The Times-Dispatch is reporting an arrest in the murder of Joseph Wynn in the 2000 block of Maplewood Ave. amost two years ago.

Derrell R. Brown, 23, was taken into custody following a standoff at a North Richmond apartment, and police were investigating the possibility that he fired shots at officers before his arrest.

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Authorities believe Brown shot to death Joseph Wynn, 74, at a house in the 2000 block of Maplewood Avenue on Aug. 24, 2007. The late-afternoon shooting occurred in Wynn’s house, which police described as a “nip joint” — a place where alcohol is sold illegally.

Lt. Capriglione has released the May crime summary for Sector 313. Things were pretty quiet over here except for this eye-opening arrest on Sunday, May 31:

Officer Morley was patrolling Byrd Park as part of the weekend park initiative when she stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. As she approached the vehicle she observed the driver and passenger make furtive movements toward the back seat. As she spoke to the driver she saw the back seat was folded down allowing access to the trunk. Closer inspection revealed two handguns lying in the trunk. Further investigation revealed the driver was not allowed to posses a firearm. As a result, the driver was arrested and both handguns were seized as well as a bag containing one-hundred-sixty (160) rounds of various types of ammunition.

 

The city’s summertime music series at Dogwood Dell (in its 53rd year) starts Thursday at 8 p.m. with the Faculty Lounge Lizards. Notable acts on the main stage this year include Susan Greenbaum, The English Channel, Plunky and Oneness and Page Wilson, among others.

See the full schedule.

Unless we’re missing something, things have been pretty quiet over here in the park. The walls are going up on the new concession building over at Fountain Lake. We’ll post some pictures soon.

Otherwise, if something’s on your mind this fine day, or if you have a question or need to rant about something, feel free.

Here’s the news release:

MAYMONT TO CHARGE ADMISSION FEE FOR NATURE CENTER EXHIBITS

Effective July 7, 2009, there will be a nominal fee to enter Maymont’s Nature Center exhibits. Fees will be $2 for children ages 4-12 and seniors ages 60 and older; $3 for youth and adults ages 13 to 59; and free for kids under 4 years old. Admission will remain free for Maymont members. The Nature Center exhibits will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Current public hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.)

The money raised from admission fees will help generate revenue to provide for the continued care of Maymont’s animals and to support operating costs that ensure Maymont will be around for future generations to enjoy.

“In the current global recession, Maymont is facing a serious budgetary challenge due to decreases in contributed and earned income, government support and endowment. At the same time, more and more people are visiting the park because it is free, but increased visitation adds additional costs to our strained resources,” Norman Burns, Maymont Foundation Executive Director, explained. “The small fee will help to offset some of those costs as Maymont continues to serve as a harbor of hope and diversion for those facing this current economic storm.”

Although Maymont property is owned by the city of Richmond, there is a misconception that it is a “city park” fully-funded through government support. However, since 1975, the private nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entirely responsible for the park’s operation, maintenance and restoration with only minimal city funding each year. The Foundation must raise more than $3 million each year – or more than 80% of its operating budget – to keep the park open to the public 365 days a year. The Foundation has taken aggressive action to cut operational costs, resulting in reduced overhead and staff, closing the Nature Center on Mondays, closing the Gift Shop and implementing furlough days.

There are several ways supporters can help – through Maymont memberships, tax-deductible donations, corporate matching gift programs, attending Maymont programs, or celebrating special events at the park. For more information, contact Maymont at 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

Whether it will open in mid-July remains to be seen, but there’s progress.