🌱 Jones Memorial Library To Hotel + Lynchburg Schools Vape Detection

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Lynchburg Patch newsletter — here to impart everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Breezy and cooler. High: 45 Low: 27.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; breezy, warmer. High: 53 Low: 26.

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Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. Lynchburg's Jones Memorial Library may be transformed into a hotel and restaurant following a 15-year period of vacancy. The city council hosted a public hearing on the proposal on Mar. 14, discussing plans to construct the hotel across the street. The hotel lobby and potential restaurant would be located within the current library building if the proposal is approved. (WSET)
2. Lynchburg City Schools is taking action against an increase in student vaping by installing vape detectors in the restrooms of two high schools. These detectors can identify the presence of nicotine or THC vape in the air, as well as detect attempts to mask the vape and loud noises that may indicate fighting. If triggered, the detectors will activate the nearby cameras and prompt administrators to search the students in the affected restroom. (WLNI, Lynchburg's News and Information Station)
3. Ronald Lee Ferguson Jr., 48, of nearby Madison Heights, pleaded guilty to one count of abduction for a December 2020 incident. Ferguson allegedly threatened three individuals in a home with a rifle. The man expressed frustration and stated that he did not intend to hurt anyone during an interview with law enforcement. (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)

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Today in Lynchburg:

• Historic Daffodils Talk & Tour At Old City Cemetery Grounds (10:00 AM)
• Bar Bingo At 715 Lynchburg Moose Lodge (2:00 PM)
• Dragons & Mythical Beasts At Academy Center For The Arts (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Duck Donuts inside River Ridge Mall announced that its grand opening is scheduled for Mar. 18. Visit the shop between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to celebrate! (WSET)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Lynchburg area! Get all the property details at the link. (Lynchburg Patch)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar? Check out the list of upcoming events happening in and around Lynchburg at the link! (Lynchburg News and Advance)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new 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.