Good morning, Lynchburg.

Multiple home fires have displaced families in Lynchburg and surrounding counties over recent weeks, prompting the American Red Cross to provide nearly $30,000 in emergency aid & support, including mental health services and pet food, as volunteers work around the clock to meet growing needs.

On Dec. 30, a local man suffered severe second-degree burns to his face, neck, and arms when a gasoline can exploded as he used a fire pit, and he is now preparing for skin graft surgery with a long recovery ahead (he was airlifted for treatment at VCU's burn unit).

Today, new and returning school board members began their terms across Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Lynchburg, and Nelson counties following the November election.

They will guide local education policies throughout the upcoming school year.

Virginia middle schoolers have until Feb.

3 to enter the 2026 National Civics Bee by submitting a four‐paragraph essay that could win them a Washington, D.C. trip, cash prizes and a $100,000 education savings plan; the contest, run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, leads to a quiz competition.

Virginia's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant program until Feb.

6 to boost specialty crop competitiveness. Applicants will be notified by Feb. 23, with full proposals due Mar. 13 and grants to start Oct. 1.

Utility upgrades begin today as the Fillmore Street Utility Improvements Project replaces water and sewer lines, installs stormwater inlets, and updates fire hydrants on Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan.

Work will run Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and residents will receive prior notice for water cuts.

Health officials reported that flu and other respiratory illnesses increased in Virginia this winter, with 25% of emergency room visits involving respiratory issues.

They urged residents to take preventative measures to protect themselves.

BrickUniverse: The Immersive Brick Experience 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — River Ridge — Starting at $18 — Experience breathtaking LEGO creations and interactive building zones at this family-friendly event.

Tusk: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket info not provided — Experience note-perfect renditions of Fleetwood Mac classics from a seasoned tribute band.