Rachael Smith
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Reporter at @newsadvance
Covers business and nonprofits and all around good feels.
Enjoys a good taco, a great joke and the best people
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Articles by Rachael Smith
Hill City Sports Center opens new courts, bringing year-round sports opportunities to Lynchburg
A new sports center in Lynchburg is preparing to open its doors to the community, bringing multiple courts and year-round athletic programming to a facility designed to give local athletes more opportunities to play closer to home. kAmw:== r:EJ $A@CED r6?E6C[ F?56C ?6H @H?6CD9:A D:?46 E96 6?5 @7 |2J[ H:== @A6? :ED >2:?
Free memory screening program aims to improve brain health in Central Virginia
David Crews gives Marianne Criswell her test results during a memory screening event at West Lynchburg Baptist Church, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance) kAmp5F=ED 4@?46C?65 23@FE E96:C >6>@CJ 42? C646:G6 7C66 D4C66?:?8D E9C@F89 2 ?6H r6?EC2= ':C8:?:2 AC@8C2> 56D:8?65 E@ :56?E:7J A@E6?E:2= 4@8?:E:G6 4@?46C?D[ 2DD6DD 56>6?E:2 C:D< 724E@CD 2?5 96=A A2CE:4:A2?ED 36EE6C F?56CDE2?5 E96:C 3C2:?
Top weekend events: Fall festivals, books and brews, and more
Gross’ Orchard Harvest Festival will be held Saturday in Bedford County. kAmuC@> 72== 76DE:G2=D E@ 2 K@>3:6 H2=< :? p>96CDE 2?5 2 4@?46CE 3J w:== r:EJ $@F= 2E E96 {J?493FC8 p>A9:E962E6C[ 96C6 2C6 7:G6 7F? E9:?8D E@ 4964< @FE E9:D H66<6?5]k^Am k9amkDEC@?8mvC@DDV ~C492C5 w2CG6DE u6DE:G2=k^DEC@?8mk^9am kAmr6=63C2E6 E96 72== 92CG6DE 5FC:?8 vC@DDV ~C492C5 w2CG6DE u6DE:G2= 7C@> g 2]>] E@ e A]>] $2EFC52J 2E vC@DDV ~C492C5[ eg_g (962ED '2==6J #@25[ :? q657@C5 r@F?EJ] ':D:E@CD 42?
Lynchburg connects stormwater management, tree canopy efforts
The James River Regional Clean-up was held on Sept. 12 at the Rotary Centennial Lynchburg Skatepark. kAm{J?493FC8’D 677@CED E@ >2?286 DE@C>H2E6C 2?5 AC@E64E :ED H2E6CH2JD 2C6 :?4C62D:?8=J :?E6CD64E:?8 H:E9 2?@E96C 4:EJ :?:E:2E:G6i 6IA2?5:?8 2?5 AC6D6CG:?8 E96 FC32? EC66 42?@AJ]k^Am kAmuC@> DEC62> 4=62?FAD 2?5 C2:? 32CC6= H@C<D9@AD E@ >2;@C DE@C>H2E6C :?7C2DECF4EFC6 AC@;64ED 2?5 E96 %C66D %@>@CC@H :?:E:2E:G6[ 4:EJ @77:4:2=D D2J C6D:56?ED A=2J 2? :>A@CE2?E C@=6 :?
The 2026 Harvey Awards Winners are...
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Chick-fil-A bringing play place back to Wards Road location
Chick-fil-A on Wards Road in Lynchburg is renovating its indoor play place, reopening a popular family feature removed during the COVID-19 pandemic. kAmu2>:=:6D H9@ 92G6 >:DD65 E96 A=2J A=246 2E r9:4<\7:=\p @? (2C5D #@25 H:== D@@? 92G6 2 C62D@? E@ 46=63C2E6]k^Am kAm%96 C6DE2FC2?E 2E c__b (2C5D #@25 :D C6?@G2E:?8 :ED :?5@@C A=2J 2C62[ 3C:?8:?8 E96 A@AF=2C 762EFC6 324< E@ E96 {J?493FC8 =@42E:@?
