1,000 American flags in Lynchburg honor those who serve, including fallen U.S. troops from Afghanistan
Each flag has a tag you can sponsor. Proceeds are donated to local organizations, including food banks and veteransโ groups. The Rotary Club of Forest organized the fourth-annual display, known as the Field of Honor.
Heritage keeps playoff hopes alive with 56-7 win over Jefferson Forest
FOREST, Va. โ With only one loss on the season, Heritage is currently ranked seventh in Region 3C where only four teams make the playoffs. While the Pioneers are within striking distance of extra football this season, Friday nightโs win should slide them a bit up the standings, making next weekโs game against E.C. Glass a must-win.
New food truck venue coming to Bedford County
FOREST, Va. โ If youโre looking for more outdoor dining options, thereโs a new food truck venue coming to Bedford County. โThe Backyardโ will be located off U.S. 221 in Forest which used to be home to a restaurant called Carolโs Place. The 11 acres will feature food trucks, outdoor seating, fire pits and space to hold events including drive-in movies. Chip Duff of Duff Development Group said it will be open daily and itโs set to launch in April. And weโve got a good variety of food vendors that are coming here,โ said Duff.
Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass
Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. FOREST, Va. โ Jefferson Forest started their season off with a win, beating E.C. Glass in the Black & Blue Bowl, 28-0. Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass The Cavs won 28-0 Friday nightIf you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1558.
One airlifted after early morning crash in Forest
Crews responded to an early morning crash in ForestUPDATEOne person was airlifted to the hospital after an early morning crash in Forest. Authorities said when crews arrived, they found a car with heavy damage and โone patient half ejected, half entrapped.โThe accident happened early Wednesday morning on Blackwater Road, according to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Engine 51, Rescue 5, Medic 145 responded to Blackwater Road for a motor vehicle accident with reported entrapment.... Posted by Forest Fire Department on Wednesday, February 10, 2021ORIGINAL STORYCrews responded to a crash early Wednesday morning in Forest. The single-vehicle accident happened on Blackwater Road and was described as having โheavy entrapment,โ according to a tweet from the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. E51 & R5 putting in work with a single vehicle accident with heavy entrapment on Blackwater Rd, M14-5 requesting Centra 1 for air transport.
Liberty University healthcare students serve on the frontlines during pandemic
Liberty University osteopathic medical students and nursing students, with LU faculty and staff, are pictured outside the Central Virginia Family Physicians network in Forest, Va., during COVID-19 community clinic vaccination event on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. LYNCHBURG, Va. โ Liberty University healthcare students are serving on the frontlines during this pandemic. Nursing and medical students have been helping at community clinics for COVID-19 vaccinations: assisting patients with filling out forms, distributing CDC information, and monitoring patients for any post-COVID-19 allergic reactions. University officials say the schoolโs clinical students are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus. They are advocating that students be prioritized for the first wave of vaccines.
Nest camera captures fireball in Bedford County sky
FOREST, Va. โ Wow, what a shot! The Capen Family in Forest sent Chris Michaels this footage from their home security camera showing a fireball in the sky. A number of reports came into the American Meteor Society on Monday morning across Virginia.
Tasty Tuesday: Rookies to create a โwinter wonderlandโ for customers
Theyโre then used as a bookend for their staple items - the ice cream sandwiches . Itโs going to have 450 Christmas trees that weโre hopefully going to be able to create a winter wonderland experience for families; to be able to get a Christmas tree for your family. Rookies will be serving up, โHomesteadโs eggnog ice cream and their eggnog, Chris Crinkleโฆa chocolate crinkle cookie. Ginger snaps and sugar cookies and gingerbread ice creamโฆpeppermint ice cream. Nickerson tells 10 News they plan to be in Roanoke in March, Charlottesville in August and Smith Mountain Lake this summer.
