🌱 Family Displaced After Morning Fire + Local Coffee Shop Break In

Hello again, neighbors! It's Wednesday in Lynchburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community today.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Low clouds may break. High: 76 Low: 56.
• Thursday: A passing shower or two. High: 79 Low: 57.

Here are the top three stories today in Lynchburg:

1. A family has been displaced due to damage and repairs needed following a house fire on Memorial Avenue, across the street from E.C. Glass High School, early Tuesday morning. The Lynchburg Fire Department (LFD) said the fire started in the kitchen in the upstairs apartment. According to LFD, once repairs are complete, the family can move back in. LFD also commended their members for their fire response. Because their smoke alarms were working, the family's downstairs neighbors were able to contact emergency officials, and the family was able to escape safely and without injury. (WSET)
2. Megan Paris, from nearby Rustburg, who pleaded guilty to the death of a 3-year-old earlier this year, will be sentenced. Paris pleaded guilty in February and is scheduled to be sentenced for second-degree murder in the Campbell County Circuit Court on Aug. 31 at 1:30 p.m. in connection with the toddler's death. Deputies started an investigation in October 2020 after learning that the child had been harmed by Paris, who was the caretaker. The toddler was rushed to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with life-threatening symptoms and died due to injuries caused by Paris. (WSLS 10)
3. The Nomad Coffee on Blackwater Creek Trail was broken into on Monday morning. According to owner Josh Davies, he was awakened by a call from Lynchburg police informing him of the break-in. The incident occurred between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. According to Davies, the suspect knocked off the building's power box, pried the deadbolt off the folding windows, tore down the screen, and then pried the rolling steel window. Davies stated that the coffee shop is now reopened. (WSET)

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Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Wednesday, May 31

• Bourbon And Cigar Night At 7 Rooftop Bar (6:00 PM)
• Music Bingo At Day & Night (8:00 PM)

Thursday, June 1

• Rosé Thursday At The Water Dog (6:00 PM)
• Open Mic At The White Hart Cafe (7:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At Starr Hill On Main (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• A portion of Campbell Avenue (at the intersection with Kemper Street) will be blocked for about two weeks from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. According to the Department of Public Works, this closure will allow for the construction of a new sidewalk in the neighborhood. The closure will not affect drivers traveling east on Kemper Street toward Campbell Avenue. (WSET)
• Congratulations to the University of Lynchburg's Hornets! The baseball team is headed to the NCAA Division III National Championship with a win over Shenandoah in the Lynchburg super regional. The Hornets secured a 3-1 win on Saturday and will compete in their first national championship in program history beginning Friday, Jun. 2, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (WDBJ)
• Dozens gathered in Hill City for the Memorial Day commemoration at the City Armory to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The event was hosted by several military and veteran groups and concluded with the tolling of the bells, during which they paid special respect to those buried in cemeteries around the world, followed by a rifle salute and taps. (WSET)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.