🌱 Edgebrook Resident Protest + Shady Knights Inn Forfeited

Good morning, fellow Roanokers. Are you ready to get this Thursday started off right, with a quick review of the things happening around town? Today I'll cover...

• A heavy police presence in southern Roanoke County.
• The RCPS School Board Updated on SOLs.
• A Roanoke County meeting about Route 460 improvements.

Let's turn and burn! (Yes, that's a "Top Gun" reference. I mean, why not?)

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny.

High: 70 Low: 49.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A heavy police presence was seen Tuesday night in Roanoke County at the intersection of Route 220 and Crossbow Circle, one of the entrances to the Hunting Hills community. Officers on the scene told reporters that both the Virginia State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service were there and that the Marshals said they were working a "fugitive case." When asked for more details, deputy marshals directed reporters to call the U.S. Marshals Service in the morning. A tow truck had been called in and the scene cleared by midnight. (WDBJ, WSLS, WFXR)
2. Roanoke City School Board members recently heard a lengthy report on the district's SOL scores and steps being taken to identify students who need extra help and get it to them. Pass rates in many cases fell below the state average and a number of "approaches" were mentioned including the creation of a non-traditional summer school called RCPS+ to help students catch up and offer enrichment classes for students who want to get ahead. RCPS Superintendent Verletta White said, "While we’re making gains, we still have a lot of work to do." The entire 33-page report can be found here. (Roanoke Times)
3. In a continuation of our series on the fate of shady motels, The Knights Inn on Thirlane Road (you know the one) is being described by federal officials as a haven for commercial sex trafficking and drugs (I know, you're shocked. It's okay. Me too.) The Roanoke County Police Department are no strangers to the property having responded to over 1,100 calls and made 150 arrests there in a three-year period. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Chris Kavanaugh said, "Our investigation revealed the owner and operator of this property was aware of the narcotics distribution and sex trafficking that occurred here at the Knights Inn. It was encouraged, and he profited from it." The government must now go to court and prove the accusations outlined in their case in order to begin the process of civil forfeiture, which will allow them to take possession of the property. (WDBJ, WSLS)
4. Some area residents are planning a protest ahead of a public hearing on a proposed multi-use rezoning of a property along Edgebrook Road in the Salem part of Roanoke County. The Roanoke County Planning Commission unanimously approved the project, sending it to the Board of Supervisors for final approval. Lynne Bledsoe, a member of the Fairways at Hanging Rock Homeowners Association and one of about 50 protesters, said, "The main concern is the hotel, the commercial aspects, and what that can bring to our area. At the planning commission meeting, we were misled, along with the commissioners, and actually part of the hotel property will still be on neighborhood conservation and that should not be allowed." When asked for comment Developer Alexander Boone said, "I respect the opportunity for them to share their perspective. I mean, they are trying to find anything they can find to stop this project. I’ve spoken with the county at length about this issue; this site absolutely meets the core designation determinant." (Editorial Note: I think Mr. Boone missed a prime opportunity to counter with "Hey, it's not a Knights Inn.") (WDBJ)
5. In a press release, Roanoke County announced a third community meeting will be held at Bonsack Elementary School tonight from 5-7 p.m. about the Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity Study. County officials will make a presentation at the meeting about current plans to improve the Route 460/Challenger Avenue are where traffic routinely backs up and about future land use recommendations. The presentation and the plans are based on a survey that has been available since May and that ends on Oct. 7. (Press Release @ PATCH)

Today in Roanoke:

• Presentation: “Managing Someone Else’s Money” at the Salem Public Library (1 p.m.)
• 1st Annual Cornhole "Chaos" Tournament at Salem Memorial Ballpark (3 p.m.)
• “Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic” presented by the Prevention Council of Roanoke at the Grandin Theatre (6:30 p.m.)
• Viva Italiana! presented by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Congratulations to everyone who competed in today's Special Olympics Big Feet Meet! We are so proud of all our athletes. More than 800 students competed from 40 schools across the Roanoke Valley!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Please help us welcome back Officer R. Sanders to the team! Officer Sanders left the department in 2011 but has come back to serve his community again. Officer Sanders is currently assigned to Charlie Platoon. Make sure you say hello!" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "PSA: Keep an eye out for injured migrating birds! The next few nights millions of birds will be flying through as they head south. If a bird hits your window or you see a bird on the ground struggling to fly or move, please call us at 540-798-9836." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "This is the FINAL week to order your merch for Roanoke GoFest 2022. Grab your gear today so you can be lookin' all fly come Oct. 14-16!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke City Market Building: "Big cranes are fun to watch. Thanks again to Art in Roanoke and Downtown Roanoke, Inc. for helping us return our neon sign to its home!" (Roanoke City Market Building via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you tomorrow 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. Usually.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com