🌱 Third Annual Marching Band Competition + Monday High Speed Chase

Hi all. It's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's what's happening in town, including...

• Mayor speaks on latest shootings in Roanoke.
• Leadership development program called Enhanced Potential through Intentional Coaching (EPIC) coming soon.
• Northwest Roanoke considered a "food desert."

Let's motor! 🚓

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 56.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Two people were shot in the Taco Bell parking lot on Hershberger Road in Roanoke Tuesday night, just hours after a Gun Violence Prevention Commission meeting. The mayor and police are calling for peace and cooperation with the ongoing ceasefire campaign, as gun violence continues to plague the city. Though the two victims are expected to survive, this latest shooting brings the total number of homicides in Roanoke this year to 26, an 8 percent increase over last year. Authorities are hoping the incoming police chief will bring new ideas to combat the gun violence when he starts in late October. In the meantime, they urge anyone with information about this or other shootings to contact the Roanoke Police Department. (WDBJ)
2. William Fleming and Patrick Henry high schools will host the third annual Star City Classic marching band competition on Saturday at 2 p.m. at William Fleming High School. The event will feature 17 regional high school bands performing music, marching, and theatrics, as well as an exhibition by Emory & Henry University. Tickets are available in advance online or at the gate for $10 for adults and $5 for ages 5-12. The outdoor event will have food, vendors, and free parking. More information can be found at www.starcityclassic.org. (Roanoke Star)
3. Efforts are underway to establish a new grocery store in Northwest Roanoke, considered a "food desert" without easily accessible markets. Goodwill Industries has proposed opening a grocery in Melrose Plaza after revealing the area's life expectancy is six years less than other parts of the city. The store aims to provide affordable, healthy food options and employment opportunities for residents. The city council approved $10 million towards the project, allowing Goodwill to renovate existing property they own. Local groups have seen the effects of the food desert firsthand and look forward to having fresh produce nearby. The grocery store plans to open by end of 2024, accept SNAP and EBT, and employ 50-70 people, over half from the neighborhood. (WFXR)
4. The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is offering a 5-month leadership development program called Enhanced Potential through Intentional Coaching (EPIC) to help leaders improve their emotional intelligence, communication, trust-building, and problem-solving skills. The $1,100 program identifies participants' strengths and blind spots and has demonstrated strong competency retention over 2 years of tracking, with many graduates receiving promotions within a year. Participants are evaluated before, during, and after the course to measure their growth. More information and applications are available on the Chamber's website. (WFIR)
5. Roanoke police are investigating a high-speed chase involving 34-year-old Matthew Welch that started in Roanoke City and ended in Botetourt County on Monday night. Police say Welch was driving a pickup truck around 75 mph in a 35-mph zone on Milrose Avenue when a trooper tried to pull him over. Welch refused to stop, initiating a pursuit that continued onto Williamson Road and eventually Route 220 where troopers executed a PIT maneuver, causing Welch's truck to roll over. Welch has been taken into custody and faces charges including alluding police, speeding, and reckless driving for the incident. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, September 22

• The Jared Stout Band with The Karlee Raye Band at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Roanoke Royals Pageant at Holiday Inn Tanglewood (6 p.m.)
• Corey Hunley & Matt Powell at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 p.m.)
• Roanoke Comedy Fest at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "The Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma (RESET) Team walked in the 1200 block of Melrose Avenue NW and the 800 block of Westside Boulevard NW today after homicides recently occurred in those areas." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "📢 The time has come to give your input on the proposed Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail! Click the link in our bio to fill out the online survey for feedback! They're taking input until Oct. 1." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Chef Otis has been hard at work perfecting the recipes for our SPAYghetti fundraiser coming up in November! Tickets are on sale now and we would love for you to join us! Your purchase helps to save pets in our community!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Botetourt County: "Did you get a chance to see this spectacular light show? If so, share your photos in the comments! #boconights #botetourtcounty" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. See you all tomorrow morning 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