🌱 Challenger Means Primary For BoS Chair + Villa Heights Renovation

Happy Saturday, Roanokers! Here's the first of the weekend editions of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with all the local news you need to know. In today's issue, you'll find updates on...

• Man sentenced in 2022 assault.
• Holiday market at Salem Civic Center.
• Roanoke College professor gets Fulbright.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 57.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Roanoke? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The chair of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Martha Hooker, is up for re-election in 2023 and will be facing a new challenger in Salem Pastor Tom McCracken for the Catawba District supervisor's seat. McCracken announced his intent to run earlier this week, which will lead to a GOP Primary to see which of the two will appear on the ballot in November. McCracken has a doctorate in education and is the pastor of CommUNITY Church on East Main Street in Salem. He made his announcement in front of Glen Cove Elementary School and cited the lack of updates to the school and the lag in funding from the BoS as his reason for running. "I was told by Mrs. Hooker that the Board of Supervisors has been more generous in financially backing Roanoke County Public Schools than ever, and that plans were to offer more financial assistance in about 10 years to address these school issues. At that point, since no progress was made in that meeting, I decided to announce my candidacy," he said in his announcement. The Roanoke County website states they are awaiting an update from the State Board of Elections before a primary date can be announced. (Roanoke Star)
2. A Roanoke man was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 20 years suspended in connection with an assault on a woman that occurred on Aug. 21, 2022. Na’im Chapman-Bey, 48, pled no contest to charges of malicious wounding and strangulation in Roanoke City Circuit Court. A third charge of attempted rape was dropped. Chapman-Bey was accused of meeting a woman at a downtown bar, asking for a ride home, and then beating, strangling, and raping her once they arrived at his residence. During the attack, prosecutors say the woman suffered facial fractures, bruising, swelling, and a traumatic brain injury. The victim told local news reporters she was disappointed in the plea agreement and wanted Chapman-Bey to face a longer and harsher punishment. (WSLS)
3. Restoration Housing, a Roanoke-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and rehabbing historical homes and buildings, has just recently finished a $900,000 renovation on the Villa Heights Community Center. The center is home to four area nonprofits, sits on the grounds of Villa Heights Park in Roanoke City, and was originally built in 1820 for Lt. Col. Elijah McClanahan, a veteran of the War of 1812, and his wife, Agatha Strother-Lewis. Unfortunately, the end of the renovation is only the first step as the building and the property it sits on will require ongoing upkeep. To that end, Restoration Housing has launched a campaign for stewardship to ensure the project has future funding. 100 percent of gifts made to Restoration Housing between now and May 31 will go to Villa Heights and donations over $500 will be recognized on a plaque in the entrance hall of the building. For more information, click here. (Roanoke Star)

Today in Roanoke:

• Flea Market at The Berglund Center (7 a.m.)
• Salem Holiday Market at the Salem Civic Center (9 a.m.)
• The Daisy Art Parade on Henry Street (11 a.m.)
• The Old Maid and the Thief at the Mill Mountain Theatre (7 p.m.)
• Dylan Dent, TyTylerTy, and Tay The Truth at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Please join us in congratulating professor Dolores Flores-Silva! She's been selected for a Fulbright — one of the most prestigious international fellowships offered in education. The fellowship will allow her to spend next semester in Mexico immersed in cross-cultural teaching, writing and community building." (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Angry mama! We snapped this really quick video of this Virginia Opossum while we got her out to get give her a check-up exam. Most people have never heard this crazy sound which is why we thought it would be fun to share." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "The 1959 Jupiter Rocket on display here at the Virginia Museum of Transportation has gotten quite the facelift! The 67-foot tall, 22,000-pound rocket just received a fresh paint job for the first time since the 1960s and is surely something to see." (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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