Smile for Security: Buena Vista Schoolsโ High-Tech Surveillance Ensures Safety
Buena Vista City Schools have installed a comprehensive high-tech camera system across all campuses, utilizing facial and license plate recognition to enhance security and ensure student safety.
Parade of Opinions: Politicians march to the beat of Election season at the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade
Politicians from both parties used the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade to rally support and emphasize the importance of voter participation ahead of the upcoming election.
Buena Vista Labor Day Parade to mark unofficial start of election season
All eyes will be on Buena Vista Monday for the 53rd Annual Labor Day parade which will mark the unofficial start of election season in Virginia.
Real estate assessments skyrocket in Buena Vista, causing concerns for homeowners
Real estate assessments in Buena Vista have soared, leaving homeowners shocked and worried about the implications of higher taxes on their financial well-being.
WATCH: VMI cadets volunteer in community project to revitalize Buena Vista town square
VMI cadets are joining more than 150 volunteers from all over the country and taking on another community project โ this one has a lot of excitement building behind it.
Buena Vista man convicted of killing his father, setting house on fire receives life sentence
On June 16, 2023, Patterson went back to court for his sentencing. He was sentenced to serve a life sentence for a first-degree murder charge for killing his father.
$3 million in federal funds going to help update Rockbridge County water treatment plant
Millions of dollars in federal funds will go to help ensure people living in Lexington and parts of Rockbridge County will continue to have clear, safe water.
Buena Vista schools unveils new high-tech security system
From vape detection to license plate recognition, the high-tech Verkada system now installed at Parry McCluer High School addresses a range of potential threats and concerns and will streamline communication with police in the event of a crisis.
Buena Vista man found guilty of first-degree murder, arson
The jury has reached a verdict in the murder case of retired Buena Vista Assistant Police Chief Phillip โJayโ Patterson โ Jonathan Patterson has been found guilty.
Buena Vista high school students continue to show support for UVA victims
Students at Parry McCluer High School signed a banner and left positive messages to show their support for the Charlottesville community
Celebrating Labor Day in Buena Vista, kicking off election season
The traditional event marks the kickoff to election season. Voters stayed behind after the celebration to hear from politicians running for the 6th District this November.
Testimony continues in Rockbridge County gas station explosion
On day one of the trial into the deadly Rockbridge County gas station explosion, the Commonwealth Attorney stated the defendant overfilled gasoline tanks by more than 800 gallons โ an action alleged to have played a role in the 2019 explosion.
Former boss, coworkers of defendant testify in Rockbridge County gas station explosion case
It was another day of testimony in the case of the Rockbridge County gas station explosion in 2019 that left four people dead.
WSLS 10 News Exclusive: Pattersonโs family members speak out about Jayโs murder
A son accused of killing his father and setting his house on fire in February went to court for his preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Washington and Lee University students launch program to help people regain driverโs license
Students at Washington and Lee University launch a new program to help low-income or previously incarcerated people regain their driverโs licenses.
Parry McCluer athlete wins special award for epitomizing courage, commitment after losing his dad
Landon Catlett was recently awarded the WSLS "1st and 10 Josh Leonard Character, Courage and Commitment" award.
Son charged with murdering father and setting house on fire in Buena Vista makes first court appearance
The son of retired Assistant Police Chief of Buena Vista, charged in his murder, made his first court appearance Thursday.
![WATCH LIVE: Danville Police Department discusses crime reduction, community engagement](https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/fetch/f_auto/q_auto/c_thumb,w_700/https://media.wsls.com/theme/images/placeholder-16x9-wsls.png?_a=ATABlcW0)
WATCH LIVE: Danville Police Department discusses crime reduction, community engagement
At 11 a.m., the Danville Police Department will discuss agency accountability, crime reduction, increased community engagement and more.
Son of retired Buena Vista assistant police chief charged with murdering his father, setting house fire
Virginia State Police announced Monday afternoon that theyโve charged the son of a retired Buena Vista Assistant Chief of Police with murdering his father.
Buena Vistaโs golf course to close as city reaches settlement years after defaulting on $9 million loan
After years of legal battles surrounding Buena Vistaโs golf course, the course will now close next month.
Work underway to transform a former Buena Vista factory into an Agricultural Innovation Center
Regional leaders in Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge County hope they can grow more economic and business opportunities for the area through a new Agricultural Innovation Center.
