🌱 Fires In Vacant Buildings + MPD Investigates Five Weekend Shootings

Hello all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Montgomery Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 89 Low: 70.
• Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 80 Low: 69.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Montgomery today:

1. Two separate fires in vacant buildings are being investigated by Montgomery Fire Rescue and the Bureau of Investigation. The first fire occurred at an abandoned hotel on Carmichael Road on Sunday, Jun. 18, and the second fire occurred at a home on Camden Street early Monday morning, Jun. 19. No injuries were reported. (WSFA)
2. Montgomery police are investigating five separate shootings that occurred on Saturday, Jun. 17, and Sunday, Jun. 18, in Montgomery. One of the shootings occurred on Saturday at around 4:40 p.m. in the area of Fairground Road and Yarborough Street and led to two juvenile male victims suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Another shooting led to the death of a juvenile male in the 3300 block of Fountain Lane at around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. The investigations into these shootings are ongoing, and no further details have been disclosed at this time. (WSFA)
3. Juneteenth, the commemoration of the emancipation of slaves in the United States, was celebrated in Montgomery, known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, with various events throughout the city. This year marks the third anniversary of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, and the occasion was honored with cultural festivities and free admission to museums. While a celebration at the Riverfront was postponed due to inclement weather, the rest of the state of Alabama joined in the festivities with parades and celebrations spanning from Mobile to Huntsville. (AL Reporter)

Today and tomorrow in Montgomery:

Tuesday, June 20

• Thrifty Tuesdays At Montgomery Zoo (12:00 PM)
• Southpaw, Commodity, Vital Signs, And Delta Hate Live At The Sanctuary (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, June 21

• Trivia Night: All Things Trivia At Common Bond Brewers (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Montgomery Zoo has white-tailed deer! Come hang out with the beautiful animals and learn about wildlife with friends and family. The zoo is open every day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum via Facebook)
• Three adorable dogs named Lexi, Sweetie, and Stella have spent a combined 4,000 hours in the kennels at Montgomery Humane Society. If you're interested in seeing or adopting these sweet pups, you can learn more about adoption here. (Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets via Facebook)
• The City of Montgomery celebrated Juneteenth on Monday, Jun. 19! While celebrating freedom and honoring those who made liberation possible, the city has acknowledged the work that still needs to be done. (City of Montgomery via Instagram)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!