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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Whats News Today: Coronavirus testing, update
ROANOKE, Va. There's a community testing event for COVID-19 today in Buena Vista. Salem City Council holds a budget work session today. Another work session could be held tomorrow, if needed. The Salem Economic Development Authority will hold a special meeting today. Temporary traffic signals will become operational today in Alleghany County.
Remains of missing Buena Vista man found after nearly a year of searching
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The body of a missing 30-year-old Buena Vista man last seen in May 2019 has been found, according to Virginia State Police. "The Austin family has been relentless in their search for Chad,โ said Buena Vista Police Chief Richard Hartman. Police said that in addition to finding Austinโs remains, forensic investigators collected property and evidence that is currently undergoing testing at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. Because his remains were discovered in Amherst County and not within the city limits of Buena Vista, Virginia State Police will assume the lead on the investigation. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigationโs Salem Field Office at 1-800-542-5959 or 540-375-9589, or by email at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
Buena Vista School superintendent agrees to stay on one more year
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ Buena Vista City School Superintendent John Keeler is staying on for one more year after the school board asked him to. Keeler was set to retire at the end of June this year after more than 30 years in education. The 2020-2021 school year will mark his eighth year as superintendent for the school division. Franklin County Superintendent Mark Church was also asked to stay on as the school system leader with everything going on. The Roanoke City School Board plans to name a new superintendent soon, with the idea of that person starting June 1.
Drowning deaths ruled accidental after missing Buena Vista women found dead at Smith Mountain Lake
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ UPDATEAutopsies reveal the cause of death for both Jacquelyn โBridgettโ Clark, 42, and Mary โBeckyโ Williams, 40, is drowning, according to the medical examinerโs office in Roanoke. ORIGINAL STORYAuthorities say the two people found dead inside a car in Smith Mountain Lake over the weekend have been identified as two women reported missing out of Buena Vista. Jacquelyn โBridgettโ Clark, 42, and Mary โBeckyโ Williams, 40, were last seen on April 18 in Buena Vista, shortly before midnight, according to the Buena Vista Police Department. โThe Buena Vista Police Department would like to express our condolences to the families of Bridgett Clark and Becky Williams,โ said the Buena Vista Police Department in a release. And he said well get her up and get out of there.โThat call was made just a few hours after the women left Buena Vista.
Two bodies have been recovered from a car in Smith Mountain Lake
GLADE HILL, Va. โ A car has been recovered from Smith Mountain Lake in Glade Hill near Webster Road. Police say the car recovered matches the description of a car from a missing persons case filed out of Rockbridge County and Buena Vista. Deputies say two bodies were found inside the car and both are being sent to a medical examiner for further evaluation. The investigation is ongoing.
Buena Vista police searching for two missing women
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The Buena Vista Police Department is asking for help finding two missing women who may now be somewhere in Franklin County. Jacquelyn โBridgettโ Clark, 42, and Mary โBeckyโ Williams, 40, were last seen on April 18 in Buena Vista, shortly before midnight. Police believe the two left Buena Vista to to go the Smith Mountain Lake area in Franklin County in Williamsโ dark blue 2013 Ford Explorer bearing VA Tag VKG-4414. Investigators believe the two took Interstate 81 to Interstate 581 and then used Route 116 to get to Franklin County. Anyone with any information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact the Buena Vista Police Department at 540-261-6171, the Rockbridge County Sheriffโs Office at 540-463-7328 or the Franklin County Sheriffโs Office at 540-483-3000.
Tim Tebow surprises boy with FaceTime call after cancer treatments
Dawn Coleman graduated from Parry McCluer High School and Liberty University. Grayson Coleman thought he was going to talk with someone from the Tim Tebow Foundation. While weโre all adjusting to a new normal this spring, for 8-year-old Grayson Coleman, his whole world changed last fall. We love you and it's awesome to see you smiling right now buddy,โ said Tim Tebow in a message to Grayson. Dawn thought it would merely be a Tim Tebow Foundation employee on the FaceTime call, but Grayson was overjoyed when Tebow himself popped up.
Buena Vista family opens up about 'very, very scaryโ challenges of having the coronavirus
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ A Buena Vista family is pleading with everyone to take coronavirus concerns seriously. The conversation family members had with 10 News is another inside look at the challenges that come with getting the virus. โIt was downhill from there.โStinnett was afraid she may give it to other family members who were more at-risk of severe symptoms. At least three other family members got it, including her son, son-in-law and her husband -- whoโs the last one dealing with symptoms right now. The Stinnetts said they had not been traveling outside of Rockbridge County and donโt know how they got the virus.
Backpacking with Brooke: Cole Mountain Hike
ORONOCO, Va. โ Cole Mountain hike is located just thirty minutes outside Buena Vista, offering amazing views in an almost 6 mile loop. Look for the entry way with two blue blazes. This is a loop trail that is roughly five miles up, and one mile down back to the parking area. This is where it starts to get a little steep and youโll start a moderate ascend to a camp site about a half mile later. From there you will follow the blue blazes as you start your descent to the bottom of the mountain.
Body found in Virginia landfill cold case could have connections to Lynchburg, Buena Vista
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. โ Authorities believe the woman whose body was found in a Virginia landfill in 1986 could have ties to our area. On Aug. 7, 1986, workers were unloading trash from the School Street transfer station in Richmond at a Chesterfield landfill when they noticed what appeared to be human remains. Chesterfield County investigators and the OCME have ruled out multiple missing persons through extensive investigative techniques, including DNA comparisons. Chesterfield Police are still working to identify a woman whose remains were recovered at a landfill in Chesterfield County in 1986. Individual predictions were made for her ancestry, eye color, hair color, skin color, freckling, and face shape.
Tasty Tuesday: JJโs Meat Shak
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ JJโs Meat Shak all started as a dream. According to Kendra Hamilton, โOur son, Jacob, showed an interest in the restaurant business when he was in high school.โIt started out pretty simple. They showed us their craft burgers, wood-fired pizza and prime rib, but they also offer seafood at times along with juicy steaks. Born and bred in Rockbridge County, the family says that it goes way beyond just their incredible food. In an effort to give back to the community thatโs given so much, JJโs has helped put $10,000 back into the school system since this fall through their concessions with Parry McCluer.
Buena Vista schools closed due to sickness
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ A โnasty flu seasonโ has shut down Buena Vista City Public Schools for the rest of the week, according to superintendent John Keeler. Below is the full statement:"Dear Buena Vista City Public Schools Family,As you are aware, we are in the middle of a nasty flu season, along with stomach viruses, strep throat, and colds. The number of sick students have reached a point where I feel that we need to close school for all students on Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th, 2020. This also gives our sick students and staff four days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to hopefully recuperate from their sicknesses and return to school. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this ordeal together and hopefully get back to school healthy again.
Wallet of missing Buena Vista man found unweathered on trail
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ The wallet of a missing Buena Vista man has been found on a trail by a father and daughter in the Panther Falls area. Authorities believe the wallet belongs to Chad Austin due to several items inside. Austin went missing in the area around Memorial Day. According to Lt. Waylon Miller with the Buena Vista Police Department, the trail where the wallet was found has been searched several times since Austinโs appearance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Buena Vista Police Department at 540-261-6171.