🌱 Griffith Announces More AMLER Funding + Etheridge To Play The 'Noke

Hey, neighbors. It's Tuesday in Roanoke and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town, including updates on:

• Five hospitalized after crash.
• Franklin gets democratic nod.
• Roanoke City School Board meeting.

But first, today's weather: Nice with plenty of sun. High: 74 Low: 47.

Here's to our local sponsor. Check out what they can do for you.

Roanoke bargain hunters: looking for the next great deal? Check out Virginia’s only licensed auction house without an auctioneer at Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services from Thursday, April 13 through Saturday, April 15. From 55” Smart TV’s, Bedroom sets and leather love seats, to Frigidaire freezers, jewelry, and Waterford crystal, there’s something for everyone from their client list of local seniors who are downsizing. Visit here to learn more and start placing your bids today.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A crash on Hardy Road Sunday morning left five people hospitalized according to officials who responded to the scene. Shortly before 9 a.m. crews from the Stewartsville-Chamblissburg Volunteer and Hardy Volunteer fire departments responded to reports of a crash in the 8000 block of Hardy Road near Hardy Ford Bridge and Bay Rock Marina. Five people were ultimately transported to area hospitals for treatment after being extracted and cared for at the scene. The crash was then turned over to the Virginia State Police for investigation. (WSLS)
2. Dr Pepper Park at The Bridges is chugging along with new summer concert announcements with the news this morning that they will be welcoming 90s rock icon Melissa Etheridge. The show is part of the Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series will take place Tuesday, Aug. 1. Dr Pepper Park President Waynette Anderson said, "We’re very excited to bring the incredible performance of Melissa Etheridge to the Dr Pepper Park stage and the Roanoke Valley, she’s not a show to miss!" Etheridge is known for her massive hit 'Come To My Window' from her fourth studio album, 'Yes I Am' which hit in 1993, and for those of us old enough to remember that far back was played at infinitum that year and that's not a slight — it's a great tune and she has many others. Tickets are $40 in Advance, $45 at the gate, $59 for the PIT, and $149 for the VIP Skybox. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 14 and can be purchased here. ‬‬(Dr Pepper Park Press Release)
3. Roanoke-based Congressman Morgan Griffith has announced a sixth round of funding in the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program in partnership with the Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia Department of Energy. The program exists to help those wishing to develop projects on properties once used for mining throughout Southwest Virginia. "The AMLER Program provides our communities with opportunities to reuse old mine lands for new and exciting purposes. This federal funding that I have championed goes towards projects that will contribute to job creation, economic growth, and environmental renewal in the coalfields, improving the quality of life for its residents,” said Griffith. More information on proposing projects can be found on the Virginia Energy website. (Roanoke Star)
4. Virginia is guaranteed to have a busy electoral season after the 2020 redistricting process and the domino effect of the many retirements being announced in recent weeks as veterans decide not to run for re-election against former colleagues. Several former staff members of currently serving or retiring politicians have announced their intent to run for their bosses' seat, the latest of which is Lily Franklin, former chief of staff for Delegate Sam Rasoul. Franklin announced her intent to run as the democratic candidate for the 41st House District and was made the nominee after no challengers announced. She will face one of two Republicans, Lowell Bowman or Chris Obenshain, who are primarying for the GOP nod. (WDBJ)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Roanoke:

• Fleet Feet Pub Walk and Run at Big Lick Brewing Company (6 p.m.)
• Roanoke City School Board Meeting at the Noel C. Taylor Academy at Oakland (6:30 p.m.)
• JSB Variety Show at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Discover your next Metro Mountain adventure in Virginia's Blue Ridge! 🌸 Our scenic region can be enjoyed from our many trails, downtown, and overlooks (like this one from Mill Mountain in Roanoke!). Start planning your getaway today!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Join our friends at the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project for free Budget & Rental Education Workshops Mondays at 6 p.m. in April at your Main Library. Get counseling on financial literacy, rental education, and so much more!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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