FIVE18 brings Lynchburg-area offices together at new Center for Thriving Families
FIVE18 Services is bringing three of its Lynchburg-area offices together under one roof as it prepares to open its new Center for Thriving Families. kAm%96 @C82?:K2E:@?[ 7@C>6C=J <?@H? 2D !2EC:4< w6?CJ u2>:=J $6CG:46D[ :D AC6A2C:?8 7@C E96 8C2?5 @A6?:?8 @7 :ED ?6H 724:=:EJ :? E96 7@C>6C !92D6 a DA246] %96 ?6H =@42E:@? ?62C=J 5@F3=6D E96 2>@F?E @7 DA246 E96 @C82?:K2E:@? AC6G:@FD=J @44FA:65 24C@DD :ED E9C66 =@42E:@?D]k^Am kAmy677 }:EK[ rt~ @7 ux't`g[ D2:5 E96 ?6H 724:=:EJ C6AC6D6?ED >@C6 E92?
Centra’s new Lynchburg General Hospital tower reaches major construction milestone
A major piece of Centra Health’s long-term modernization of its Lynchburg facilities reached a milestone Tuesday as workers placed the final structural steel beam atop the new Lynchburg General Hospital tower. kAm%96 E@AA:?8\@FE 46C6>@?J >2C<65 E96 4@>A=6E:@? @7 E96 E@H6C’D DECF4EFC2= DE66= H@C< 2?5 @776C65 4@>>F?:EJ >6>36CD[ 962=E942C6 H@C<6CD[ 4@?DECF4E:@? 4C6HD 2?5 =@42= A2CE?6CD 2? @AA@CEF?:EJ E@ 46=63C2E6 E96 AC@8C6DD @7 2 AC@;64E 6IA64E65 E@ C6D92A6 962=E942C6 56=:G6CJ :?
Top weekend events: Festivals, concerts and garlic
From the Academy Clay Festival and the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival to country music star Chase Matthew in concert at the Lynchburg Amphitheater, here are five things to check out this weekend. Attendees look at pottery during the Clay Festival at the Academy Center of the Arts in 2024. This year’s festival will take place Saturday.
Executive Order Targets Fuel Cost Relief for Farmers and Ranchers
President Trump signed an executive order on Oct. 5 that temporarily allows off-road dyed diesel to be used in on-road vehicles and defers the federal excise tax on highway diesel through the end of the year. By suspending enforcement of certain tax and usage restrictions, the order seeks to reduce fuel expenses, with the White House estimating significant savings for diesel users.
LGH Topping Off Ceremony
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Manufacturing Day highlights Lynchburg region’s industry, workforce and innovation
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Witch Walk returns with bigger community event, fundraiser
Founding members of the Witch Walk enjoy the inaugural fundraising event at Three Roads Brewing on Oct. 26, 2025. From left are Katie Elliott, Kelly Whitmore, Jackie Kinder and Christy Christmas. kAm(92E 3682? 2D 2 D>2== w2==@H66? EC25:E:@? 2>@?8 7:G6 7C:6?5D 92D 8C@H?
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Meet the Finalists for Florida Farm Bureau’s 2027 Farmer of the Year Award
Florida Farm Bureau has named the finalists for its 2027 Florida Farmer of the Year award: Wade Ellenburg of Holmes County, Danny Johns of St. Johns County and Dr. Hal Phillips of Levy County. The award recognizes agriculturalists who demonstrate excellence in stewardship of the land and leadership within their communities. The winner will be announced Oct. 30 during Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 85th Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach.
UF President Embraces the Land-Grant Mission
By J. Scott Angle | | @IFAS_VP Your land-grant university has a new land-grant president, Dr. Stuart Bell. Bell describes the place where he grew up as one with not a lot of people but a lot of cows and a lot of oil. While his family didn’t farm, his dad worked a garden large enough that he used a small tractor. When Bell turned 18, he went off to his land-grant university, Texas A&M, and earned three engineering degrees.
