INSIDER
Man facing charges in connection with alleged arson in Forest
Read full article: Man facing charges in connection with alleged arson in ForestA man is expected to be charged with arson in connection with a house fire that happened in Forest last Thursday (July 25), according to Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance.
Brazil to allow miles of selective logging in effort to preserve the Amazon
Read full article: Brazil to allow miles of selective logging in effort to preserve the AmazonBrazil’s Forest Service has announced a plan to bring a massive area of Amazon rainforest currently vulnerable to illegal deforestation under national governance Tuesday.
89-year-old comedian recovering after she was randomly punched on New York street
Read full article: 89-year-old comedian recovering after she was randomly punched on New York streetAn 89-year-old comedian is recovering after being randomly punched and knocked to the ground while waiting to cross a street in New York earlier this month.
Bedford County authorities searching for two men in connection with armed carjacking
Read full article: Bedford County authorities searching for two men in connection with armed carjackingThe Bedford County Sheriff's Office is searching for two men and a stolen car, a 2020 Red Mazda CX-5, after an armed carjacking on Nov. 2.
1,000 American flags pay tribute to veterans and first responders, both past and present
Read full article: 1,000 American flags pay tribute to veterans and first responders, both past and presentThe Forest Rotary Club organizes the display where each of the 1,000 American flags are sponsored for a veteran, a member of active-duty military, police, fire, or healthcare worker.
Bedford authorities searching for missing 14-year-old boy with autism
Read full article: Bedford authorities searching for missing 14-year-old boy with autismAuthorities said that 14-year-old Ethan Keys was last seen near the intersection of Gumtree Drive and Spring Lake Drive in Forest wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black cotton pants, and black tennis shoes.
Bedford County Schools to move event promoted as ‘drag show extravaganza’ due to public concern
Read full article: Bedford County Schools to move event promoted as ‘drag show extravaganza’ due to public concernBedford County Public Schools has decided to move an event called “A Knight with Kendall” after residents in the area voiced their concerns.
‘People pour together in a time like this:’ Bedford County rallies to clean up after tornado
Read full article: ‘People pour together in a time like this:’ Bedford County rallies to clean up after tornadoWhile no one was killed in its wake, the twister with wind gusts of 135 miles per hour brought miles of destruction to a Forest neighborhood.
Bedford County community comes together to rebuild neighborhood after EF-2 tornado touchdown
Read full article: Bedford County community comes together to rebuild neighborhood after EF-2 tornado touchdownAfter a EF-2 tornado barreled through a neighborhood in Bedford County, dozens of people work to clean up the mess.
Charges pending after two separate cases of vehicle larcenies in Forest
Read full article: Charges pending after two separate cases of vehicle larcenies in ForestThe Bedford County Sheriff’s Office has identified two separate groups of juveniles as suspects in connection to two separate cases of vehicle thefts in the Forest area.
Two adults, one juvenile arrested in connection to vehicle larcenies
Read full article: Two adults, one juvenile arrested in connection to vehicle larceniesTwo adults and one juvenile have been arrested in relation to recent vehicle larcenies in Bedford County, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.
1,000 American flags in Lynchburg honor those who serve, including fallen U.S. troops from Afghanistan
Read full article: 1,000 American flags in Lynchburg honor those who serve, including fallen U.S. troops from AfghanistanEach flag has a tag you can sponsor. Proceeds are donated to local organizations, including food banks and veterans’ groups. The Rotary Club of Forest organized the fourth-annual display, known as the Field of Honor.
Local bridal shop participates in wedding gown giveaway to thank everyday heroes
Read full article: Local bridal shop participates in wedding gown giveaway to thank everyday heroesAppointments for the giveaway are from August 3 to August 8. There are still openings, but before you make the call you have to meet qualifications, then register online
76 Gas station in Forest offers $0.76 per gallon on Customer Appreciation Day
Read full article: 76 Gas station in Forest offers $0.76 per gallon on Customer Appreciation DayThey offered a special promotion for Customer Appreciation Day -- be one of the first 76 customers between noon and 3 p.m., and you’d get regular gas for $0.76 a gallon.
Series of burglaries at Chinese restaurants in and near Lynchburg under investigation
Read full article: Series of burglaries at Chinese restaurants in and near Lynchburg under investigationThe Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and Lynchburg Police Department are working together to investigate a recent series of burglaries at Chinese restaurants in both jurisdictions.
