🌱 Angel Trees Taken To New Level + Area Overdose Death Toll Rises

Good morning, everybody! It's time for the dreaded Monday edition again. Put in an extra scoop of coffee grounds this morning to strengthen your brew and let's get this journey started. In this edition of the Roanoke Daily you'll read about:

• Franklin Road crash injures three
• 2022 Roy Stanley Shootout outcomes
• New VDH number revela sharp uptick in drug related deaths

Let's get rolling.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine.

High: 52 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Salem Kiwanis Club held its annual Roy Stanley Memorial Shootout Saturday at Roanoke College's Cregger Center. Winners included the Franklin County girls who ran roughshod over Martinsville 68 - 16, the William Fleming boys who defeated Hidden Valley 68 - 40, and the James River Knights boys who brought down Halifax County 65- 45. The event is held each year in honor or Roy Stanley, a longtime local television sportscaster who died from cancer in 2002. (WSLS)
2. Three people were hospitalized after a head-on collision in the 6900 block of Franklin Road in Roanoke County. The crash occurred shortly before 7 p.m. and Roanoke County Police and Roanoke County Fire & Rescue responded to the scene, which saw the southbound lane of Franklin Road near Pine Needle Drive closed for an extended period. At last report the road had been cleared and the vehicle operators taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Investigators said the crash appears to be the result of driver error and not related to drugs or alcohol, though the matter is still under investigation. (WSET, WDBJ)
3. The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths in the Roanoke region, which saw 43 such fatalities in the first six months of 2022. 35 of those deaths are linked to Fentanyl. The numbers began to rise in 2019 with 46 total deaths — 25 of them Fentanyl related — and have continued to climb with 2020 showing 96 fatalities and 2021 97, each with 71 indicating the use of Fentanyl. "Ever since COVID, we’ve seen them almost double, and that trend is staying stagnant, but it’s still a high number," said Andy Foley, the battalion chief of EMS, health and safety for the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department. (Roanoke Times)
4. The PRISM Foundation, an entity of Roanoke PRIDE, has taken their organization's Angel Tree sponsorship to the next level by sponsoring 53 angels as well as donating 25 lunchboxes and backpacks to students in need and 200 hygiene bags to those experiencing homelessness. Joe Sachenbacher, the coordinator for special events at the Park Nightclub and Roanoke Pride, said, "Well it’s not only a community thing, it’s that time of the year where you have to give back. If you’re able to give to someone else, it just makes you feel good inside the heart." The Park Nightclub specifically hosts many events throughout the year to help reach this point. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Holiday Ice Skating by the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs at Lancerlot Sports Complex (1 p.m.)
• Roanoke City Planning Commission Meeting at Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (1:30 p.m.)
• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (5:30 p.m.)
• Live Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "We can't say THANK YOU enough to everyone who attended Breakfast with Santa this morning! We had a wonderful time and raised more than $13,000 for our Help the Homeless Fund, which will directly support students impacted by housing insecurity!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Penny is our Pup of the Game tonight at the Rail Yard Dawgs game! This sweet girl LOVES treats and toys! Who doesn't? If you're interested in meeting this playful pup, schedule a meet and greet today!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "Today we celebrated our 17th RHouse dedication. A huge thank you to Roanoke College and all of our sponsors, volunteers, donors and ReStore supporters. The Perry family now has a safe, affordable house to call home! 😄❤️🏠" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "We can't wait for the Lenny Marcus Trio's Charlie Brown Christmas concert this Monday night at 6pm. Stop in and enjoy a free dinner, visit with Santa, and an incredible night of music. 📍1101 Morningside St. SE Roanoke, VA 24013" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "The Outdoors Are Better Together Collection from Hmble Hstle Clothing, created in partnership with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, would make for an awesome holiday gift for someone you know who loves the outdoors!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

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Boom! You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you tomorrow!

— 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com