🌱 2023 Ironman Competition Canceled + AAUW 100th Anniversary

Hello again, everybody! It's Thursday in Roanoke and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including news about...

• Roanoke man sentenced in 2022 shooting.
• USPS acknowledges delivery problems.
• Summer tribute band concerts announced.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and comfortable. High: 83 Low: 61.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A USPS spokesperson has acknowledged that while most post offices in the Roanoke area are adequately staffed, occasional staffing challenges have resulted in brief periods of sporadic mail delivery on a few routes. The Postal Service has been holding weekly hiring fairs in Roanoke to fill open full and part-time positions and encourages interested candidates to apply at www.usps.gov/careers or attend one of their hiring fairs, which take place each Wednesday in May from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Virginia Career Works on Thirlane Road. (WDBJ)
2. The annual Ironman triathlon in Roanoke has been canceled for 2024 due to a planned $32 million maintenance project on the Blue Ridge Parkway that overlaps with part of the current bicycle route of the event. Ironman announced on Facebook on Monday that it would not stage the race there next year but hopes to return in a future year. The event has brought thousands of visitors to the Roanoke Valley since 2021 and is supported by major sponsor Carilion Clinic. Landon Howard, president of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, believes the event will eventually return to the Roanoke-area course. The government will pay for the work out of spending programmed by The Greater American Outdoors Act. (Roanoke Times)
3. A Roanoke man, Malcolm Levort Harrison, 32, who shot another person last year and was arrested seven months later after a police chase, pleaded guilty to firearm-related charges. He was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, suspended after he serves four, and placed on two years of unsupervised probation after release. Harrison engaged in a “gun battle” with another man in June 2022 at an apartment complex, firing a rifle and hitting the man's leg. The other man faces gun-related charges in federal court. (Roanoke Times)
4. Dr Pepper Park has announced that the iconic Elton John and Billy Joel tribute duo known as 'Face 2 Face' will perform on Sept. 15. The show is part of DPP's summer tribute to tribute bands, which includes multiple tribute acts such as a Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Badfish: A tribute band to Sublime, and Tuesday’s Gone: A tribute band to Lynyrd Skynyrd throughout the summer season. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online by clicking here. General admission starts at $25 with VIP Skybox options as well as others also available. (WFXR)
5. The American Association of University Women's Roanoke Valley Branch, which aims to help women advance in their careers and pursue higher education, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The organization has provided fellowships and scholarships to women entering college and university programs. The celebration will take place on May 13 and will include scholarship presentations and an annual meeting, open to current and former members and other guests. Those interested in attending should contact Helen Ruth Burch. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• "Charlotte’s Web" at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage (6:30 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Columbia Fireflies at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• The Sweet Lillies with Carrington Kay at The Spot on Kirk (7:30 p.m.)
• Consider the Source with Root Lock at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "Huge thank you to Bedrock Church Roanoke for donating these reusable bags filled with snacks and other small goodies to our department. We handed them out to all of our patrol shifts, detectives, and admin staff over the past few days!" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Calling all runners! Join us, Join the team, donate, as we raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia Athletes. We want to encourage the community to join us and purchase a T-Shirt to support Special Olympics Virginia Athletes." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We'll be honest, this kitten may look sweet, but she was not happy when she first arrived into our care. We can't blame her! When you're this small, anything can be a threat! She was hissing at us and cowering, but our staff was able to calm her down." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Check out our newest episode of Rescue Recorded! 🎙 In this episode, Pam Milkowski, director of Healthcare Service at the G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic, discusses the services and outreach that happen on a daily basis." (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is 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 news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com