New proposal would convert Villa Maria school into 40 residential units
A new proposal would convert the former Villa Maria school building at 1000 Villa Road into about 40 residential units, according to documents submitted to the City of Lynchburg. kAm%96 ':==2D {{r[ E96 AC@A6CEJVD 4FCC6?E @H?6C 2?5 56G6=@A6C[ 92D DF3>:EE65 2 C6K@?:?8 C6BF6DE D66<:?8 E@ 2>6?5 AC6G:@FD=J C64@C565 AC@776CD @? E96 AC@A6CEJ E@ 2==@H 4@?5@>:?:F>D @C 2A2CE>6?ED]k^Am kAm%96 2AAC@I:>2E6=J g]ef\24C6 AC@A6CEJ :D 4FCC6?E=J K@?65 #\cr] %96 AC@A@D2= H@F=5 C6E2:? E96 6I:DE:?8 K@?:?8 56D:8?2E:@?
Dutch Bros Coffee coming to Lynchburg, plans to open by end of year
Dutch Bros is planning a location at 21287 Timberlake Road in Lynchburg. kAm{J?493FC8 C6D:56?ED H:== D@@? 92G6 2 ?6H @AE:@? 7@C 4@7766[ 6?6C8J 5C:?<D 2?5 @E96C DA64:2=EJ 36G6C286D 2D sFE49 qC@D r@7766 AC6A2C6D E@ @A6? :ED 7:CDE {J?493FC8 =@42E:@?]k^Am kAmp=:DD2? w:=563C2?5E[ 2? 6IE6C?2= 4@>>F?:42E:@?D DA64:2=:DE H:E9 sFE49 qC@D[ 4@?7:C>65 E96 4@>A2?J :D A=2??:?8 2 =@42E:@? 2E a`agf %:>36C=2<6 #@25 2?5 :D EC24<:?8 E@H2C5 2? @A6?:?8 3J E96 6?5 @7 a_ae]k^Am kAm%96 =@42E:@? :D :?
$44.6M in transportation funding highlighted at Lynchburg forum
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance’s 2026 Transportation Forum was held Friday, Sept 25, 2026. A transportation forum was held at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on September 25, 2026 kAm#646?E EC2?DA@CE2E:@? :?G6DE>6?ED E@E2=:?8 >@C6 E92? Scc]e >:==:@? 2C6 3C:?8:?8 ?6H 2EE6?E:@? E@ {J?493FC8\2C62 :?7C2DECF4EFC6 ?665D 2?5 @AA@CEF?:E:6D]k^Am kAm%9@D6 :?G6DE>6?ED H6C6 2>@?8 E96 E@A:4D 5:D4FDD65 5FC:?8 E96 {J?493FC8 #68:@?2= qFD:?6DD p==:2?46’D a_ae %C2?DA@CE2E:@?
Pink Lady Espresso brings retro flair and creative drinks to Lynchburg
Ashley Mason, pictured second from left with her employees, is the owner of Pink Lady Espresso in Forest. kAmpD9=6J |2D@? D2:5 E96 C@25 E@ @A6?:?8 2 4@7766 3FD:?6DD DE2CE65 H:E9 2 4FA @7 4@7766 — @C[ >@C6 244FC2E6=J[ E96 5C:?<D D96 3682? >2<:?8 7@C 96C D2=@? 4=:6?ED]k^Am kAm|2D@?[ H9@ 92D @H?65 2 D2=@? 7@C 23@FE `` J62CD[ 3682? 6IA6C:>6?E:?8 H:E9 >2<:?8 5C:?<D 7@C 96C 4=:6?ED 27E6C 255:?8 2 ?2:= =:46?D6 2?5 @776C:?8 A65:4FC6D] (92E DE2CE65 2D 2 7F? 255:E:@? E@ 96C D2=@?
