Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why bomb threat charges against a Lynchburg coffee shop suspect were dropped

Spotted on the Lynchburg calendar: FREE WEBINAR | "Under a Golden Sky: The Mosaics of Florence Baptistry"

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Hello Lynchburg! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why bomb threat charges against a Lynchburg coffee shop suspect were dropped
  • How a Lynchburg teen's class project grabbed Mark Cuban's attention
  • Where can Lynchburg drivers still find cheaper gas nearby today?

Also on today's calendar: FREE WEBINAR | "Under a Golden Sky: The Mosaics of Florence Baptistry" and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Lynchburg Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Lynchburg Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: A shower and thunderstorm, temps: high: 79, low: 63.
  • Tuesday: Not as warm with rain, with a high of 69 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bomb threat case tied to Lynchburg coffee shop dismissed in court (wset.com) — Charges against the man accused of making bomb threats against Mission House Coffee in Lynchburg have been dismissed, with prosecutors opting for civil commitment instead. Lynchburg police originally arrested him in January 2024, but the commonwealth's attorney now says his ongoing mental health issues and current placement at Western State Hospital make treatment a better path than reinstating the criminal case.
   

2. Lynchburg high school student's pickleball invention catches Mark Cuban's attention (wset.com) — A Brookville High School sophomore in Lynchburg has turned a classroom finance assignment into a real pickleball accessory that's now on investor Mark Cuban's radar. His Paddle Pod idea, designed to hold a single ball while walking onto the court, has drawn interest from a Shark Tank casting director, and his family is helping him move toward prototypes and possible sales.
   

3. Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up - Sept. 18, 2026 (wsls.com) — Lynchburg drivers are paying about $4.13 for regular gas, with diesel around $6.27, as prices continue climbing across Virginia. The roundup also highlights relatively cheaper options in nearby towns like Bedford and Altavista, including a Murphy USA on East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, helping local commuters compare where to fill up this weekend.
   

4. Appalachian Power eyes new rights of way for line rebuild in Campbell, Bedford counties (newsadvance.com) — Appalachian Power is planning a major rebuild of about 30 miles of transmission line through Campbell and Bedford counties, which could affect power reliability for Lynchburg-area customers. At a recent open house in Campbell County, residents questioned company representatives about new rights of way, a relocated Joshua Falls substation, and how the Valley Link project may change the local grid.
   

📸 Around Lynchburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello!
    I need someone to replace my brakes and rotors. Can someone help me out? (Nextdoor Liberty University)
  • Burger King (Carrols) posted a job opening for Team Member in Lynchburg. Apply here.
  • Babki posted a job opening for Part-Time Game Tester in Lynchburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lynchburg here.

Ok Lynchburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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