🌱 Candlebox Hits The 'Noke + 'The Pit' May Cause Development Issues

Good morning, neighbors. It's Monday and you know what that means... 😱😱😱

That's right — the Dreaded Monday Edition. Here's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter to get you all caught up on what's happening in town. Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy with a shower. High: 69 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A part of the former American Viscose Plant known ominously as 'The Pit' may cause problems for the planned redevelopment of that property into home, businesses, and attractions. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports show that Chemsolv, Inc. stored hazardous waste there from 1985 to 2007 and faced an EPA investigation and citing for the improper storage of the waste in 2014. 'The Pit' itself was removed as part of the cleanup, but regulators are concerned that there could be an "underground plume of volatile organic compounds" throughout the company's former location. Developer Ed Walker said in an email that he and his firm have already begun the process the DEQ requested and are well-equipped to handle it. (Roanoke Times)
2. The Berglund Center was evacuated Saturday afternoon when the possibility of a gas leak was detected. Roanoke City Police and other emergency crews assisted in the evacuation which began shortly before 5 p.m. The potential threat was apparently cleared before 8 p.m. and guests were allowed back into the facility. No further information was given on the cause or the results of any inspections. The final score in the Roanoke Railyard Dawgs game was 2-1 in favor of the Fayetteville Marksman so the game went on as planned. (WDBJ)
3. An application for the development of a 300+ apartment complex in Daleville along Route 220 Roanoke Road has been withdrawn at the request of the developers. The project was titled The Wellington and was the product of Thomas Builders of Virginia, who also have several other developments ongoing or in the process of getting underway in the Botetourt County area. A company statement released by Daniel Cyrus said, "The Wellington project withdrawal will allow us to place focus on our other projects in Botetourt. We are already in the process of investing more than $50 million in Botetourt and are looking at additional investments in the future as we build projects and relationships in this wonderful community.” No word was given on whether or not the project may be brought back in the future. (WFXR)
4. Seattle-based rock band and superstars of the grunge era, Candlebox, have been announced by Dr Pepper Park as the most recent edition to their Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series. Candlebox will play the venue on Aug. 6 and Dr Pepper Park President and Founder Waynette Anderson said, "When we began to announce our rock shows a couple of weeks ago, we promised a hard rockin’ season and Candlebox is the perfect band to guarantee that. I can’t think of a better band to join our line up. We’re so excited that they are going to be with us and light up the evening." Candlebox is long associated with grunge era bands such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana and known for their hits 'Far Behind'; 'You'; and 'Cover Me.' Tickets will be $35 in advanced, $40 at the gate, and pit admission $59. Skybox seating will be available for $149 and it will all go on sale this Wednesday. (Dr Pepper Park Press Release)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Public Safety Appreciation Night at Big Lick Brewing (4 p.m.)
• Young Artist Showcase at The Spot on Kirk (6 p.m.)
• Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Company (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The female Fox Squirrel we admitted a few weeks ago after she was hit by a car in Blacksburg is doing well, but she still has trouble eating due to her teeth being injured in the collision." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "SAVE THE DATE: Next Saturday: April 1, 2023 WHERE: Big Lots (bottom of parking lot), 2911 Hershberger Ave, Roanoke VA WHEN: 10:00AM - 1:00PM WHY: You asked, so we are providing this free community shred event!" (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Look at this lineup for the Northwest Ace Hardware Summer Concert Series!! 😍 And we’re announcing two more shows to this series next week! (And one to the Cundiff Heating & Air Flashback Concert Series) That’s right! 3 show announcements!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Carol Potts (center) recently donated 20 art kits to Virginia Heights Elementary School students who are English Learners. The kits were purchased in honor of Carol’s daughter, Kim, who loved drawing and was an artist herself. Thank you!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "TWO weeks from today! Celebrate #NationalPoetryMonth with us at the Raleigh Court Branch Library on Saturday, April 8th at 11 AM. Come early with your little one and enjoy a special Saturday Storytime all about poetry!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you tomorrow for your next 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