🌱 Farmers Seek To Buy Urban Farm + Man Found Shot In Road In NW

Good morning, friends! It's Tuesday and the last day of January. This month really flew by, didn't it? January's always a good one to have out of the way. Here's a fresh Roanoke Daily with what's happening in the community, including updates on...

• Federal Reserve conference in April
• Education Job Fair held and more coming
• Forum held on homelessness

Ready?

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with a shower or two.

High: 45 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Southwest Virginia Agrarian Commons, an organization dedicated to finding and providing long-term, equitable land access for next generation farmers and ranchers, is raising money to buy Lick Run Farm located on 10th Street NW in Roanoke City. Cam Terry is a farmer currently leasing the land from its owner and is one of the many who would like to see that be able to continue once he's done. "We just crossed two-thirds of our fundraising goal raised, which feels like a really big accomplishment," he said. Terry owns and operates Garden Variety Harvests and shares the Commons vision of the land being a permanent urban farm for generations to come. "It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Land deals are really expensive; and especially land deals in urban places where the land values are really high. It costs a lot. This land is going to be owned by a community land trust." The organization has raised $287,000 towards a $426,250 goal. Donations can be made here. (WDBJ)
2. A community forum was held Sunday to address the issue of homelessness in Roanoke at Oakland Baptist Church off Williamson Road. Members of city council attended along with representatives from homeless service providers across the area. Key to solving the issue officials said is humanizing those experiencing it. Service organizations all cited a lack of volunteers. "When we consider the issue of homelessness, it’s crucial to remember the homeless people are our brothers, our sisters, our aunts and uncles, our parents, and even our children," Vice-Mayor Trish White-Boyd said. Pam Milkowski, the health care service manager of the Fralin Free Clinic, added mental health is one of the most common causes. "You lose money, you don’t have a job anymore, you lose housing and that affects your mental health," she said. Building relationships with people and not waiting for them to seek out help is a key to reaching people and was the consensus of what must be done ahead of pursuing next steps between officials and providers. (WSLS)
3. Roanoke City Police were called to the 800 block of Hunt Avenue NW around 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning to calls about a man who had been shot. Officers responded to find a man with a serious gunshot wound laying in the road. Roanoke Fire-EMS was called to transport the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment, but no further word was released on his condition. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his shooting is ongoing and police are asking for anyone with any information to please come forward. Calls and text can remain anonymous. (WDBJ)
4. The Federal Reserve has announced a conference titled "Investing in Rural America" will be held in Roanoke in April. The focus will be on helping rural areas and towns learn strategies that have worked for others like themselves to positively affect their economies. Speakers will include experts from a range of organizations including the ncIMPACT Initiative, Rural Support Partners, and the Just Transition Fund and breakout sessions will include panelists from all around Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The conference will be held April 11-12 and participants have until March 27 to register. Registration information can be found here. (Cardinal News)
5. The Western Virginia Public Education Consortium held a job fair for teachers and other public school officials at the Salem Civic Center on Sunday. Vacancies continue to be an issue in many school systems just as in many businesses, but officials are hopeful these events can do something to help lessen the burden. "There have been many things socially in our society that are maybe putting a damper on teachers’ idea about entering the field of education, but I would really just encourage those who have had that fire in them from a young age to follow that," said Megan Crew with Salem City Schools. Organizers were not sure what kind of turnout to expect, but were encouraged by the numbers afterward. Another such job fair is scheduled for the end of April. (WFXR)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Roanoke:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (8:30 a.m.)
• L’eroica (Roanoke’s Friendliest Group Road Ride) at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village Location (5:45 p.m.)
• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• An Evening with Fred Hersch and Esperanza Spalding at the Jefferson Center (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The rodenticide Turkey Vulture is continuing to do well! ✨ We thought this patient was going to die on arrival but after a LOT of daily injections of fluids and medications this guy is definitely on the mend and acting more and more like a healthy vulture!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We absolutely LOVE Luna! She's got a really spunky and sweet personality. Annnnddd she's also a little bit on the plump side. Unfortunately, the stress of coming into the shelter resulted in a significantly decreased appetite for Luna. Now you may think that's okay and a prime time for her to drop some weight. But it's not. Cats who stop eating — especially overweight cats who stop eating can quickly go downhill and become very sick. But we've given her an appetite stimulant and she's doing very well!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Join our team 🤩 We are hiring in multiple positions and would love for you to join our team! To learn more, go to www.roanokeva.gov/jobs!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Straight Street Roanoke Valley: "Thank you Lighthouse Bible Church for the wonderful meal last night. Such a blessing to have an amazing place, faithful leaders and the opportunity to gather, pray and share about Jesus Christ and the new life found in Him." (Straight Street Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• Roanoke STARCADE: "Come out for UNLIMITED Virtual Reality on Wednesdays for only $5! 😎" (Roanoke STARCADE via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "The key to their heart? Music. Give the gift of music all season long with a 2023 Season Pass to Dr Pepper Park! Get yours now at DrPepperPark.com! (Plus, think of how many brownie points you'll score by being able to skip the line!)" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (January 31)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for the Hump Day 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