🌱 GenX Levels Back Up In Reservoir + Safety Plan Under Final Review

What time is it? Yup! It's time for the dreaded Monday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter! Be afraid! Be very afraid! 😱😱😱

Nah, just kidding. We're going to have fun like we always do taking a look at what's happening locally. Ready? Lessgo!

But first, today's weather: Cooler with a shower or two. High: 54 Low: 49.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Alex Bentley is no stranger to having his name on the byline of a scientific publication, but the most recent one unveils the finding of a new species of boa constrictor in the Amazon. He and his colleagues at the Ecominga Foundation and the National Institute of Biodiversity in Ecuador in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and the edge of the Amazon have discovered 15 new species since Bentley moved there from Salem in 2019. Before his globetrotting adventures began Bentley was known for his lifelong interest in herpetology and graduated from Salem High School. "I was just very passionate about doing this and very fulfilled in many ways with work, relationships, and these places. I love life here. I’m really fulfilled by the life I have here," Bentley said. For a detailed dive into Bentley's life, work and location read the article. (Cardinal News)
2. For several years now officials in Roanoke have been working to develop a safety plan that would be followed in the case of an evacuation such as the one during the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment. With trains being a big part of Roanoke's history and with railroads operating in the area, a derailment is one of the events that has been planned for, but far from the only one or even the most likely one. The purpose of the plan is to have a document in place that will cover highways, airports, railroads, and many other settings and help responding agencies work jointly with neighboring departments, stater agencies, and private contractors. The plan is currently under final review and expected to be released this year. (Roanoke Times)
3. In support of Ukraine in the ongoing Russian invasion, cities across the U.S. hosted rallies called '365 Days of Freedom' and Roanoke was no exception. As the war reached the one year mark Roanokers marched from the Main Library on Jefferson Street to Pearl Fu Plaza, roughly a quarter mile, holding flags and signs and wearing yellow and blue. A candlelight prayer and 365 seconds of silents was held in the Roanoke Market at the conclusion of the rally. "Helping Ukraine today means preserving peace in the whole world tomorrow," said organizers on the event website. (WFXR)
4. The Western Virginia Water Authority has announced that levels of forever chemical GenX have elevated back to recent higher levels in Spring Hollow Reservoir according to the latest tests. The reason is believed to be the wear down of a carbon filter system that cleans the water before it is distributed to Roanoke citizens as drinking water. Replacements for the worn down system are expected to arrive in mid-March and will bring the levels back down to within the EPA compliance mark. Water Authority executive director Michael McAvoy said the guidance issued by the EPA is based on consuming contaminated water over the course of a lifetime of about two liters per day and that the exposure in Spring Hollow is neither "excessively high nor prolonged." (Daily Progress)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Public Safety Appreciation Night at Big Lick Brewing Company (4 p.m.)
• Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Please check your traps regularly! This North American Deer mouse was captured in a non-lethal trap in a building, but the trap was forgotten about for several days before someone found this patient inside the trap and brought him to us for treatment." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "🔥 Roanoke Fire-EMS was dispatched to the 1800 block of Franwill Ave NW at 9:07 this morning for reports of a structure fire. Crews arrived to find flames and smoke showing from the residence. The fire was marked under control within 15 minutes." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tank always looks like he has a smile on his face, and he's as cute as a button. He's also really fun and sweet. If you want a pet to brighten up your days, Tank is your guy! Call us at 540-339-9247 to schedule a meet and greet appointment." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Straight Street Roanoke Valley: "Thank you Pro-Line Trailers for the refurbished 24’ trailer! Want to help equip it for outreach? The trailer will be used for local and regional outreach in times of need or disaster. Looking for equipment, such as: mowers, chain saws and other equipment. Please contact Derek Gordon at derek@straightstreet.org for details and list." (Straight Street Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Westside Elementary School 4th graders recently had the opportunity to see examples of Civil War items up close, such as documents, money, a ball and cup toy, haversack with coffee cup and beans, and Jacob's ladder." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

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Whew. That wasn't too terrible, right? You're officially in the loop now so I'll 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