🌱 LPD Faces Staffing Shortages + LCS 2023 Summer Food Service Program

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Lynchburg these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Hazy sun. High: 76 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 74 Low: 48.

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Here are the top five stories today in Lynchburg:

1. Lynchburg-based nurse practitioners Sylvia Denton and Morgan McDowell have been recognized by the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners for their contributions to the nursing profession. Both practitioners expressed their passion for patient care and the rewarding moments they experience when helping patients improve their health and achieve important milestones in their lives. They emphasized the importance of being recognized by their colleagues and the impact they hope to have on the nursing community. (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)
2. On May 22, a two-vehicle crash occurred off Irvindale Road in Campbell County. The Brookneal Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene. The crash resulted in heavy damage to the front ends of both vehicles. Patients from one vehicle were transported to the hospital for further treatment, while an individual from the other vehicle was treated on the scene and released. The exact number of injuries is currently unknown, and further updates will be provided if more information becomes available. (WFXRtv.com)
3. The Lynchburg Police Department is facing staffing shortages, with 27 open positions. The shortage has led to challenges in meeting increased demands and requests for services. The department has to prioritize life-saving issues, but with fewer resources, investigations may be affected. The department is actively working on cases, such as the death of 6-year-old Kingston Campbell and the shooting of 12-year-old Malayshia Solomon, and they encourage the community to provide information if they have it. (WSLS 10)
4. A marker dedication ceremony was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Richmond to honor two Lynchburg natives with ties to slave education. The event commemorated Dr. Joseph Endom Jones and his wife, Rosa Daniel Kinckle Jones, who are buried at Evergreen Cemetery along with their son, Henry Endom Jones. The couple played a significant role in educating newly freed slaves and were also the parents of one of the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest Black Greek letter organization in the United States. The fraternity was established on Dec. 4, 1906. (WSET)
5. Lynchburg City Schools will participate in the 2023 Summer Food Service Program to ensure children have access to meals during the summer break. The program will offer free meals to all children on a first come, first serve basis. Various locations, including schools, parks, and community centers, will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the summer. The program aims to address food insecurity and ensure that children in Lynchburg receive nutritious meals even when school is not in session. (WSET)

Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Wednesday, May 24

• Preschool Cupcake Decorating At Miller Center (10:00 AM)
• Worship Night At Gospel Community Church (6:30 PM)

Thursday, May 25

• Hunter Overstreet At Big Lick Tropical Grill (11:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Lynchburg city leaders are considering implementing an overnight curfew for minors as a measure to address youth violence. The proposed ordinance would restrict minors from being on the streets between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with potential fines for parents who allow their children to violate the curfew. (WFXRtv.com)
• Thomas Road Baptist Church is organizing a vacation bible school from Jun. 12-15, with the theme "Game Changers." The program is open to children in pre-K4 to fifth grade, and volunteers can also sign up to participate. (WSET)
• CASA of Central Virginia is urgently seeking volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for abused or neglected children in Lynchburg, Appomattox, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, and Nelson counties. With over 100 children on the waiting list, the organization aims to provide these children with a voice and support until they find safe and permanent homes. (WDBJ)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with 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.