🌱 Light Voter Turnout For Area Primaries + Rail Yard Dawgs Celebrate

Morning, everybody! It's time for the distinguished Thursday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Let's get this day started off right with a quick guide to what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Update on area primary races.
• New name and owners for Roanoke village restaurant.
• DIY Furniture Painting Class.

Let's motor!

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Aura Health

Aura: Top mindfulness app

Millions are using this app to sleep better, calm anxiety, and transform their lives. Aura is the new all-in-one mental wellness & sleep app that won “Best of Apple” award. Discover the world’s largest, personalized library of expert-created tracks for your well-being & sleep. Don’t wait another day to find peace daily and transform your life. Get your FREE Trial here.

Now, today's weather: Cloudy with a t-storm or two. High: 69 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Results from the local primaries are continuing to come in, but at the time of this writing, a list of the projected winners was available. Trish White-Boyd secured the Democratic nomination for the District 4 State Senate seat; Martha Hooker, the incumbent Catawba District Roanoke County supervisor; and Michael Galliher won the Republican nomination for Clerk of Court in Roanoke County. In the Botetourt County-Blue Ridge District, Republican primary challenger Walter Michael is leading incumbent Billy Martin by 16 percent with 67 percent of the vote counted; and Donald "Mac" Scothorn, the Valley District incumbent, is poised to win comfortably against Republican challenger Robert Young. (WFIR)
2. The Rail Yard Dawgs continue to celebrate its win of the President's Cup trophy, which marks their first SPHL title. Head coach Dan Bremner and captain Mac Jansen reflect on the historic moment, expressing their disbelief and excitement. The team has been enjoying the aftermath of the championship and the support of the community. They acknowledge the challenges of defending their title, as they now have a target on their backs, but they feel prepared and determined to live up to the expectations. (WFXR)
3. The former Triangle Inn, Club 116, and Eden's Club 116 in Roanoke's village will be reopening with a new name, Opie's 116. The owners, John and Jamie Spencer, plan to open a restaurant/bar with a game room featuring billiard tables and dartboards, as well as an event area for live music. The tentative opening date is set for Monday, June 26. John Spencer, who has worked in sales and customer service at Roanoke Motors for 25 years, will continue his job there while taking on this new challenge. The Spencers aim to provide a new dining option for the town and plan to offer breakfast items, lunch options, and daily and weekly specials, with nothing on the menu priced over $10. Opie's will have a seating capacity of 80 to 100, an outdoor seating area, and a staff of five to six. (The Pantagraph)
4. There was a light turnout in many primary races, including the Democratic nomination race for the 4th Senate District. Despite the low numbers, the candidates made efforts to sway undecided voters, with D.A. Pierce receiving positive feedback, Trish White-Boyd feeling optimistic about her conversations with voters, and Luke Priddy excited about the results. In the City of Roanoke, less than 2 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots by 3 p.m., while Roanoke County had a slightly higher turnout of 3 percent by mid-afternoon. The candidates remained undeterred, believing that their relationships with voters, understanding of community issues, and diverse backgrounds would make a difference. The highest number of votes in a Roanoke City precinct was less than 150, while two precincts had the lowest total of only 29 voters each. (WDBJ)

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Are you or a loved one looking to move or downsize during your golden years? Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services is a one-stop-shop for any senior planning a move, and the only company that handles every aspect of downsizing — packing, loading and unloading, storing, and even selling unwanted items in their consignment shop or auction house. People who are moving, downsizing or need cleanouts agree that working with Crowning Touch is well worth it! Visit here to learn more.

Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, June 22

• DIY Paint Class — 'You've Been Framed!' at Black Dog Salvage (10 a.m.)
• Beach Music Party at Party in Elmwood Park (5:30 p.m.)
• Dance Artist Talk IV: Russell Clarke at Hollins University (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Oh you are SO big and scary! This is a young Eastern Screech-Owl and one of two we currently are raising at the Center. Owls puff themselves up and spread their wings out to appear bigger than they are (see first photo) to discourage predators." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Thank you to the community member who donated goody bags to Charlie Platoon last night! The snacks definitely kept their spirits up during a rainy night shift. You chose to remain anonymous, but please know that we greatly appreciate you!" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Bear knows that whether you’ve adopted a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten, these post adoption guides will come in very handy when you bring your new pet home! They're packed full of information and resources to help your new best friend!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Calling all art lovers... Downtown Roanoke is full of beauty. 🎨 This feature will walk you through the best selfie spots and must-see murals. From well-known pieces to hidden gems, we'll tell you all about murals." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "We would like to take a moment to congratulate and recognize our most recent graduates of D.A.R.E school. Congratulations to Deputy Hodge, Deputy Bradley, Deputy Hicks, and Corporal Goodman Sr." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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