Around Town

Hill City Howlers: Lynchburg’s Baseball Future Arrives with a Howl By Scott Stevens Just a few months ago, the Lynchburg Hillcats capped off their storied run with a championship—an 8–2 win over the Columbia Fireflies on September 17, 2025, securing the Carolina League title and unknowingly closing the book on the Hillcats name for good. Now, Lynchburg baseball is stepping into a bold new era… and it’s bringing monsters with it. Beginning in 2026, the longtime Single‑A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians will take the field as the Hill City Howlers, a name rooted in local history, regional pride, and a dash of supernatural fun. I sat down with owner Dylan Narang, who took over the franchise ahead of the 2024 season, to talk about the vision behind the rebrand, what fans can expect at City Stadium this year, and what this transformation means for the future of baseball in Lynchburg. ➡️ Listen to the full interview here: [Insert link to your interview] A New Name with Local Roots—and a Monster Twist The Howlers’ identity is built on Lynchburg’s long‑held nickname “Hill City,” referencing its spot in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But the true spark came from a uniquely Lynchburg landmark: Spring Hill Cemetery, which sits right next to City Stadium. That proximity inspired a playful, spooky theme centered around legendary creatures said to emerge from cemetery tunnels to “save baseball in Hill City.” At the head of this monster squad is Indy the Werewolf, the team’s new primary mascot. But he’s not alone. The rebrand introduces an entire cast of characters—Victor the Vampire, Gilly the Creature, Murray the Mummy, and Daisy the Bride—each with its own backstory and baseball‑themed personality. The logo suite, created by the well‑known sports branding firm Brandiose, blends monster mythology with circus‑style lettering and nostalgic game‑night energy. There’s even a 434 logo in a heart‑shaped baseball—an homage to the beloved “Virginia Is for Lovers” slogan. Why the Change? Narang Says It’s About Energy, Reach, and Community In our conversation, Narang shared that the rebrand wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about growth. “Doing something fresh, something that could excite our community, was important,” he told me. “First it was a wolf… but why stop at wolf? Let’s go to werewolf. And then why stop at werewolf? Why don’t we do a bunch of monsters?” His goal? Broaden the fan base, bring new eyes to Lynchburg baseball, and create an identity unique enough to stand out not just regionally, but nationally. Expect Indy the Werewolf to be a major part of the gameday experience. Narang hinted at big plans—on‑field entertainment, interactive elements, immersive themes, and more—as the Howlers find creative ways to bring their new cast of monsters to life. What’s Next for City Stadium Along with the new name and branding, Narang discussed ongoing and upcoming improvements to City Stadium designed to modernize the fan experience. From enhanced entertainment to facility upgrades, the team is focused on giving fans more reasons to come out, cheer loud, and make memories. These changes, he emphasized, are meant to honor the club’s history while shaping its next chapter. Howlers Ready to Hit the Field The Hill City Howlers begin their inaugural season on the road April 2 against Kannapolis, before returning home for a much‑anticipated April 8 home opener against Fredericksburg. With a championship just behind them and a brand‑new identity launching ahead, excitement is building fast. This season promises baseball, entertainment, creativity—and yes—monsters. Don’t miss my full interview with owner Dylan Narang, where we get into the rebrand, stadium updates, and how the Howlers are howling their way into a new era of baseball in Lynchburg. ➡️ Listen here: [Insert link]

Scott Stevens sat down with Chief Meteorologist George Flickinger from ABC‑13 WSET to break down what to expect from the approaching winter storm. George explains when the system is expected to arrive, why it will begin as snow, and how some areas could see a transition to sleet and freezing rain as temperatures shift. Press the play ( > ) button below to listen to the full conversation. Stay with George and the ABC‑13 Weather Team throughout the weekend for continuous updates as the storm develops. And don’t forget to download the free iHeartRadio App—if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to hear George and the entire ABC‑13 team providing around‑the‑clock weather coverage.

Scott Stevens speaks to Cassie Hairston and Brandi Jones about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Lynchburg, efforts to raise awareness, support mental health and raise funds in the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk, Lynchburg.

We talk to Jen Webb, RN MSN, and CEO of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia about their efforts to recover from damage to the clinic due to a fire. She explains that the clinic is not funded by the government and needs community support to rebuild and operate. The Free Clinic is asking for donations to help them rebuild.You can make a donation here. To hear the interview tih Jen Webb, press the play (>) button below.

We speak with Dr. Alyssa Ward who is representing Anthem Healthkeepers Plus as a corporate sponsor for the Lynchburg Out Of The Darkness Walk, Saturday October 7th, at Peaksview Park in Lynchburg. She is a Psychologist and the Behavioral Health Clinical Director for Anthem's Medicaid Line of Business. Dr. Ward explains how important mental health, along with physical health, is to Anthem Healthkeepers. More information on the walks both in Lynchburg as well as Salem/Roanoke available here.

We talk to Keith Mann, COO/CFO of Scott Insurance in Lynchburg about their support, participation in and sponsorship of the Out of the Darkness Walk in Lynchburg, Saturday October 7th at Peaksview Park in Lynchburg. More information and register here!

Suicide Prevention with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walks. Scott Stevens talks to Brandy Jones, Volunteer Coordinator for the Lynchburg, Virginia Out of the Darkness Walk, about the upcoming walk in Lynchburg on October 1st, as well as Salem/Roanoke on that same date, and the first New River Valley Walk on October 22nd.

Scott Stevens at iHeartRadio talks with Wende Henley, President & CEO, Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, about International Women's Day, the women in business in our area, the women who have influenced her and how the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce can help local businesses grow and thrive.

A winter weather advisory is in effect in the region. Looks like the majority will be to our north. George Flickinger breaks it down! January 28, 2022.

Scott Stevens, from iHeartRadio, talks to Dr. Noelle Bissell from the Virginia Department of Health, about the current status of Covid-19, its variants, facts and misinformation about the vaccine and how to stay healthy this holiday season.

We talk to representatives of Horizon Behavioral Health about Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Illnesses, signs and symptoms, and how to get help with the services provided at Horizon Behavioral Health.

We talk to Trish Cerulli about the upcoming Hike For Hope, Saturday May 8th at the Claytor Nature Center in Bedford County.

The storm starts off as snow tonight, changing to sleet and freezing rain in the early morning tomorrow. All the details in the interview below can be heard by pressing play (>) below. More weather from the ABC-13 Weather Experts HERE.

A Winter Storm Is Coming This Weekend! We Talk To George Flickinger, Chief Meteorologist from ABC-13, about the timeline, amounts and impact of the storm.

Scott Stevens talks to Randi Abell, Association Director of Community Health - YMCA Central Virginia, about the many specialty health programs at YMCA. In particular "RESET," a six week program open to anyone regardless of whether you are a member or not! Text RESET to 313131 to sign up!

George Flickinger, Chief Meteorologist at ABC-13 WSET says those roads could be dangerous tomorrow!

We talk to Chief Meteorologist George Flickinger about our potential for winter weather on Wednesday.

Scott Stevens speaks with Jean Smiley-Mason, President of Gleaning for the World in Concord, Virginia.

Scott Stevens talks to representatives from the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, and Horizon Behavioral Health about Suicide Prevention Month, The Art of Wellness Campaign, Central Virginia Suicide Prevention Awareness Coalition and the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walks now called the Out The Darkness Experience.