Local News for Lynchburg News Advance

Check out scenes from in and around Lynchburg in Photo of the Day

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:45:00 EDT

Check out a variety of scenes from in and around Lynchburg in The News & Advance’s Photo of the Day feature.

Darrell Laurant writes of ‘Lynchburg’s attic’

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:56:00 EDT

It’s appropriate that the Jones Memorial Library is on an upper floor of the building it shares with the Lynchburg Public Library. That’s because, as Lewis Averett says with a smile: “We’ve been called ‘Lynchburg’s attic.’”

‘Rumbler’ making waves among nation’s police

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:28:00 EDT

VIENNA, Va. (AP) — The town of Vienna isn’t big, but anyone who’s tried to navigate its main streets at peak times knows it can be crowded and noisy. And that can hamper a police cruiser trying to get somewhere quickly. Enter the Rumbler.

After scare, Lynchburg dentist reups expired license

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:25:00 EDT

Looking back, Dr. Bland Massie says that when he attempted to renew his dental license online for the first time in 2006, he must have done something wrong.

Leland Melvin speaks to University of Richmond graduates

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:21:00 EDT

At the University of Richmond’s 178th commencement ceremony Sunday, astronaut Leland D. Melvin advised the Class of 2008 to dream big.

Police looking for suspects in Quizno’s armed robbery

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:20:00 EDT

A Quizno’s restaurant in Forest was robbed by two men Saturday night, employees told Bedford County sheriff’s deputies.

Campbell County School Board to look at comprehensive plan

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:19:00 EDT

The Campbell County School Board is scheduled to meet this evening where members will receive a draft of the division’s comprehensive plan.

Randolph graduates final all-female class

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:41:00 EDT

The former Randolph-Macon Woman’s College’s class of 2008 honored its single-sex roots at commencement Sunday while congratulating the 148 women that comprised its final all-female class.

Liberty graduate overcomes adversity to see dream realized

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:54:00 EDT

Gary Ricketts was a semester away from graduating from Liberty University in 1999 when his life changed forever.

Preston Bryant reminds Lynchburg College grads to serve their communities

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:53:00 EDT

Linking Lynchburg College’s stewardship actions this year with the goals of his boss, Preston Bryant, reminded graduates Saturday that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has a focus similar to the college’s “Year of the Environment.”

Sweet Briar College taps 141 graduates

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:49:00 EDT

SWEET BRIAR — A strong but unseen bond existed Saturday between the guest speaker for Sweet Briar College’s 99th commencement and the youngest member of the Class of 2008, pulling at both with gravitational force.

Plane crash survivor graduates on time at Lynchburg College

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:44:00 EDT

The cheers lingered a bit longer as Jason Early walked across the Lynchburg College stage to receive his diploma Saturday. The limp was barely noticeable.

Chuck Norris tells Liberty University grads to follow God’s path

Sat, 10 May 2008 22:36:00 EDT

Saturday was the first time that television star Chuck Norris ever addressed a college graduation, but Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said it wouldn’t be his last.

Stabbing victim in stable condition at hospital

Sat, 10 May 2008 21:34:00 EDT

A 24-year-old male victim was listed in stable condition at Lynchburg General Hospital on Saturday after being stabbed in the chest outside a popular nightspot early Saturday morning, according to the Lynchburg Police Department.

Students look back on eventful year at Randolph College

Sat, 10 May 2008 21:09:00 EDT

A senior, Heather Wilson had shifted her focus to preparing for graduation as she returned to the former Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in August. As she moved in, she saw a few men on campus and figured they were there to help sisters or girlfriends unpack.

Teen pedals 25 miles to school every day in Charlottesville

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:18:00 EDT

Dressed as she is, for business, it’s hard to imagine that a few short hours ago Linnea Saby was pushing pedals 25 miles across western Albemarle County to the Renaissance School in downtown Charlottesville.

Scavenger hunt contest to help boost tourism in Bedford

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:16:00 EDT

Bedford County and the city of Bedford’s joint tourism office is sponsoring a contest to recognize National Tourism Week, which starts today.

Storms knock out some Lynchburg-area phone service

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:14:00 EDT

Some Verizon customers in the Lynchburg area lost long-distance service Friday morning thanks to Thursday night’s storms.

