🌱 APCO Warns Of Rising Water Levels + Lengthy Sentences For Shooting

Hello, everybody. It's Saturday and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community today. Because community news matters! Today we'll cover:

• Deputy, inmates, injured in I-81 crash.
• Local graduate named to top Hurricane Center job.
• Mountain Valley Pipeline protests are back.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 87 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Appalachian Power has issued a warning about potential rapid rises in water levels downstream of Claytor Lake and Leesville dams. The increase in water levels is attributed to an anticipated rise in power generation at the hydroelectric plants to meet the demand caused by high temperatures expected over the weekend. Water levels below Claytor Dam may surge by up to two feet within minutes, while levels below Leesville Dam could rise by as much as eight feet over a span of seven hours. Individuals planning recreational activities on the rivers are advised to monitor AEP's website for further information and stay updated through the Smith Mountain Lake or Claytor Lake Facebook pages. (WDBJ)
2. A crash occurred on I-81 in Roanoke County resulting in a deputy and two inmates being taken to the hospital. The incident involved a Botetourt County Sheriff's Office vehicle that was rear-ended by a Ford pickup while transporting the inmates on I-81 South. The collision caused the vehicle to overturn in the median. The deputy and inmates were subsequently transported to Lewis Gale Medical Center for medical treatment, and there is no information available about their current conditions. In response to the crash, VDOT established a traffic detour at the 137 exit to redirect vehicles until the area is cleared. Traffic backups of approximately three miles were reported Thursday evening as a result. (WSLS)
3. Dr. Michael Brennan, a graduate of Cave Spring High School, has been appointed as the director of the National Hurricane Center, becoming the 14th director in the center's history. The NHC provides information and forecasts for tropical cyclones, which are highly hazardous weather events. Brennan has been interviewed multiple times by WFXR Chief Meteorologist John Carroll, offering valuable insights on tropical cyclones and their impact on the region. Brennan emphasizes the importance of effective communication in his role, aiming to ensure that information regarding tropical issues reaches people quickly and accurately, enabling them to stay safe. His expertise and familiarity with the region have made him a reliable source for information on tropical systems in western and southwestern Virginia. The fact that someone who grew up experiencing local weather is now responsible for forecasting some of the most dangerous storms on Earth is truly exciting. (WFXR)
4. Two drug dealers involved in a shootout resulting in the death of a 19-year-old man during a marijuana transaction in Roanoke have received tough prison sentences. The dealers, Chad Matthew Custer and Aaron Lee Woods, were deemed equally responsible by the judge. Woods, described as the main supplier, received a sentence of 20 years and seven months, while Custer was sentenced to 16 years. The shooter, Darion Harvey, was previously sentenced to 26 years. The judge referred to the apartment where the incident occurred as a "24-7 marijuana superstore" operating with violence. Testimony revealed a prior shooting at the same location, with no efforts made to clean up or deter future violence. Despite claims of self-defense, the judge emphasized that drug trafficking combined with gun violence would result in severe consequences. (Roanoke Times)
5. Dozens of protesters gathered outside Sen. Mark Warner's office in Roanoke to express their opposition to the inclusion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline provision in the debt ceiling bill. The pipeline, stretching over 300 miles in Southwest Virginia, passes through private property. Protesters demanded that their mountains, waters, and remaining safe places be left alone. Delegate Sam Rasoul, who represents Roanoke City in the Virginia House of Delegates, joined the protest, stating that the provision negatively affects all landowners and could lead to disaster. Originally, the protesters were urging Warner to support Sen. Tim Kaine's amendment to remove the pipeline provision from the deal. However, the community learned that Warner would stand with Kaine in opposing the provision, turning the protest into a show of gratitude. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• DIY Paint Class — Intro to Furniture Painting at Black Dog Salvage (9:30 a.m.)
• Introduction to Freshwater Snorkeling by Star City Sustainability Society (2 p.m.)
• The Kings at Daleville Summer Concert Series in Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tipsie is showing off her best moves! She's hoping someone will take notice and want to meet her! Maybe that someone is you! Find out more about Tipsie here: https://rvspca.org/adoption-gallery/tipsie/" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This is SUPER exciting — we have only ever gotten two individuals of this species before, and now we are home to THREE spunky babies! These are Red-headed Woodpeckers that were brought to us from Franklin County after their tree was cut down." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Okay, we've been keeping a secret from you... Jared Stout, talented musician and frontman of The Jared Stout Band, has recently joined the Dr Pepper Park team as our venue minion (his title, not ours)!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• The Grandin Theatre: "The one and only Katherine Devine is here to display over a dozen incredible works of art she’s created! They will be available for purchase beginning this Friday at noon! Prints will also be available of selected works." (The Grandin Theatre via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all Tuesday 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