Good morning, Lynchburg.

Lynchburg mourned the loss of Dr. Owen Cardwell, a civil rights leader and educator who helped integrate EC Glass High School and later launched local youth programs—his funeral will be held on Saturday, May 24 at Diamond Hill Baptist Church.

Lynchburg City Schools hosted its first community dinner yesterday at Linkhorne Middle School from 5 to 7 p.m. to showcase school meals made from fresh, scratch-made recipes in partnership with Brigaid, featuring locally sourced beef, chicken, produce, and dessert made by culinary arts students with meal costs of $5 (children 2 and younger ate free). The event was the final dinner in a three-part series and came after the school district won a national Healthy Kids Initiative award.

On May 13, Lynchburg City Council and staff discussed the impact of an equalized tax rate on the city budget at the budget work session—officials examined how the change might affect local revenue.

Lynchburg residents can vote early in the June 17 primary with early voting available until June 14 (weekday hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays on June 7 and 14) and drop boxes for absentee ballots in the Registrar’s Office and at each precinct.

Voters who recently moved must update registration by May 27 and note that Precinct 203 now votes at Greater Brookville Church while Precinct 301 votes at West Lynchburg Baptist Church.

At Lynchburg City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, tensions rose when Ward IV Councilman Chris Faraldi and At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns clashed behind the dais, forcing a five-minute recess as police intervened—Mayor Larry Taylor had complained that Misjuns intimidated city staff with his frequent emails. After the recess, Misjuns returned to the meeting while Faraldi did not, and local business leaders later condemned the council’s disruptive behavior.

Local counties in the Lynchburg area recorded several property transfers during the week of May 15, with transactions spanning land and home sales in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties - sale prices ranged from $5,000 to over $1 million.

Homecoming with Virgil Moore

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $30-$100 — Celebrate the lively melodies of Bernstein’s 'West Side Story' performed by local virtuoso violinist Virgil Moore.

Storming of Thunder Ridge

Cycling event — Routes for all skill levels — Jamerson Family YMCA — Registration required — Experience the beauty of Central Virginia while supporting community programs.

Conference USA Baseball Tournament - All Sessions Pass

3:30 AM — Liberty Baseball Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the thrill of the Conference USA Baseball Tournament live in Lynchburg.

Blair's West Band with Late Night DJ

9 PM - 12 AM — Trading Post by Traber Ranch — Ticket info not provided — Experience a high-energy night with live music spanning classic and contemporary hits followed by a late night DJ set.

Tea Party at The Muse

3-6 p.m. — The Muse Coffee Company — Ticketed event — Enjoy an elegant tea party with sweet and savory treats in celebration of special women in your life.

Conference USA Baseball Tournament Championship

6:00 p.m. — Liberty Baseball Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the thrill of the finals at this exciting baseball showdown.

Memorial Day 10K & 2 Mile Walk

8-11 a.m. — Depot Grille — Proceeds support local diabetes education and camps — Run for a cause while enjoying family-friendly festivities.

EXTC - Terry Chambers & Friends North American Cushty Tour 2025

7-10 p.m. — Super Rad Arcade Bar — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the sounds of EXTC featuring Terry Chambers and friends for an unforgettable night.

Ryan Greer Band Performance

9-11:30 p.m. — Trading Post by Traber Ranch — Cover charge TBD — Experience the blues-infused Southern-soul of the Ryan Greer Band from Southwest Virginia.

Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — $20 General Admission, Free for Students — Experience the vibrant blend of traditional tango with classical and jazz influences in a passionate musical journey.