Madison Heights man sentenced to 10 years in prison in drug case

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:09:00 EDT

A Madison Heights man who authorities say was a major drug dealer in Lynchburg was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison Friday.

Campbell County wreck injures Concord woman

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:58:01 EDT

A Friday afternoon wreck in Campbell County critically injured a Concord woman, after an SUV collided with her sedan near Rustburg.

Clerk in Citgo shooting released from hospital

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:55:00 EDT

The Lynchburg convenience store clerk shot last month was discharged from Lynchburg General Hospital on Thursday, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Study: Chocolate makes heart beat faster

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:23:00 EDT

Your pulse rate is increasing — could it be the nearness of your significant other, or alas, just your own steady consumption of chocolate?

Mother’s Day framed by services for son

Fri, 09 May 2008 20:08:00 EDT

A wall in Peggy and Dale Saunders’ home is covered in plaques and framed documents — a charcoal drawing of their son, a Campbell County deputy in uniform, a certificate retiring his radio number with the Altavista Rescue Squad, and a medal of honor recognizing his death in the line of duty.

Drug dealer sentenced in Lynchburg

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:21:00 EDT

A Madison Heights man who authorities say was a major drug dealer in Lynchburg was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison Friday.

Richmond jeweler had a hand in Jenna Bush’s ring

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:21:00 EDT

RICHMOND – The brilliant diamond-and-sapphire ring that Henry Hager presented to first twin Jenna Bush when he proposed in August was the result of 125 years of cumulative jewelry experience.
Audio Slideshow

Juvenile in I-64 shootings charged in Waynesboro

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

The 16-year-old juvenile who plead guilty in an Albemarle County court Wednesday to participation in the string of shootings on and near I-64 in March is now facing charges in Waynesboro as well, police said.

Verizon long-distance service restored in Lynchburg area

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:50:00 EDT

Long-distance service has been restored to Verizon customers in the region after it was out of order most of the morning.

WWII ace pilot made a home in Lynchburg

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:44:00 EDT

Two Navy Crosses, three Silver Stars, a Distinguished Flying Cross and ace fighter pilot status in World War II defined the military life of retired Navy Capt. Theodore Hugh Winters Jr.

CVCC hosting engineering open house

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:42:00 EDT

Central Virginia Community College this Monday will educate area students interested in entering the school’s collaborative four-year engineering program through the University of Virginia.

Regional water plans take shape

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:41:00 EDT

Representatives from two engineering firms compiling a detailed state-mandated water supply plan for localities in the Lynchburg region discussed their methods with stakeholders Thursday.

CVCC graduates move on

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:40:00 EDT

Liberty University’s Vines Center served as the platform for Thursday night’s commencement for Central Virginia Community College’s 2008 class.

Developers decry big-box proposal

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:38:01 EDT

A big-box ordinance pending in Lynchburg needs exemptions for redevelopment projects and a less restrictive standard for builders wanting to avoid a public hearing, according to a panel of area developers.

Witness to Amherst County teen’s murder revealed

Thu, 08 May 2008 20:01:00 EDT

AMHERST — Search warrants and affidavits filed this week in Amherst County Circuit Court reveal that an eyewitness linked Timothy Wayne Wright Jr., 21, to the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Justin Baumgardner.

Man dies at Forest construction site

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:52:00 EDT

A construction worker died Thursday while working on a home in Forest.

Sign repairman electrocuted in Brookneal

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:46:00 EDT

A North Carolina man was electrocuted in Brookneal yesterday while repairing a store sign, authorities said.

Facebook, states agree on new safeguards

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:04:00 EDT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Officials from Virginia and several other states say Facebook has agreed to implement more than 40 safeguards to protect younger users.

Charlotte County school bus wreck kills driver, injures seven students

Thu, 08 May 2008 10:50:00 EDT

A Charlotte County school bus accident has injured the driver and seven students.

New state forest planned for far southwest Va.

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:58:00 EDT

Far Southwest Virginia boasts some of the state’s most rugged and beautiful woodlands, but up until this week it has never had a patch of forest specifically protected by the state.

Giant Earlysville hot dog returned after kidnapping

Thu, 08 May 2008 09:49:00 EDT

Harry, a beloved 6-foot, 200-pound anthropomorphic hot dog statue that resides outside an Earlysville grocery store, was stolen the night of April 9. He was returned - albeit severely damaged - to All Good Groceries in Earlysville on Tuesday evening.

