Central Virginia Blue Ridge
The time has, sadly, come once again. That is if you like those carefree long summer days! I do!!
Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. It officially ends at 2AM Sunday morning (November 2, 2025). That’s when we return to eastern standard time in this time zone.
But, for those of us that turn in at a reasonable hour, it’s best to set your clock back one hour before heading to bed Saturday night.
Here’s to that perceived extra hour of sleep we lost last spring!
NCREASED RISK FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
326 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
Augusta-Rockingham-Nelson-Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Orange-
Culpeper-Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-Southern Fauquier-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-
Including the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft,
Harrisonburg, Lovingston, Charlottesville, Stanardsville,
Madison, Orange, Gordonsville, Culpeper, Falmouth,
Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, Turnbull, and Wintergreen
326 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
…INCREASED RISK FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD THIS AFTERNOON…
The combination of recent dry conditions, relative humidity
falling to 25 to 30 percent, and sustained west winds 10 to 15
mph with gusts of 20 to 25 mph will likely result in an elevated
threat for the rapid spread of fires today, particularly from late
morning through late afternoon.
Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether
you may burn outdoors. If you do burn, use extreme caution since
fires can quickly grow out of control under these conditions.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
306 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes-
Yadkin-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Roanoke-
Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
Including the cities of West Jefferson, Sparta, Dobson, Danbury,
Eden, Yanceyville, Boone, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Wytheville,
Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Independence, Whitetop, Troutdale,
Volney, Galax, Floyd, Roanoke, Salem, Stuart, Rocky Mount,
Bedford, Amherst, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, Appomattox,
South Boston, and Keysville
306 AM EDT Thu Oct 23 2025
…INCREASED FIRE DANGER FROM 11 AM UNTIL 7 PM TODAY…
Dry and windy conditions remain in place for today. Relative
humidities this afternoon will fall into the 20 to 25 percent
range across portions of northwest North Carolina, the Piedmont of
Virginia, and portions of the New River Valley. Wind gusts of 20
mph to locally 35 mph are also expected through late morning into
early evening.
These conditions, combined with dry fuels such as fallen leaves
and dead brush, will result in an increased threat of any fires
burning out of control across northwest North Carolina and
portions of the Piedmont and New River Valley regions of Virginia.
Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Please consult your
local burn permitting authorities as to whether burning is allowed
today.
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LYNCHBURG — Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov District-wide activities:Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment/paving operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/ work and roadside cleanup. Work at specific locations: Amherst County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Appomattox County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Buckingham County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Campbell County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Charlotte County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Cumberland County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Halifax County: Please note district-wide activities above.
Lynchburg: Rte. 460 (Richmond Highway) Westbound bridge over Rte. 501/460 (Candlers Mountain Road) Eastbound Ramp – Bridge Repairs. The Route 501/460 (Candlers Mountain Road) Eastbound Ramp will be temporarily closed on weeknights from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting October 6 for bridge repairs. Signage and message boards will notify and direct motorists along the detour. Ramp traffic will be detoured to Route 460 westbound to Route 29 (Wards Road), then to Route 460 eastbound. Lane closures are also expected on Route 460 westbound. Estimated completion November 2025. Please note district-wide activities above.
Nelson County: Route 6 (Afton Mountain Road) from Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road) to Route 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike) – Milling and Paving. Alternating lane closures until October 6th. Closed to traffic with detour on October 3 (weather permitting). Use caution. Estimated completion mid-October 2025. Route 653 (Wilson Road) – Bridge Replacement. The bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad is closed (37.703194, -78.870712). Estimated reopening November 2025. Please note district-wide activities above.
Pittsylvania County: Route 802 (Hodnetts Mill Road) – Culvert Replacement (36.84800 -79.43073). Closed to through traffic from Route 793 (Cherrystone Lake Road) to the intersection of Route 801 (Dry Bridge Road). Expected completion November 2025. Please note district-wide activities above.
