Good morning, Lynchburg.

Adam Reynolds, lead pastor at Wake the World Church in Salem, is expanding his ministry to TikTok as he shares kindness by telling strangers 'I don't know you, but I love you'—a message that has reached over 60,000 followers and shows that God's love is for everyone.

Wawa announced that its Lynchburg store will open on Oct.

23 and will hold a ribbon-cutting event with its Hoagies for Heroes celebration. The store is at 14039 Wards Road — it is part of a plan to add six new locations along I-81 by year-end.

Duck Donuts, a popular shop in Lynchburg, will reopen at River Ridge in October—after closing suddenly last month— and will release hiring details soon.

On September 24th, Lynchburg customers experienced Brightspeed phone outages—service disruptions affected both homes and businesses.

A Rockbridge County judge ordered Natural Bridge Zoo manager Gretchen Mogensen in contempt of court for failing to notify state officials about the birth and location of two missing baby giraffes — she will face 100 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if the animals are not turned over by Oct. 29.

Campbell County Schools held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new stem+M program at Brookville Middle School on Sept.

23 to introduce seventh- and eighth-grade students to manufacturing careers plus local officials attended the event.

The Campbell County Sheriff's Office announced its effort to protect vulnerable adults by partnering with Project Lifesaver—an organization that uses wearable tracking devices at no cost—to quickly locate individuals when they wander off.

The program has already aided in rescuing over 4,500 people and helped recover a Roanoke Alzheimer’s patient on September 3.

Old photos show Lynchburg's police changing in the 1950s to the 1970s—officers went from sharing guns and using brass knuckles to adopting new helmets and armored vehicles.

The archives also reveal early efforts to include more women in the force.

Lynchburg will close Jefferson Street parking lots and ban street parking on Sept.

26 for the Amazing Mile Children’s Run, and it will restrict roads like Langhorne Road, Cranehill Drive and Rivermont Avenue on Sept. 27 for the Lynchburg 10 Miler—residents are advised to plan alternate routes.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced a new tax rebate for eligible Virginians starting today—individuals may receive up to $200 and joint filers up to $400 if they had tax liability in 2024 and filed by November 3.

Taxpayers who filed by July 1 will receive direct deposit rebates by October 15 while others will get paper checks.

Parents are urged to watch for signs like increased privacy or irritability in their children as the school year begins because these behaviors may signal bullying.

If such signs are noted, parents should contact the school counselor promptly—Virginia law requires schools to notify parents within 24 hours of a bullying report.

LSO Presents: Bold Sounds & Bright Stars

An incredible performance by the fully professional Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO), led by music director David Glover, featuring some of the greatest works of classical music, including Beethoven's Third Symphony, Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and Vaughn Williams' English Folk Song Suite.

Black Violin Live Concert

7:00-8:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $30 – $78 — Experience the genre-blending sounds of Grammy-nominated duo Black Violin.

An Evening with Melissa Etheridge

7-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $48 – $107 — Experience the raw energy and powerful vocals of rock icon Melissa Etheridge live on stage.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

10 AM – 11 AM — Linkhorne Middle School — Registration required — A five-week running program for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade promoting health and activity.

Masterworx Community Theater: Newsies - The Musical

7-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the excitement of Newsies in an engaging community theater setting.

Wine & Garlic Festival

11 AM – 5 PM — Rebec Vineyards — Admission fee may apply — Enjoy two days of garlic-themed fun with wine tastings, music, and family activities.

Masterworx Community Theater: Newsies - The Musical

2-5 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Broadway hit as local talent brings the story of young newsboys to life.

Vitamin String Quartet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket prices may vary — Experience innovative string arrangements that blend classical, hip-hop, rock, and pop music.

Blue Ridge Line Dancing Festival 2025

3-10 p.m. — Art Alley — No refunds — Kick up your boots and enjoy line dancing with great performers in Lynchburg!

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents Dracula

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $75 — Experience the haunting ballet that brings Bram Stoker's legendary vampire to life with stunning choreography and music.