🌱 ESPN Reporter To Speak + Salem Senior Receives Hero Award

Morning, neighbors! It's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today you'll read about...

• Roanoke Police share information on infant homicide nearly seven months after the death.
• Friend of Downtown Roanoke assault victim speaks out after man charged.
• Roanoke County Roundabout at Starkey and Buck Mountain Roads Opens.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Sunny to partly cloudy. High: 87 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. ESPN reporter Lauren Sisler, who is originally from Giles, Virginia, will be returning to the Roanoke Valley area to speak at the Roanoke Valley Sports Club's meeting on Monday, Aug. 21 at the Salem Civic Center. Sisler serves as a sideline reporter for college football and gymnastics as well as a host for SEC Nation. Those interested in attending her talk must make reservations by 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18. Sisler's success as an ESPN reporter and her local roots make her an exciting speaker for the sports club. (WFXR)
2. The Roanoke Police Department has released new information regarding the death of an infant girl back in January, explaining that the 6-month delay in releasing details was due to the complex and lengthy process required for investigating violent crimes against children. The baby was found unresponsive in a home on Morrill Avenue on Jan. 30 and later died at the hospital. It wasn't until April when the medical examiner's report ruled it a homicide that police could change their investigation approach and interview style. Sgt. William Drake said with child death cases, police must take time to thoroughly collect all evidence and get the story right before presenting it to the Commonwealth's Attorney and public. The ongoing investigation has identified potential suspects, and charges are now being considered. (WDBJ)
3. In July, the City of Salem honored 17-year-old rising high school senior Macie Parsons with a Community Hero Award for saving a man's life along the Roanoke River Greenway. Parsons was driving by when she spotted the man lying on the ground, so she immediately called 911 and administered CPR that she had learned in school. Her quick actions helped save the man's life that day. Fire Chief John Prillaman presented Parsons with the award, noting how proud they are when young people in the community do good deeds like this. Parsons plans to attend Radford University next year to pursue her passion for radiology. (WSET)
4. Over a month after Paul Wortham was killed in an assault in downtown Roanoke, a suspect named Brian Salazar has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, which is a relief to Wortham's friends who have been seeking justice. Wortham was found unresponsive in the Parkway building apartments lobby on July 4 after being punched and hitting his head during an altercation, and he died 10 days later. Surveillance video showed the suspect punch Wortham, leave the scene, and later return to speak with police. While the conviction won't bring their friend back, they are glad to see the case progressing and look toward closure in the courtroom, with Salazar due back in court on Sept. 5. (WSLS)
5. On Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 3 p.m., the new roundabout at the intersection of Route 904 (Starkey Road) and Route 679 (Buck Mountain Road) in Roanoke County will open after construction began last spring. The roundabout aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and maintenance costs compared to a traditional intersection. Drivers should follow tips like yielding to vehicles already in the circle, navigating at a slow steady pace without stopping, using turn signals correctly, and watching for other road users. Periodic daytime lane closures will continue as additional paving, pavement markings, and the central island are completed over the next few months, with full project completion expected by late 2023. (Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, August 17

• Summer Health Clinics (Students ages 10 and older) (8 a.m.)
• Summer Health Clinic (Students of all ages) (8:30 a.m.)
• Terrier TV Club Meeting — William Byrd High School (3:30 p.m.)
• Hurt Park Back 2 School Jam — Roanoke School District (5 p.m.)
• Party in Elmwood — Roanoke City Special Events (5:30 p.m.)
• School board meeting — Roanoke County (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "What an unusual hawk! This red-tailed hawk was admitted after being found on the ground — a common occurrence this time of year as young hawks strike out on their own and/or prep themselves for fall migration." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Which performance do you want to see?? 🎶 There are so many options this week! Find a full list of downtown events at the events calendar 📅 link in bio 🔗 Delta Dental Party in Elmwood (link in bio) @martinsdowntown" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley Television - RVTV: "Little Sparks Daycare celebrated a ribbon cutting at Parkway House of Prayer, serving a growing need for child enrichment in our region. #daycare #childcare #ribboncutting" (Roanoke Valley Television - RVTV via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "More #CityHallSelfie Day — showing community pride with leaders in our Public Works Department!" (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you tomorrow!

— 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