🌱 Input Wanted In Police Chief Search + Free Cuts With Cops Saturday

Hello, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

• Widow works to get safety measures along Roanoke’s Tinker Creek.
• Teen involved in Vinton McDonald's murder sentenced.
• New mural transforms building in Northwest Roanoke.

But first, today's weather: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 87 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Last May, 26-year-old David Schultz died after his car overturned into Tinker Creek in Roanoke, leaving behind his wife Kirsten and 11-month-old baby Everett. Three months later, Kirsten is advocating for safety changes like guardrails along the creek where the accident occurred, believing they could have prevented David's death. She notes there were no warning signs at the time of the crash, and while the city has since added a 15 mph sign, Kirsten feels more needs to be done to improve safety and honor David's memory. The city is analyzing whether guardrails are warranted based on factors like accident history and says a decision should come by the end of August. (WDBJ)
2. The City of Roanoke is searching for a new Chief of Police and wants community input, using a survey open until Aug. 21 to gather perspectives on desired qualities in the candidates. This comes amid an uptick in gun violence and homicides in the city, with Mayor Sherman Lea emphasizing the need for someone strong on enforcement to help get things in order. The city manager has moved six applicants forward out of over 20 and tentative plans call for panel interviews and a community open house with finalists in late August, with the goal of extending a job offer by Sept. 1 for this critical leadership role engaging with and serving the Roanoke community. (WSLS)
3. Jeremiah Unique Pannell, 17, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for his role in the fatal 2021 shooting of a McDonald's manager during a botched marijuana robbery in Vinton. Though acquitted of murder, Pannell, 15 at the time, admitted to setting up the drug deal and driving companions who ultimately shot the victim after a confrontation. Despite a troubled upbringing, Pannell declined to identify the shooter and expressed no remorse at sentencing, prompting the prosecution to unsuccessfully seek a 10-year term while the defense cited Pannell's mental health issues and vulnerability in prison. The judge ultimately handed down a 54-month sentence for the robbery that led to the manager's death. (Roanoke Times)
4. To ease the back-to-school transition, Roanoke County organizations are holding a free "Cuts with Cops" event on Aug. 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Northside High School, providing haircuts and school supplies for students who returned to class on Aug. 9. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to the event and send photos to local media afterward to be featured in back-to-school coverage. (WSLS)
5. A new public mural is being painted on the exterior of the Dixie Products building in northwest Roanoke, transforming the previously drab facade into a vibrant work of art. Local artist Jon Murrill has spent the past month painting two lively scenes that are garnering appreciation from neighborhood residents. Dixie Products owner Mark Silverstein and manager Lolly Quigley commissioned the mural to showcase improvements to the business while also unifying and enhancing the surrounding community. Murrill expects to complete Roanoke's latest public art contribution within the next week or two. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, August 11

• Summer Health Clinics (Students ages 10 and older) (8 a.m.)
• Making Decisions and Navigating Risks Workshop (8 a.m.)
• Pollinator Promenade — Washington Park (10 a.m.)
• Ribbon Cutting for Li'l Sparks Academy (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Pinball Museum: "…aaaaaand the upgrading continues with a new Color DMD display for Metallica so you can rock out and flip out in all of its glorious hues." (Roanoke Pinball Museum via Facebook)
• The Virginia Zoo: "Take a walk on the wild side at the Virginia Zoo! Our education programs vary daily, with our educators and keepers providing fascinating information about various plants and animals around the Zoo." (The Virginia Zoo via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This week's Wish List Wednesday we are in need of several items to help keep our pets comfortable and happy! Casino is using his saddest face to help us ask for items like Milk-bones, because Casino LOVES treats!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "The pros are coming! @gocrossrace weekend is just over a month away so mark your calendars for Sept. 16-Sept. 17. We're also looking for volunteers again this year, visit the Go Cross website for details!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. 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