TRENEY TWEEDY

The opening of the new Lynchburg bridge marks the end of phase one, which has been in the works for more than two years.

Lynchburg community leaders sit down Saturday to discuss a plan to stop violence from escalating in their neighborhoods.

In a letter to Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development dated Feb. 24th, Lyn-CAG’s president and CEO Treney Tweedy cited operation and facility concerns about the building constructed in 1850.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – During the first meeting of the newly elected Lynchburg City Council, the governing body had an important task before it, electing a new mayor. Three council members Treney Tweedy, Mary Jane Dolan and Randy Nelson were nominated for the position. Of those three, Dolan, who previously served as vice mayor, was elected mayor. She was reelected to the council in May, winning 52% of the vote in her ward. Beau Wright will serve as the city’s vice mayor.

The Lynchburg City Council has unanimously voted to make Juneteenth, a commemoration of the day slaves were legally freed in America, a paid holiday for all city employees.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg City Council meeting got heated at times on Wednesday as city leaders discussed changing the time of the newly-established curfew. This move comes after city leaders declared a state of emergency amid three nights of protests throughout the Hill City, two of which turned violent. Wednesday’s special city council meeting came with a lot of fight back. “(They) won’t meet the curfew because you as a working person can’t workout in a gym at 5 in the morning," said city council member Jeff Helgeson. Under the new curfew ordinance, the city manager will check in with Zuidema every day at noon on whether or not to extend the curfew.

Northams announcement to remove the statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond, the conversation has shifted to other cities across Virginia. Since that action and even before, there has been much discussion about Lynchburgs own confederate statues. Earlier this year, we had extensive conversations about a confederate battle flag that was thought to have connections to Lynchburg. Peoples opinion regarding these statues is as varied as the reasons for the Civil War. My concerns are more for the citizens of Lynchburg, especially those who are suffering.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The local NAACP chapter organized a demonstration at Monument Terrace in downtown Lynchburg on Tuesday. It followed nights of unrest that led to several arrests across the city and a mandatory 8 p.m. curfew. “I think it’s rooted in the right place but I think it’s also going to follow the same lines we’re all fighting right now. Let’s do that Lynchburg," shouted one of the clergy officials. Similar to the prayer vigil hosted by the Lynchburg faith-based community on Monday, local NAACP chapter leaders said events like Tuesday’s demonstration and clearly-defined strategy are the best ways to move forward.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – What was originally announced as a voluntary curfew has now been given teeth, but not until tomorrow. Starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Lynchburg police have the authority to enforce a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The curfew was announced Monday afternoon, and although the curfew is in effect Monday night, police will not be enforcing it. Beginning Tuesday night, curfew violations will be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The curfew goes into effect at 8 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. and people are being asked to remain home during that time.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg city leaders will be speaking on Monday afternoon. At 1 p.m., Mayor Treney Tweedy, as well as other city officials and invited speakers, will hold a press conference to discuss the protests outside Fifth and Federal, as well as recent national events. Several officers are hurt and two people were arrested after peaceful protests turned violent Sunday night into Monday morning in Lynchburg.

The article’s author, Elizabeth Williamson, is a feature reporter for the New York Times. Our story is based on interviews with Liberty University staff members, students, and regional officials including the mayor of Lynchburg, Va. Monday morning, the New York Times article was updated to say a student had tested positive. Tweedy says her office is still receiving phone calls from the community and students after the New York Times article. We’ve attached below Liberty’s statement regarding the NY Times article and their FAQ sheet:

Falwell said Tweedy’s criticism of his response to the coronavirus contradicts what he was previously told. Jerry Falwell, Jr. (WSLS)“She and the city manager said they were going to send out a statement thanking us,” said Falwell. In her statement Tuesday, calling the decision reckless, Tweedy said she has never supported the idea of bringing students back. About 2,000 students returned to campus after spring break, a small fraction of the number of students typically there. What the university will do about refunds for the students who did not return had not been decided Tuesday, but Falwell said the university is weighing all options.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg Mayor Treney Tweedy is making it clear how she feels about Liberty University’s decision to bring students back to campus. Tweedy released a statement on Tuesday strongly speaking against the decision of Liberty University President Jerry Falwell. I am concerned for the students, faculty and employees at Liberty University, and I am also very concerned for the residents of the Lynchburg community. Liberty University is an important part of this community; however, I believe it was a reckless decision to bring students back on campus at this time. “I am pleading with the Lynchburg community to take this pandemic seriously.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Starr Hill Brewery folks are in Lynchburg giving people a little taste of what the craft beer maker has to offer. A week after announcing it will be expanding to the Hill City, city leaders gathered at the new location on 1300 Main St. to welcome the business to the area. Starr Hill officials say they've been looking for a new location in Lynchburg for three years. We had a hunch that Lynchburg was really itching for a brewery downtown and I think we were right," said Robbie O' Cain, brewmaster for Starr Hill Brewery. Starr Hill held a meet and greet for community members at the Glass House on Jefferson Street.