🌱 Caretaker's Cottage Back Up For Sale + US Foods Labor Negotiations

Hello fellow Roanokers! It's me, Ian, your host of the Roanoke Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community today. Without further ado...

First, today's weather:

Afternoon thunderstorms are possible with a balmy high of 88 and a low of 64.

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Here are the top four stories in the 'noke today:

1. The 200 year-old caretaker's cottage located on the grounds of Fishburn Park in Roanoke City may be for sale again after an effort a few years ago fell through. City officials have said the cottage is one of the three oldest structures in Roanoke still standing today and that they do not have the resources to restore the building. Instead, they're looking for a private entity that can make the cottage a useable space again while still having it remain open to the public. (Roanoke Rambler)
2. Salem based US Foods drivers are continuing discussions for better pay and benefits after failures in direct negotiations with their employer led to them joining the local Teamsters Union last June. Kenny Chapman, a representative for the drivers, said, "We've fought a long time for this. Many restless, sleepless nights. Once a deal does get done, I think we will be very satisfied, business as usual, let’s make money for the company, go on about our day, get home safe to our families, that’s all we want.” But representatives of the local Teamsters says despite meeting with US Foods a dozen times this year, discussions continue to stall and an employee walk out is possible. (WDBJ)
3. Roanoke citizens and family members are remembering Roanoke native, Ricky Wright, with a basketball court dedication. Wright was a prominent figure in the community known for playing great basketball and the dedication is part of the Star City Safe Initiative, an effort to help keep kids occupied and out of trouble. Wright played basketball for Patrick Henry High School and for Winston-Salem State University. (WSLS 10)
4. Local HVAC companies are feeling the pinch from a nationwide supply shortage and are warning customers to act now to maintain their systems in order to avoid having to call for a repair later. Chris Mize, general manager of Roanoke based Service Experts, says "I've been doing heat and air conditioning for 21 years and it’s never been more difficult to support our customers.” The most basic form of maintenance and one of the most important is to change your air filter regularly according to Ted Puzio, owner of Southern Trust Homes Services. (WSLS 10)

Today in Roanoke:

• Salem Gun & Knife Show at the Salem Civic Center. (10 a.m.)
• "The Curious Event of the Dog in the Night-Time” at Showtimers Community Theatre (2 p.m.)
• Live music: An Evening with Kenny G at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College says "Happy Friday, Maroons! We hope your summer is off to a good start. We miss having you here, but shoutout to our stellar Buildings and Grounds staff for keeping campus looking this good in the summer heat!" (Instagram)
• The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke says "This little floofball is a baby eastern screech owl who could not be re-nested after attempts were made to place him back with his parents. Chicks this size commonly venture out of their cavities and will sit on the branches nearby." (Facebook)
• The Roanoke Fire EMS Department has announced that "three personnel from our department attended a Vehicle Technician Level II course this past weekend at the Piedmont Technical Rescue School in Lynchburg. The training was attended by students from all over the state, including Roanoke." (Facebook
• The City of Roanoke Government would like you to know "This week's #StarCityShoutOut goes to Public Works! Day in and day out, our Public Works team puts in the work to serve our community and make it a better place. We appreciate all of your hard work!" (Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc. has said they've used the "Downtown Beautification Grant to purchase bright flags to hang up at their art galleries! When you see one hanging up, that means the business is open, so be sure to stop in and it check out." (Facebook)

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Alrighty you are now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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