Residents in the city say the divide between members of The Church of Latter-day Saints and non-members continues to influence the community three decades after leaders of the church acquired Southern Virginia University. Residents say relations have improved in some areas but persist in many others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations with Lebanon, while Israeli attacks continued.

Wayne Handley, the city’s interim city manager, says two sworn officer positions will be taken away due to the merging of Parry McCluer Middle School into Parry McCluer High School. A vacant patrol officer position also will remain unfilled. Dave Clements, the city’s interim police chief, says he does not expect any impact on response times.

The $1 million project in downtown Lexington is almost complete. The improvements, funded by outside donations, involved moving the Veterans Memorial, replacing grass with brick, and adding terraces and trees. Business owners hope the facelift will help increase foot traffic downtown.