🌱 Chief Weighs In On Hunt Avenue Violence + Cutting Ties With Russia

Good morning, everyone! It's time for the Roanoke PATCH newsletter. Here's what's happening in the 'noke today, including these stories and more...

• Community councils revived in Roanoke
• Inmate charged in death of cellmate
• New Daleville apartments move towards approval

Let's motair!

But first, today's weather: Rainy. High: 67 Low: 47

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Residents of some Roanoke City neighborhoods have resurrected the idea of neighborhood councils in an effort to address the myriad of concerns facing citizens there. Organizers held an event called 'For the Love of Our Neighborhoods' in honor of Estelle McCadden, a Melrose area resident known for her passionate support of such councils. "If people feel like their voices aren’t being heard, connecting with your neighborhood and the neighborhood leadership, the council, the president’s council, helps amplify your voice so that you are heard, and the city takes action on what your concerns are," organizer Freeda Cathcart said. More information on meetings and locations can be found on the group's Facebook page. (WSLS)
2. A resident (read inmate) in the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center (read jail) has been charged with the murder of his cellmate after deputies found the man dead. Wayne Donta Harper, 35, was found with blood on him and his cellmate found to be unresponsive during a security round shortly after 6:45 a.m. Deputies began life-saving measures, but the inmate died at 7:33 a.m., according to medical staff. Per protocol, the Roanoke Police Department will be handling the investigation and the name of the deceased inmate is being withheld until his family can be notified. Harper remains in the custody of the detention center without bond. (Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman has said increased patrols and covert surveillance are among the options being deployed in the areas around Hunt Avenue NW where two of the seven shootings so far in 2023 in the Star City have occurred. Additionally, the street was the site of several shootings in 2022 and residents there have expressed concern about the constant threat of violence. "No police department can be successful in combating crime unless we have a willing community to partner with us, to ensure that we’re getting the information we need, and witnesses are coming to court to testify to things that they’ve seen," Chief Roman said, referencing previous reports of the no-snitch culture that has developed. Without witnesses and victims coming forward, the chief said it can take two or three years to build cases, leaving violent criminals on the streets in the interim to commit other violent crimes. (WFXR)
4. The Botetourt County Planning Commision voted at its Monday meeting to send a proposal for a new 300 apartment complex in Daleville to the Board of Supervisors for approval. The developers of the project — tentatively being called 'The Wellington' — have sought a special use permit that will allow them to bypass the normal height and density limits in the county for the project, which will be located at the corner of College Drive and Roanoke Road near Lord Botetourt High School. Residents appeared at Monday's meeting both for and against the project and another community meeting is planned for Feb 28. (WSLS)
5. Mayor Sherman Lea isn't pulling any punches when it comes to ending Roanoke's now decades old ties to sister city Pskov, Russia. "Personally, my position is to discontinue the relationship with Pskov. Others may want to pause the relationship with Pskov, but we have been down this road before." Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb sent an email seeking to soften the mayor's approach saying the official letter, which is due to be delivered to city council at the Feb. 21 meeting, says the relationship is simply being paused rather than severed. The moves comes in a show of solidarity with Ukraine that was requested by Gov. Glenn Youngkin upon his election. Pskov is a city of about 200,000 people near the borders with Estonia and Latvia. More about Roanoke's sister cities can be found here. (Cardinal News)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Night Howls at the Mill Mountain Zoo (5:30 p.m.)
• Kids’ Paint Night at Gainsboro Branch Library (6 p.m.)
• William Seymour at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Hoot and Holler: Voices of Veterans at the Grandin Theatre (7 p.m.)
• That 1 Guy at The Spot on Kirk (7:30 p.m.)
• Lua Flora at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Lord Botetourt High School: "Boys Soccer tryouts are next week! We will go for three days and a physical must be turned in to participate. For more information, please email Coach Leonard at the email provided. GO CAVS!" (Lord Botetourt High School via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Announcing PARMALEE on their Take My Name Tour! Dr Pepper Park is THE place to be this year! The concerts are stacking up! And we're still in May show announcements! Don't worry rockers... we have BIG shows to announce for you soon!" (Dr Pepper Park via Facebook)
• The Hangout: "Happy Anniversary to The Hangout! We opened our doors to the public 2 years ago today! Thanks to everyone!" (The Hangout via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be back tomorrow morning with a new 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