Good morning, Lynchburg.

On Sunday, the Bedford Humane Society celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Adoption Center at a site off Route 460 after the county granted permits last month.

The center, which has been in planning for 21 years and saw work resume in 2023 following COVID-19 delays, will open by spring of 2026.

Lynchburg teen Shane Jones faces charges after a grand jury certified counts in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Kharrelle Allen on January 9 on Hillcrest Ave — investigators say Jones shot Allen from close range while both were in a car and his jury trial is set for July 23.

Lynchburg Police are searching for two suspects after an armed robbery took place on April 6th at a store in the 5200 block of Fort Avenue— the suspects, dressed in black and wearing face masks, entered at about 11:07 p.m., pointed a gun at a clerk, filled trash bags with merchandise, and fled on foot toward Oxford Street with no injuries reported.

Neal Tosi, a seasoned improv performer from Chicago, now leads Commerce Street Theater and Hill City Improv as he works to create new comedy and improv opportunities for middle and high school students this summer.

He also plans to expand Lynchburg’s arts scene with cabarets and a Downtown Comedy Club while arranging a virtual Q&A with an SNL connection.

On April 7, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope announced at E.C.

Glass High School that Roy Ricks and Kaden Patrick were awarded the Hilltopper Alumni Football Scholarship to support their college journey with $5,000 over four years. Ricks will attend Bluefield College in the fall while Patrick is finalizing his plans (both recognized for their strong character on and off the field).

The City of Lynchburg’s Department of Public Works is hosting a free household hazardous waste and electronic recycling collection event for City of Lynchburg and Campbell County residents on Saturday, April 12 from 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. at the Concord Turnpike Convenience Center at 2525 Concord Turnpike. Residents must bring a completed verification form and a valid photo ID.

Lynchburg City Council will hold a Budget Public Hearing on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall (900 Church Street) to gather input on the proposed FY 2026 operating budget and capital improvement program; citizens who cannot attend may review the documents at the Main Public Library (2315 Memorial Avenue) or leave a voicemail by Monday.

Dr. Saju Eapen of the Asthma and Allergy Center in Lynchburg says that as spring pollen causes runny noses and itchy throats, residents should consider antihistamines and change clothes after time outdoors — those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention — to keep allergens outside.

Classic Skynyrd LIVE

7:30-9:00 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $57 — Experience electrifying tributes to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Southern rock anthems performed by Southern Steel.

American Heart Association Lynchburg Heart Walk

10 AM – 12 PM — Percival's Island Natural Area — Free entry — Celebrate heart health and support the American Heart Association while walking for a cause.

2025 Spring Job Fair

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Jefferson Forest High School — Free entry — Connect with over 40 employers offering various job opportunities in the Bedford area.

Clay Mottley Concert

2:30-6:30 p.m. — City Stadium Complex — Cost not provided — Enjoy a master craftsman of melody with clever and catchy original songs.

Lyle Lovett & His Acoustic Group

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39–$102 — Experience the captivating sounds of Lyle Lovett blending country, jazz, and folk in an iconic live performance.

Lynchburg Hillcats Game Night with Rise Up Lynchburg

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Bank of the James Stadium — $8.00 — Cheer on the Hillcats while supporting a great community cause.

2nd Annual Spring Vendor Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Overlook at Stonemill — Free entry — Enjoy a lively day of shopping local crafts and delicious treats to kick off the spring season.

Jefferson Choral Society: Handel's Messiah

4-5:45 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $25 – $50 — Experience the powerful choruses from Handel's Messiah performed by Central Virginia's largest adult choir.

Historic Garden Week Tour

11 AM – 5 PM — Camp Kum-Ba-Yah Nature Center — Ticketed event — Experience Lynchburg's architectural beauty and garden diversity at this charming tour.

2025 Student Productions

May 1-3, 7:30 PM – Thoresen Theatre — Ticket information not provided — Experience captivating one-act plays performed by senior theatre students.

Freedom 4/24's Run 4 Their Lives 5K & Thrive LYH Wellness Expo

Come out for Freedom 4/24's Run 4 Their Lives 5k. Join the fight to prevent and end Human trafficking by walking or running with us! Friday: Family Fun Night/Kids Run & Packet Pick Up. Saturday: Run 4 Their Lives 5K & Thrive LYH Expo. After the race, make plans to attend the Thrive LYH Health and Wellness Expo. Check out all the best health and wellness resources, freebies, and experiences that LYH has to offer.