Good morning, Lynchburg.

A Mediterranean restaurant that closed two years ago has reopened as a food truck called Family Oasis on Fort Avenue.

Owner Yosuf Hameed said his family, who started the restaurant with his parents and brother, plans to serve kebabs, lamb burgers and more from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.

Evan Strauss, 27, of Moneta, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to federal swatting charges including conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threatening communications and making violent threats by fire or explosives+ his sentencing is scheduled for November 6 at 10 a.m.

On Monday evening, July 21, Lynchburg police arrested Raekwon Hubbard, a 21 year old man, for trespassing at 1500 Longview Rd—officers found he had a modified firearm that could operate automatically and marijuana and charged him with trespassing, firearm violations and drug offenses.

Officers responded at about 4:05 a.m. on July 22 to a report of vehicle tampering on Weeping Willow Drive and spotted a masked man in a stolen pickup whose reckless driving led to a chase that ended when he crashed at the intersection of Old Forest Road — Range Street before fleeing into the woods.

Creek restoration teams in Lynchburg are in the final phase of removing College Lake Dam that blocked Blackwater Creek for nearly 100 years—millions have been invested and extensive work has been completed, with the project expected to finish by late summer or early fall.

New plans include stabilizing the creek channel and creating an overlook and trails as the area transitions to a restored wetland habitat.

The City of Lynchburg is hosting an open house meeting on Tuesday, July 29 at Fire Station 7, 2624 Lakeside Drive to review the US 501/US 221 Intersection Improvement Project that aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for current and future transportation needs—attendees can drop in between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to view maps, ask questions, and give feedback.

Beginning Monday, July 28, a portion of 11th Street between Main and Church will be closed to through traffic for about five weeks while Lynchburg Water Resources contractor J.L.

Crawford & Sons installs utility services at 1031 Main. Emergency vehicles and local traffic will have access at all times plus the sidewalk on the 1000 block will remain closed to pedestrians while motorists should expect minor delays.

Health officials advise parents to update vaccinations for children returning to classrooms since COVID-19, flu, and RSV are expected to increase, with moderate rises anticipated in August and September and larger spikes from October to December.

Centra Lynchburg General Hospital data showed stable counts as of July 12, and experts urge staying home when sick and frequent handwashing — measures that help reduce virus spread.

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.

Face the Forest 5k Obstacle Course Run

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest — Cost info not specified — Challenge yourself with a thrilling obstacle course in a scenic environment.

Parkinson’s Support Group

Monthly gathering — Time TBD — YMCA on Old Forest Rd — Free entry — Connect with others living with Parkinson’s in a supportive environment.