🌱 AEP Warns of Rising Scam Calls + New Roanoke Job Seekers Program

Happy Friday everyone! Ian here with the Roanoke Daily. Let's take a look at what's going on around here, shall we?

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot.

High: 94 Low: 69.

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Here are the top five stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Bedford County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office has said no charges will be brought against officers involved in the shooting death of Chelsea L. Clevenger-Kirk in Goodview last November. Reports of the incident say Clevenger-Kirk barricaded herself in a residence after refusing to stop for a traffic violation and after a six hour standoff with police exited the residence with a gun leading officers to shoot her. "Law enforcement interaction with the mentally ill far too often results in injury or death. Although the use of force in this instance was justified under the laws of Virginia, this in not to conclude that such instances should not be examined and learned from. It is paramount that new tactics, training, and education be invested in to increase the likelihood of non-lethal outcomes for such encounters," W. Wesley, Commonwealth’s Attorney, wrote. (Smith Mountain Eagle)
2. Roanoke City job seekers have new funding for training and education through the Star City Works Program, an initiative created with the $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds the city received that needed to be devoted to identifying the needs of employers and the local workforce. "All of our employers, especially in the City of Roanoke, are hurting for employees. We think by helping some of these and providing some of these other wrap-around services, we’ll help folks kind of realize and help get out of the hole and back to work. And just help them with that sustainability," said Morgan Romeo, Director for The Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board. Businesses and job seekers interested in learning more about the Star City Works program can do so by emailing starcityworksva@gmail.com. (WSLS 10)
3. American Electric Power is warning its customers about a rise in scam calls as temperatures reach record highs. The company says they have received reports of scammers calling victims and threatening to disconnect their electric service if they don't render payment immediately, but company representative say AEP will always communicate with customers via mail and never by phone. "If there is a concern, if there is an issue, if you are worried at all, hang up and give us a call, 1-800 956-4237, and we can check your bill. It’s an old saying but we always like to say trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right," said George Porter, an AEP spokesperson. (WDBJ)
4. Cardinal Bicycle of Roanoke is hosting a family ride on Saturday to support Roanoke Valley Greenways and Pathfinders for Greenways. The ride will begin at 10 a.m. at their Grandin Road location and riders of all skill levels are invited to participate. "The greenway is the foundation. That’s where it starts, where you can take beginners and little kids out and really have a great time. Maybe one day you’ll be racing downhill or maybe you’ll be mountain biking, but this is where it starts," said Julia Boas, Cardinal Bicycle Marketing Director. Participants can register here. The cost is $35 for adults, $15 for kids 8 and over, and kids 7 and under are free. (WSLS 10)
5. The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors recently held a joint work session with members of the Planning Commission about creating an overlay district for Exit 150, which the county calls Gateway Crossing. The public was not allowed to attend the session either in person or by phone, but several landowners who would be affected showed up to object to the proposal anyway. A public meeting is expected to be held in August by the Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors based in part on the results of that meeting. (The Botetourt Bee)

Today in Roanoke:

• Lunch with Leaders by Latinas Network at the Williamson Road Library (11 a.m.)
• Rumours LA at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Cinematheque at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Emme Cannon, Wyatt Moran, and Samantha McKaige at The Spot on Kirk (7:30 p.m.)
• Hollins Playwrights’ Festival of New Works at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage (8 p.m.)
• Middle East Micfest 2022 presented by Poe Mack and Van Gunz at Pizza Den (8 p.m.)
• No Shame Theatre at Hollins University (11 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "There's no better way to learn about National Parks than by seeing them for yourself. Dr. Chris Lassiter took a group of students for May Term to Texas, New Mexico and Colorado where the class studied biological diversity." (Roanoke College - Salem, VA via Instagram)
• Roanoke Police Department: "The RPD Team brought home HUGE wins from the 20th Annual National LawFit Challenge!" (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "WARNING: if you don't like kitty kisses and dripping drool, Enzo is not the cat for you. If you're not into pleasantly plump feline friends, you do not want to adopt this guy. And steer clear if you don't like lots of affection and cuddles." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Teamwork makes the dream work! Roanoke College student Logan Blevins and Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment student Jackie DeNisco had to work in tandem to admit this Turkey Vulture." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Check out the special delivery we got in the mail this week! It is the patch of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the nation’s fire and rescue service. This patch was sent to us by Aleksandr, a member of their organization." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Last week, some of our students participated in volleyball and baseball camps! Superintendent White even joined in on the fun, and showed off some pitching and serving skills. Special thanks to our high school athletes and coaches." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Animal Hospital: "Congrats to the winners of our “Dress Like A Vet” selfie contest. Angela Ve posted this adorable photo of her twins dressed like vets with their stuffed animals all bandaged up! We had so much fun!" (Roanoke Animal Hospital via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Who's ready for the Delta Dental Party in Elmwood? We'll be partying with Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot! The best beach party in the valley! Tickets are just $5, kids under 12 get in free. Food and beverages are available for purchase." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

That's it for today! See you tomorrow!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com