Bedford County man wins big for the second time in just 16 months
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ If you need some luck, youโll want to call Willie Harrison. In the Sept. 28 Cash 5 day drawing, he bought two tickets, with identical numbers, that each won the $100,000 grand prize. [Here are Virginiaโs โluckiestโ stores to buy a lottery ticket]Back in May 2019, he won the $100,000 Cash 5 grand prize too! The winning numbers for that drawing were 3-10-15-23-25. For those wondering, the odds of winning the $100,000 top prize are 1 in 278,256.
Two facing charges in connection with abduction, robbery spanning Roanoke, Bedford counties
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ Two people are now facing charges in connection with an abduction and robbery that spanned Roanoke and Bedford counties last month. He told the Sheriffโs Office the incident started at her home in Roanoke County. Nester was charged with abduction, robbery and grand larceny, according to the Sheriffโs Office. Through a collaboration investigation between agencies in Bedford and Roanoke counties, authorities brought more charges against Nester and identified another suspect. Edmondson with the Bedford County Sheriffโs Office at 540-586-4800 ext.
Four hospitalized after crash in Forest
FOREST, Va. โ Authorities say four people are in the hospital after a crash in Forest. According to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department, the accident happened on Forest Road at Thomas Jefferson Road. The people who were taken to the hospital had non-life-threatening injuries.
Madison Heights woman wins nearly $100,000 from Virginia Lottery ticket
MADISON HEIGHTS, Va. โ โI never thought it would happen to me!โThatโs what Carline Sales told Virginia Lottery officials after winning a $94,267 jackpot. On her way to work, she stopped at Express Lane on Forest Road in Forest to buy a Print 'n Play Rolling Jackpot ticket. The odds of winning the top prize in this Virginia-only instant-win game are 1 in 240,000. Sales plans to use her winnings to do some home repairs and pay bills.
20-year-old man arrested after high-speed chase in Bedford County
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ UPDATEAuthorities found Dillon Greyson Webber in the Forest area of Bedford County and arrested him on charges related to the high-speed chase, according to the Bedford County Sherrifโs Office. ORIGINAL STORYAuthorities in Bedford County are asking for help after they say a 20-year-old man led them on a chase and then ran away from them on Monday. Deputies say the man, who they later identified as Dillon Greyson Webber, of Lynchburg, ran away and was not found. Webber is now wanted on a count of felony eluding and additional charges are pending further investigation, according to the Sheriffโs Office. Anyone with information about where Webber may be is asked call the Bedford County Sheriffโs Office at 540-586-7827 or Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.
Lynchburgโs Field of Honor has a different look in 2020
FOREST, Va. โ The Field of Honor in Lynchburg is back, but it will look different than usual. The Forest Rotary Club is used to having close to 1,000 flags on Graves Mill Road around this time, but the coronavirus pandemic changed its plans. The club had to downsize its annual display this year because some of its sponsors could not afford to buy a flag. Despite that, the group said they still have 700 American flags, with about 170 displayed in honor of Lynchburgโs firefighters. Click here for more information if you would like to buy a flag for this event.
Forest Middle School makes final touches on new building, safety plans
FOREST, Va. Forest Middle School teachers are back finalizing classroom and safety plans. At the same time, you can hear construction workers putting final touches to the building. Principal Scott Simmons says the new wing has over 20 classrooms and is centered around the idea that learning can happen anywhere. All designed with places where kids can meet together, Scott Simmons, principal, said. In order to do that we had to use every room in the building, Simmons said.
Motorcyclist hospitalized after US 221 crash in Forest
FOREST, Va. One person is in the hospital after a serious crash in Forest on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency crews responded to Forest Road, about a mile west of Lynchburg Expressway for a crash involving a car and a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to a hospital to be treated for serious injuries, according to the Forest Fire Department.
