🌱 Toddler Dies In May 1 Drive-By + Potential City Service Cuts

Hello, everybody. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Lynchburg Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunshine and cool. High: 59 Low: 43.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 65 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. A shooting on Floyd Street on Monday left a 6-year-old slain. Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots during what they believe was a drive-by shooting. No arrests have been made, and police are asking anyone with information or security footage to come forward. The investigation is ongoing. (WFXR NEWS)
2. Lynchburg's proposed lower real estate tax rate of 89 cents may result in cuts to city services. Lynchburg's city manager proposed a real estate tax rate of $1.05, down from $1.11, but some council members want it set at 89 cents, which could result in cuts to some services, including the partnership with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, State of the City event, some funding and contracted services for snow removal, and the hanging of banners and holiday decorations. (WSET)
3. Lynchburg police are still searching for an armed restaurant robber. Lynchburg police are searching for an armed robbery suspect who pointed a handgun at a Subway employee on Timberlake Road and fled with cash. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned Black male with a medium build, wearing a black balaclava, black scarf, black gloves, a big black or dark blue heavy jacket, and dark pants. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the police. (WDBJ)

Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Wednesday, May 3

• Wednesday Watercolor: May Session At Peggy Burruss Art Studio (9:30 AM)
• Modern Marketing At 701 Thomas Road (10:00 AM)

Thursday, May 4

• Bingo Night At Three Roads Brewery (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In search of a new home in the Lynchburg area? Five new houses have been listed for sale in and around Lynchburg, ranging from $154,900 to $759,900 in price. Interested buyers can view more details and photos at the link. (Lynchburg Patch)
• Sweet Briar College in nearby Sweet Briar just announced its commencement speaker for this year! Verda M. Colvin, a justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, will be the keynote speaker. Colvin graduated from the college in 1987 and went on to become the first African-American female appointed by a Republican governor to Georgia’s Court of Appeals in 2020 and to Georgia’s Supreme Court in 2021. (Subscription: Lynchburg News and Advance)
• A new restaurant is making waves as the "Mercedes-Benz of bowls." Nautical Bowls, a new eatery in Lynchburg, serves gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and plant-based acai bowls. It opened on Apr. 29. The family-owned business also partners with World Vision for a water project in Zambia. (WSET)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with your next 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.