Kayla Brooks
Augusta County Bureau Reporter
Augusta County, VA
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Kayla Brooks joined the WHSV team in June 2021. She is from Middle Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science.
Throughout high school, Kayla competed in National Speech and Debate Association competitions. At UT Martin, she worked for the campus radio station, WUTM 90.3 The Hawk, contributed to UTM-TV and interned at WPSD Local 6 in Paducah, Kentucky.
In her free time, Kayla likes to read a good book, work out, spend time with her family (which includes her two dogs and cat). Kayla is a dedicated storyteller who wants to get to the bottom of issues that matter to you.
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The Supreme Court announced their decision to overrule Roe v. Wade Friday, June 24 at around 10 a.m.
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Augusta County leaders, after speaking with school and safety officials, have cleared the way for additional funding for school safety measures.
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Augusta County voters will decide where they want their courthouse to stand in November.
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Leaders in Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro met today to discuss the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center (SVASC) for their monthly Owners’ Meeting.
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Discussions on the cameras continue as some community members urge county leaders to include the expense in the county’s next budget.
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A Valley family is mourning the loss of two-year-old Averianna May.
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The Town of Elkton is seeing a number of changes to its day-to-day operations.
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Tuesday, June 21 is the last day to register to run for Staunton City Council and Staunton School board.
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July 4th weekend is a big travel weekend, and despite high gas prices, AAA predicts air and car travel will likely break records.
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Photos and videos of the thousands of dead cattle gained traction online, and some believe there’s a bigger story.
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A recent study found Americans are worse tippers than before the start of the pandemic.
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Men die by suicide about four times more often than women, according to Mental Health America. June is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month to address specific challenges and barriers men face.
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When COVID-19 lockdowns kept everyone home, people needed a way to have fun and stay cool at their place, so the pool industry was swimming in orders.
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Waynesboro city leaders are looking at an ordinance restricting some animals within city limits.
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Three weeks ago, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors decided to start an account to allow the public to contribute to body and dash cameras for the sheriff’s office.
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Agriculture producers have until June 30 to sign up for the 2022 Census of Agriculture.
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Sentara is hosting a virtual panel discussion to talk about LGBTQ experiences in health care.
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Since the recent deadly shooting in an Oklahoma hospital, medical professionals across the country are taking a look at how they can improve security.
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Drug overdose deaths increased in Virginia in 2016, and that’s when fentanyl came into play.
The Augusta County Board of Supervisors had a busy night Wednesday, discussing body cameras and the courthouse.
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A Waynesboro woman charged in the death of a Valley toddler has a trial set for next year.
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30 years ago, a random killing turned strangers into enemies. As time went on, the pair became friends.
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A study from American Psychological Association found one-third of adults say fear of mass shootings prevents them from going some places.
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Later this year, downtown Staunton will transform into the world of Harry Potter when Queen City Mischief and Magic (QCMM) returns.
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6th District Congressman Ben Cline (R) just got back from a trip at the southern border.
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Now that most Valley students are out of school for break, summer meal programs are up and running.
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A group of students met up Thursday morning with local environmentalists to clean up the Staunton area, and they’ll do it Friday and Saturday as well.
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The family of a Woodstock woman who died Monday has started a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral costs.
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A petition is circulating around Augusta County, calling for the Board of Supervisors to fund body and dash cameras for the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.
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With temperatures in the 90s this week, it’s important to take note of how you’re feeling when you’re spending time outside.
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The Friendly City will welcome runners in October for a half marathon.
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When the Staunton Mall closed about a year and a half ago, tenants were given 30 days to pack up.
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Staunton was awarded a $300,000 EPA Brownfields Grant about a year ago, and that work is beginning with contractors.
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The Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center has a new executive director.
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Staunton City Council addressed lighting, elections and the Equity and Diversity Commission in Thursday night’s council work session and council meeting.
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Cleanup efforts after Kentucky’s December tornadoes continue, and Valley farmers are still reaching out to help.
Staunton’s West End has been a popular topic of discussion for the city as they figure out how best to revitalize the area.
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Staunton City Council will meet in a closed session Monday, May 23 at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall to discuss and consider prospective candidates to be appointed to the Equity and Diversity Commission.
Now that breakfast and lunch won’t be available to Valley children, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) is gearing up to bridge that gap.
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The Book Dragon in Staunton hosted a conversation with award-winning author Alma Katsu.
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Waynesboro’s School Board is wrapping up their budgeting process and preparing for next fall.
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Route 340 runs from Greenville, VA, to Frederick, MD, and is the site of increasing crashes in the last two years.
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No matter where you travel, get ready to put health and safety measures to use.
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The Virginia Employment Commission said they’re almost caught up on the March 2020 unemployment claim backlog.
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Candi Royer appeared in court by video Tuesday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. in Augusta County.
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Inflation, the prominence of natural disasters and a population shift toward the coast leave many without the insurance coverage they need.
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Some medical professionals are struggling to get their hands on contrast dye used to test for things like strokes, blood clots and cancer.
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Starting Saturday, seven digits won’t be enough to connect a call. You’ll need to dial 10 digits, including the area code.
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Waynesboro’s Ridgeview Park is supposed to be a serene place for walking, picnicking and playing. Recently, it’s become the subject for recent vandalisms.
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A Staunton wrestling coach won a national championship in Las Vegas, and he said it was all about becoming a better coach.