🌱 Fire Breaks Out On Williamson Road + Franklin Dog Killer Trial Set

Good morning, neighbors! Here's your Tuesday update from the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Keep reading to find out what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Community members feeling uneasy after Greenway attack.
• RAMP ramps up for next round of business startups.
• JSB Variety Show at Martin's Downtown Bar & Grill.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny; hot, less humid. High: 90 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A fire broke out at a strip mall in Roanoke County on Monday morning. The incident was reported to the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue at 1:56 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene on the 6400 block of Williamson Road and discovered smoke and fire emerging from the roof of one section of the strip mall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the business affected by the fire was unoccupied. The fire was successfully contained within about 25 minutes. However, three neighboring businesses suffered smoke damage as a result of the incident. (WDBJ)
2. A man from Franklin County, Terry Michel, is scheduled to go on trial on Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. for killing his two dogs. In early February, Michel reported that his dogs had been stolen, but they were later found dead. Michel was arrested and confessed to shooting and killing the dogs before disposing of their bodies. He has been denied bond twice due to concerns about his unpredictability and non-compliance with orders. Michel is facing charges of two counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of filing a false police report. (WSLS)
3. Newly established health or science-based businesses in western and central Virginia can now apply for the Regional Accelerator & Mentoring Program (RAMP) this upcoming fall. The program offers several benefits to accepted participants, including 12 weeks of training, free office space, access to industry experts, one-on-one mentoring, and $20,000 in funding sponsored by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp. Additionally, selected startups will receive free membership in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, Virginia Bio, and the Shenandoah Club. RAMP, which has been supporting new companies since 2017, is located on South Jefferson Street. Interested applicants can apply online here. (Roanoke Times)
4. Community members in Roanoke are feeling uneasy following an assault on an elderly woman on the Greenway during the Fourth of July weekend. In response, Bryan Cochran, the owner of Krav Maga Roanoke, emphasizes the importance of being prepared to protect oneself and loved ones. Cochran advises using the "Ask, Tell, and Make" approach when dealing with potential threats. He stresses the significance of prevention techniques and situational awareness to avoid becoming a victim. Cochran recommends putting away distractions like phones, wearing only one earbud while exercising, and avoiding behaviors that may attract predators. He encourages individuals to seek quality self-defense training to be ready for any dangerous situations. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Tuesday, July 11

• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• JSB Variety Show at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tyson is showing off his good boy skills! He's a smart boy and we've worked with him to teach him desirable behaviors which will serve him well when he finds a home of his own." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Pinball Museum: "Last night’s GET TILTED! was a blast with yet another mini-pinball machine winner! Sam eked out a win on Harlem Globetrotters at the very last second… *whew*. Don’t miss the next one! Every second Saturday of the month at RPM." (Roanoke Pinball Museum via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre: "We’ve got an important announcement to share with our VCT family. After 6 years with Virginia Children’s Theatre, our producing artistic director, Brett Roden, will be departing at the end of this month." (Virginia Children's Theatre via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "The West Station Block Party returns this Saturday, July 15, for a full day of music, food, beverages, vendors, and fun! 🎉 Hosted by Tuco's Taqueria Garaje, Beamer's 25, and Big Lick Brewing Company!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com