Downtown goes Dolly for first-ever Dolly Day
Uno Mas’ Rhinestone Margarita kAms@H?E@H? {J?493FC8 :D 86EE:?8 2 =:EE=6 >@C6 A:?<[ DA2C<=J 2?5 s@==J\:?DA:C65 E9:D H66< 2D =@42= 3FD:?6DD6D 4@>6 E@86E96C 7@C E96 4:EJ’D 7:CDE s@H?E@H? s@==J s2J @? uC:52J[ $6AE] ad]k^Am kAm%96 46=63C2E:@?[ @C82?:K65 3J E96 s@H?E@H? {J?493FC8 pDD@4:2E:@?[ E2<6D 25G2?E286 @7 E96 $6AE] ad 52E6 2DD@4:2E65 H:E9 s@==J !2CE@?’D 3:CE952J 2?5 3C:?8D >@C6 E92? 2 5@K6? 5@H?E@H?
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What’s being planned for Lynchburg’s new teen center
The new sign for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg facility is pictured on Langhorne Road. kAm%96 q@JD U2>Aj v:C=D r=F3 @7 vC62E6C {J?493FC8 :D A=2??:?8 2 565:42E65 DA246 7@C @=56C E66?D E92E 4@>3:?6D C64C62E:@?[ 42C66C 6IA@DFC6 2?5 24256>:4 DFAA@CE] $@>6 762EFC6D 2C6 DE:== 36:?8 56E6C>:?65[ H:E9 =@42= E66?286CD 6IA64E65 E@ 96=A D92A6 E96 46?E6C]k^Am kAmkDEC@?8m!@542DE DEF5:@ik^DEC@?8m %66?D 4@F=5 D6=64E E@A:4D[ :?E6CG:6H 8F6DED 2?5 =62C? 9@H E@ AC@5F46 E96:C @H?
Prayer Edition Co. brings faith-based apparel, community to downtown Lynchburg
Prayer Edition is set to open in a former Airbnb on Jefferson Street in downtown Lynchburg. kAmp 7@C>6C p:C3?3 :? 5@H?E@H? {J?493FC8 :D 36:?8 EC2?D7@C>65 :?E@ 2 72:E9\32D65 2AA2C6= 2?5 =:76DEJ=6 DE@C6 H:E9 2? 6>A92D:D @? AC2J6C[ 4@>>F?:EJ 2?5 72>:=J]k^Am kAm!C2J6C t5:E:@? r@][ @H?65 3J $<J=2 y@?6D 2?5 96C EH@ D@?D[ `a\J62C\@=5 pF56? 2?5 `d\J62C\@=5 qCJ46?[ :D AC6A2C:?8 E@ @A6? 2E `__h y6776CD@? $E] E9:D 72==]k^Am kAm%96 3FD:?6DD 8C6H @FE @7 2 492?86 :? 5:C64E:@? 7@C E96 72>:=J]k^Am kAm“!C2J6C t5:E:@?
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More than a hangout: Inside Lynchburg’s new teen center
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg, pictured Wednesday, is planning to open a teen center on Langhorne Road across from E.C. Glass High School. Signage is already up, but remodeling is needed. kAm(96? E96 q@JD U2>Aj v:C=D r=F3 @7 vC62E6C {J?493FC8 @A6?D E96 5@@CD E@ :ED ?6H E66? 46?E6C[ E96 @C82?:K2E:@? 9@A6D =@42= E66?286CD H:== D66 >@C6 E92? 2 ?6H 27E6C\D49@@= 56DE:?2E:@?]k^Am kAm%96J’== D66 2 A=246 3F:=E H:E9 E96> :? >:?5]k^Am kAm%96 @C82?:K2E:@?
