🌱 Structure Fire + Man Faces Felony Charges After Nine-Vehicle Crash

Hi, Lynchburg! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 90 Low: 69.
• Tuesday: Hot; a stray p.m. t-shower. High: 92 Low: 69.
• Wednesday: Partly cloudy; a stray t-shower. High: 90 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. Lynchburg firefighters responded to a structure fire on Nelson Street early Sunday morning following reports from residents about a fire in their living room. The occupants were able to evacuate safely, and a neighbor used an extinguisher to partially extinguish the fire before the arrival of the fire crews. Firefighters also rescued the family's dog and provided it with oxygen using a specialized animal air mask. An overloaded electrical circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire, and further investigation will be conducted by the Fire Marshal's Office. (WSET)
2. The Lynchburg Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a crash involving nine vehicles at the intersection of U.S. 501 and Lakeside Drive on Friday, Jun. 30, resulting in felony charges against the dump truck driver, James Pernell McDaniel, 54. The crash occurred at 8:35 a.m., with the dump truck striking seven vehicles and causing damage to two others. Two individuals were transported to Lynchburg General Hospital and are currently in stable condition. McDaniel is facing charges of felony hit-and-run, reckless driving, and impaired driving of a commercial vehicle and is being held without bond at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and witnesses are encouraged to contact Officer Bauserman for more information. (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)
3. Outgoing Lynchburg registrar Christine Gibbons has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against two members of the city's electoral board who did not reappoint her, alleging that they promote the falsehood of election fraud. The suit comes after the board's decision to seek a new registrar, which is within their purview. Gibbons claims that the decision was politically motivated and cites incidents of suspicion and intimidation during the 2020 election cycle. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Are you a real estate agent in Lynchburg struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Lynchburg newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today and tomorrow in and around Lynchburg:

Monday, July 3

• Summer Fair, Paint Night At Imagination Station Studio, Forest (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• July 4th Celebration At West Lynchburg Baptist Church (5:30 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Kids' Day, Paint Party At Imagination Station Studio, Forest (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Lynchburg residents gathered at Riverfront Park on Friday to witness a dazzling fireworks show illuminating the night sky! If you missed the show, you can view photos of the fireworks at the link. (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)
• Lynchburg's Department of Public Works has announced a major construction project starting on Jul. 4 at the intersection of Rivermont Avenue and Boston Avenue. The project involves the installation of a new traffic signal and pedestrian safety improvements, including a crosswalk and sidewalks. Drivers can anticipate lane reductions, flagging operations, and lane shifts, with limited on-street parking in the 2400 block of Rivermont Avenue. (WSET)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this month? Check out the list of events happening in and around Lynchburg during July at the link! (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll see you around!

— 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.