As drought conditions continue across much of Virginia, Appalachian Power Company is changing the way it operates the Smith Mountain Project to help save water at Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake.

Bedford County residents near Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake should check if they’re due for a septic tank pump-out.

Broadband has been one of the biggest promises for rural Virginia, but in Bedford County that promise is now facing delays. County officials say their $20 million expansion project with RiverStreet Networks is behind schedule, leaving thousands of residents waiting longer for high-speed internet.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is searching for answers after a man died in a shooting Sunday night.

Authorities are investigating an accident that involves a car into Leesville Lake.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. - UPDATEAuthorities say a citizen's claim of debris in the water was unfounded, and they don't believe there was a plane or boat crash in the area. Crews will not resume the search on Tuesday morning. An extensive emergency search is underway at Leesville Lake. A citizen called authorities after seeing some debris in the water, thinking it could be related to a boat or plane crash, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. It will end for the day if nothing is found, and then will be continued tomorrow, according to DGIF.