State police asking for info after Bedford County hit-and-run leaves 15-year-old with serious injuries
FOREST, Va. Virginia State Police is asking for information after a teenager was hit by a car on Thursday night in the Forest area of Bedford County. A 15-year-old has serious injuries, but is expected to live, according to state police. The hit-and-run happened around 7:45 p.m. on Bateman Bridge Road near Jefferson Woods Drive. State police said they recovered a passenger side mirror from a white Ford F-150 pickup truck, that appears the be a 2015-2017 model or newer. Anyone with information is asked to called Virginia State Police at 1-800-542 5959
Local nonprofit collecting donations for Beirut explosion victims
Brewer said World Help is stepping into aid citizens and refugees, but he needs central and southwest Virginiaโs help. Thatโs where weโre focusing right now, and I guess the first job is to get that pre-school up and running,โ Brewer said. โWe can take a step of faith and say, โIโm going to take a step and help someone less fortunate than me. I just hope and pray that people in this area will say, โYou know what, weโre hurting, but theyโre hurting more. I wanna be of help,โโ Brewer said.
ODAC postpones fall, winter sports through the end of calendar year
FOREST, Va. โ The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Presidents Council voted to postpone conference competition and championships for fall and winter sports through the end of the 2020 calendar year The ODAC remains focused on providing meaningful competition for all student-athletes in 2020-21, which includes an intention to sponsor conference competition for fall and winter sports in the spring semester. โIn light of the broader public health concerns surrounding athletic competitions, the well-being of our campuses and everyone involved in athletic competition made this decision the right one. โThe conferenceโs leadership worked extremely hard to explore ways we might have conducted conference championships and competition in the fall,โ explained ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston. The ODAC leadership will communicate further developments regarding competition in 2020-21 as solutions are finalized and implemented. ODAC member schools include Ferrum College, Hollins University, University of Lynchburg, Roanoke College, Sweet Briar College, Washington and Lee University and the football program at Southern Virginia University.
Thomas Jeffersonโs Poplar Forest welcomes visitors for Fourth of July
FOREST, Va. โ Thomas Jeffersonโs Poplar Forest, one of Central Virginiaโs strongest ties to the founding fathers, welcomed Independence Day visitors in a different way this year because of covid-19. Poplar Forest guests could still tour the Third Presidentโs former home, but tours were limited to ten people at a time. Everyone at Poplar Forest had to wear a mask, and the museum organized several outdoor activities to keep people at a distance. โA couple of weeks ago, we were very worried that we wouldnโt be able to do anything,โ Massie said. However, the house did not open to the public until Independence Day 1986.
Longest working bus driver in Virginia retires from Bedford County Public Schools
FOREST, Va. A Bedford County man has spent most of his life driving a school bus, but has now handed over his keys. James Bryant Sr. said he has driven almost every route in Bedford County. He is the longest working bus driver in all of Virginia. Bryant says he will miss the children of Bedford County greatly but is excited to spent some time with his own. Bryants family will be hosting a parade to celebrate his accomplishments after the Bedford County Public Schools graduation Saturday, June 27.
Bedford County duo faces felony charge after child found wandering outside in just a diaper
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ The Bedford County Sheriffโs Office has arrested two people after a small child was wandering near the road in the Forest area, wearing only a diaper on Tuesday. Amanda Harbin, 31, and Jard Angus, 29, each face a charge of felony child abuse/neglect. ORIGINAL STORYBedford County authorities removed a child from his or her home on Tuesday morning after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. The 911 call, received Tuesday at 8:45 a.m., stated that a small child was wandering near the road in the Forest area, wearing only a diaper. The childโs home was found nearby and deputies requested Child Protective Services to respond who, after conducting an initial investigation, removed the child from the home.
Reidโs Fine Furnishings closing down Forest showroom
FOREST, Va. โ A local fine furniture shop is closing down its showroom near Lynchburg. The Reidโs Fine Furnishings showroom in Forest is closing. A company spokesperson told 10 News that the plan to close the shop was in place before the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also exacerbated the situation. Itโs not clear when the shop will close its doors for good, but the company is holding a closing sale at the Forest showroom on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
No one hurt in Forest house fire
FOREST, Va. Crews extinguished a house fire in Forest on Thursday. Multiple crews responded to 3522 Hawkins Mill Road in Bedford County at 11:39 a.m. after receiving the call about the house fire. They arrived to find large flames coming from the front of the house going through the roof. Crews had a water supply with them, which helped extinguish the blaze. It took 25 minutes to get the fire under control.
