🌱 New Artisan Market + Apartment Fire Leaves Residents Displaced

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Lynchburg Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick dive into the most important things happening in town.

---

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy. High: 72 Low: 45.
• Thursday: Cooler with sun, then clouds. High: 64 Low: 52.

---

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Lynchburg? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Lynchburg:

1. From Friday, May 12 to Saturday, May 13, Lexie & Lee in downtown Lynchburg will be hosting the inaugural Blue Ridge Artisan Market at The Virginian Hotel. The event will feature 35 locally-owned businesses in the area showcasing their inventory, as well as a variety of enjoyable drink and meal options at the hotel. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop hand-crafted goods that include everything from pottery, art, and jewelry to accessories, home décor, and much more. (WSET)
2. Early Tuesday morning, residents of the Vistas at Dreaming Creek complex in Lynchburg were evacuated due to a fire that started in the attic of one of the apartments. No injuries were reported, but according to the Lynchburg Fire Department, it took 20 minutes to get the fire under control and was likely started as a result of improperly discarded smoking materials. The burned apartment is uninhabitable, and the American Red Cross is assisting the residents who have been displaced. (WDBJ)
3. After an eight-month-long investigation, the Lynchburg Police Department seized multiple weapons and illegal substances from a residence which led to the arrest of 23-year-old Demontae Mays. According to officials, the search warrant was served on Thursday, Apr. 20, and led to police finding more than $13,000 in U.S. currency, a few pounds of marijuana, fentanyl, guns, and more. The suspect is now facing a variety of charges including possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm while in possession of a felony narcotic. (WSLS)

---

Today and tomorrow in and around Lynchburg:

Wednesday, April 26

• Karaoke Night With DJ Liz At Apocalypse Cidery & Winery, Forest (6:30 PM)

Thursday, April 27

• Potted Potter Experience At Historic Academy Theatre (7:30 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• Looking for a fun-filled show that's perfect for the whole family? This weekend, Brookville High School will be debuting its performance of Disney's classic musical, "Newsies," which features a Tony Award-winning score and a timeless message that's filled with nonstop thrills. If you're interested in attending, click here for tickets. (Brookville High School)
• The Lynchburg Humane Society still has a number of spots available for their upcoming dog training classes. The classes will take place throughout the next few months and focus on teaching basic manners with positive reinforcements, as well as encouraging more open communication between owners and their dogs. If you're interested in signing up, click here. (Lynchburg Humane Society)
• Early Monday morning, there was a rare sighting of the Northern Lights throughout Central Virginia. According to experts, the pink and green glow occurred due to a strong solar storm that took place on Sunday, which made the lights more visible in the south. Meteorologist Will Stafford and Savannah Martin from the WSET team were able to capture amazing images of the lights in Bedford County off the Blue Ridge Parkway, which you can see at the link! (ABC13 News)

---

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.