🌱 'Forever Chemicals' Still Present + City Council Approves Budget

Hi there, Roanokers! It feels weird doing the Hump Day edition as the second newsletter of the week, but oh well. Here's the venerable Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter to get you caught up on what's going on in town, including news on...

• Police investigating a shooting at The Cove.
• WFXR celebrating nurses month.
• Auction for the Mill Mountain Star begins.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mainly cloudy and comfortable. High: 76 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke City Council unanimously approved the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, which amounts to $335 million, an increase of $30 million from the previous year. The budget includes a historic $100 million in funding for Roanoke City Schools, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, the budget includes a $10 million increase in funding for community safety, which will go towards increasing public safety officers’ wages and replacing police, fire, and EMS vehicles. The budget also includes funding for Parks and Recreation improvements, such as the Washington Park Pool and Skate Park. Despite the increase in funds, there will not be any tax hikes, but property tax bills may increase due to assessed value. The budget will take effect on July 1, 2023. (WSLS)
2. The Kiwanis Club of Roanoke is auctioning off the Mill Mountain Star for the third year to raise money for local nonprofits and scholarships. Organizations can bid to use the star for advertising or to honor someone special in the community. The winner will receive exclusive rights for a year and an unveiling ceremony. Bidding starts at $1,000 and will go up by a minimum increment of $100. Bids will be accepted until May 11 through an online form, phone, or email. (WDBJ)
3. To celebrate National Nurses Week, WFXR News is featuring local nurses who show exceptional care for their patients. Stacie Margo, a nurse at LewisGale Medical Center, went the extra mile for a couple, Rachel and Josh Witt, who were spending their 15th anniversary at the hospital while Rachel was giving birth. Unable to find them dinner, Margo got them doughnuts and wrote them a personalized anniversary card, making their day special. Margo's small act of kindness shows the power of compassion in health care. (WFXR)
4. The Roanoke Police are investigating a crime scene at The Cove at Peter’s Creek. The Cove is an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Panorama Avenue NW, where there are several markers on the ground and crime scene tape surrounds a parking lot area. The investigation is ongoing and more details will be updated as they become available. Additionally, the Roanoke City Police are investigating a shooting on Westside Boulevard NW where there is one confirmed victim, but their condition has not been released. (WSLS, WDBJ)
5. Communities around the U.S. are testing and treating their water sources for PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals,' after the Environmental Protection Agency proposed drinking water guidelines for PFAS. PFAS are associated with various health impacts, including cancer and reduced immune function. The Western Virginia Water Authority stopped pumping water from the Roanoke River last August after testing showed concerning levels of PFAS. The Gen X PFAS chemical was detected in their drinking water supply, which they traced to a facility owned by ProChem. The most recent tests show the level of Gen X in their Spring Hollow drinking water was above the EPA’s proposed recommendation. Once the EPA sets limits on PFAS, water suppliers will need to test for PFAS and treat any contaminated water. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

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

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "One of the most common species of birds we admit are these guys — Carolina Wrens! Carolina Wrens are the only wren species that stays year-round in Roanoke, and they are commonly found around human settlements." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Carilion Clinic is offering free sports physicals to RCPS student-athletes on Saturday, May 20! The physicals will be available at the Institute for Orthopedics and Neuroscience (2331 Franklin Road), and each school has a designated time." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, May 1-6. Thanks to BISSELL Pet Foundation and Cathy Bissell, our first week of Empty the Shelters is complete! Happy Tails to Lucy, Charlie, Mink, BB, Arlene, Porscha, George, and Clarice." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Mark your calendars for a day of food, entertainment, and shopping from local vendors! Join the fun at Vinton Palooza on May 20 at the Vinton War Memorial! 🎉 Be sure to follow the Vinton Palooza page for details!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow morning 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com