🌱 Fishburn Park Coffee Shop Rejected + Miyares Talks Police Shortage

Hello, friends! It's time again for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, all about what's happening in the Star City today, including updates on...

• LewisGale nurse fulfills patient's dying wish.
• Arrest made in Panorama Avenue NW shooting.
• More debate about youth curfew in Roanoke City.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 80 Low: 55.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Roanoke City Council has rejected a proposal to rezone a section of Fishburn Park to allow for the establishment of a coffee shop. The council voted against the request by a margin of 6-1, despite unanimous approval from the planning commission, which highlighted the potential positive economic impact on the city. The plan put forth by Justin and Keri vanBlaricom aimed to convert the caretaker's cabin into a coffee shop while keeping the remaining area open to the public. Supporters of the proposal emphasized the couple's desire to contribute to the community, while opponents expressed concerns about the amount of land the vanBlaricoms would control and the future of the area. Council members who voted against the proposal expressed apprehension about future changes and rezoning amendments, advocating for a more focused development approach that would preserve recreational open space. Vice Mayor Joe Cobb was the sole council member in favor of the project, praising the vanBlaricoms for their commitment to land stewardship. (WDBJ)
2. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares is drawing attention to the shortage of law enforcement personnel in Roanoke. According to his office, the Roanoke police department currently has a 20 percent vacancy rate. Miyares believes that showing appreciation is the first step towards addressing this shortage and improving community relations. He is advocating for pay increases for police and the repeal of certain laws that hinder policing. Miyares is also working on initiatives such as Operation Ceasefire to combat gun violence and the Bold Blue Line initiative to recruit and fully staff law enforcement departments. The Attorney General emphasizes the need to support officers who are overworked, overstressed, and feel underappreciated. Roanoke police were unavailable for comment, but interested individuals can apply for positions online or by contacting recruit@roanokeva.gov. (WSLS)
3. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, people often seek someone to rely on for support and compassion and one nurse at LewisGale Medical Center named Michele Lacasse became that person for a cancer patient. Despite the patient's long and arduous battle with advanced stage cancer and being connected to machines, he made a decision to stop treatment. Lacasse respected his choice and, with the doctors' approval, changed his code status to 'do not resuscitate.' However, the patient had one final request — for Lacasse to promise she would return and not leave him alone. Unable to reach his family, Lacasse hurriedly retrieved his medication and stayed by his side for three hours until he peacefully passed away, fulfilling her promise. Lacasse's main goal was to demonstrate her care for the patient and let him know she would be there for him. This heartfelt story exemplifies the commitment of nurses like Lacasse to provide comfort, support, and care to their patients during the most challenging times. (WFXR)
4. A Roanoke man named Al-Sherreief M. Mahoney, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder in a Northwest Roanoke homicide that occurred one week ago. Detectives identified Mahoney as a suspect during their investigation and obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force on Friday. A witness, Steve Stover, captured the arrest on video and described the scene where undercover police cars were stationed in the neighborhood. Mahoney's car pulled into George's Market on Old Mountain Avenue, at which point the U.S. Marshals surrounded him and made the arrest. The arrest involved the use of a K-9 unit, with Mahoney being ordered to crawl backward on the ground at gunpoint before being handcuffed and taken into custody. The incident Mahoney is charged in connection with is a fatal shooting that took place at The Cove at Peter's Creek in Northwest Roanoke on May 8, around 8:20 p.m. (WSLS)
5. During a recent Roanoke City Council meeting, the topic of youth curfew was heavily debated yet again. While all council members agreed that action needs to be taken to address youth gun violence, there was no consensus on what steps to take. Currently, children aged 16 and under are prohibited from being in public after 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Police Chief Sam Roman informed the council that the police department is doing its best within its staffing limitations. He suggested maintaining the existing curfew. However, Mayor Sherman Lea expressed concerns about the upcoming summer and the potential for the issue to worsen once school is out. Mayor Lea emphasized the need to protect the children and questioned what can be done if parents are not fulfilling their responsibilities. He acknowledged that the landscape has changed in terms of gun violence in the area. Despite the discussion, no decision was made to expand curfew hours or enforcement during the meeting. According to the Roanoke City Police, there has been only one curfew offense recorded this year. (WSLS)

Today in Roanoke:

• Wednesday Night Disco “The Last Boogie” Mountain Bike Series at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center (6 p.m.)
• Open Mic with The Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6:30 p.m.)
• Christin Q and The Groove at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, May 8-13. Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell, our second week of Empty the Shelters is complete and today is the very last day! Happy tails to Seymore, Monterey, Duchess, and many others!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "What a great turnout we had on Saturday at Red Robin. We were able to raise $1,676 between tips and donations given to cover the cruiser. We appreciate Nick Thomas, general manager, for continuing to partner with us." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Join us this Thursday, May 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. as Blackwater Rhythm and Blues kicks off the 2023 season of Delta Dental Party in Elmwood. The food vendor is Mountain Grille and drinks will be available for purchase on-site." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "May has been a busy month for Habitat-Roanoke. We are actively working on six properties with much progress happening every workday. We are very thankful for our Builders club, volunteers, donors and ReStore supporters for helping us!" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• 3rd Street Coffeehouse: "Here’s what’s up at 3rd Street Coffeehouse for the week of May 15! Please like and share to help us get the word out!" (3rd Street Coffeehouse via Facebook)
• Local Colors: "Kona KoffeeHouse will be bringing their Polynesian/Hawaiian fare to our FREE Local Colors Festival on May 20! Join us from 11am to 5 p.m. for food, music, dance, crafts, culture and more at the region's biggest multicultural festival!" (Local Colors via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for 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