🌱 Dawgs Taken To The Pound + Rescue Mission 75th Anniversary

And it's time for the dreaded Monday edition! Hello, everybody! I'm back with a new copy of the Roanoke Daily for what is probably the first day back from Christmas Break for a lot of you, but try to stay with me here. Keep reading for updates on...

• New brewery coming to Botetourt
• 2022 Dano Awards for Dunces
• 2023 Prayer from Shield Chaplaincy

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and warm.

High: 63 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Botetourt County officials have announced that they have secured a $450,000 state grant to support the redevelopment of the long-vacant Groendyke Manufacturing property in Buchanan. Developers are currently working on the project and said they hope to be able to announce the name of a retail brewery that will be a chief feature of the new mixed-use project currently called Factory Flats soon. Botetourt County’s Director of Economic Development, Ken McFayden, said, "It’s exciting, because it’s an existing historic property that very much represents the fabric and identity of the Buchanan community. And we wanted to do something to preserve that historic character." (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke Railyard Dawgs ended their recent winning streak last night when they fell to the Huntsville Havoc 5 -2. The Dawgs seemed primed to blow past the Havoc in the first half where they outshot them 8-6 and the score was tied going into the half, but people commented that both teams looked tired and seemed to lose focus in the second part of the game. The next game for the Dawgs will be a home game against the Macon Mayhem on Jan. 6, meaning they now have a break to rest up before having to hit the ice again. The Dawgs are still in second place in the league and are tied with the Peoria Rivermen. Tickets to the next game can be found at their website. (WSLS)
3. This year will mark the 75th birthday of The Roanoke Rescue Mission, which continues to be an important aid to the vulnerable in the Star City. During Christmas this year the mission saw 220 - 240 people per night for evening meals and had 500 at their Christmas feast. CEO Lee Clark said, "The whole goal is meet people where they are, get them connected to services, and then on to a healthy start. Really just watch for 2023 to be a year of excitement, education, and continuing the good work of this Rescue Mission." More information about the Roanoke Rescue Mission can be found on their website where you can also sign up to volunteer or make a donation. (WFXR)
4. The coming of a new year always means that it's time for local columnist Dan Casey's yearly Dano Awards and 2022 didn't disappoint. Categories and winners this year include Best Crime By An Elected Official (Convicted) which went to City Councilman Robert Jeffrey after being convicted of embezzling $200,000 from a low income neighborhood housing association. But that wasn't enough for Jeffrey. He also received the Dano Award for Most Amazing Chutzpah By A Lawbreaking Politician after having his attorney file suit to keep him on city council despite his arrest and conviction. For the list of other area dunces and their deeds of daring duncery take a look at Casey's latest column. (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• "Titian to Monet" Guided Tour + Immersive Experience at Taubman Museum of Art (1 p.m.)
• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (5:30 p.m.)
• Slow Flow Yoga at Roanoke Yoga (5:30 P.M.)

From my notebook:

• Shield Chaplaincy: "2023 PRAYER — Thank You, O God, for protecting the officers throughout our valley in 2022. As the first shifts of 2023 begin, we continue to believe that You are our shield, our glory, and the lifter of our heads. May each officer experience Your presence more closely, and may each of their family members feel the peace that comes from trusting in You. Father, in this new year, we desire that Your will be done here in this valley as it is in heaven. AMEN." (Shield Chap via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Travis Collins on his retirement from Roanoke Fire-EMS! Lt. Collins spent 26 years with our department, and today is his last day with us. Thank you for the many years of leadership and dedication!" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "What a great way to usher the end of 2022 with the release of this Common Loon who was found injured in a parking lot after crash landing. We are looking forward to what 2023 will bring and we hope that you'll come along for the ride!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "This is your last chance to see all of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees in Fashions for Evergreens at the Hotel Roanoke. More than 25 organizations are competing for the People's Choice award." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2023! May this year bring you joy, peace, and good health!" (Botetourt County Sheriffs Office via Facebook)

There we go — the first dreaded Monday edition of 2023. Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door. I'll be back tomorrow 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com