Good morning, Lynchburg.

Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman of Agudath Sholom Congregation said that as hostages returned from captivity overseas, the Lynchburg community felt both relief and sorrow — a mix of renewed hope for peace and the pain of past losses — during Simchat Torah observances.

He stressed that while celebrations marked a time of healing, his congregation will continue working to rebuild unity in the community.

Lynchburg firefighters from Station 5 on Boonsboro Road are offering free child safety seat inspections today—available between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.—to help parents install their children's car seats safely.

World War II veteran Clarence Bill Wenzel turned 100 and his family will fly in from coast to coast on Thursday to celebrate his birthday—he served as a Navy pilot, led 16 planes over the Pacific, and made over 70 carrier landings during his career.

At a school board meeting last week, parents and students raised worries that a proposed funding plan would shift school assignments while stirring dissent on the Bedford County Board of Supervisors.

At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Supervisor Charla Bansley insisted the county already meets state funding levels—remarks that upset other supervisors as no action was taken.

A new Kodiak plane was dedicated to fallen trooper Lucas B.

Dowell on October 10 at Mountain Empire Airport in Rural Retreat — Dowell, 28, lost his life in 2019 while executing a search warrant in Cumberland County. His family toured the aircraft as Virginia State Police Aviation Division members attended the ceremony — the plane, tail number N876VA, is the second of three set to operate out of the Lynchburg airbase for search and rescue and law enforcement flights.

Lynchburg began one-way travel on a section of Fifth St. on October 14 — the rule is now in effect — and local drivers must follow the new direction.

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.

4th Annual Fall Festival

10 AM – 3 PM — The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox — Free entry — Celebrate the season with live music, food, and family-friendly activities in a historic setting.

Phil Vassar: 25 Years of Paradise Tour

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39–$92 — Celebrate Phil Vassar’s enduring hits and vibrant performance at this special anniversary tour.

15th Annual Mabel Glass Craft Fair

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Heritage United Methodist Church — Free entry — Explore unique crafts and local creations at this beloved community fair.

Puccini’s Madame Butterfly

November 7-9 — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $15-$240 — Experience the heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal in one of opera's most beloved classics.

MARCUS 2025

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Randolph College — Registration includes meals — Presenting undergraduate scholarship across various disciplines.

Virginia State Conference of Young People in AA

5-4 p.m. — Liberty Mountain Conference Center — Registration details available — A gathering for young people in AA focusing on community and support.