🌱 Grandin Sees Crowds For 'Barbenheimer' + RPD Warning Vehicle Owners

Good morning, Roanokers. Here's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with what's going on around town. Hope you all have a great day. In today's issue, you'll find:

• Renderings give sneak peek into future Roanoke In-River Park.
• Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Western Virginia Regional Jail.
• Homestead Creamery making milk the way it should be made.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 93 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. In the summer of 2022, 10 News first reported on plans by Roanoke Parks and Recreation to build a kayak park along the Roanoke River. New renderings reveal what this first-of-its-kind in Virginia in-river park could look like, with a focus on ADA river access, whitewater features, scenic viewing points, and calm river play areas. The City of Roanoke has allocated $3 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act for the project, which is currently working to acquire permits and finalize designs. Katie Slusher of Roanoke Parks and Recreation says the park is meant to attract and excite both locals and outside visitors. (WSLS)
2. The family of Lisa Mariel Lemond, who died of sepsis while incarcerated at Western Virginia Regional Jail in 2021, has filed a lawsuit against the jail and its health care provider Wellpath. The lawsuit alleges that Wellpath employees failed to properly diagnose and hospitalize Lemond, who showed symptoms nearly three weeks before her death. Though the jail claims no negligence in internal reviews, Lemond's family argues she was deprived of adequate medical care and could have been saved if sent to the hospital sooner. Lemond was 32 when she died due to complications from a heart infection according to an autopsy. The lawsuit is the latest against Wellpath from Roanoke-area inmates, including two previous settlements over denied treatment. (Roanoke Times)
3. The recent release of 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' movies drew over 2,500 people to The Grandin Theatre over the weekend, exceeding expectations according to Executive Director Ian Fortier. While 'Barbie' sold three times as many tickets as the more serious 'Oppenheimer,' Fortier said the diversity between the two films releasing simultaneously created enormous buzz. Calling 2023 the rebound year for theaters, Fortier said the 'Barbenheimer' weekend was a huge financial success, though no other films are expected to match the blockbuster turnout. However, anticipation remains high for upcoming releases like 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,' a new Poirot film, and a remake of 'The Color Purple.' (WDBJ)
4. The Roanoke Police Department is warning owners of 2011-2021 Kia and Hyundai models with turn-to-start engines to take precautions after viral social media trends have led to increased thefts of those vehicles. Police advise owners to install new anti-theft technology available from dealers, use steering wheel locks, install cameras, and park in view of cameras. Hyundai has provided a free anti-theft software upgrade for nearly 4 million eligible vehicles sold between 2011-2022 to address vulnerabilities exposed by the viral thefts. Owners of ineligible Hyundais may receive reimbursement for added anti-theft devices. Police emphasize locking doors and utilizing all available means to secure Kias and Hyundais with turn-to-start engines. (WFXR)
5. Located in Franklin County, Homestead Creamery produces milk and ice cream the old-fashioned way through partnerships with local family farms. Founded in 2001 with the motto "Milk The Way It Should Taste," Homestead Creamery sources milk from a co-op of six nearby farms to ensure fresh, high quality dairy products. They produce one of the only 100 percent A2A2 milks available, which some find easier to digest. While Homestead products are sold up and down the East Coast, visiting the Franklin County farm market provides the freshest experience, including exclusive flavors created alongside Virginia Tech. Homestead Creamery exemplifies a dedication to traditional practices and local partnerships for milk and ice cream "the way it should taste." (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, July 26

• Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Mountain Grass Unit at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Congratulations to Fruits and Roots Roanoke on the grand opening of your brick-and-mortar juice and smoothie bar. We were glad to be there as you cut the ribbon. If you've never been, we recommend the Banana Bread Wellness Bowl. Yum!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, July 17-22! Happy Tails to Jazzy, Dolly, Charlie Kracken, Casino, Toffee, Jewelz, Ava, Rocky Road, Rolo, Igloo, Raven, Wolfie, Curie, Checkers, Rody, Mateo, Champagne, Bonnie, and Sangria all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Woodrow Wilson teacher Adria Cintron has created the 'My American Dream' community writing project that aims to bring our community together and promote unity. We invite you to participate by thinking about your own American Dream and expressing it in any way that inspires you. Whether it's a few sentences, a poem, or a personal memoir, we want to hear from you!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "A common misperception about Habitat for Humanity is this organization gives away homes. This is farthest from fact as the process to become a homebuyer in our program is intensive. One of the requirements includes sweat equity, where each adult must invest a minimum of 250 hours of work into their home." (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com