🌱 A Cockroach Named After You? + Two Teens Shot in NW City

Greetings everyone! I hope you all are doing great and staying warm this weekend. I've been notified by Patch HQ that they're rebranding a bit so from now on this will be known as the Roanoke Patch newsletter instead of the Roanoke Daily. Same information, same goofy writer, slightly different name. Anyways, here's what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Salem Turnpike Mosque burglarized
• Roanoke County talks McAfee shuttle future
• Boxwood Lane opens in Downtown Roanoke

Let's motor! 🚚

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer.

High: 56 Low: 39.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Two teenage boys were taken to Roanoke Memorial hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting in the vicinity of 22nd Street NW. The incident occurred Friday night between Carroll Avenue NW and Mercer NW not far from Kennedy Park. Police were called shortly after 8:30 p.m, but no suspects were found at the scene. Authorities say there is no reason to think there is an ongoing danger to the public at this time and are asking for anyone with any information to please contact the Roanoke Police Department. Calls and texts can be made anonymously. (WSLS)
2. Looking to do something truly unique for your loved one for Valentine's Day this year? The Science Museum of Western Virginia has your back. For a limited time you can name one of the resident Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (also known as city council) in honor of your beloved for only $6. The event is a fundraiser for the museum's cockroach colony and Living Collections Department and will be on offer through V-Day to guests as they enter the museum. For those who really dislike their spouses and want to show just how much, the museum is also having a Love Bird sponsorship in the parakeet in the parakeet garden. (WSET)
3. The Masjid An-Nur Islamic Center on Salem Turnpike was the victim of a burglary last month and the offender got away with a donation safe believed to have had about $2,500 inside. "It definitely puts a strain on us because our masjid relies on the donations of our congregants. They are everyday, hard-working people," said Arthur MacDonald, a member of the mosque. A surveillance video shows an unidentified person entering the facility in a black hoodie and walking out with the safe. Roanoke City Police have confirmed the report of the burglary, but no additional information has been released regarding arrests or suspects. The mosque is asking for donations to cover the losses. Donations can be made here. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke County has announced that the pilot season of the McAfee Knob shuttle program was a success and have funding in place for the 2023 season. The new season of the shuttle is expected to begin March 3rd and run through November 26th. The pilot season saw over 700 reservations and nearly 500 passengers over the truncated 37 days of service from the program launch until it closed on Thanksgiving weekend. The county is hoping to receive grant funding for seasons beyond 2023. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation provided the initial grant funding for the program covering about 80% of the operating costs with the county covering the difference. At particular issues is the 2024 season in which the trailhead parking lot is expected to be closed for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge across Route 311 and could mean a sharp rise in need for the service. (Roanoke Times)
5. Boxwood Lane is a new store in Downtown Roanoke that will bring Christmas to the Star City 365 days a year from their storefront at No. 20 Campbell Ave. SW. The store is described as "a Christmas and seasonal store in downtown that carries Christmas decorations, gifts, and seasonal products for holidays like Easter and Halloween" on Downtown Roanoke Inc.'s website and has several sales going on including 50% off 2022 decorations and 40% off chocolate. The store is open Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can learn more about Boxwood Lane at their website here. (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

• 13th Annual Greater Roanoke Home & Garden Show at the Berglund Center (11 a.m.)
• First Draft Writing Workshop and Community Potluck at Ursula’s Cafe (3 p.m.)
• Lenny Marcus & Friends at Big Lick Brewing Co. (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Roanoke College kicked off Black History Month on Feb. 1 with help from third-grade students at Hurt Park Elementary in Roanoke, who presented a living wax museum in the Commons. The children came dressed as important Black historical figures and, when approached by one of our community members, presented educational information about their assigned figures." (Roanoke College via Instagram)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Congratulations to our student-athletes who signed on Wednesday to continue their academic and football careers at the collegiate level! From Patrick Henry, Zavion Smith will attend Alderson Broaddus, Jahzae Kimbrough will attend Kent State University, and John-Miller Penn will attend West Virginia State University. From William Fleming, Louis English will attend the Virginia Military Institute." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "We're already dreaming of music at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake! Check out their shows that went on sale today! Enjoy live music from folk to classic rock, Mo-Town to soul, & even the songs of ABBA! Getting ready for spring and summer!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Daisy spent some time in foster care, which helped her learn to socialize and gave her time to grow a bit before her spay surgery. Now she's looking for a home of her own! You may have seen her today as the featured pup of the game at the Rail Yard Dawgs hockey game!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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