Prince Edward County: Route 460 Bypass(Prince Edward Highway) Eastbound over Briery Creek – Bridge repairs. Traffic will be reduced to one lane beginning October 7 (weather permitting). Use caution. Estimated completion November 2025. Route 360 (Patrick Henry Highway) over Grade Crossing West of Meherrin – Speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph through the work zone and eastbound traffic is being routed to crossovers. Use caution. Estimated completion October 2025. Route 628 (Germantown Road) over Rte. 15/460 Bypass (Prince Edward Highway) – Traffic reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place on Route 628 (Germantown Road) and lane closures expected on Route 15/460 Bypass (Prince Edward Highway). Use caution. Estimated completion October 2025. Please note district-wide activities above. |
Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
Back in April of this year we told you about the coming soon Mexican restaurant named Don Lupe. A sign went up in the spring as people anxiously awaited the opening. The restaurant is in the former space of Margaritas Restaurant that closed two years ago this month after a 10 year run.
After a long wait the day finally came on Thursday – October 2nd when the door finally opened.
The space has a long history of restaurants over the decades, including Bistro 151, and Mossy Creek just to name a couple.
And the food? As Greg said about his meal above, we found it to be very good! And other than a very few opening day kinks, the first day went pretty well!
For more information on menu items and hours of operation you can visit Don Lupe on Facebook by clicking here.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Gladstone, Virginia
From Virginia State Parks:
“Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to James River State Park for the annual Rooftop Tent Rally, presented by the Friends of James River State Park, a celebration of camping, community and adventure.
The rally, scheduled for Oct. 16-19, brings together overlanding and camping fans from across the region for a weekend of exploration and camaraderie in the heart of Virginia’s scenic Blue Ridge foothills.
“James River State Park is an incredible setting for this event,” said Park Manager John Fury. “The Rooftop Tent Rally not only highlights the growing interest in overlanding and car-top camping, but it also gives visitors the chance to connect with nature and each other in a unique way.”
Participants will camp in rooftop tents and overlanding setups in the park’s Dark Sky Observation Field. In addition to outdoor recreation, the event features live music, food trucks, gear demos, a campsite cook-off and more.
Camping space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Early arrival tickets cost $155 and include camping privileges from Thursday through Sunday. Weekend tickets cost $135 and include camping privileges from Friday through Sunday. These costs are per vehicle or camping rig. Tickets can be purchased online at www.virginiastateparks.gov/jr
The Rooftop Tent Rally is open to day-use visitors. Other than the regular park entrance fee, there is no additional fee to attend.
For more information about the Rooftop Tent Rally or to register, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov/jr
** Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov”
Stuarts Draft Highway
Augusta County, Virginia
From VSP:
“Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal hit and run crash that occurred last evening (Sept. 14, 2025) at approximately 9 p.m. on Stuarts Draft Highway (Route 340) in Augusta County.
A Kia Sorento was travelling northbound on Route 340 when it struck an e-bike (that was also travelling northbound) near the intersection with Ladd Road.
The e-bike rider, Dylan C. Knowles, 25, of Waynesboro, Va., died at the scene.
The driver of the Kia initially fled the scene but was later taken into custody with the assistance of the Waynesboro Police Department. Samuel W. Call, 36, of Waynesboro, Va., has been charged with driving while intoxicated and felony hit and run.
Call is currently being held at the Middle River Regional Jail.
Virginia State Police is asking anyone who may have seen the e-bike travelling on Stuarts Draft Highway prior to the crash to please contact Virginia State Police Division Three Dispatch at 1-800-552-0962 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Department also assisted in the investigation.
(Please contact the Middle River Regional Jail for mugshot photos)
Matthew Demlein
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia State Police”
Nelson County, Virginia
Over 10 years ago, a dozen to be exact, a small group of us used to gather at Devils Backbone on old porch outside not terribly long after it opened. Back then all that was there was the brewery itself. You parked right out front and walked on in. It was a magical time. The good old days.
One of the main people in that group was Andy Stillman. Most locals here in Nelson knew Andy because of his extreme talent as a stone mason. While I knew that about Andy, I knew him because he’d become my friend after years and years of those Monday meetups.
Last week Yvette received a message from Andy’s wonderful wife, Sue, Andy was gone. He joins countless others I have written about recently and in the past.
That Monday group I mentioned had to be one of the most diverse groups I’ve ever been involved with. Doctors, lawyers, architects, contractors, teachers, federal agents, nurses, electricians, welders, motorcycle enthusiasts, and yes, stone masons.