Calls increase for Clinton to step aside

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:26:00 EDT

Barack Obama’s dramatic victory in North Carolina Tuesday all but guaranteed him the Democratic nomination for president, as pressure intensified for Hillary Clinton to end her campaign.

Bedford County School Board to meet today

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:48:00 EDT

The Bedford County School Board will have a 6 p.m. closed meeting and a 7 p.m. regular meeting today at the Bedford Science and Technology Center auditorium.

Fire damages vacant Taylor St. house

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:47:01 EDT

Quick work by Lynchburg firefighters put out a blaze in a condemned downtown house before it could threaten any of the structures around it.

Free workshop to focus on prevention

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:45:00 EDT

Prevention issues in “Time to Talk, Time to Act,” an upcoming free workshop, arose from situations that area human services and mental health professionals see repeatedly in their caseloads, planners say.

Altavista armory’s fate unclear

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:44:00 EDT

Campbell County officials are discussing whether to stop maintaining the Altavista armory for community use.

Voter turnout disappoints Lynchburg officials

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:28:00 EDT

Nat Marshall isn’t ready to commit to a third run for Lynchburg City Council after losing his bid for the Ward III seat on Tuesday.

Appomattox man found guilty in homicide

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:21:00 EDT

A Concord man accused of killing his cousin in a motor vehicle crash was convicted of voluntary manslaughter by an Appomattox County jury Wednesday.

Appomattox County wreck victim ID’d

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:13:00 EDT

Aleth Harrison Mays Jr., the most recent victim in a rash of area traffic fatalities, died Tuesday night due to circumstances that could have been avoided, according to Virginia State Police.

African children’s choir performs at church

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:08:00 EDT

The amazing journey of 20 children from Uganda included a stop in the Hill City this week.

Former Forest teacher convicted in child porn case

Wed, 07 May 2008 18:09:00 EDT

CULPEPER - A former Forest Middle School teacher pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to 12 felony child pornography charges.

Kaine launches own YouTube channel

Wed, 07 May 2008 10:02:00 EDT

Dude, have you seen the latest Kaine video? He’s got his own channel on YouTube, dude.

Student, teacher vied for vacant Ward IV seat

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:33:00 EDT

Marie Waller used to teach government. Now, she’s living it. “It didn’t really hit me,” said the first-time candidate for Lynchburg City Council on Tuesday afternoon, “until I saw the signs with my name on them.”

Candidates in Wards II and III reflect on campaign

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:38:00 EDT

Voter turnout low across Lynchburg in City Council election.

Math class changes approved

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:32:00 EDT

Lynchburg City School Board voted to change a dual enrollment math course in the hopes of challenging students.

Deputy’s sacrifice honored at Capitol

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:20:00 EDT

RICHMOND — As the sun started to set over Richmond on Tuesday, law enforcement officers from across the state gathered at the steps of the State Capitol.

Cafe robbery suspect pleads guilty

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:18:00 EDT

A Lynchburg man accused of robbing the Academy Café earlier this year pleaded guilty to the charges Tuesday.

Warner aims for center in Hill City visit

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:14:00 EDT

Democrat Mark Warner solidified the centrist theme of his U.S. Senate campaign during a Lynchburg stop Tuesday by gathering an endorsement from the city’s former delegate to the General Assembly.

Incumbents win City Council races; Perrow takes Ward IV seat

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:08:00 EDT

Lynchburg voters endorsed their present leadership on City Council on Tuesday, re-electing three incumbents and choosing one newcomer.

Amherst man killed in Appomattox County wreck

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:07:00 EDT

Speed and alcohol were both factors in a crash that killed an Amherst County man Tuesday night, according to Virginia State Police.

Earnest indicted in wife’s slaying

Tue, 06 May 2008 23:05:00 EDT

A Bedford County grand jury indicted a Moneta man Tuesday on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his estranged wife.

Amherst resident arrested in killing of man found in truck

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:20:00 EDT

An Amherst man was arrested and charged with murder Tuesday afternoon in the death of an Amherst County teenager found shot to death in his pickup truck Sunday morning.

