🌱 LCS Funding Confusion + Percival's Island Bike Trail Fire

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

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 77 Low: 50.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, nice and warm. High: 84 Low: 56.

Business owners and marketers in Lynchburg: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. Lynchburg City Schools recently stated it would discuss the impact of reduced funding from the city in an upcoming meeting. However, Councilman Martin Misjuns refuted this claim, stating that there is no decrease in funding. He pointed out that the budget proposal includes a $2.8 million net increase to Lynchburg City Schools. While the city's proposed local operating contribution is lower than the previous year, the overall operating budget for the school system has increased from the previous year. The matter will be addressed further in a meeting at the school administration building today (May 10) at 3:30 p.m. (WSET)
2. The Percival's Island bike trail in Lynchburg has experienced a fire that destroyed a portable bathroom and part of the safety rail. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation has requested the public to avoid the area while they investigate the cause of the fire. The incident occurred on May 7, and further details are yet to be released. (WDBJ)
3. Several crews, including the nearby Boonsboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, successfully rescued a person who was found at the bottom of an embankment near Blue Ridge Parkway on May 6. The incident was reported around 8:39 a.m., and the patient was located with the help of Bedford County Special Operations Command. The individual was treated and released, but it remains unclear how they ended up at the bottom of the slope. (WFXRtv.com)

Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Wednesday, May 10

• Lynchburg Noodles & Company Opening At 3919 Wards Road (10:30 AM)
• Patio Party With Dry Creek Vineyard + Dreamcatcher At The Water Dog (5:00 PM)
• Lynchburg Civil War Round Table Meeting At 601 Main St. (6:00 PM)

Thursday, May 11

• Ukulele Orchestra Of Great Britain At Academy Center For The Arts (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, which has been an important part of the local economy since it opened in 1980, has undergone significant changes in the past seven years. With Liberty University now owning the mall, there is anticipation for further developments and improvements. (The News & Advance via Facebook)
• Virginia cities, including Richmond, Alexandria, and Lynchburg, are facing challenges with sewer systems due to increasing heavy precipitation caused by climate change. These older sewer systems have released billions of gallons of untreated wastewater into rivers during heavy rain events. The cities are working on upgrading the sewer systems, but funding constraints pose a significant hurdle to fixing the issues in a timely manner. (Daily Press via Facebook)
• Local basketball teams in Lynchburg organized a two-day tournament at the Jubilee Family Development Center to raise money for the family of Kingston Campbell, a 6-year-old boy who was shot and killed while playing video games in his room. The event brought together 18 teams and aimed to raise $6,000 through admissions, concessions, and donations. (ABC 13 - WSET via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.