🌱 Chris's Debuts New Truck + Public Art Scene A Vibrant Draw

Hi all. Time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick look at what's happening in town. In this issue, we'll touch on:

• City has initiated legal action against owners of a downtown parking garage.
• Congressman applauds Roanoke County School Board for dismissing federal intervention.
• County program offering free septic pump-outs for eligible homeowners.

Let's motor! 🚗

But first, today's weather: Plenty of sun. High: 81 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Since debuting its new food truck in June, Chris's Coffee and Custard has been serving up something special in Roanoke. Owners Chris Woodrum and Beth Woodrum aim to provide job training and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities through the truck, which expands on their existing brick-and-mortar shop. Cruising to events and festivals, the truck allows the enthusiastic staff, including the sassy Chris, to interact with the community and increase awareness. Featuring some items unique to the truck along with custard flavors like vanilla, peach, lemon, and chocolate, Chris's is dishing out treats with a heartwarming mission. (WSLS)
2. The City of Roanoke has initiated legal action against Merchants Parking Co., owners of a downtown parking garage, for failure to repair a broken elevator that has been out of service for years. After previous repair orders went unresolved, the city recently issued a summons for Merchants to appear in court, citing building code violations. The owners acknowledge the longstanding issue but argue they have mitigated the problem by closing upper floors and that elevator usage is minimal. Nevertheless, the city aims to compel Merchants to bring the elevator up to code or face potential fines. The ongoing dispute highlights issues around building maintenance and accessibility in downtown Roanoke. (Subscription: Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke's vibrant public art scene engages thousands each week and tells the city's stories through murals, sculptures, and more. Centuries of artists like Betty Branch have contributed iconic works found throughout Roanoke. Recently, the late James Tarpley, known as the 'Angel of Grandin Village,' was honored with a mural by Scott Noel and a sculpture by Branch. Passersby connect deeply with these tributes that seem to interact. Jon Murrill's murals under the Ninth Street Bridge and elsewhere impressed officials who named him artist-in-residence. Murrill explains how art therapy can help students, reflecting Roanoke's ethos: public art heals, connects, and inspires community. (Roanoker)
4. Roanoke County is offering free septic tank pump-outs for eligible low-income homeowners to improve water quality, funded by the Virginia Environmental Endowment. Normally costing up to $500, regular pump-outs every few years help maintain septic systems. However, they can be overlooked due to tight budgets and other home repairs. The free service from the Regional Commission aims to assist homeowners who cannot afford this vital maintenance. By covering about 50 more pump-outs in the county, the program improves public health while easing the financial burden for residents. The commission hopes to expand the initiative to more localities in the future. (WDBJ)
5. Virginia Congressman Ben Cline commended the Roanoke County School Board's decision to reject federal intervention in local debates over education policies. Cline and Congressman Morgan Griffith had urged the board to decline an offer from the Justice Department to mediate discussions involving parents. With the board's vote aligning with Gov. Glenn Youngkin's school initiatives, Cline praised the rejection of the "politicized attempt to overstep" by unelected bureaucrats. Griffith agreed the federal government had no place interfering in the county's decisions. The congressmen's successful effort keeps education policy debates between local parents, students and elected officials, without outside involvement from Washington. (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, September 1

• The Kings presented by First and Third Fridays (5 p.m.)
• Artemis Journal Launch at the Taubman Museum of Art (5 p.m.)
• Fiesta Fridays Social at Inka Grille (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Ahhh... spa day. Wednesday is the middle of the week, so it is the perfect time to treat yourself and relax a little, just like we caught this young box turtle doing today." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "This evening, RCPS will launch our new 52 Weeks of Reading program! Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., students and their families are invited to tune in for a virtual story time, featuring special readers who will encourage families!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Looking for ways to help the Roanoke Valley SPCA? We have several funds that help further our goal of providing pet adoption, retention, and education services in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Donations to these funds are always appreciated." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "We ❤ our adventure town! Roanoke has been voted to the FINAL ROUND of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine's 'Top Adventure Towns' contest! 🥳 Cast your vote for Roanoke below, now through Sept. 6 at 11:45 p.m.!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you tomorrow morning 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