🌱 County Schools Active Summer Program + Possible Assault On Greenway

Hey, Roanoke! I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on...

• 2023 Cocktail Classic fundraising event for the Roanoke Veteran Outreach.
• Roanoke man indicted by a grand jury after body found in a burned-out vehicle.
• Roanoke County Library hosts ribbon cutting at newly renovated facility.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 90 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke County Schools have an active summer program despite the school break, aimed at combating learning loss during the pandemic. The state's Department of Education Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Coons, visited Burlington Elementary to observe the program and expressed excitement about the students' energy and engagement. Approximately 130 children are enrolled in the summer program, made possible by support from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and their extended program initiative. (WSLS)
2. The 2023 Cocktail Classic is a fundraising event taking place this weekend to support the Roanoke Veteran Outreach (RVO). The event will be held on July 8 at the Rooftop of Center in the Square and has already sold out. Andy Brady from Brady's Distillery appeared on 7@four to provide a preview of the fundraiser. The RVO is an organization dedicated to assisting local veterans and their families in the Roanoke Valley. Their mission includes providing financial support, as well as food and clothing donations, among other forms of assistance. (WDBJ)
3. On July 2, a possible assault occurred near the 2.7-mile marker on the Lick Run Greenway in Roanoke. The Roanoke Police were informed by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center and found a severely injured woman receiving aid from Roanoke Fire-EMS. She was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment. Due to the extent of her injuries, there is limited information about the suspect and the cause of the assault. (WFIR)
4. A Roanoke man named Joseph Walker has been indicted by a grand jury after the body of a Pennsylvania man, Ethan Bert, was found in a burned-out vehicle in Bedford County in April. The grand jury issued several indictments against Walker, including aggravated murder, use of a firearm in the commission of murder, robbery, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, arson of personal property, and transportation, secreting or alteration of a dead body. Walker has been incarcerated since being extradited to Virginia after his arrest in Florida. His attorney was informed in advance about the forthcoming indictments, and a trial date of Dec. 11 has been agreed upon. (WSET)
5. The Bent Mountain Library is set to reopen on Monday, July 10 after undergoing renovations that began in December 2022. While the library was closed, it was temporarily relocated to the Bent Mountain Center. The Roanoke County Public Library will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:45 p.m. to showcase the library's new look. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from David Radford, a representative from the Board of Supervisors, and enjoy light refreshments provided at the event. The ribbon cutting will take place at 10148 Tinsley Lane, Bent Mountain, Virginia. The community is invited to attend. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, July 8

• Horse & Hound Wine Festival at Peaks of Otter Winery and Orchards (10 a.m.)
• Budweiser Clydesdale Appearance at 1 Market Square (11 a.m.)
• Bananas at Large Reunion Show at Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)
• Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show at Dr. Pepper Park (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Intern Jay and staff Casey worked together to catch and medicate this Canada Goose recovering from a leg injury after her leg was badly injured from being tangled in fishing line. Waterfowl are often unfortunate victims of discarded fishing lines." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport: "Happy #NationalATCDay! To all air traffic controllers — especially our ROA controllers: THANK YOU : ✈️ For keeping our skies, runways, taxiways, and aprons safe ✈️ For your dedication. ✈️ For your professionalism. We appreciate you!" (Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "We are looking for a few incredible people to join our team as literacy teachers/reading specialists! Do you have a passion for reading and writing? Want to make a difference with the youth in the city? How about earning some extra money?" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "The Kroger Community Rewards programs is a great way to support the Roanoke Valley SPCA and pets like Nat, pictured here, while doing your regular grocery shopping! Just visit kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox Tuesday 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.

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