Hero Games honors fallen Army Ranger Sgt. Joel Clarkson
Participants take part in the 11th annual Hero Games in Bedford. kAm%96 ``E9 2??F2= w6C@ v2>6D[ DA@?D@C65 3J q=24< #:7=6 r@7766 r@>A2?J[ 3C@F89E >@C6 E92? aa_ 4@>A6E:E@CD[ G@=F?E66CD[ v@=5 $E2C 72>:=J >6>36CD[ G6E6C2?D 2?5 DA64E2E@CD E@86E96C 2E y@9?D@?’D ~C492C5 :? q657@C5 @? $6AE] `a E@ 9@?@C E96 =:76 2?5 D24C:7:46 @7 &]$] pC>J #2?86C $8E] y@6= s2G:5 r=2C<D@?[ 2 ?6HD C6=62D6 DE2E6D]k^Am kAmr=2C<D@?[ 2 7:C6 E62> =6256C 2DD:8?65 E@ a?5 q2EE2=:@?[ fdE9 #2?86C #68:>6?E[ H2D <:==65 :? 24E:@? :?
Top weekend events: Virginia 10 Miler, ‘Adams Family,’ Dolly Day and more
From the Virginia 10 Miler to Wolfbane Productions’ “The Addams Family” and Downtown Dolly Day, here are five things to do this weekend. Runners take off at the start of the 51st annual Virginia 10 Miler on Sept. 27, 2025. k9amkDEC@?8m':C8:?:2 `_ |:=6Ck^DEC@?8mk^9am kAm%2<6 A2CE :? E96 da?5 2??F2= |@@C6 U2>Aj v:=6D ':C8:?:2 `_ |:=6C 368:??:?8 2E g 2]>] $2EFC52J 2E t]r] v=2DD w:89 $49@@=[ a``` |6>@C:2= pG6][ :?
Virginia Fresh Match gets $1M in state funding to expand local food access
Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) has been awarded $1 million in state funding in Virginia’s fiscal year 2027 budget to expand access to Virginia-grown fruits and vegetables for families using SNAP, a news release states. kAm':C8:?:2 uC6D9 |2E49 :D 2 DE2E6H:56 ?FEC:E:@? :?46?E:G6 AC@8C2> E92E 96=AD $}p! 4FDE@>6CD 2446DD 7C6D9 AC@5F46 3J 5@F3=:?8 E96 G2=F6 @7 E96:C 36?67:ED @?
Visitor spending reached $272.4M in Lynchburg in 2025
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From shoe factory to hotel: The evolution of Craddock Terry
From a shoe-manufacturing powerhouse to a boutique hotel and upscale restaurant, the Craddock Terry property has evolved alongside Lynchburg for more than a century. With Shoemakers preparing to close, take a look at the history — and what’s coming next. Craddock-Terry was established in 1888 and quickly grew to become the fifth largest shoe company in the country.
Chipotle plans an October opening in Madison Heights
Chipotle Mexican Grill has leased about 2,390 square feet of retail space at 4780 S. Amherst Highway in Madison Heights, according to Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. kAm%96 C6DE2FC2?E’D 6?EC2?46 H:== 36 2=@?8 vC@G6 pG6?F6[ 2?5 r9:A@E=6 :D E2C86E:?8 2? ~4E@36C a_ae @A6?:?8[ D2:5 t5 z:>A=6[ D6?:@C G:46 AC6D:56?E 2E %92=9:>6C]k^Am kAmz:>A=6 2?5 s2G:5 |249FA2 92?5=65 D:E6 D6=64E:@? @? 3692=7 @7 r9:A@E=6]k^Am A new Chipotle is under construction in Madison Heights and is expected to open in 2026.
Thinking about starting a food business? 6 considerations
Turning a recipe or food idea into a business takes more than making something people want to eat. Maria Niechwiadowicz, a food and beverage adviser with the Lynchburg Region Small Business Development Center, works with entrepreneurs as they figure out whether and how to grow. kAmw6C6 2C6 D:I E9:?8D E@ 4@?D:56Cik^Am kAmkDEC@?8mz?@H 9@H >F49 E:>6 J@F 92G6k^DEC@?8mk^Am kAmq67@C6 D42=:?8 FA[ 4@?D:56C 9@H >F49 E:>6 J@F 42?