Buena Vista, Radford use federal funding to help combat police staffing shortages
Solving officer shortage woes, Buena Vista and Radford are ready to cash in some federal grant money to hire more help.
How one TD was worth far more than 6 points to this Parry McCluer sophomore
On paper, it was just another regular-season high school football game for Parry McCluer, battling district foe Bath County; however, for sophomore Landon Catlett, it proved to be an unforgettable night.
![Family and friends release lanterns to celebrate the birthday of the late Chad Austin](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/2DdjrZS9tpX_UaEcYtiiSJ3gUxg=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-23-2021/t_5b3440db72184b9082dcd85e494f9653_name_image.jpg)
Family and friends release lanterns to celebrate the birthday of the late Chad Austin
Family and friends of the late Chad Austin came together to honor what would have been his 33rd birthday. Chad went missing in 2019 and was later found dead in May 2020.
![Celebrating 50 years of the Labor Day Festival in Buena Vista](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/cuO9uk6shWKbV1PqPENcacvGxC0=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-06-2021/t_52d4cd4528a0483fbb3565e901113720_name_image.jpg)
Celebrating 50 years of the Labor Day Festival in Buena Vista
Buena Vistaโs annual Labor Day Festival returns Monday for its 50th-anniversary celebration. Last year was supposed to be the big 50th celebration, but organizers had to cancel the festival due to the pandemic.
![Tornado warning issued for parts of Buena Vista, Nelson, Amherst, Rockbridge and Albemarle counties](https://media.wsls.com/theme/images/placeholder-16x9-wsls.png)
Tornado warning issued for parts of Buena Vista, Nelson, Amherst, Rockbridge and Albemarle counties
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Nelson and Albemarle counties.
![Parry McCluer get big home win over Eastern Montgomery](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xXbbISHp_OFObxSXLLv08QPDBaQ=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-27-2021/t_b2d3a4951b6247ebae6860cce3354e36_name_image.jpg)
Parry McCluer get big home win over Eastern Montgomery
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ Parry McCluer came into the night at sixth in Region 1C and Eastern Montgomery at fifth, with only four teams qualifying this year. Both teams have an uphill battle in catching up to George Wythe at No.
![11-year-old boy hospitalized after getting hit by car in Buena Vista](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Upx4PP4PPsqjm02uQcJNvL3xPls=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6M5JYK6R3FHE7NP36LBWNQWFD4.jpg)
11-year-old boy hospitalized after getting hit by car in Buena Vista
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ An 11-year-old boy is in the hospital after he was hit by a car Friday evening, according to the Buena Vista Police Department. Authorities said the crash happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Magnolia Ave on Route 501. The driver of the car didnโt leave the scene after the boy was hit, the police department said. Officials airlifted the boy to the UVA Medical Center, but authorities said his medical status is unknown. According to police, there are no charges at this time.
![Munters announces plans to move from Buena Vista to Botetourt County](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/VX_gXR9Ab14P-ys5hzxg44qOWgs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-26-2021/t_445f19ae89ed4463b5ee25db93495812_name_munters.jpg)
Munters announces plans to move from Buena Vista to Botetourt County
DALEVILLE, Va. โ A manufacturing facility is making a big move and opening a new site in Botetourt County. Thursday County leaders announced that the Munters Cooperation would be expanding and investing 36 million dollars for a new facility in Daleville. Munters Group AB, headquartered in Kista, Stockholm, Sweden, represents the 13th nation in the Botetourt County manufacturing community. โThis company had a number of options and opportunities to consider, outside of Virginia, county competed with many other localities in several states to position ourselves as the right choice for monitors needs today,โ Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe Said. ft. facility will house manufacturing, research and development, and sales of data center cooling systems and high-temperature industrial process systems.
![Signup open for COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Lexington Friday](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/JDZ-RpIisonyBXfcHUp5u_cwYeE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/03-17-2021/t_a30c79d4638042eaa33fed9f406f2c32_name_image.jpg)
Signup open for COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Lexington Friday
LEXINGTON, Va. โ Augusta Health is hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County residents Friday, March 19. We are planning to hold a COVID Vaccination Clinic for residents of Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. This... Posted by Augusta Health on Tuesday, March 16, 2021The clinic is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old Peebles/Gordmans building in the College Square Shopping Center at 770 N. Lee Highway in Lexington. People eligible for the clinic are those who are:35-64 years of age with chronic health conditions65+ years oldHealthcare workerAll essential workersClick here to register.