For just $35,000, you could own a fully-stocked Bedford County restaurant
FOREST, Va. โ Corner Burger owner Kent Wood is selling his three-year-old business. The restaurant is in the Food Lion shopping center near Route 460 in Bedford County. โYou know we have a great business. Itโs been a great business. Corner Burger is for sale.
Neighborhoodโs quarantine music video lifts spirits
FOREST, Va. โ A neighborhood in Forest is dancing together while staying apart. Itโs the definition of homemade memories: A quarantine music video involving nine families in The Meadows neighborhood. "We just drove around and whoever was outside we videoed them," said Missy Martin, editor of the video. โShe said, โHey I will video it if you will organize itโ, and so I was like, โDone,โโ said Jamie Bullman, who participated in the video. โYou never know.โYou can watch the full music video here:
โWeโre very proud to be involved in itโ: Forest company makes ventilator parts
FOREST, Va. โ A Forest automation company is playing a micro part in the pandemic. Simplimatic Automation was recently approached by a large health care technology company who manufactures ventilators. The company said thereโs a high demand for ventilators in hospitals across the country. To help out, Simplimatic is mass producing ventilator parts and the microchips that will go inside them. โFor us to be involved in it, you know, weโre very proud to be involved in it.
'The video is hilarious ... it makes you feel goodโ: Bedford County beekeeper goes viral
FOREST, Va. โ A Bedford County woman has gone viral all bee-cause of a video she posted on TikTok and Facebook. Heather Pointdexter, a beekeeper, posted a video of one of the bees flying right into the hive box and falling over. The mother of two recorded a slow-motion video for her son whoโs too young to be around the hives. So, it makes you feel good,โ Pointdexter said. They hope their new wild bee colony will give them some good honey later in the year.
โHeโs a fighter, and he can do thisโ: Surprise ceremony encourages former officer with cancer
FOREST, Va. โ Dave Weeks served as a police officer in Lynchburg for 34 years. On Sunday, his old department provided him with a different kind of service to help him through his fight with cancer. Zuidema said he called all of the surrounding law enforcement agencies to help with the surprise visit. โHeโs a fighter and he can do this.โWeeks served with the Lynchburg Police Department from 1958 to 1992. โHeโs been a great light to us, and heโs a great man," Eldredge said.
On the front lines: Local group honors health care workers during pandemic
FOREST, Va. โ Organizations in our area want to recognize health care workers who are helping patients during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Every year, the Rotary Club of Forest puts up thousands of flags on Graves Mill Road honoring first responders and people in the military. The tradition is happening a little early this year, and itโs honoring a different group. Gary Hostuler, the president of the Forest Rotary Club, said this was a quick response to honor those putting their lives on the line not knowing what theyโre walking into. โThose people donโt know when a patient walks in--- they donโt know if they have this disease.
Tasty Tuesday: Grazianoโs Italian Restaurant
โHave a little,โ which translated means, โKeep eating!โ Grazianoโs Italian Restaurant is no exception to that. Co-owner, Anthony Graziano, said, โWe donโt skimp,โ as he laid down a bed of cheese on their 24-inch pizza. To put some perspective on it, most bass drums/kick drums at a rock bandโs concert are about 20-22โณ in diameter. The good thing about these very generous portions, says Graziano, is that, โPeople will say I have lunch for days.โFor the Grazianoโs, itโs all about family; family-owned and family style. 10 News got the idea to visit Grazianoโs, because of a viewerโs suggestion.
