🌱 Additional Vinton Buildings Total Loss + Two Shot In NW Roanoke

Hello, everybody! It's Thursday and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most recent things happening locally. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Roanoke Valley Comicon this weekend.
• Reparations symposium at Roanoke College.
• Roanoke marketing campaign to target D.C. area residents.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 77 Low: 58.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Are you or a loved one looking to move or downsize during your golden years? Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services is a one-stop-shop for any senior planning a move, and the only company that handles every aspect of downsizing — packing, loading and unloading, storing, and even selling unwanted items in their consignment shop or auction house. People who are moving, downsizing or need cleanouts agree that working with Crowning Touch is well worth it! Visit here to learn more.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke College will host Dr. Michael Nabors beginning Friday at 7 p.m. for a symposium on the reparations movement that will continue through Saturday. Dr. Nabors is a national leader in the movement and will be giving the keynote address on the biblical rationale for faith-based reparations and how they could help address harm done to the Black community from racism and white supremacy. The symposium is being presented by the college and the Roanoke Reparations Group and will be held in the Colket Center's Wortmann Ballroom. (Roanoke Times)
2. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the marketing arm of the city of Roanoke, is beginning an eight week campaign targeting residents of Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area in an effort to get them to visit the Roanoke region. "I think we’re gonna showcase a lot of dynamic imagery. A message that positions destination in a unique way to where coming to the Roanoke region and coming to Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a unique experience that they can’t get in other mountain destinations," said VVBR Marketing Director David Aldridge. The campaign is expected to use both digital and traditional forms of advertising. (WSLS)
3. Structural surveys done by the Town of Vinton in the wake of July 2022's fire that destroyed the D.R. Music building and damaged others adjacent to it have found more of the remaining structures will need to be torn down. Structural engineers and general contractors have spent several months studying the integrity of four buildings in particular and have determined them to be a total loss. No timeline for the demolition has been given, but the town decided to close an additional lane on Lee Avenue in December due to dangers posed by falling debris. Town Manager Richard W. Peters said, "I want to thank Vinton’s residents, adjacent downtown business owners, and visitors for your continued prayers and patience through the remaining stages of this endeavor. My staff and I will continue to update this message as additional timelines or information becomes available." (WDBJ)
4. Tanglewood Mall will be the site of the Roanoke Valley Comicon this Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Legos, Pokemon, and Magic the Gathering will be available along with comics and collectibles from numerous creators and exhibitors. A costume contest will also be held with categories for kids and more experienced cosplayers. Admission is $5, a VIP option is available for $10, and kids 10 and under get in free with the purchase of an adult ticket. (WDBJ)
5. A fight in the area of 11th Street and Orange Avenue NW has charges pending against a man accused of shooting another. When police arrived, they found one man lying in the street with a serious gunshot wound and awhile later another man was located on the 1200 block of Grayson Avenue with a minor gunshot wound. The later drove himself to the address he was found at, and Roanoke Fire EMS transported both men to the hospital for treatment. He will face charges for the shooting when he is released. No names were given. (WDBJ)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Roanoke:

• LFA Kids Consignment at Berglund Hall (9 a.m.)
• 'Bob Ross' inspired paint party at Olde Salem Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Flamingo Brothers at Twin Creeks (6:30 p.m.)
• George Shingleton and Jared Stout at The Spot on Kirk (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Coming to a feeder near you! That's right, hummingbirds are on the way! Did you know there are nearly 350 different species of hummingbirds? However, the United States is only home to 15 breeding species." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Roanoke Police Academy Staff are at the Camp Lejeune Career Summit today, speaking to service members about joining RPD. Honored to meet these heroes and help them continue their tradition of service in Roanoke!" (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Police Department: "Today Roanoke County assisted Virginia State Police with their distracted driving simulator at William Byrd High School. Students were able to see how distracted driving and speed can impact their driving abilities." (Roanoke County, VA Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "Sgt. Murphy and Deputy McRae recently led a self-defense class for women. As members of our department, we are proud to know they are not only concerned for our community while in uniform but at all times." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "ANNOUNCEMENT: The best beach party in the valley returns for 2023! Delta Dental Party in Elmwood brings 20 weeks of outdoor, live music to Elmwood Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. And we can't wait! ☀" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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