![Parry McCluerโs Mike Cartolaro ready to face former championship squad in state title game](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/NBTbVCdkkT7rcSS-pxbcDQ7PLVg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-20-2021/t_960ea04be0b84d8d8f6c313e29cd6f69_name_image.jpg)
Parry McCluerโs Mike Cartolaro ready to face former championship squad in state title game
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The last time Parry McCluer boys basketball was in a state title game, Talen Roberts wasnโt even born yet. Head coach Mike Cartolaro helped lead Saturdayโs opponent Altavista to four state championships before returning to his alma mater in 2016. โYou go a day at a time, a game at a time, you set your goals and try to accomplish those,โ Cartolaro said. โIt is kind of strange, itโs a game between us and them and I have to keep it that way,โ Cartolaro said. Tip is at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Parry McCluer.
![New life in the works for struggling downtown Buena Vista](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/3bNmy8OaR7CE3SD4UgAhIpHK3ro=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-12-2021/t_bfd81740789b45acb434962af1aed6dc_name_image.jpg)
New life in the works for struggling downtown Buena Vista
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ New life is finally in the works for downtown Buena Vista after years of declining business and failed plans to bring in more development. Empty storefronts have long been the scene in downtown Buena Vista. She may not have to wait much longer, as revitalization plans are finally moving forward. AdโIt has brought a lot of excitement, a lot of cool ideas that allow us to see Buena Vista not just for what it is now and what was in the past, but to really see a new vision for the future and allow us to move forward from that,โ said Kristina Ramsey, economic development and marketing coordinator for Buena Vista. At the time, Fairchild called the city โabsolutely pitiful,โ but she feels differently with plans in the works.
![Whatโs News Today: tracking Santa, holiday festivities](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/GTXv3MzkLYRkN0g66GEpSGQVx48=/828x464/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UJJG4U4ZR5BALEAEZPT356FZNE.png)
Whatโs News Today: tracking Santa, holiday festivities
Tonight from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. you can call 540-267-3704 and speak to a dispatch elf. Today on 10 News at Noon, we will talk to NORAD as it tracks Santaโs journey. Gathering Place in Buena Vista is hosting a free drive-thru Christmas Dinner today, in an effort to bring hope to those going through hard times. The production is usually done live at the Berglund Center, but is not this year due to the pandemic. Enjoy can enjoy the lights one last time tomorrow night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m at Ballou Park.
![Convicted sex offender captured after Buena Vista police say he escaped custody](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Gw2ShHBHPmb5tm4cQ-9iDwajXjg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-04-2020/t_82cf66fe25924311ae8a0b7b63ee26f7_name_image.jpg)
Convicted sex offender captured after Buena Vista police say he escaped custody
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ UPDATEPolice arrested Percy Spinner on Friday after he escaped police custody, according to the Buena Vista Police Department. ORIGINAL STORY - 10:08 a.m.Buena Vista authorities are searching for a convicted sex offender that they say escaped police custody. Percy Spinner, 25, of Lynchburg was convicted in 2015 of carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of 13 to 15. According to the Buena Vista Police Department, he escaped police custody on Dec. 3. Anyone with information on Spinnerโs whereabouts is asked to call the Buena Vista Police Department at 540-261-6171.
![Rockbridge community surprises boy who battled cancer with a parade](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Gb5i7Dx2IuC9jVZOEj_TmSAvCVA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-24-2020/t_119216d1747a482896f8ed85a50e4864_name_image.jpg)
Rockbridge community surprises boy who battled cancer with a parade
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ After a year of cancer treatments and hospital overnights, one little boy got quite a surprise when visiting his momโs hometown this week. It has been a busy week for the two, flying in from Florida to visit her parents in Buena Vista. On Sunday, the community surprised the boy, who many have never met, with a parade. They just start showing love to my son whoโve theyโve never met again just because of my connection here,โ said Dawn. The Rockbridge area community has followed the 9-year-oldโs journey through bone cancer on social media.
