Coffee in hand, Bedford? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
Need to get the word out about a local event in Bedford? Posting to Patch's local calendar is free and gets your event in front of Patch newsletter readers and quickly found by search engines and AI platforms. You can also share your event to nearby communities for as little at 25 cents per day. Click here to get started.
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Color Run 5k and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Bedford Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Bedford Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Bedford.
1. Opioid Abatement Authority allocates $2.2 Million for new substance use treatment program (pmg-va.com) — Bedford County is partnering with Horizon Behavioral Health and neighboring localities on a new $2.2 million, five‑year recovery and reentry program for people leaving the Blue Ridge Regional Jail. Funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, it will expand treatment, medication-assisted care, and peer support for about 80 justice‑involved individuals each year, aiming to reduce overdoses and improve reentry outcomes across Central Virginia.
2. Central Virginia Health District alerts Thaxton residents of rabid cat (pmg-va.com) — Health officials are warning Thaxton and Bedford County residents after a stray kitten near Willowridge Drive tested positive for rabies, exposing three people now receiving treatment. With six rabid animals confirmed in Bedford County this year, they urge pet vaccinations, avoiding stray or wild animals, and promptly reporting any bites or suspicious encounters to local authorities.
3. Facing continued enrollment declines, Bedford County renews talk of elementary school consolidation (cardinalnews.org) — Bedford County families face major changes as the school board weighs four options that all include closing Stewartsville Elementary and possibly Big Island, Otter River, or Bedford Primary, with new attendance zones to follow. A series of town halls and an October 8 public hearing in Bedford will shape an October 15 vote that could lengthen bus rides and shift where many children attend school.
4. Medal of Honor recipient shares leadership lessons with young cadets in Bedford (wset.com) — More than 100 young cadets gathered at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford to hear Medal of Honor recipient Drew Dix share hard‑earned lessons on courage and leadership. Drawing on his Vietnam War service, he stressed that real leadership is earned through respect, relationships, and decisive action under pressure, offering Bedford‑area youth guidance for military and civilian careers alike.
5. Public feedback needed to shape transportation across Central Virginia (wdbj7.com) — Transportation planners are updating a long-range plan that will shape road and transit priorities across Central Virginia, including Bedford County, for the next 25 years. Residents can share specific trouble spots and safety concerns through in-person, virtual, or online comments during a public input period that runs until October 19.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
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.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Bedford Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.