Fire crews respond to house fire in Bedford, discover โextreme hoarding conditionโ
BEDFORD, Va. โ Crews responded to a house fire in Bedford on Friday night. They also discovered an โextreme hoarding condition," according to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Crews were able to get the fire under control but the hoarding conditions โwill contribute to a long overhaul,โ according to the Bedford Fire Department. Crews discovered an "extreme hoarding condition." (Forest Volunteer Fire Department)
5 hospitalized after Bedford County Thanksgiving crash
FOREST, Va. โ Five people were transported to the hospital after a Thanksgiving crash, according to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Pictures shared by the fire department show that the crash involved a minivan and a pickup truck. The condition of those transported after the crash on New London Road is unknown at this time.
Authorities investigating early-morning crash in Bedford County
FOREST, Va. - Authorities say they are investigating an early-morning crash in Bedford County. According to state police, officers received the call around 1:54 a.m. in the 200 block of Homestead Drive in Forest. Officials with the Forest Volunteer Fire Department say a car ran into a tree, leaving whoever was in the car trapped. Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Car fire turns into structure fire in Bedford County
FOREST, Va. - Bedford County authorities are investigating a car fire that turned into a structure fire overnight. According to the Forest Fire Department, the incident happened on Wyatts Way early Thursday morning. There is no word on injuries. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
JF's Cupit rushes to Week 8 honors
FOREST, Va. - The story on Friday night the former Jefferson Forest coach Bob Christmas returning to his ole stomping ground coaching rival Amherst County. Cupit rambled for 244 yards on seven carries and three touchdowns and he added a 34-yard touchdown reception as well. Jefferson Forest handled the Lancers and their old coach to the tune of a 46-6 win. The senior star is a Central Florida commit, but before he becomes a Knight he's still a Cavalier in Forest. Cupit is our week 8-- 1st and 10 Player of the week.
Fire in Forest damages nail salon
FOREST, Va. - Fire crews in Forest were called to a fire at a strip shopping center early Saturday morning. According to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department, it happened in the 1300 block of Venture Drive. On Facebook, Oasis Nails said it will close for repairs due to the fire. It is not known at this time what caused the blaze. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Forest Rotary brings back Field of Honor with 1,200 American flags
FOREST, Va. - The Forest Rotary Club brought back its Field of Honor event along Graves Mill Road near Lynchburg, , helping the community heal and saying, "Thank you." There's 1,200 American flags spread out on the healing field. Organizers say this is only the second year, after selling out sponsored flags last year. "Every community still needs this healing, this opportunity to say, 'Thank you.' So we're happy to have it in this area," said Vikeesa Stultz, president-elect of Forest Rotary.
Local brewery taps into cider industry
"We worked with out local home brew club here and, every month, we had a meeting where they would test batch our cider trials. So it makes sense that 100% of the apples used in the cider will come from orchards in Nelson, Amherst and Bedford counties. "It'd be silly not to use those resources and not to support our community," John said. Legacy Cider hopes to be pouring cider for customers in November. "With our food partners, Fifth and Federal we hope to have table service here and continue to expand and really bring people to our community," John said.
Local jiujitsu academy holds fundraiser for Josh Drablos, killed in Hawaii plane crash
And its a hobby Josh Drablos picked up and hoped to explore some more at Freedom Jiu Jitsu in Forest. We wanted to take some time to remember him by doing something we all had in common, Rob Hurd, co-owner, said. In a short time, he left an impression on the owners, Kelly and Rob Hurd. We want everybody to come together that we are that fact, Kelly Stewart-Hurd, co-owner, said. Were going to be maybe even framing that picture and putting it up on the wall for his memory," Kelly Stewart-Hurd said.
Air conditioning company behind "Your wife is HOT!" billboard in Forest
FOREST, Va. - There's new information on the meaning behind a billboard that's generated a lot of buzz in our community. Chances are you've seen the "Your wife is HOT!" But now we know that it was created by a heating and air condition company out in Madison Heights. The sign now reads, "Your wife is HOT! I will see a lot of it on Facebook, phone calls, just a bunch of high fives and that sort of stuff," Fred Hickey, owner of Hickey Electric Heating and Air Company, said.