Mark Warner gets bipartisan support in Lynchburg

Tue, 06 May 2008 15:06:00 EDT

Democrat Mark Warner’s centrist theme in his statewide tour for the U.S. Senate got enthusiastic support today in Lynchburg from Preston Bryant, who represented the city for 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Montvale students charged with disorderly conduct, may have talked of harming teacher

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:13:00 EDT

Three sixth-grade students at Montvale Elementary School have been suspended and two of them each face a misdemeanor charge after being suspected of talking about physically harming a teacher at the school, Bedford County officials said today.

Guilty plea made in Academy Cafe robbery

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:38:00 EDT

A Lynchburg man accused of robbing the Academy Café earlier this year pleaded guilty in a Lynchburg courtroom this morning to charges of robbery and abduction.

Crimestoppers: Police investigating fake travelers checks

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:33:00 EDT

Police are looking for the public’s help in finding people who cashed fraudulent travelers checks.

Check out national election coverage at Herd on the Trail

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:45:00 EDT

Media General’s Washington Bureau blogs about the presidential election campaigns.

Fire guts Bedford County home

Tue, 06 May 2008 11:04:00 EDT

A fire destroyed a home in Bedford County near Vinton this morning.

Election Day Blog: Re-live the City Council races

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:37:00 EDT

Updated 9:06 p.m. With all precincts reporting, Lynchburg’s three incumbent councilmen have won second terms. Perrow wins in Ward IV by 32 votes.

Local group lays wreath at Arlington

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:24:00 EDT

A Lynchburg member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows laid one of the 50 wreaths the fraternal group presented at the Tomb of the Unknowns on Sunday in Arlington.

LCA students remember classmate killed in car accident

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:05:00 EDT

Students said an emotional goodbye to James Holmes, better known as Jamie. Holmes’ funeral will be at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.

Rustburg teen indicted

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:06:00 EDT

A Rustburg teenager was indicted Monday on charges of forcible sodomy in separate incidents with two girls last year.

Some in Campbell support 3-cent tax rate

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:05:01 EDT

A proposed real estate tax increase drew mixed responses at a public hearing Monday in Campbell County.

City school board to meet today

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:03:00 EDT

The Lynchburg City School Board is scheduled to discuss changes to its dual enrollment math offering and the district’s 403 (b) plan, a retirement savings plan for some public school employees, at its regular meeting tonight.

Part of Church Street closed today

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:02:00 EDT

Part of the Church Street area will be closed today from 11 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. because of Senate candidate Mark Warner’s campaign stop downtown.

Police charge Lynchburg man in bridge fire

Mon, 05 May 2008 22:00:00 EDT

Police have charged a Lynchburg man in connection with the fire that destroyed the Fort Avenue bridge last month, according to Lynchburg Fire Marshal Greg Wormser.

Tree accident claims city man’s life; memorial today

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:59:01 EDT

A memorial service will be held today at Lynchburg College for a city man who police say died Friday evening after a section of a large tree broke off and struck him in the head.

No suspects in Amherst County killing

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:54:00 EDT

A 2007 Amherst County High School graduate was found fatally shot Sunday morning. On Monday evening, authorities still had few details.

Payne Elementary teacher tops in city

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:53:00 EDT

R.S. Payne Elementary School teacher Kim Beuerle was speechless Monday morning after a surprise announcement revealed her as Lynchburg City Schools 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year.

Bedford County plans for no-kill animal shelter

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:52:00 EDT

BEDFORD — Bedford County officials Monday took initial steps to change zoning laws to pave the way for a new “no kill” animal shelter that the Bedford Humane Society would operate.

More charges in Citgo shooting

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:50:00 EDT

The six people charged in the armed robbery that critically injured a city convenience store clerk in April will also face firearms charges.

Last major Sept. 11-related charity shutting down

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:04:01 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The largest charity established to help Washington-area victims of the Sept. 11 ter-rorist attacks is closing nearly seven years after a hijacked airplane crashed into the Pentagon.

Ward 1 contest expected to get highest voter turnout

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:45:00 EDT

Turnout in today’s City Council election is expected to be better than usual for a local ward race, according to Lynchburg registrar Pat Bower.