Nelson schools report improved SOL scores
Nelson County Public Schools continued its post-pandemic academic improvement last school year, with divisionwide Standards of Learning pass rates increasing by nearly 2%, school officials told the Nelson County School Board earlier this month. kAm%96 5:G:D:@? 25>:?:DE6C65 a[haf $~{ E6DED 24C@DD ae E6DE65 2C62D :? 8C256D b E9C@F89 `a 5FC:?8 E96 a_ad\ae D49@@= J62C] ~7 E9@D6 E6DED[ `[fce H6C6 A2DD6D[ aea H6C6 A2DD 25G2?46D 2?5 ac C646:G65 A6C764E D4@C6D]k^Am kAm}6=D@? r@F?EJ :>AC@G65 :ED A2DD C2E6 :?
Lynchburg SBDC offers free advice for food business owners
For many food entrepreneurs, the first step toward building a business begins in a kitchen. kAm|2J36 :E :D 2 D@FC5@F89 C64:A6 E92E 7C:6?5D <66A 2D<:?8 E@ 3FJ] |2J36 :E :D 2 72>:=J C64:A6 E92E 92D E96 A@E6?E:2= E@ 364@>6 2 72C>6CD >2C<6E DE2A=6] ~C A6C92AD :E :D 2? :562 7@C 2 7@@5 ECF4<[ 427é @C A24<2865 AC@5F4E]k^Am kAmqFE EFC?:?8 D@>6E9:?8 A6@A=6 =@G6 E@ 62E :?E@ D@>6E9:?8 E92E 42? 24EF2==J DFAA@CE 2 3FD:?6DD :?G@=G6D >F49 >@C6 E92?
Shoemakers to close, making way for expansion of the Craddock Terry Hotel
After 18 years of serving the Lynchburg community and visitors from around the country, Shoemakers American Grille and the Event Center inside the Craddock Terry Hotel will close. kAm$9@6>2<6CD :? s@H?E@H? {J?493FC8 H:== D6CG6 :ED =2DE 5:??6C @? ~4E] b 2?5 E96 tG6?E r6?E6C H:== 92?5=6 :ED 7:?2= 6G6?ED E9C@F89 ~4E] b`[ 2 ?6HD C6=62D6 DE2E6D]k^Am kAm%96 4=@DFC6 H:== >2<6 H2J 7@C 2 ?6H 492AE6C 7@C E96 9:DE@C:4 AC@A6CEJ H:E9 E96 4C62E:@? @7 aa 255:E:@?2= 9@E6= 8F6DE C@@>D :?
Jubilee to break ground on STEM center expansion project
The Jubilee Family Development Center will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Astronaut Leland Melvin STEM Center expansion project at 11 a.m. today. Refreshments will be served inside the center at 1512 Florida Ave. in Lynchburg after the event. kAm{6256CD 7C@> E96 %@@=D 7@C r92?86 r2A:E2= r2>A2:8?[ >2;@C 5@?@CD E@ E96 42>A2:8? 2?5 C6AC6D6?E2E:G6D 7C@> y2>6CD@?\{6H:D r@?DECF4E:@? H:== A2CE:4:A2E6 :?
Discover the newest restaurants that launched in 2026
TR Boiler Room Steakhouse: 106 9th St., Lynchburg, VA 24504. Downtown steakhouse from Traber Ranch, featuring locally raised Wagyu. Pho Viet #2 is located in the Galleria on Main Street in Lynchburg, pictured Friday, March 13, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance) kAmkDEC@?8m!9@ ':6Ek^DEC@?8mi h`d |2:? $E][ &?:E `_e[ {J?493FC8[ 'p acd_c] %96 D64@?5 =@42E:@? @A6?65 :? 62C=J |2C49 a_ae] %96 @C:8:?2= =@42E:@? :D :?
