Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Seldom have I ever been so thankful to watch a city council meeting. If you’ve followed along since this summer, Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler was set on fire outside of his workplace at Showcase Magazine. For nearly three months, he’s been at a North Carolina burn unit, facing skin grafts and fighting infections caused by the attack.

On Friday, Oct. 17, Vogler’s voice filled the stadium at George Washington High School’s football game in an interview with Southside News Today’s owner and operator, Chuck Vipperman. In that halftime session, the councilman spoke about his recovery following the summertime assault.

Now, he’s back home and still recovering—and getting back to his duties as a member of Danville’s City Council. Welcome back, Lee. I’m so glad you’re here.

The name card for Danville Council member Lee Vogler, where he works in Danville City Hall, Danville, Va., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

By Amie Knowles

Applause erupted in the City Council Chambers in downtown Danville on Tuesday as Councilman Lee Vogler returned to his seat nearly three months after being intentionally set on fire in July.

Danville’s “Comeback Kid”—and coiner of the local phrase #ComebackCity—completed multiple rounds of surgery, skin grafts, physical therapy, and more months before doctors originally anticipated.

Vogler announced on Facebook on Oct. 21 that he was home from the hospital and would be in attendance—in person—at the city council meeting that evening at 7 p.m.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Alonzo Jones opened the session with welcoming remarks.

“Oftentimes, when new businesses come into our community, we say, ‘Welcome home,’” Jones said. “When new persons come into our community, we say, ‘Welcome home.’ When persons return back to our community, we say, ‘Welcome home.’ Councilman Vogler, you know these terms; and we’ll simply say, ‘Welcome home.’”

Vogler openly praised God for his recovery and stated that “being here tonight is nothing short of a miracle.”

To read more about Vogler’s return, click the link below.

Yes, that’s right—Virginia’s voter registration deadline is tomorrow, Oct. 24. 

Use our link below to make sure you’re registered to vote. If not, you’ve got until tomorrow to get things squared away.

Saw this post too late? Thankfully, Virginia offers same-day registration for those who miss the Oct. 24 deadline.

The ingredients that go between bread slices at this Norfolk bistro might surprise you. (The Grilled Cheese Bistro)

By Aila Boyd

Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? Grilled cheese lovers should check out The Grilled Cheese Bistro. The bistro has every version of a grilled cheese sandwich imaginable.

Some standout menu items include the Loaded Baked Potato, which comes with applewood bacon, sea salt fries, sour cream, scallions, and cheddar on sourdough, and the Fall for Giuseppe, which comes with Moscato-poached pear, prosciutto di Parma, fresh basil, local honey, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, and fontina on sourdough. 

For a side, consider the rosemary truffle with chipotle aioli or cinnamon cayenne pepper with chipotle aioli. It even serves gluten-free bread and vegan cheese. Wash it all down with a Grilled Cheese Bistro red sangria. 

The bistro was featured in the “Ocean Coasts and Great Lakes” episode of Guy Fieri’s show.

You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:

COURIER Newsroom
611 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003-4303

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or  from this list.