🌱 Boones Mill Revitalization Plans + New RCPS Career Center Location

Hello, Roanokers! I'm back with your new edition of the Roanoke Daily. Here's a look at what's going on around our fair city.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun.

High: 90 Low: 66.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Town of Boones Mill held a series of planning meetings recently focused on revitalizing the small community. Plans were discussed to add an additional parking lot and public park space as well as a new Farmers Market. "The consultants were putting together a design for a farmers market. They would kind of do it like market stalls at Roanoke City Market. A lot of people were also excited about the possibility of having a parking lot/park next to Carter Bank. They had parking for about half of it and then the other half was like a multi-use park," said Boones Mill Town Manager B.T. Fitzpatrick. The town is working with Roanoke-based Hill Studio to create the new plans. (Franklin News Post)
2. Roanoke County Public Schools has announced that it has found the land it wants to use to build its largest ever capital project, a career and technical education facility. RCPS has outgrown its current CTE site at Arnold R. Burton in Salem and plans to develop four parcels of land located on Peters Creek Road near Bojangles, which the county has purchased for $3.4 million. "The school system is using the approximately $4.3 million in funds it will receive for capital improvements from the state this year to purchase the properties. The total cost for building a new facility currently exceeds $80 million, according to the school system’s capital improvement plan, but the figure may change depending on the size of the facility," said Ken Nicely, RCPS superintendent. (Roanoke Times)
3. The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross has announced that it will be joining the U.S. Cyclocross Series in order to bring more athletes to Roanoke for the September Cyclocross race at Fallon Park and to help cement Roanoke's growing reputation as a cycling events center. "When people come to the Ironman competition or the Blue Ridge Marathon, they come and they participate in that race, but they also visit our restaurants. They visit our establishments and our attractions. They go hiking on the trails. They get on the river. Same with Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross. It’s another reason for people to come here and experience what we have to offer as a community," said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. (WDBJ)
4. Big Spring Mill, Inc. will close its doors for the last time in August. The Elliston mill located off Route 460 south of Salem has been in continual operation for 172 years and is known for its Virginia’s Best brand of self-rising flour, seasoned flour, biscuit mix and corn meal. "The facility was initially built as a gristmill in 1850 by Joseph Pepper along the Roanoke River but was purchased by my great grandfather, Fleetwood Long, in 1935, who was then joined by his son, Woodrow," said Bob Long, one of the owners. (WSLS)
5. Hollins University and Roanoke College officials have announced that they are extending the deadline for nominations for the 2022 Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards to August 15. The Kendig Awards have been co-sponsored by the two area higher education facilities since 2013 and aim to celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations in the Roanoke area that participate in and support the arts. "Hollins University and Roanoke College have actively sought ways for students to immerse themselves in the Roanoke Region’s vibrant arts and cultural community. Our students are often fortunate to find themselves working alongside a local visual artist in their studio or in the community, performing in a local theatrical production, or learning about arts administration during an internship at a non-profit organization," said Hollins President Mary Dana Hinton. (The Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Coffee & Contacts July 2022: Presented By: Tech Squared (7:30 a.m.)
• Five Shades of Gray at Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)
• Party in Elmwood - Roanoke City Special Events (5:30 p.m.)
• School Board Regular Meeting - Roanoke County (6 p.m.)
• Lecture: “Jim Crow and Southern Libraries: The Story of the Gainsboro Branch Library” by Megan Mizak at The Salem Museum (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "You may remember Willow because she was in our care for a while. She is a high energy dog who took some time finding the right home. But now her guardians say, "She's doing great and has started training at the Field of Dreams Dog Training." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Police Department: "Congratulations Acting Assistant Chief Poindexter! Well deserved recognition for all that you do for the Roanoke County Police Department!" (Roanoke County Police Department via Facebook)
• PLAY Roanoke: "Please join us in celebrating the completion of the new Washington Park playground! If you've been following along, you'll know that this is the last of six playground replacements we've been working on the past few months." (PLAY Roanoke via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Did you know we have a TikTok? You should follow us for exclusive fun facts like this one! Our username is swvawildlife!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Lee and Mark Skolrood are smiling! We are closing in on $50,000 in donations! We need to hit $125,000 by the end of the month to meet the generous match brought to you by Skolrood Law Firm and Gentle Shepherd Hospice!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

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Events:

• Purcellville Wine and Food Festival (July 16)
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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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