This group of mutts, as we used to refer to ourselves, came to be totally by accident. You see Andy and our beloved friend, the late Dr. Steve Lotz, DVM, used to meet a few afternoons a week at Devils Backbone. Yvette and I had and appointment one Monday afternoon that was canceled. We’d already hired a sitter for the kids. We remembered that Dr. Lotz and Andy were usually around the brewery. Sure enough late that Monday afternoon they were there. And on that day, we decided this would become a Monday tradition. And it did, growing from just a few of us to nearly 3 dozen at times. We laughing called it book club.
Andy always had this funny way of rubbing his hands together rapidly when he was trying to make a point. The more intense the point, the more he’d rub his hands together almost as he was willing magic or such! But it was his intense ability to remember almost anything that amazed me. One day he broke out in an almost Shakespeare like tone and recited the entire act from some early ages play. I honestly don’t remember what the play was, but he knew every word. And it was delivered like a seasoned actor on stage. We were all dumbfounded. That was Andy.
There was so much I still didn’t know about Andy. But with each Monday, he’d talk more about his past. Like the days he used to work out in the hot blazing sun on railroad tracks in Arizona. Or some patio project he’d just completed for a client here in Nelson. Or, how proud he was of his family. He always talked about his wife and daughter at every meetup. That was something he was more proud of than anything else he’d ever done.
Politically we were not closely aligned, and you know what? It didn’t matter. We laughed at one another and became even better friends and debaters.
I’ll never be able to pass Devils Backbone anymore without thinking of Andy. It’s not the same anymore, and those days of hanging out on the porch are long gone. But the memories will forever remain. Thank you for those memories Andy.
If any formal memorial plans materialize I’ll let you know. Andy wasn’t much of the type to have people fuss over him, but if it happens I’ll let folks know.
Lovingston
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
I can’t remember exactly when I first met Doris Drumheller. It had to be around 2005 (ish) or thereabouts. I know it was within a year or two of us moving here in for good in 2004. She was the face of Drumheller’s Orchard over in Lovingston. Doris was such a nice and pleasant lady. She was one of the first advertisers we had in our charter printed publication Nelson County Life. She stayed with us to the end in our 2013 rebranded publication Blue Ridge Life until we shuttered the print side in 2021.
Yvette said Doris was the only person she still let fax or drop-off material for ads versus electronically composing them. Doris was just so very nice. She may not have been the most internet savvy, but she was one very smart woman.
I was so saddened to hear that Doris passed away on September 5th. Not that she hadn’t already lived a very full life, she did indeed. But, just knowing she wasn’t going to be seen during the annual fall festivals at the orchard stings, a lot.
I’d compare the passing of Doris to that of the late Paul Saunders in 2022 and his wife Tatum two years later. They were all Nelson institutions for decades, long before any of us that moved to Nelson ever arrived.
The roots of Drumheller’s Orchard dates all the way back to 1937. Eventually Doris and her husband, Darrell, inherited the orchard operation in the 80s after her father in-law passed away. She continued actively working in the operation until her recent death. Her son Kevin, and other son Gary, helped man much of that operation. Gary left in 2005 the same year Doris’ husband also passed away. Kevin’s daughter, Morgan, Doris’ granddaughter, joined the operation full time in 2008 and has been running much of it nowadays in conjunction with Doris.
If you re a frequent reader of BRL here on the web, you know I often write about the passing of icons and just genuinely nice and known people here in Nelson. Doris, no doubt fits in that category.
While I will miss her, and knowing she won’t be sharing the excitement of the orchard, the fall festivals, and her generational story of getting there, I can smile in being fortunate enough to have known her for the 20 plus years we’ve made Nelson home.
Her granddaughter, Morgan, says in spite of this sudden and very tough loss, the family tradition will carry on. “The orchard operation will continue. My father, Kevin and I are going to continue the family business with a wonderful team behind us.”
And here’s something Doris would likely want people to know now that she’s not here in person to tell us. Back in 2006 while doing a story on the upcoming fall festival we asked her what’s your favorite apple? “My favorite apple to cook with or whatever is the Golden Delicious, and that’s what I make all of my cakes with!”
Good advice Doris, thank you for all of the memories, you were one of the truly good ones.
