Community Corner
🌱 What this $4 million grant means for Bedford County students’ mental health
You won't want to miss Friday Breakfast Book Club on the Bedford Patch calendar
Hi Bedford! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What this $4 million grant means for Bedford County students' mental health
- See what's new inside Staunton River and Liberty High auditoriums
- How strict could Bedford County's new marijuana shop rules become?
Also on today's calendar: 2026 Bedford Forum and 4 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms, with a high of 87 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 82, low: 67.
- Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 84 and low of 66 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. $4 Million school-based behavioral health services expansion in Central Virginia (pmg-va.com) — Bedford County public school students will soon see expanded mental health support thanks to a $4 million federal grant awarded to Horizon Behavioral Health for Central Virginia schools. Starting with the 2026–27 year, more Bedford youth ages 5–21 facing depression, anxiety, trauma, or related challenges will gain easier access to screenings, therapy, and coordinated care right in their school buildings. 
2. New auditoriums dedicated (pmg-va.com) — Bedford County students at Staunton River and Liberty high schools will start the year with brand-new, modern auditoriums featuring upgraded sound, lighting, and comfortable seating. Longstanding flooding issues at Staunton River and leaky, deteriorated outdoor awnings at both campus-style schools have also been fixed, making daily life safer and more comfortable for students, staff, and families attending events.
3. Bedford County sheriff pushes for limits on recreational marijuana retailers (wset.com) — Bedford County leaders are moving ahead with zoning rules that could tightly limit or even block recreational marijuana retailers before statewide sales begin in 2027. Sheriff Mike Miller is urging strict controls, especially near schools and daycares, while the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors weigh how these decisions will affect residents and local businesses.
4. Suspect in June Bedford shooting arrested (wdbj7.com) — Bedford Police have arrested a 41-year-old Amherst man in connection with a June shooting on Blue Ridge Avenue, where the victim survived and is expected to fully recover. Investigators credit help from regional law enforcement and are still asking Bedford residents with information to contact the department's Crime Line.
5. A Hero's Harmony (vintageguitar.com) — Bedford's own Jack Powers, one of the famed Bedford Boys, is remembered through his cherished Harmony guitar now displayed at the Bedford Tribute Center and honored at the National D-Day Memorial. This story traces his journey from Bedford to Omaha Beach and shows how locals and newcomers have worked together to preserve his memory for today's residents and visitors.
📸 Around Bedford
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Bedford
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Friday Breakfast Book Club →
Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge St, Bedford
10:00 am
Friday August 28
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 2026 Bedford Forum →
Liberty Middle School, 1237 Lacey Putney Wy, Bedford
5:00 pm - Tai Chi at the Library →
Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge St, Bedford
9:30 am - Saturday Matinee →
Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge St, Bedford
3:30 pm - Labor Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
Bedford County Alternative Education Center Bedford, VA 24523 - Friends Board Game Cafe →
Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge St, Bedford
12:00 pm - Rock-A-Bye Reader →
Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge St, Bedford
10:30 am
Thursday September 3
Friday September 4
Saturday September 5
Monday September 7
Saturday September 12
Wednesday September 16
📣 Bedford Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Storytime Picnic @ TBL →
Timbrook Park, 19040 Leesville Rd, Lynchburg
11:00 am - Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Meeting →
Campbell County, VA Calendar, 85 Carden Lane First Floor Conference Room, Rustburg
7:00 pm - Varsity Benefit Game
Heritage High Lynchburg, VA 24502
7:00 pm - FES Monkey Joes Night
Forest Elementary Forest, VA 24551
5:30 pm - Cross Country @Wilson Memorial
Heritage High Lynchburg, VA 24502
8:30 am
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Taco Bell / Long John Silver's posted a job opening for Assistant Restaurant Manager in Bedford. Apply here.
- Phenom People posted a job opening for Restaurant General Manager in Bedford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bedford here.
Ok Bedford! 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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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