The fastest way to keep up to date with the most important events happening today in Roanoke.
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This post was written by a member of the community.
Hello friends. I’m back in your inbox this hot morning with what’s happening in town. In today’s issue, we’ll cover:
- The Roanoke Valley community remembers those who died due to drug overdoses.
- Bower Heating and Air wins Mill Mountain Star auction.
- Mountain Valley Pipeline equipment destroyed at the Boones plant.
Let’s go engine! 🚙
But first, today’s weather forecast: A lot of sun. High: 87 Low: 62.
Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:
- Historic Roanoke Fire Station No. 1, which served the community for more than 100 years before closing a decade ago, was named one of Preservation Virginia’s 2023 Outstanding Preservation Projects after being renovated into a boutique hotel, cafe, furniture store and event space by Old School Partners and Hill Studio. These prestigious annual awards honor individuals and organizations who actively preserve Virginia’s historic places for future generations in categories such as Outstanding Preservation, Community Preservation, Research, and Achievement. Other 2023 winners include restoration projects at Virginia State Parks, Warm Springs Pools, Green Cove Railroad Depot, preservation work by Rick and Susan Humphreys, and Thomas Jefferson’s Cottonwood Forest. (Franklin News Article)
- The Roanoke Valley community came together for International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday, with a memorial at the Taubman Museum where people shared stories and photos of loved ones lost to overdoses while therapists gave their support. More than 30 local organizations were on hand to offer resources and assistance, giving hope that solutions exist to address this growing problem. Organizers say such monuments help reduce the stigma of addiction and highlight the continuum of care available, from prevention to treatment to long-term recovery. A list of addiction and recovery resources is available online for those who need help. (WDBJ)
- Roanoke’s iconic Mill Mountain Star is temporarily renamed after the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke auctioned off the right to sponsor the monument. This year’s winning bid of $7,000 came from Bower Heating and Air. A new plaque was unveiled Thursday outside the 88-foot structure bearing Bower’s name. While benefiting Bower’s publicity, auction proceeds support Kiwanis community programs for children, seniors and the environment. This is the third year for the Star Sponsorship Auction, which grants a local business temporary naming rights to the iconic Roanoke structure and garners publicity while funding important community causes. (WSLS)
- Virginia State Police are seeking information on individuals who intentionally set fire to construction equipment used for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project in Franklin County. The arson attack occurred around 5 a.m. on August 31 on private property in Boones Mill, destroying two excavation vehicles and causing environmental damage near a stream. Investigators have uncovered evidence of homemade incendiary devices that will be subject to FBI forensic analysis. Tips can be reported anonymously to the Virginia State Police at 540-375-9500 or questions@vsp.virginia.gov. The FBI and ATF assist in the criminal investigation of the pipeline equipment arson. (WDBJ)
- Two men, Peter Willey of Roanoke and Ethan Mauck of Pennsylvania were arrested on August 31 for felonies related to their alleged actions during the January 6, 2021 breach in the U.S. Capitol. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Willey and Mauck attended the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally and then illegally entered the Capitol compound, where video shows them pushing barriers and police equipment towards officers trying to hold back the crowd. The men face charges including obstructing law enforcement during civil unrest and misdemeanors for disruptive conduct and entering restricted areas. They were arrested in Roanoke and made their first appearance in court for the Western District of Virginia. (WDBJ)
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Today in Roanoke:
Saturday September 2
- 36th Annual Mopar Roanoke Valley Car Show at the Salem Civic Center (8 in the morning)
- Labor Day Parade presented by America Works in Downtown Roanoke (Noon)
- The Bogeys in downtown Daleville (5 p.m.)
- Twin Valleys vs. Fayetteville Roller Derby at the Berglund Special Events Center (7 p.m.)
Excerpt from my notebook:
- Roanoke Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center: “The gray fox entangled in a soccer net is doing so much better and is now outside preparing for its pre-release! The scientific name for this species is Urocyon cinereoargenteus, which means ‘hound-tailed and silver-ash’.”Roanoke Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center via Facebook)
- Roanoke Sheriff’s Office: “Earlier this month, five deputies completed Project Lifesaver’s electronic search specialist training. Ongoing training and the addition of new deputies as search specialists is necessary, as we are the only agency in the city to serve people in our jurisdiction, and this free service continues to grow.” (Roanoke Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
- Roanoke Valley SPCA: “Ginger and Mika have both been waiting for their new homes for over a month now and we would love to see them soon find their new best friends. many benefits older cats.Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
- Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: “Branch Builds went out of their way to host Habitat-Roanoke’s inaugural #workforcedevelopment class today. Our class of six were treated to a full tour including Branch’s main office, fabrication shop. ” (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
You are officially informed for today! The PATCH staff is off Monday for Labor Day, so your next update will be a day late. Happy Labour Day!
— Ian
About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter and freelance writer. He’s a firm believer in being yourself…unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn’t bite. Except on full moons.
Have a topical tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? contact me at roanoke@patch.com