🌱 UL Employee Retires + Murrell Warren "Teedy" Thornhill Jr. Statue

Good morning, Lynchburg. Sean Peek here with your fresh copy of the Lynchburg Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 57.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Lynchburg today:

1. Michael Jones, former vice president of enrollment, marketing, and communications at the University of Lynchburg, is retiring after nine years at the college. During his time at Lynchburg, Jones focused on improving student recruitment by implementing more strategic approaches, such as using data to target potential students and engaging them through personalized videos and online workshops. He also played a key role in the rebranding of Lynchburg College to the University of Lynchburg. (Lynchburg News and Advance)
2. The City of Lynchburg has started construction on a statue to honor Murrell Warren "Teedy" Thornhill Jr., the city's first African American mayor. Thornhill served on the Lynchburg City Council in 1972 and was elected Mayor in 1990, making significant contributions to the city's political landscape. The statue will be located at the roundabout at Fifth and Federal Streets, and drivers should anticipate delays and possible detours during the construction period. This statue aims to celebrate Lynchburg's rich history and commemorate Thornhill's groundbreaking achievements. (WFXRtv.com)
3. A fire broke out in a home on Stuart Street in Lynchburg originating from the kitchen. The Lynchburg Fire Department responded to the incident, concerned that the fire might spread to the second floor of the house. Fortunately, the two individuals inside the home managed to evacuate before the firefighters arrived. The area around Stuart Street, Park Place, and Rose Street was temporarily closed to traffic. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. (WSET)

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Today and tomorrow in Lynchburg:

Wednesday, June 14

• Joel Shewmake At Hill City Pub (7:00 PM)

Thursday, June 15

• Roots Club: How To Use GIS Tools In Genealogy Research At Rustburg Library, Rustburg (10:00 AM)
• Family Storytime At Lynchburg Public Library (10:30 AM)

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From my notebook:

• The Lynchburg area has recently listed several homes for sale. Some of the properties include a 1,449 sq. ft. home with three beds and two baths listed at $400,000; a 3,506 sq. ft. home with four beds and four baths listed at $679,900; a 1,870 sq. ft. home with three beds and two baths listed at $485,000; and a 2,314 sq. ft. home with four beds and three baths listed at $189,900. (Lynchburg Patch)
• The Lynchburg area has several upcoming events, including performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Revenge of the Fairy Queen," a Tai Chi class at the library, a concert by Brian Free and Assurance, and a Juneteenth celebration featuring "Songs of Freedom from the Underground Railroad." Additionally, there will be a blood drive, a seminar on dementia and brain health, a lantern sail for the Summer Solstice, and various other activities and performances throughout June. (Lynchburg News and Advance)
• The Lynchburg Police Department's Animal Wardens successfully rescued a kitten that was trapped between a vehicle's gas tank and manifold with the help of Bee Line Transport Inc. The kitten was unharmed and has found a new home, thanks to the efforts of the Animal Wardens and Bee Line Transport. (WSET)

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.