As we all know, spooky season is here and there’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to have some fun decorations out.

Hundreds of people are heading to James River in Lynchburg on Saturday, June 15 to see more than a dozen boats set sail at the 39th Annual James River Batteau Festival that kicks off at 9 a.m.

Construction is underway on Lynchburg’s Downstream Swinging Bridge and nearby trail access points are closed.

Lynchburg Parks and Recreation and the 7 Hills Art Club are accepting artist applications for Art Expo Lynchburg.

Maintenance efforts are underway to spruce up the site of the old Riverside Pool inside Riverside Park.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

The Giles County School Board will meet today to discuss the proposed calendar for the next school year. Roanoke County Economic Development is hosting a virtual discussion today about investing in the future of Tanglewood. The Botetourt County School Board will meet today to discuss its budget. The school board will a public hearing next Thursday about its proposed spending plan. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will issue its outlook for spring today.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A drive-thru ‘thank you’ for local veterans. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation hosted its Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon Thursday. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, service men and women drove through a flag-lined parade route at Miller Park, featuring groups waving from a distance and live music. The annual event began in 1998 after a service member asked for a favor. “It started from somebody asking where they could get a cup of coffee, and they decided to honor the veterans each year,” said Ronnie Tucker, community recreation planner at Lynchburg Parks & Rec.

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors and school board will hold a joint meeting today. The Central Shenandoah Health District holds a free COVID-19 testing clinic today. Tests will be given to those showing symptoms or have had a known contact with someone with the virus. Students at Franklin County High School will return to normal schedule today. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation holds its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon today.

Today, you can tour the Jacksontown School starting at 4 p.m. Social distancing will be practiced. Carilion Clinic holds a drive-up flu vaccine clinic today. Football would have six regular season games over seven weeks, starting on February 22. The Danville City School Board will discuss the search for a new superintendent. The school board hopes to announce a new superintendent in November.