Health District alerts Thaxton residents of rabid cat
The Central Virginia Health District has confirmed a case of rabies involving a stray kitten. kAm%96 <:EE6? H2D 7@F?5 ?62C (:==@HC:586 sC:G6 :? %92IE@?[ 244@C5:?8 E@ 2 ?6HD C6=62D6] %96 <:EE6? H2D @3D6CG65 6I9:3:E:?8 F?FDF2= 3692G:@C @?
Central Virginia Health District to host community baby shower
The Central Virginia Health District will host a community baby shower for pregnant mothers and moms with children younger than 2 years old. Attendees can connect with resources, learn about available services and receive information to support their health and the health of their children. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts kAm!@AF=2E:@? w62=E9 |2?286C z:>36C=66 u@DE6C 2?5 !@AF=2E:@? w62=E9 r@@C5:?2E@C |25:D@? $96A2C5 H:== A2CE:4:A2E6 :?
Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar rebuilds menu, cellar in Lynchburg
Fratelli Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, an Italian restaurant and wine bar in downtown Lynchburg, has completed a relaunch of its food, wine and service programs, marking the first full menu overhaul at the Bluff Walk restaurant in two years, a news release states. kAm%96 492?86D E@@< D92A6 E9C@F89@FE E96 DF>>6C F?56C 4967 2?5 D@>>6=:6C p?5C6H %C@EE:6C[ 4F=:?2CJ 5:C64E@C {F<6 (9:E6=2H 2?5 9625 4967 r9C:D |24|:==2?[ H:E9 2 C6?6H65 7@4FD @? D4C2E49 4@@<:?8[ ':C8:?:2 28C:4F=EFC6[ EC25:E:@?2= xE2=:2?
Florida Farm Bureau Members Inducted to 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Jeffrey “Jeff” Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John as the 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees. Jeff Gargiulo is a lifelong agricultural leader and entrepreneur whose career has spanned more than four decades in Florida agriculture and the global produce industry.
Nelson County schools see continued SOL improvement as renovation work continues
Nelson County Public Schools continued its post-pandemic academic improvement last school year, with division-wide Standards of Learning pass rates increasing by nearly 2%, school officials told the Nelson County School Board on Thursday. kAm%96 5:G:D:@? 25>:?:DE6C65 a[haf $~{ E6DED 24C@DD ae E6DE65 2C62D :? 8C256D b\`a 5FC:?8 E96 a_ad\ae D49@@= J62C] ~7 E9@D6 E6DED[ `[fce H6C6 A2DD6D[ aea H6C6 A2DD 25G2?46D 2?5 ac C646:G65 A6C764E D4@C6D]k^Am kAm}6=D@? r@F?EJ :>AC@G65 :ED A2DD C2E6 :?
Mahjong’s Lynchburg boom is about more than the game
LYNCHBURG — Mahjong is taking the world by storm — or at least it is in Lynchburg. kAm%96 46?EFC:6D\@=5 E:=6 82>6 92D 7@F?5 2 8C@H:?8 2F5:6?46 :? E96 w:== r:EJ[ H96C6 =@42= @C82?:K6CD D2J :?E6C6DE 92D 4@?E:?F65 E@ 4=:>3 2D >@C6 A6@A=6 5:D4@G6C E96 4@>3:?2E:@? @7 DEC2E68J[ 4@>A6E:E:@? 2?5 A6C92AD >@DE :>A@CE2?E=J[ 4@>>F?:EJ E92E 4@>6D H:E9 D:EE:?8 2C@F?5 2 >29;@?8 E23=6]k^Am kAm|29;@?8 :D 2 E:=6\32D65 82>6 A=2J65 3J 7@FC A6@A=6[ :?