Heritage keeps playoff hopes alive with 56-7 win over Jefferson Forest
Read full article: Heritage keeps playoff hopes alive with 56-7 win over Jefferson ForestFOREST, Va. – 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 night’s win should slide them a bit up the standings, making next week’s game against E.C. Glass a must-win.
New food truck venue coming to Bedford County
Read full article: New food truck venue coming to Bedford CountyFOREST, Va. – If you’re looking for more outdoor dining options, there’s a new food truck venue coming to Bedford County. “The Backyard” will be located off U.S. 221 in Forest which used to be home to a restaurant called Carol’s 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 it’s set to launch in April. And we’ve got a good variety of food vendors that are coming here,” said Duff.
Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. Glass
Read full article: Jefferson Forest secures Black & Blue Bowl win against E.C. GlassCopyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved. FOREST, Va. – 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
Read full article: One airlifted after early morning crash in ForestCrews 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 “one patient half ejected, half entrapped.”The 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 “heavy entrapment,” 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
Read full article: Liberty University healthcare students serve on the frontlines during pandemicLiberty 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. – 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 school’s 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
Read full article: Nest camera captures fireball in Bedford County skyFOREST, Va. – 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 “winter wonderland” for customers
Read full article: Tasty Tuesday: Rookies to create a “winter wonderland” for customersThey’re then used as a bookend for their staple items - the ice cream sandwiches . It’s going to have 450 Christmas trees that we’re 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, “Homestead’s eggnog ice cream and their eggnog, Chris Crinkle…a chocolate crinkle cookie. Ginger snaps and sugar cookies and gingerbread ice cream…peppermint 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
Read full article: Bedford County man wins big for the second time in just 16 monthsBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – If you need some luck, you’ll 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 Virginia’s ‘luckiest’ 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
Read full article: Two facing charges in connection with abduction, robbery spanning Roanoke, Bedford countiesBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Two people are now facing charges in connection with an abduction and robbery that spanned Roanoke and Bedford counties last month. He told the Sheriff’s Office the incident started at her home in Roanoke County. Nester was charged with abduction, robbery and grand larceny, according to the Sheriff’s 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 Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-4800 ext.
Four hospitalized after crash in Forest
Read full article: Four hospitalized after crash in ForestFOREST, Va. – 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
Read full article: Madison Heights woman wins nearly $100,000 from Virginia Lottery ticketMADISON HEIGHTS, Va. – “I never thought it would happen to me!”That’s 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
Read full article: 20-year-old man arrested after high-speed chase in Bedford CountyBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – 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 Sherrif’s 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 Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about where Webber may be is asked call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827 or Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900.
Lynchburg’s Field of Honor has a different look in 2020
Read full article: Lynchburg’s Field of Honor has a different look in 2020FOREST, Va. – 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 Lynchburg’s firefighters. Click here for more information if you would like to buy a flag for this event.
Motorcyclist hospitalized after US 221 crash in Forest
Read full article: Motorcyclist hospitalized after US 221 crash in ForestFOREST, 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.
Forest Middle School makes final touches on new building, safety plans
Read full article: Forest Middle School makes final touches on new building, safety plansFOREST, 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.
State police asking for info after Bedford County hit-and-run leaves 15-year-old with serious injuries
Read full article: State police asking for info after Bedford County hit-and-run leaves 15-year-old with serious injuriesFOREST, 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
Read full article: Local nonprofit collecting donations for Beirut explosion victimsBrewer said World Help is stepping into aid citizens and refugees, but he needs central and southwest Virginia’s help. That’s where we’re focusing right now, and I guess the first job is to get that pre-school up and running,” Brewer said. “We can take a step of faith and say, ‘I’m going to take a step and help someone less fortunate than me. I just hope and pray that people in this area will say, ‘You know what, we’re hurting, but they’re hurting more. I wanna be of help,’” Brewer said.