Amherst authorities investigating homicide

Mon, 05 May 2008 08:34:00 EDT

A Monroe man was found fatally shot Sunday morning, and Amherst authorities are asking for citizens’ help in gathering information.

Campbell supervisors to hold hearing on tax rate

Sun, 04 May 2008 21:36:00 EDT

Campbell County’s Board of Supervisors will meet at 7 tonight in the Haberer Building in Rustburg.

E.C. Glass Junior ROTC places in competition

Sun, 04 May 2008 21:32:00 EDT

It wasn’t too long ago that E.C. Glass High School Air Force Junior ROTC members showed up to the state drill competition only to hear other competitors ask, “Who is E.C. Glass?”

Mark Warner planning city visit Tuesday

Sun, 04 May 2008 21:25:00 EDT

As befits a man who rose to prominence in the cell phone business, Mark Warner is now re-connecting.

Community remembers Lynchburg police officer

Sun, 04 May 2008 20:35:00 EDT

The two lives that Will Branham led fused together in perfect symmetry Sunday.

Supplies not keeping up with demand for Lynchburg-area food banks

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:30:00 EDT

Hard economic times are creating a strain on humanitarian organizations and their suppliers.

Early childhood education support expanding in state

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:29:00 EDT

The state’s plan to nurture early learning in young children has become a large, very active effort, according to Kathy Glazer, director of the governor’s newly created Office of Early Childhood Development.

Speaker charges Virginia University of Lynchburg graduates to be ‘agents of change’

Sat, 03 May 2008 22:26:00 EDT

Graduation isn’t the end of an education.
That is the message graduates of Virginia University of Lynchburg were given as they received their degrees Saturday.

Race for Appomattox mayor heats up

Sat, 03 May 2008 21:54:00 EDT

Three months after Appomattox Mayor John Wilson took office in July 2006, the Town Council voted to slash his small salary by more than 50 percent.

Mark Warner in control of race with Jim Gilmore

Sat, 03 May 2008 19:26:00 EDT

RICHMOND — When you have as much ground to gain as Jim Gilmore does in this year’s U.S. Senate race, playing the nice guy is not an option.

Gardener has transformed, cared for Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery for 28 years

Sat, 03 May 2008 19:13:00 EDT

For Jane Baber White, reclaiming the Old City Cemetery from weeds and kudzu and transforming it into a well-kept park that annually draws more than 25,000 of the living was an accidental avocation.

16-year-old dies in early morning car wreck in Campbell County

Sat, 03 May 2008 17:45:00 EDT

Campbell County’s third fatal wreck in less than three days claimed the life of an Appomat-tox teenager Saturday morning.

Lynchburg City Council hopeful Tom Shahady discloses expenses

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:55:00 EDT

Contrary to an earlier report, City Council candidate Tom Shahady has put some money into his pursuit of public office.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell recognizes Bedford officers

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:52:00 EDT

BEDFORD — Attorney General Bob McDonnell joined in recognizing Bedford-area police officers Friday for their work with domestic violence victims, without mentioning that he’s a candidate for governor in 2009.

Lynchburg Police Department to hold large funeral procession for Will Branham

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:46:00 EDT

The funeral for a Lynchburg police officer is expected to draw a number of law enforcement officers and others, causing authorities to close some roads in the Madison Heights area.

Couple relishes in the fruits of their labor with the only winery in the Campbell County

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:38:00 EDT

About eight years ago, Paul and Jackie Anctil embarked on an educational journey to learn more about winemaking.

Thomas Jefferson impersonator provides answers to 2008 questions

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:13:00 EDT

What would a Founding Father have to say about the 2008 presidential election, or the modern American presidency, for that matter? Could he even get elected? With Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama facing key primary races next week — and President Bush, meanwhile, in the final stages of his eight-year run — we turned to Thomas Jefferson for some answers.

Springsteen gives Lynchburg man time of his life

Fri, 02 May 2008 21:09:00 EDT

Roger Rudder was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis nearly four years ago. At the same time, several masses were also found on his pancreas. The 48-year-old, however, doesn’t like for people to feel sorry for him.

Housing slump hits troops hard, congressman says

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:34:00 EDT

WASHINGTON—Transfers from bases in slumping housing markets are forcing military members to sell homes for thousands of dollars less than they owe on their mortgages, says a Florida congressman.