🌱 First Day of Summer Refreshment Zone + Shooting Victim Identified

Hello, Roanokers! Ian here, and back in your inbox to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town on this fine Blue Ridge Sunday.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer.

High: 86 Low: 70.

🏡 Looking for more real estate leads in Roanoke? Let us help you reach prospective home buyers and stand out from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. Saturday marked the first day of downtown Roanoke's "Summer Refreshment Zone." That's the designated place where people visiting downtown restaurants and bars will be allowed to carry and consumer their alcoholic beverages without running afoul of public drinking laws. The zone includes Market Street, parts of Campbell Avenue and Wall Street and signage clearly marks where the zone begins and ends. “I liked how it went with Go-Fest last year, I think it was super successful, just an extra cool thing for downtown. So we’re excited to be a part of that,” said Kevin Young, general manager of Jack Brown’s, one of the more than dozen participating businesses. (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke Rescue Mission hosted Dock Party Friday afternoon for Mission guests and the community at large. The event featured live music, food, face painting, a dunk tank, caricatures, and a lot more. “When you have community events and you have something that’s open with fun activities, it makes it so that people can bring their kids by and realize that this isn’t just a place for an emergency,” said Kevin Berry, the Community Outreach and Marketing Manager for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. (WSLS 10)
3. Jayson Anuszkiewicz, a firefighter with Roanoke City and Philip Hatter, a coffee industry worker, have been friends for years, but now they're business partners. The pair often visited Brambleton area business Mr. Bill's Wine Cellar and when the owner of the establishment announced he was retiring, they decided to takeover. Now renamed Gladheart, co-owner Hatter said, "Our whole goal with this shop is that people come in to experience these amazing beverages. And so, we want you to feel comfortable being here and knowing that you’re gonna take this back and have a great time with your friends.” (WDBJ)
4. In 2017, a dispute began between the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, located in southern Roanoke County, and its neighbors when the center wanted to expand by constructing a raptor building. Neighbors said the additional building caused more traffic on their private road and sued to have the center's special use permit rescinded. A lower court in Roanoke County ruled against the neighbors, but now the Supreme Court of Virginia has reversed that ruling and given the neighbors standing for their suit to go forward. A statement from Chester Leonard, director of the center, said in part, "To date, these cases have cost us over $140,000, and with this recent news we expect to spend tens of thousands more that we can ill afford on these unnecessary lawsuits." (WDBJ)
5. Roanoke City Police have named the victim of a fatal northwest Roanoke shooting that happened late Thursday night. Officers were responding to a shots fired call when they found Chris L. Graves, 23, of Roanoke, lying in a parking lot with a gunshot wound. Graves was pronounced dead at the scene, no suspects have were found, and no arrests have been made.(Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• Music by the Tracks at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (1 p.m.)
• Krys Von Tornado Tea Party Reception at Lackey Studio and Art Gallery (2 p.m.)
• Crystal Spring Block Party at Crystal Spring Grocery Co. (3 p.m.)
• The Virginia Carolina Band at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke said, "We are deeply saddened by the recent decision issued from the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Court has remanded the Special Use Permit case back to the Circuit Court finding that Seymour and company have standing to bring the lawsuit against us." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said, "Congratulations to our William Fleming Colonels for graduating this morning! We are so proud of each of you. Thank you to Patrick Perkins Photography LLC for the amazing photos showcasing our graduates, families, staff, and guests." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department said, "Lt. J. Tardy hit a major milestone this week -- he has served at RPD for 39 years! Please help us thank him for his dedicated years of service." (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said, "Congratulations to Principal Terri Pritchard on her retirement! On the last day of school, Grandin Court Elementary PTA arranged for a number of special activities in honor of her service, including a limo ride to school!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools has announced they "will offer free meals this summer to children ages 18 years or younger. Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at school locations beginning Monday, June 13." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

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