🌱 The Artists Behind Lacks Statue + VDOE Mistake Felt Locally

Good morning, everybody. Happy weekend. I hope you have something fun planned or at least something relaxing. Here's the Saturday edition of the Roanoke Daily to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening locally, including news on:

• Country star concert announced for May
• Dawgs in the pound again
• Sheriff's Office new look

Let's go!

But first, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds. High: 40 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The artists behind the Henrietta Lacks statue being created for placement in Downtown Roanoke are hard at work and while the statue isn't ready to be seen yet, the artists stopped by WDBJ for a chat. Roanoke artist Bryce Cobbs and Blacksburg sculptor Lawrence ‘Larry’ Bechtel both said they found their artistic inspiration and learned the tools of their trade as children. Cobbs has worked throughout the Roanoke Valley on various projects including the End Racism Now street mural and the mural outside of Hmble Hstle on Moorman Avenue NW dedicated to rapper Nipsey Hussle. Bechtel has worked around the nation on projects including busts of Thomas Jefferson and C.S. Lewis. More about both artists can be found on their respective websites here and here. (WDBJ)
2. A mistake made by the Virginia Department of Education that was recently reported is having an effect on local school systems. In the most recent Roanoke County School Board meeting, however, board members were told the impact wasn't as bad as that on some other districts. County schools Financial Director Susan Peterson told board members that the county has a surplus in their school budget that will allow them to absorb the impact and avoid any negative impacts, though it will mean $1.7 million less in the budget over the next two years. Superintendent Ken Nicely said, "We understand this is a human error, but a lot of school divisions are going to absolutely have to have some help budget-wise to help them absorb this. I’m glad we’re not in as dire straits as some but it’s still a huge loss." The VDOE mistake was caused by confusion related to the partial elimination of the state grocery tax. (WSLS)
3. Dr Pepper Park has announced that country star Jo Dee Messina will be coming to Roanoke for a concert on May 20. Messina's breakout song was 'Heads Carolina, Tails California' in 1996 and was followed by several other Top 40 songs including 'Bye, Bye'; 'I'm Alright'; and 'Stand Beside Me.' She has also been nominated for two Grammies and won a CMA Award for Top New Female Vocalist. Tickets are $49, $30, and $149 for a VIP experience and go on sale Friday for Dr Pepper Park email list subscribers and Saturday for the general public. Dr Pepper Park founder Waynette Anderson said in a Facebook post, "We are over the top excited about this show! I am SO going to be fangirling over Jo Dee at the show. She is incredible." (Roanoke Times)
4. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has announced a brand-new look for 2023 — they've changed their traditional brown and tan uniforms for a newer, more modern look in black. The change also includes a new silver, gray, and white logo on the department's cars that will be rolled out more gradually as the cars are updated. The changes in appearance were made effective in January and can be seen here in a post on the department's Facebook page. The move is in trend with many law enforcement agencies around the country who have gotten away from the traditional blues and browns associated with police and sheriff organizations. (WSET)
5. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs have lost some of their mojo since an early January winning streak that delivered them to the top spot in the Southern Professional Hockey League. The fall was fast and hard and currently sees the Dawgs at the No. 4 spot in the league behind the Peoria Rivermen, Huntsville Havoc, and Birmingham Bulls. The Dawgs will play three games at home in late February before entering a month long stretch of roads games against such teams as the Knoxville Ice Bears and the Fayetteville Marksmen. The season is far from determined for any team with plenty of games left for things to get shaken up in the weeks to come. (Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• 13th Annual Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show at the Berglund Center (10 a.m.)
• Lunar New Year with Local Colors at the Taubman Museum of Art (Noon)
• 'Lift Every Voice' presented by Virginia Children’s Theatre at the Jefferson Center (3 p.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Berglund Center (7 p.m.)
• Lazy Man Dub Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "MISSING PERSON. Roanoke Police need your help locating 75-year-old Michael Collins. Michael was last seen at his residence in the 5000 block of Williamson Road NW on Jan. 28, 2023, at approximately 6 p.m. Michael is approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 170 lbs. He was last seen wearing beige pants and a light cream-colored jacket. Michael also goes by the name 'Abdul Malik Al-Amin,' and may respond to that name instead of Michael." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Our newest downtown retailer is bringing you 365 days of Christmas! Boxwood Lane is located at 20 Campbell Avenue SE and if you love all things Christmas, this store may be your version of heaven. 🎄" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "The Patrick Henry Student Government Association recently helped the Virginia Museum of Transportation complete a beautiful mural! Patrick Henry’s very own Mr. Jonathan Murrill was the mural’s artist." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We received the cutest update on Simba, who was adopted from our shelter back in July of 2019. His adopter says, "He's a little healthy chunk but he’s meant the world to us!" Well, our adopters mean the world to us too!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Botetourt County: "This morning, Botetourt County along with Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, Botetourt County Public Schools, Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, and Roanoke - Blacksburg Technology Council presented the 2023 State of the County Address. Over 70 people attended in person along with about a dozen people viewing virtually." (Botetourt County via Facebook)

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

— 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