ODAC postpones fall, winter sports through the end of calendar year
Read full article: ODAC postpones fall, winter sports through the end of calendar yearFOREST, Va. – 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. “In 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. ”The conference’s leadership worked extremely hard to explore ways we might have conducted conference championships and competition in the fall,” 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 Jefferson’s Poplar Forest welcomes visitors for Fourth of July
Read full article: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest welcomes visitors for Fourth of JulyFOREST, Va. – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, one of Central Virginia’s 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 President’s 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. “A couple of weeks ago, we were very worried that we wouldn’t be able to do anything,” 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
Read full article: Longest working bus driver in Virginia retires from Bedford County Public SchoolsFOREST, 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
Read full article: Bedford County duo faces felony charge after child found wandering outside in just a diaperBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – The Bedford County Sheriff’s 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 child’s home was found nearby and deputies requested Child Protective Services to respond who, after conducting an initial investigation, removed the child from the home.
Reid’s Fine Furnishings closing down Forest showroom
Read full article: Reid’s Fine Furnishings closing down Forest showroomFOREST, Va. – A local fine furniture shop is closing down its showroom near Lynchburg. The Reid’s 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. It’s 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
Read full article: No one hurt in Forest house fireFOREST, 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
Read full article: For just $35,000, you could own a fully-stocked Bedford County restaurantFOREST, Va. – 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. “You know we have a great business. It’s been a great business. Corner Burger is for sale.
Neighborhood’s quarantine music video lifts spirits
Read full article: Neighborhood’s quarantine music video lifts spiritsFOREST, Va. – A neighborhood in Forest is dancing together while staying apart. It’s 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. “She said, ‘Hey I will video it if you will organize it’, and so I was like, ‘Done,’” said Jamie Bullman, who participated in the video. “You never know.”You can watch the full music video here:
‘We’re very proud to be involved in it’: Forest company makes ventilator parts
Read full article: ‘We’re very proud to be involved in it’: Forest company makes ventilator partsFOREST, Va. – 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 there’s 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. “For us to be involved in it, you know, we’re very proud to be involved in it.
'The video is hilarious ... it makes you feel good’: Bedford County beekeeper goes viral
Read full article: 'The video is hilarious ... it makes you feel good’: Bedford County beekeeper goes viralFOREST, Va. – 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 who’s too young to be around the hives. So, it makes you feel good,” Pointdexter said. They hope their new wild bee colony will give them some good honey later in the year.
‘He’s a fighter, and he can do this’: Surprise ceremony encourages former officer with cancer
Read full article: ‘He’s a fighter, and he can do this’: Surprise ceremony encourages former officer with cancerFOREST, Va. – 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. “He’s a fighter and he can do this.”Weeks served with the Lynchburg Police Department from 1958 to 1992. “He’s been a great light to us, and he’s a great man," Eldredge said.
On the front lines: Local group honors health care workers during pandemic
Read full article: On the front lines: Local group honors health care workers during pandemicFOREST, Va. – 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 it’s 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 they’re walking into. “Those people don’t know when a patient walks in--- they don’t know if they have this disease.
Tasty Tuesday: Graziano’s Italian Restaurant
Read full article: Tasty Tuesday: Graziano’s Italian Restaurant“Have a little,” which translated means, “Keep eating!” Graziano’s Italian Restaurant is no exception to that. Co-owner, Anthony Graziano, said, “We don’t skimp,” 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 band’s concert are about 20-22″ in diameter. The good thing about these very generous portions, says Graziano, is that, “People will say I have lunch for days.”For the Graziano’s, it’s all about family; family-owned and family style. 10 News got the idea to visit Graziano’s, because of a viewer’s suggestion.
Fire crews respond to house fire in Bedford, discover ‘extreme hoarding condition’
Read full article: Fire crews respond to house fire in Bedford, discover ‘extreme hoarding condition’BEDFORD, Va. – Crews responded to a house fire in Bedford on Friday night. They also discovered an “extreme hoarding condition," according to the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. Crews were able to get the fire under control but the hoarding conditions “will contribute to a long overhaul,” according to the Bedford Fire Department. Crews discovered an "extreme hoarding condition." (Forest Volunteer Fire Department)
5 hospitalized after Bedford County Thanksgiving crash
Read full article: 5 hospitalized after Bedford County Thanksgiving crashFOREST, Va. – 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
Read full article: Authorities investigating early-morning crash in Bedford CountyFOREST, 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
Read full article: Car fire turns into structure fire in Bedford CountyFOREST, 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.