Good morning, Lynchburg.

On July 15, Lynchburg community organizers held a back-to-school supply drive to help students get essential supplies for the upcoming school year — local residents and businesses donated items.

Nicholas Meyer is Lynchburg’s urban forester who cares for 13,000 trees on city property and works with local tree stewards to plant and prune trees along streets and in parks—he earned his ISA certification this spring and the city will soon analyze its tree inventory to guide fall plantings.

Christopher Todd Gilbert was sworn in as US Attorney for the Western District of Virginia on July 14, with Judge Thomas T.

Cullen administering the oath. He brings nearly 15 years of prosecuting experience and deep local ties (having served in both prosecution and the state legislature) to lead an office of about 30 federal prosecutors.

Lynchburg’s Blackwater CSO Tunnel project is moving ahead as workers carved 895 feet of a tunnel that is planned to be 4715 feet long to help keep sewage and stormwater out of Blackwater Creek.

The tunnel will hold 4.7 million gallons and is set to finish in 2027 — city officials say progress remains steady.

Lynchburg will host two events on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.—an information meeting at Heritage Baptist Church on Breezewood Drive improvements and a meet-and-greet with new superintendent Kristy Somerville-Midgette at Heritage High School cafeteria; residents who cannot attend in person may submit comments online through July 27 while the City Council remains on break until August 26.

The Lynchburg Fire Department said concerns grew over the Fireman's Fountain in Miller Park when electrical work near the new pickleball courts led to algae-filled water and reduced water quality.

Public Works crews pressure washed the fountain on Tuesday morning while an electrical contractor began replacing the service line—assuring residents the memorial is being cared for.

The Virginia Department of Health updated its Higher Education Tobacco Policy Dashboard this week and gave many Southwest Virginia colleges low grades for their tobacco policies—Radford University, Roanoke College, and Hollins received C grades; Virginia Tech, Ferrum College, and Emory & Henry received D grades; Averett University received an F; and Liberty University earned a B.

Giant Bubble Show

3-4 p.m. — Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre — $23–$27 — Enjoy a captivating performance featuring circus stunts and incredible bubble artistry.

Surfing Santa Christmas In July Paint and Sip

6-8 p.m. — The Yellow Submarine — Cost of painting supplies included — Create a festive masterpiece of Santa surfing in a tropical atmosphere.

Hadestown - Teen Edition

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — VIP packages available — Experience the magic of Hadestown reimagined for teens with premium seats and exclusive perks.

The Last of Lucy Concert

6-11 p.m. — Super Rad Arcade Bar — All ages — Enjoy an evening with The Last of Lucy and Pathogenic during the GODFORM SUMMER TOUR 2025.

Soul, Rhythm, & Boots Festival

2-11 p.m. — Lynchburg City Stadium Football Field — Free entry — A celebration of music and community with soulful tunes and dancing.

Travis Reigh Live Performance

8 PM – 10 PM — The Music Hall — $15 – $18 — Experience the captivating sounds of Travis Reigh, a rising country artist with emotional storytelling.