Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What did an internal audit just reveal about Richmond school maintenance?

And on the Richmond Patch calendar - Gram Cakes and Coffee

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Hey there, Richmond! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What did an internal audit just reveal about Richmond school maintenance?
  • Bellevue Elementary reopens Thursday after mold cleanup—what families should know.
  • Will Richmond Community Hospital's future be truly protected in writing?

Also on today's calendar: Gram Cakes and Coffee and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Cloudy and humid, temps: high: 82, low: 68.
  • Saturday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Richmond has 'zero' preventative school maintenance, internal auditor says (wtvr.com) — Richmond Public Schools' internal auditor says the district has "literally zero" formal preventive maintenance for its buildings, raising concerns after mold temporarily closed Barack Obama and Bellevue elementary schools. District officials dispute that characterization, pointing to existing practices tied to a 2024 facilities assessment. The audit also flags weak oversight of maintenance purchases and work orders, with a fuller report on preventive maintenance still to come.
   

2. Bellevue Elementary students will return to school on Thursday (wric.com) — Bellevue Elementary students in Richmond will be back in class Thursday after mold forced the school to close since August 31. Most of the building has been cleared, with three classrooms still undergoing remediation and kept sealed off. Richmond Public Schools say upgraded filtration and continued monitoring aim to prevent mold from returning in this older building.
   

3. 'There's no trust': VUU hosts community meeting on repurposing Richmond Community Hospital (wric.com) — Virginia Union University says Richmond Community Hospital will be preserved, but many Richmond neighbors remain wary of plans to surround it with a large apartment complex and limited parking. Ahead of a Sept. 15 planning commission vote on a special use permit, residents are demanding written guarantees the historic hospital can't be demolished and that its legacy will be meaningfully honored.
   

4. Richmond mom pleads for answers more than 4 years after sister's murder at Fairfield Court apartment (wtvr.com) — A Richmond mother is pleading for answers more than four years after her sister, Demetrise Simmons, was fatally shot inside a Fairfield Court apartment, with the killer still unidentified. The family is offering an $11,000 reward and urging anyone in Richmond's East End with information to contact a Major Crimes detective so they can finally gain closure and justice.
   

5. Style Weekly's 2026 'Fall Arts Preview' issue is here! (vpm.org) — Richmond-area readers can now pick up Style Weekly's 2026 Fall Arts Preview, highlighting upcoming local arts events and how AI is being used in city museums. The issue also offers an early look at VCU's new CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation and points to where you can grab a free print copy around town.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found dog!
    20 lb terrier, she's very sweet! I'd hold on to her but one of my dogs is a crank. Called animal control and they should be coming to scoop her… (Nextdoor Swansboro West)
  • Has anyone seen Ruby?
    Missing since Saturday. She is a hot dog (Datscheund). Microchipped, fixed and friendly. (Nextdoor Walmsley)
  • Kellermeyer Bergensons Services posted a job opening for Janitorial Crew Member in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Assistant Manager I in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! 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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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