Wintergreen
Nelson County, Virginia
From The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen
“TNFW TRANSITION and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH UPDATE
To the Wintergreen Community,
I am very pleased to inform you that the Board of Directors has appointed Chuck Bailey as Interim Executive Director of TNFW, effective Friday, September 5. Chuck is a Geoscientist and award-winning faculty member and Geology Department Chairperson at his alma mater, The College of William and Mary. He holds graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and is immediate past president of the Geological Society of America. A member of TNFW’s Science Advisory Committee for a number of years, and more recently as a member of the Board of Directors, Chuck is committed to the mission of TNFW and is excited to immediately begin engaging with the Wintergreen community, TNFW members and staff to provide leadership as we move through this period of transition.
As I mentioned in my message to you in June, the pool of applicants in our search for a new Executive Director was excellent. We invited two outstanding finalist candidates to Wintergreen for interviews in early July, but unfortunately neither of them accepted our offer of employment. All of us who have worked on the search are disappointed that our initial effort did not result in an appointment. As a result, the Board of Directors unanimously recommended that the search be re-opened, which was done last week. A few changes were made to the job description to make the position more attractive. As of this date we have fifteen new applications. The search will remain open until September 26, during which time the search committee will conduct initial interviews of qualified candidates. We are optimistic that the current search process will yield candidates who will be invited to Wintergreen for in-person interviews in October.
Let me conclude my message by saluting Doug Coleman, TNFW’s founding Executive Director. Doug has made the transition from his leadership responsibilities to Executive Director Emeritus, as Chuck Bailey begins his tenure as Interim Executive Director. Doug’s extraordinary vision for over 40 years has established TNFW’s reputation as the leading scientific research and non-profit educational organization of the Central Blue Ridge Mountains. Our community, including Wintergreen Resort and the Wintergreen Property Owners Association, is unique in the nation to have TNFW as a partner insuring both perpetual preservation and growth of scientific knowledge of the natural resources of this special place.
Thanks to all of you who have generously supported the work of TNFW.
Brent Douglass, President, TNFW”
Lynchburg District Traffic Alert
September 8-14, 2025
YNCHBURG — Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov
Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment/paving operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/ work and roadside cleanup.
LYNCHBURG — Highway work requiring road/lane/structure closures is planned; however, work may be delayed/canceled due to weather or other issues. Items in italics contain new/updated information. For up-to-date information, call 511 or visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov
Crews will perform various activities throughout the district to include, but are not limited to bridge & guardrail maintenance, brush/tree/limb cutting, pothole/surface/shoulder work, surface treatment/paving operations, work orders, mowing, boom axing, drainage repairs/ work and roadside cleanup.
Amherst County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Appomattox County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Buckingham County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Campbell County:
Route 622 (Depot Road) – Culvert Replacement. Will be closed to through traffic starting July 28, from Route 24/501 to Route 738. Estimated completion September 2025.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Charlotte County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Cumberland County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Halifax County:
Route 58 eastbound (Bill Tuck Highway) at the intersection of Route 501 (Huell Mathews Highway) – Milling and Paving. Lane closures expected nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of September 8. Use caution.
Route 501 Southbound (Halifax Road) from Powell Road to Hamilton Blvd.
Milling and Paving. Lane closures expected nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the week of September 8, 2025. Use caution.
Route 662 (Ashton Hall Road) – Culvert replacement (36.659126, -79.111580). Closed to through traffic between Route 659 (River Road) and Route 658 (Melon Road). Estimated completion September 2025.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Lynchburg:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Nelson County:
Route 6 (Afton Mountain Road) from Route 151 (Critzer Shop Road) to Route 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike)- Milling and Paving. Closed to traffic. Detour is posted. Use caution. Estimated completion October 2025.
Route 653 (Wilson Road) – Bridge Replacement. The bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad is closed (37.703194, -78.870712). Estimated reopening November 2025.
Please note district-wide activities above.
Pittsylvania County:
Please note district-wide activities above.
Prince Edward County:
Route 360 (Patrick Henry Highway) over Grade Crossing West of Meherrin – Crossover construction. Lane closures expected on Route 360 (Patrick Henry Highway). Use caution. Estimated completion October 2025.
Route 628 (Germantown Road) over Rte. 15/460 Bypass (Prince Edward Highway) – Traffic reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals in place on Route 628
(Germantown Road) and lane closures expected on Route 15/460 Bypass (Prince Edward Highway). Use caution. Estimated completion October 2025.
Please note district-wide activities above.
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