🌱 FloydFest '23 Lineup Announced + Ground Zero Flag Team Visits

Hello all! I'm back with more on what's happening in Roanoke. In today's issue, I'll touch on...

• The return of Illuminights
• Court orders officer identified
• A new record for VWCC students

Let's get to it!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant.

High: 69 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. An American flag flown at Ground Zero after the World Trade Center attacks, a small piece of marble from the rubble of the South Tower, and a logbook showing the travels of the items over the years since are making a stop in Roanoke. Roanoke Fire-EMS announced that they will host the Ground Zero Flag Team and that a ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. today. In the ceremony, conducted by the Roanoke Firefighters Honor Guard, the flag will be raised at 8:46 a.m. at Station #7 on Melrose Avenue, the same time the North Tower was struck. (WDBJ)
2. Explore Park is bringing back its popular Illuminights attraction this year and has announced that tickets are now on sale for the event, which begins Nov. 19. The Winter Walk of Lights will be open each evening until Dec. 30 and all of the proceeds will go to benefit Explore Park and Center of the Square. This year’s event features over 650,000 lights, displays, trail enhancements, photo ops, and more family activities than ever before, said Roanoke County officials. Tickets can be purchased online here. (WSLS)
3. A Freedom of Information Act request to the Roanoke County Police Department in relation to the shooting death of an unarmed man last November asked that the officer who fired the fatal shots be identified for the purposes of a federal lawsuit recently filed in Roanoke's federal court. Now, a circuit court judge has ordered Roanoke County to release the name of the officer instead of referring to him as John Doe. The county has not decided whether it will appeal the decision as it is county policy to not identify officers whose actions have been found to be justifiable. (Roanoke Times)
4. The lineup for FloydFest '23 has been announced and features national acts Sheryl Crow and The Black Crowes, both famous for numerous hit songs in the 1990s. The event has a brand-new venue this year known as Festival Park and will be held from July 26 - 30, 2023. "I wanted to ensure that the quality FloydFest is known for remains true and endearing to the thousands who flock to our unforgettable experience on the mountain,” said Kris Hodges, FloydFest producer and founder. “By bringing in some of the nation’s best rock, country, jam and Americana artists, FloydFest continues to be ‘Forever’ making strides in the industry… and beyond." (WDBJ)
5. Virginia Western Community College has announced that a rec0rd number of students, 630 to be exact, will be able to attend tuition free in the coming school year thanks to the private-public community partnership that funds the Community College Access Program. CCAP is the effort of area localities and private donors to provide free college and covers up to three years of tuition for recent high school graduates from around the area. The program began in 2008 and since then over 3,800 Roanoke Valley students have participated. (Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Speaker: “Finding Meaning in Method” with JD Sutphin presented by BOCO Talks at The Kyle House in Fincastle (5:30 p.m.)
• Lecture: “Splendid Threads”: Considerations in Preserving the Little Theater’s Renaissance Tapestries at the Richard Wetherill Visual Arts Center (6 p.m.)
• World Ride Movie Night at the Grandin Theatre (7 p.m.)
• “The Stories Within These Walls” by Chloe Shelton as part of the Salem Museum Speaker Series at the Salem Museum (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Please join us in congratulating 1st Lieutenant Travis Simmons on his retirement from Roanoke Fire-EMS. 1st Lt. Simmons has been with our department for over 23 years, and today is his last day. Thank you for the many years of dedication and service!" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Hi Gala! I had a busy morning critter hunting, so I thought I'd run over to the Eagle Rock Grab and Go for a yummy sausage and egg sandwich. Animal Control intercepted me on my mission and now I'm at the RCACP Shelter hoping my family will come and get me." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Last week, Woodrow Wilson Middle School held a Trunk-or-Treat, organized by Ms. Hackworth. The trunks were designed by schools clubs, sports, and activities. We love the Halloween spirit!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "A very handsome Carolina Wren is doing a stint in rehab after flying into a window and knocking himself out! With time and medication, he is doing a lot better. Carolina Wrens are the only species of wren that is found year-round in our area." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Our community is ripe with strong female mountain bikers, and we hope we can continue to encourage girls and women to get on bikes. That's why we're a sponsor for World Ride Movie Night on Nov. 3 at the Grandin Theatre." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)

Alrighty, you're all set for today. See you tomorrow for another 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