🌱 Evans Spring Meeting Shows Division + GE Plant Occupant Revealed

Ahh... the weekend. Happy Saturday, folks. Here's a fresh edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter with a quick guide to what's going on in town since yesterday. Today you'll read about...

• Free fire extinguishers.
• Become a CASA today.
• Dr Pepper Park announces another rock show.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: An a.m. rain or snow shower. High: 50 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Evans Springs meeting scheduled for Thursday night saw citizens speak out on both sides of the issue as Chuck D’Aprix with Community Engagement and Charrette Associates and his colleagues listened and presented possible plans. Some residents are all for developing the 150-acre parcel. "I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be a wonderful area especially if they develop undeveloped land. My only concern is I hope the folks are not displaced," said Bernice Griffin-Pasley. But others are firmly against it. "It’s a beautiful piece of area. Yes, I know it’s been up in the air, everybody wants it, but it’s ours and leave us alone," said LaDonna Jordan. D'Aprix and his consulting team have numerous meetings and other outreach methods planned and said the engagement part of the process should be over by May. (WSLS)
2. The identity of the company who will be taking over the old GE plant on the corner of Electric Road and Roanoke Boulevard has finally been revealed with an announcement from Gov. Glenn Youngkin. STS Group AG, a global supplier of interior and exterior parts for commercial and personal vehicles, will bring 119 new jobs to the area after making a $32 million dollar investment to outfit the building for their needs. The Roanoke Regional Partnership, which includes Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke counties, the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, and the town of Vinton, estimates that an additional 60+ jobs will be created indirectly and that the project will have a $66 million dollar impact on the overall area. (WSET)
3. Roanoke City has the highest number of children in the foster care system throughout the state and Children's Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, is looking for more volunteers to help speak up for those children. Children's Trust provides Court Appointed Special Advocates (known as CASAs) to help children in government navigate the court process and to be a voice for the child in an otherwise adult dominated environment. "Our volunteers are just appointed to one case, they’re able to stay on that case, which can be up to 18 months sometimes in foster care. So, our children are able to have one adult that is constant in their life that is there for them and to be their voice in court and to report back to the judge about what they need, and their voices can be heard,” said Sammi Rader, a CASA director with the organization. No special skills are required to become a CASA, only a passion for helping children in need. You can learn more here. (WDBJ)
4. Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges has announced that 80s hair metal band KIX will be coming to the venue to perform classic hits such as 'Blow My Fuse' and 'Don't Close Your Eyes' on May 27. Opening will be local favorites Red Reign, who bill themselves as a throwback to vintage rock acts such as Aerosmith and Van Halen. "Rockers in the region have supported Dr Pepper Park since day one. We try to create balance in our schedule to match the demand of our Dr Pepper Park family. KIX puts on a high energy rock show that will thrill the audience! We can’t wait to bring an action-packed season to a community we love so much," said Dr Pepper Park founder Waynette Anderson. Tickets went on sale yesterday and can be purchased here for $49, $25, and $149 for the VIP experience in advance and $30 on the day of the show. (Roanoke Times, Dr Pepper Park Press Release)
5. To help promote fire safety, the Roanoke City Fire EMS department has announced that the Home Depot on Franklin Road has donated fire extinguishers to the to hand out free of charge to city residents. City residents who are in need of a home fire extinguisher are asked to fill out the form located here or call the city Fire Marshal's office at 540-853-2795 as soon as possible as supplies are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. The department also offers free smoke alarms and encourages residents to check their fire prevention devices at least once a month and create a fire safety plan. (WSLS)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Roanoke:

• St Patty's Day Celebration — Roanoke City Special Events (10 a.m.)
• 202 Social St Patrick's Day Party — Roanoke City Special Events (10 a.m.)
• Sidewinders St. Pat Day Celebration — Roanoke City Special Events (10:30 a.m.)
• St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival — Roanoke City Special Events (11 a.m.)
• Martin's St Pat Day Party — Roanoke City Special Events (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center: "Check up on one of our smallest patients — this Painted Turtle was brought to us with an infection this summer. The infection has resolved but we have to wait until later in spring to release this little one." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Nixie is a little shy and a lot conflicted. She really wants to come out and be loved and petted, but it takes her some time to open up. She often 'talks' while trying to figure out if she can trust you or not." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Teachers for Tomorrow students from William Fleming and Patrick Henry attended the Educators Rising State Competition this past weekend. Harper Gunn and Jasmin Avila presented a video they created on ethics in teaching!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "If you’ve ever wanted to become a police officer but didn’t know where to start, here’s your chance! Roanoke Police Academy Staff will be at the City of Roanoke’s Job Fair on March 29 and would love to help you start your career at RPD!" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "The City's final piece of the Roanoke River Greenway is under construction with an expected opening this summer! Here is a behind the scenes look at what to expect when it is finished and more information about the Roanoke River Greenway." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (March 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on March 14 and 15 at South County Library in Roanoke (March 14)
• Add your event

There you have it! Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox 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