Mahjong’s Lynchburg boom is about more than the game
Mahjong is taking the world by storm — or at least it is in Lynchburg. kAm%96 46?EFC:6D\@=5 E:=6 82>6 92D 7@F?5 2 8C@H:?8 2F5:6?46 :? E96 w:== r:EJ[ H96C6 =@42= @C82?:K6CD D2J :?E6C6DE 92D 4@?E:?F65 E@ 4=:>3 2D >@C6 A6@A=6 5:D4@G6C E96 4@>3:?2E:@? @7 DEC2E68J[ 4@>A6E:E:@? 2?5 A6C92AD >@DE :>A@CE2?E=J[ 4@>>F?:EJ E92E 4@>6D H:E9 D:EE:?8 2C@F?5 2 >29;@?8 E23=6]k^Am kAm|29;@?8 :D 2 E:=6\32D65 82>6 A=2J65 3J 7@FC A6@A=6[ :?
Vote YES on Amendment 2
Currently, Florida farmers and ranchers pay annual taxes on farm equipment that was already taxed when it was purchased. A YES vote on Amendment 2 would exempt qualifying agricultural equipment from tangible personal property taxes effective Jan. 1, 2027, if approved by at least 60% of Florida voters. Tangible personal property refers to agricultural equipment (not land or buildings) that is used to produce agricultural products or support agritourism activities.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg announces new headquarters and plans for dedicated teen center
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg, pictured Wednesday, is planning to open a teen center on Langhorne Road across from E.C. Glass High School. kAm%96 q@JD U2>Aj v:C=D r=F3 @7 vC62E6C {J?493FC8 :D AC6A2C:?8 7@C :ED ?6IE 492AE6C 2?5 :D 42==:?8 @? E96 {J?493FC8 4@>>F?:EJ E@ 96=A >2<6 :E A@DD:3=6]k^Am kAm%9:D H66<[ E96 @C82?:K2E:@? 2??@F?465 A=2?D 7@C 2 7F==\D42=6 46?E6C 565:42E65 E@ D6CG:?8 {J?493FC8’D E66?D 2?5 =2F?4965 2 42A:E2= 42>A2:8? E92E H:== 96=A 3C:?8 E96 G:D:@?
Center for Pediatric Therapies marks 25 years of success
Center For Pediatric Therapies is celebrating 25 years this year and plans a special “Superhero Day” on Saturday, Sept. 12. kAm%96 r6?E6C 7@C !65:2EC:4 %96C2A:6D Wr!%X :D 46=63C2E:?8 ad J62CD @7 96=A:?8 49:=5C6? C6249 E96:C 7F==6DE A@E6?E:2= E9C@F89 :?5:G:5F2=:K65 42C6[ :?4=F5:?8 6IA2?565 D6CG:46D 7@C 49:=5C6? 2?5 72>:=:6D E9C@F89@FE {J?493FC8 2?5 r6?EC2= ':C8:?:2[ 2 ?6HD C6=62D6 DE2E6D]k^Am kAm%96 @C82?:K2E:@? H:== 4@>>6>@C2E6 E96 >:=6DE@?6 H:E9 2 “$FA6C96C@ s2J” 2??:G6CD2CJ 46=63C2E:@? @?
Presbyterian Cemetery to mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 with annual remembrance
The 8-foot-tall Freedom Towers at Presbyterian Cemetery were designed by Adrian Gagesteyn, who died in 2016. kAmpD E96 ?2E:@? >2C<D E96 adE9 2??:G6CD2CJ @7 E96 $6AE] ``[ a__`[ E6CC@C:DE 2EE24<D[ !C6D3JE6C:2? r6>6E6CJ H:== @?46 282:? @A6? :ED 82E6D 7@C 2 >@C?:?8 @7 C6>6>3C2?46 DFCC@F?565 3J 2 {J?493FC8 >6>@C:2= H:E9 :ED @H? C6>2C<23=6 4@??64E:@? E@ E96 %H:? %@H6CD]k^Am kAm%96 46>6E6CJ’D 2??F2= h^`` #6>6>3C2?46 $6CG:46 H:== 36 96=5 @?
Rush Homes celebrates 30 years of providing affordable housing to people with disabilities
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