton Police Department chaplain retires after 24 years

22 hours ago | newsleader.com | Brad Zinn

Greg Czerniak retired as the Staunton Police Department chaplain after 24 years of volunteer service. Czerniak provided counseling, rode along with officers, and offered support to the department. He emphasized the importance of understanding police officers as individuals with personal lives and challenges.
Augusta County Sheriff's Office gets body, dash cameras

1 day ago | newsleader.com | Brad Zinn

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office has implemented body cameras and dash cameras. The five-year contract for the Axon system costs nearly $500,000, covering body cams, dash cams, and operational expenses. The move follows increased calls for body cameras after two deputy-involved shootings in 2021. VERONA — The Augusta County Sheriff's Office has become the third local law enforcement agency to utilize body-worn cameras, nearly a year after the devices were approved.
Students provide 'window into our future' as part of Youth Philanthropy Council

1 day ago | newsleader.com | Patrick Hite

Fifteen local charities will receive grants from the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge’s Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). The YPC, composed of 29 local high school students, learned about nonprofit operations and community challenges. The grants will focus on community needs such as homelessness and access to basic resources. A grant celebration will be held at the Staunton Innovation Hub on May 14.
Waynesboro Farmers Market; Tour the Town; Warner and Kaine bills to protect area wilderness

2 days ago | newsleader.com | Monique Calello

The Waynesboro Farmers Market opens for the season on May 10th at Constitution Park Pavilion. Shenandoah National Park's concessions contract is canceled and will be re-solicited. Senators Warner and Kaine introduce bills to protect wilderness areas in Virginia. Tour the Town event returns to Waynesboro on May 28th.
Heifetz 2025 Festival of Concerts: 63 concerts and events across Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley

2 days ago | newsleader.com | Monique Calello

The Heifetz International Music Institute's 29th season will feature 63 concerts and events, marking its 13th anniversary in Staunton, Virginia. 160 students from 14 countries will participate in an intensive program including instrumental studies and performance training. Performances will take place at various venues, including the Forbes Center, Blackfriars Playhouse, and Francis Auditorium.
Staunton man who placed young son in chokehold sentenced to prison

2 days ago | newsleader.com | Brad Zinn

A Staunton man received a prison sentence for strangulation, child abuse, assault and battery, and failure to seek medical attention for his 8-year-old son. The man, Joshua P. Fortner, was already on probation for a prior assault on the same child. Fortner cited a difficult upbringing, military service-related trauma, and mental health struggles as contributing factors to his actions.
Gypsy Hill Pool house safety concerns forces city to make changes for upcoming season

5 days ago | newsleader.com | Patrick Hite

Gypsy Hill Park pool will open May 24 with modifications due to safety concerns with the pool house. The women's restroom and rear staircase are unusable, with limited access to the patio. Temporary restrooms, handwashing, and rinsing stations will be installed. The Gypsy Hill Park pool is scheduled to open in two weeks, on May 24, but there will be some changes after an inspection identified some safety concerns with the current pool house.
Suspect pleads not guilty to murder in death of baby in Augusta County

5 days ago | newsleader.com | Brad Zinn

Damian Nesselrodt, 32, pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of 7-month-old Kyler Reule. The medical examiner ruled the death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. Nesselrodt has a prior conviction in Staunton for a violent assault that involved a baseball bat. STAUNTON — A suspect charged with killing a baby in 2023 pleaded not guilty to murder during his arraignment in Augusta County Circuit Court the morning of May 8. Damian D.
Richmond Bishop: 'Fervently pray' for Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV

6 days ago | newsleader.com | Bill Atkinson

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American, has been elected as the new pope, now Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Barry Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond expressed hope and called for peace following the pope's election. Pope Leo XIV, formerly a missionary, is the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. The new pope was elected on the fourth ballot, succeeding Pope Francis who died in April.
King, Crown and Indica among baby names rejected in New Zealand in 2024. See full list

6 days ago | newsleader.com | Greta Cross

What do Rogue, Crown, Fanny and Mighty all have in common? They are all baby names rejected by New Zealand's federal government last year. New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs recently published a full list of names (40, to be exact) that were requested and rejected in 2024. The majority resemble a title or rank, such as King, which was requested and denied 11 times. Prince and Princess were also requested, in addition to alternative spellings like Pryncess and Prynce.