🌱 Board Adopts Youngkin Policies + Affordable Housing Coming Downtown

Hello, everybody! It's time for the Saturday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick dive into the most important things happening around town, including updates on:

• Roanoke man arrested after robbing Salem business, police say.
• Residency program helps LewisGale Medical Center train and retain doctors.
• Prevention education program keeping children safe in local schools.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Sunshine and patchy clouds. High: 86 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Roanoke County School Board voted unanimously on Thursday to adopt controversial new policies regarding transgender students, based on guidelines from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The policies require the notification of parents if a student identifies as transgender, use of assigned sex at birth for school activities and bathrooms and referring to students by names/pronouns in official records unless parents approve changes. Supporters say the policies affirm parental rights, but critics argue they will increase bullying of transgender students. The policies have sparked heated debate and protests, including the arrest of a parent of a transgender student at a recent meeting. (WDBJ)
2. Leonard Childress, 45, of Roanoke was arrested and charged with two counts of robbery after allegedly robbing a business in the West Gate Center in Salem on Thursday morning around 10:15 a.m., according to Salem Police. Police said Childress went into the undisclosed business, demanded cash from the cashier (who complied), and quickly fled with an unknown amount of money. After further investigation, police identified Childress as the suspect. He is currently being held at the Roanoke County-Salem Jail as the investigation continues. Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them. (WSLS)
3. Developers Brent Cochran and Chris Vail have proposed an 80-unit affordable apartment complex in downtown Roanoke on a Salem Avenue lot they would purchase from the city. The project would require removing an old office building and erecting a six-story building aimed at lower-income residents. The proposed rents would target teachers, public safety workers, and others making between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, unlike luxury apartments going up elsewhere downtown. The Roanoke City Council will hear public comments Monday on selling the land for $10 to the developers, who propose at least an $8 million investment. Mayor Sherman Lea supports more affordable housing downtown but said a council vote is unlikely Monday. (Roanoke Times)
4. LewisGale Medical Center in Salem is training new doctors through residency programs and encouraging some to stay in western Virginia, helping address a nationwide doctor shortage. The program has grown to 150 residents in five specialties, with a sixth coming, after starting 6 years ago. Dr. Eric Parrott came from Iowa, matched with LewisGale, and decided to stay after completing his 4-year psychiatry residency, now working in the ER. The goal is to retain 15-20 percent locally, improving care and providing physicians for the region. Parrott said he wouldn't have looked at Virginia but has fallen in love with the area. (WDBJ)
5. Children's Trust has a prevention education program called Speak Up Be Safe to help K-5 students identify unsafe situations as they head back to school. The research-based program teaches children what to do if they find themselves in concerning scenarios, encouraging them to report to trusted adults like teachers or counselors if they cannot tell a parent or caregiver. Next month, Children's Trust will bring the curriculum to Roanoke County and Roanoke City public schools to promote safety and give students strategies to speak up if needed. (WSLS)

🏠 Want to see your real estate business featured in front of a growing audience of local buyers and sellers in Roanoke? See how you can access our targeted and engaged audience through our exclusive newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, August 19

• Back-to-School Extravaganza — Roanoke School District (9 a.m.)
• Open House & Tour — Roanoke Valley SPCA (2 p.m.)
• Ministry Crusade — Roanoke City Special Events (4 p.m.)
• Juicy After Dark — Roanoke City Special Events (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "If you haven't heard the big news yet... get excited! 📣 Alongside The Virginia Scenic Railway, we recently unveiled a major announcement: The iconic Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam passenger locomotive will be embarking on a series of specially scheduled passenger excursions this fall!" (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Boss is a sweet guy who loves to give kisses! He loves playing in the pool, going for walks, and learning new things. He knows how to sit, stay, give paw, nose touch, and to go to his mat. Come meet Boss today!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Cloverdale - Rabies Alert Please see the attached rabies alert from our partners at the Roanoke Alleghany Health Districts." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Last week one of our longest residents left the building. Tyson found a home! Tyson went home eligible for support from our Judith Goins Behavioral Assistance Fund. This fund offers financial assistance to pet owners that may need access to behavioral resources." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "❗New blog post❗ Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms 💐🌻🪻 Across the Roanoke Region, you can find multiple flower farms to create your own bouquets, attend a floral arranging class, or head to a festival!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)

That's it for this week. I'll see you Tuesday for another round!

— 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