![Virginia General Election Results for Buena Vista on Nov. 3, 2020](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0o1us098uCLtk2gFT1aUIkflBEM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BZDCC2PMCZFJPL7KAO7QXMQ2OA.jpg)
Virginia General Election Results for Buena Vista on Nov. 3, 2020
The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Buena Vista here. This includes how the county voted in the U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senate and any U.S. House races or locally-contested races. Use the picker below to find them:Find Race ResultsOnly care how other counties and cities in the area voted? Youโll find all those options in this picker:How cities, counties in our region votedGet the latest Virginia election news here
![WATCH: Police provide update on the death of missing Buena Vista man](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/0EgSHtC9VIXFSvYizlnHMY61bxY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2URMW7PNCZGFFH3BONASFZFXGI.jpg)
WATCH: Police provide update on the death of missing Buena Vista man
AMHERST COUNTY, Va. โ The Virginia State Police held a press conference Wednesday afternoon regarding the 2019 disappearance and death of a missing Buena Vista man. Police provide update on the death of missing Buena Vista man The Virginia State Police will hold a press conference regarding the 2019 disappearance and death of a missing Buena Vista man. His wallet โturned upโ at Pather Falls six months after Austin was reported missing, authorities said. We know there are additional people in the Buena Vista community who know certain pieces of information related to Chadโs death, but are fearful to come forward for a number of reasons,โ said Zirkle. The press conference was held in the Panther Falls recreational area where Austin was last seen alive and where his remains were recovered.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Panther Falls](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/uT48BmVP-4MNlTmWiKTLVA5w84U=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-27-2020/t_7c889cf103954852a653211261781e52_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Panther Falls
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ Panther Falls is a swimming hole just outside of Buena Vista. Youโll take Panther Falls Road for about three miles, then youโll start to see cars lined up in the small parking lot. It was pretty cold but the more we walked along the river, the more we got used to it. There was a lot of people when we went, and we noticed a group underneath the falls swimming through a cave. On another set of falls, there were natural water slides into a pool.
![Buena Vista leaders look at ways to bring more businesses downtown](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/rhrXu6JSt_XjUhjvY8pvX9eFK70=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-18-2020/t_922a30e04ffa4215bbf1df6c3ae15c48_name_image.jpg)
Buena Vista leaders look at ways to bring more businesses downtown
BUENA VISTA, Va โ After plans for major development in Buena Vista were scrapped earlier this week, business owners and city leaders are working together to determine what the future of downtown will look like. Friday business owners met with the planning team the city has hired to discuss what new businesses they hope to bring downtown. Ed Walker, who has been involved in redevelopment efforts across the area, informed city officials in Buena Vista that he will auction off the remaining properties he originally bought in 2018 in downtown Buena Vista. โIf we can put some light and some activity and some noise and some people out here, weโd like to think weโre helping Buena Vista,โ Nablo said. The city hopes to have the plan finished by November.
![Developer pulls out of project to revitalize downtown Buena Vista](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/EKq8T672ael8V1SpOgvmMxzkHWA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-14-2020/t_238f0315b310449f895d68db81279074_name_image.jpg)
Developer pulls out of project to revitalize downtown Buena Vista
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ A Roanoke developerโs involvement in revitalizing one local community is ending earlier than expected. Ed Walker, who has been involved in redevelopment efforts across the area, informed city officials in Buena Vista that he will auction off the remaining properties he originally bought in 2018 in downtown Buena Vista. Rebecca Fairchild owns Beckyโs Bridal and Formal and has been a mainstay in downtown Buena Vista for decades. โThe downtown revitalization plan is going to be really important in sort of showing the vision for downtown,โ Roberts said. โIt will provide really important workers for our industries.โRoberts said he feels Walker has positioned Buena Vista for future growth.
![Buena Vista leaders cancel annual Labor Day parade](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/UtjUZDEgNanIOflHviXagaM8xMA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-07-2020/t_603d94a204954b1589276918a8627d63_name_image.jpg)
Buena Vista leaders cancel annual Labor Day parade
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The annual Buena Vista Labor Day parade was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, itโs also a chance for candidates to take the time to talk with voters before the election. โI can promise that I will listen, that I will think and that I will dream big for our children,โ said Annie LePere, a school board candidate for Buena Vista City Public Schools. โTo all my friends in Buena Vista, in Lexington, in Rockbridge County, I hope youโre safe and having a great Labor Day,โ said Sen. Mark Warner. Another featured candidate was Nicholas Betts who is running for Virginiaโs 6th congressional district.