🌱 Hiker Falls From McAfee's Knob + House Fire, Assault Arrest

Happy Memorial Day, everybody! It's Monday in Roanoke and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Let's go!

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny, warm, and humid. Perfect pool weather. Again. Yes!

High: 87 Low: 64.

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Here are the top four stories today in Roanoke:

1. Rescue crews in Roanoke County responded early Sunday morning to a call about a hiker who had fallen from the summit of McAfee's Knob in the Mason's Cove area of the county. When crews arrived they found that a twenty-something man had received life threatening injuries during the fall and would need to be airlifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital from the site. No further information is available about the victim or his condition. (WSET)
2. Many Roanoke area restaurants are experiencing a big pinch in the form of rising wholesale prices, chain of supply quagmires and staffing shortages. The convergence of so many pain points is leading many to consider throwing in the towel in an industry that at the best of times requires a lot of its owners and employees. The dining scene in the valley has seen the closure of many beloved institutions in the last few years including The Homeplace and soon, The Roanoker. (Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke County Fire EMS and police were called to a fire early Saturday afternoon and when they arrived they found a home in flames and an injured homeowner on the front lawn. A suspect and a vehicle were quickly identified and, with the help of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, an arrest was made in the Boones Mill area. The homeowner was listed in critical condition as of Saturday night. (WDBJ)
4. The Roanoke County School Board has introduced a new procedure for adding books to school libraries after a parent complained and petitioned for a book to be removed from Herman L. Horn Elementary in November. Under the current policy librarians choose the books in each school's collection based on professional reviews and recommendations from sources they trust such as publishers, wholesalers and other librarians. But, under the new policy, they will have to go through a review process that will involve having to read each book and table it for review by parents before it can be added. Beth Via, a retired Roanoke County school librarian, says librarians will be put in a tough spot. “A school can get hundreds of new books per year. It is unreasonable to expect them to read every book ordered in addition to their other duties.” (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• Wear Blue: Run to Remember Memorial Day 5k at Rivers Edge Sports Complex (8 a.m.)
• Gainsboro Revisited: A Historic Walking Tour with Jordan Bell (10 a.m.)
• Monday Night Games & Vinyl at Crystal Spring Grocery Co. (4 p.m.)
• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Virginia Museum of Transportation says "72 years ago today #611 rolled out of the N&W Roanoke shops. Happy Birthday #611!!!" (Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke bets "You can’t resist that adorable face! This is our newest Virginia opossum after she received medical treatment and had time to recover. In this photo you can really appreciate the huge #whiskers that #opossums have." (Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools says "Congratulations to all our middle schools for participating in the 2022 Middle School History Bowl last week! We are so proud of everyone and hope they had fun. Special thanks to Social Studies Supervisor Jack Jagodzinski for organizing the event!" (Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA said "Shadow came to us as a very fearful cat. In fact he earned his name because he likes hiding in the shadows. He's been with us for a while." (Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS would like you to "Join our team! The City of Roanoke's Fire EMS Department is seeking a captain-level firefighter to serve as the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator." (Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre would like to inform you that "ticket ms to our 2022-2023 Season will go on sale June 1. Come celebrate our 15th season with us! Mark your calendars to order your tickets this summer and get ready for an incredible season full of song, dance, and stories!" (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. Happy Memorial Day again! Get out there today, cook some burgers and dogs, and don't forget those who died to give you that freedom! See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com