Daily
Lynchburg
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Lynchburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lynchburg Arms Ladies, a new all-women gun club run by instructor Katie Bernotsky, is open at the indoor shooting range on 2309 Mayflower Drive and offers courses in gun safety and self-defense with free gun rentals and provided safety gear—helping members overcome fear and gain confidence. The club charges a $40 fee plus $30 per event, has 33 members, and plans more training events next month. WSET
- ➤ The Friends of the Lynchburg Public Library announced a $300,000 fundraising campaign to fund a state-of-the-art bookmobile that will deliver books, technology, and programs to underserved residents across Lynchburg—City Fleet Services will maintain the vehicle while library staff operate it. WSLS 10
- ➤ Lynchburg Parks and Rec says the dog park, delayed by flooding that damaged the old site, will open in a couple of months at a new location on the former athletic field — this change will offer more space and safety for dogs while work continues on a volleyball complex, scenic trail and wildflower garden. WSET
- ➤ Local leaders organized a community walk on October 15—one week after a shooting that killed Anthony Cupec near Mr. Food and after suspect Larry Kersey was charged with murder—to support the affected neighborhood and explain Lynchburg’s new security camera program for residents who want to install a system. WSET
- ➤ On Wednesday, Vincent Van Gogh Cafe held its ribbon-cutting in Lynchburg with a focus on health and community. Owner Jordan Weisz, a former pop-up shop operator who moved after a chronic illness, said the café offers 100% coffee and teas and features art inspired by his grandmother’s favorite painter — Vincent Van Gogh. WSLS
- ➤ Starting today, Riverfront Park Lawn is closed for sod replacement until November 10 as contractors remove the grass, prepare the soil, and lay new sod with work lasting about one week plus three extra weeks for the sod to take root. Visitors should avoid the fenced area while park restrooms and the Kiwanis Centennial Riverfront Playground remain open, and the front row of parking spaces is closed (October 16-20) (for safety). City of Lynchburg
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ CraveABLEs ice cream shop in Lynchburg will reopen its storefront on Saturday after closing over three weeks due to an electrical fire that required rewiring. The business, which hires people with intellectual disabilities, is on Lakeside Drive and will operate from Wednesday to Sunday — community support helped get it back on track. WSET
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rustburg Elementary School announced the sudden death of beloved teacher Tammy Heddings on October 15. The school said she was a caring mentor for fourth-grade students — extra staff will be on site to support those grieving. WSET
- ➤ A local youth organization introduced a program that aims to empower young people through a full circle education model covering academic, social plus creative skills. Organizers say the program will offer classes, workshops and community projects to help students grow. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia State Police unveiled a new Kodiak airplane at Mountain Empire Airport that features tail number N876VA— a tribute to Trooper Lucas Dowell, a Chilhowie native fatally shot during a raid in February 2019. Dowell’s family toured the plane and met with his colleagues as the agency acquires three new Kodiak planes for operations out of Lynchburg. WFXR TV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A report published yesterday outlined new construction projects set to modernize Lynchburg’s infrastructure. The update provides details on planned phases — including timelines and project scopes — that will shape the community’s future. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Young athletes with Checkmat Lynchburg made history by becoming the first youth from Lynchburg to compete in an elite International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation event. Coach Robert Hurd said each competitor placed in the top three of their brackets—four times this year. WSET
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MARCUS 2025
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Randolph College — Registration includes meals — Presenting undergraduate scholarship across various disciplines.
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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.
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In Gratitude: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $58 — Experience the vibrant tribute to the legendary band with powerful performances and choreography.
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