🌱 New Businesses To Open Downtown + Fourth Fire In 36 Hours

Good morning, hello! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Lynchburg Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 88 Low: 56.
• Saturday: Hot; an afternoon t-storm. High: 91 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. On Wednesday, the Downtown Lynchburg Association revealed the winners of its Launch LYH pitch competition, which will open new businesses across downtown Lynchburg next year. The chosen applicants completed an eight-week program that concluded with a competitive pitch event. Super Rad!, PREAM, Wolfbane Productions, Lynchburg Golf and Social, Mosaic Collective + Threaded, The Lost Playground, and Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events are the competition winners. The program’s goal is to create economic growth and revive the area by supporting entrepreneurs in downtown Lynchburg. All winning businesses are expected to open or expand within the next year. (WSET)
2. The Lynchburg Fire Department has responded to four different fires in just 36 hours, all determined to be accidental and non-related. On Wednesday, at about 1:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a fire at a residence divided into apartments on Pierce Street. At the time of the fire, no one was in the units. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but due to smoke and water damage, both apartments are deemed uninhabitable. According to fire marshals, the fire appeared to have been started by improperly disposed smoking materials. (WSET)
3. On Saturday, Jun. 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation will provide city residents with a broad variety of free trees for planting at the Diamond Hill Recreation Center. According to a city news release, the initiative is "part of the City of Lynchburg's ongoing commitment to sustainability and fostering a greener urban landscape," and encourages residents to "take an active role in enhancing the beauty and environmental health of their neighborhoods." (WDBJ)

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Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Friday, June 2

• First Fridays Lynchburg At Downtown Lynchburg (5:00 PM)

Saturday, June 3

• Saturday Market At 1219 Main St. (8:00 AM)
• Greenview’s Spring Festival At Greenview Church (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for something to do in Hill City this summer? Lynchburg Parks & Recreation has announced the return of canoe and kayak rentals, which will be available starting Jun. 3 and 4 and continuing every weekend through Aug. 27. Click the link for details about the canoe and kayak rentals. (WSET)
• Congratulations to Lynchburg Police Department's Officer of the Month, Sergeant Fink, who was praised for saving the life of an unconscious individual. (WSET)
• Save the date! On Jun. 30 at 6:00 p.m., Downtown Lynchburg Association will host its annual Fireworks at Riverfront Park. Check the link for more details as the event draws closer! (Downtown Lynchburg)

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.