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🌱 Patch AM: Lynchburg schools remember beloved band director Russell Pawlas’s lasting impact

Spotted on the Lynchburg calendar: 2pm, Shotgun - Lynchburg, VA 2025

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Coffee in hand, Lynchburg? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Lynchburg schools remember beloved band director Russell Pawlas’s lasting impact
  • What big changes are coming to Bedford Avenue sidewalks and lighting?
  • Why did a Lynchburg house fire lead to arson charges?

Also on today's calendar: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" a play by Barbara Robinson and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Lynchburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Lynchburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Not as cold, with a high of 50 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy and colder, temps: high: 38, low: 15. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high of 36 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Band director Russ Pawlas remembered for joyful spirit, dedication to education (newsadvance.com) — Lynchburg musicians, students, and colleagues are mourning longtime band director Russell Pawlas, remembering his joyful spirit and deep commitment to music education in the Hill City and across Central Virginia. Stories from E.C. Glass, Brookville, and other programs highlight how his encouragement, humor, and high standards shaped generations of young performers and strengthened local school music programs.
   

2. Lynchburg plans major upgrades to Bedford Avenue to enhance safety and accessibility (wset.com) — Lynchburg is planning major safety and accessibility upgrades along Bedford Avenue, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, better crosswalks, traffic-calming bump-outs, landscaping, and new street lighting. Driven by recent business growth and heavy foot traffic, the city aims to finish design work by spring 2026 and start construction that summer, reshaping a key corridor between Rivermont, Boonsboro, and downtown.
   

3. Man arrested, charged following assault and house fire in Lynchburg (wsls.com) — Lynchburg police and firefighters rescued a man from a burning home on Texas Avenue late Thursday night and took him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A 59-year-old Lynchburg man was later arrested and charged with arson, malicious wounding, and drug possession, and investigators are asking residents for any tips about what happened.
   

4. Lynchburg: City of Seven Hills, and the birthplace of 16 Major Leaguers (augustafreepress.com) — Lynchburg’s baseball legacy runs deep, with 16 natives reaching the Major Leagues, including Brookville alum Brandon Inge and several standout pitchers. A recent podcast appearance by Inge highlights his Lynchburg roots while the story traces how local players, from Andrew Abbott to historic names like Kit McKenna, carried the city’s influence to ballparks across the country.
   

5. Three year degree options coming to University of Lynchburg (wset.com) — Students in Lynchburg will soon be able to finish certain University of Lynchburg bachelor’s degrees in just three years, saving an estimated $40,000 in tuition. Beginning in March, eligible students can pursue accelerated Public Health and Educational Studies programs requiring only 96 credit hours, while still preparing for the workforce or advanced graduate degrees.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Just wanted to let everyone know that my husband will be showing his astronomical photographs at Sedalia this coming Saturday.
    All taken in our backyard on Bryant road with a telescope he built Come see us 10 - 3 (Nextdoor Maple Hills)
  • Here is a fun fact: My husband & I just moved into the Elora Gardens apts in October.
    It used to be called Serenity Manor & it used to be a hospital. I am trying to find out more information about it & it's history. Does anyone know… (Nextdoor Tinbridge Hill)
  • ServiceMaster posted a job opening for Custodian in Lynchburg. Apply here.
  • U-Haul posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in Lynchburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lynchburg here.

Ok Lynchburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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