🌱 Loretta Lynn's Passing Felt Locally + Burial Park History Walk

Good morning, neighbors! Your friendly neighborhood freelance writer here and back as promised. This Thursday edition of the Roanoke Daily includes updates on:

• The state rules on an application by Smith Mountain Lake homeowners.
• Rare shorebird sightings after Hurricane Ian.
• An all-new dog training academy has opened.

Let's get to it.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant.

High: 76 Low: 51.

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.

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

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A small group of homeowners on Smith Mountain Lake teamed up this past summer to present an application for a no-wake surfing zone to the Tri-County Lakes Administration. The zone would have been for the Merriman Run area of the lake, a north-south facing finger on the Bedford County side near Beacon Marina. That application was approved in August by TLAC, but now the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has issued its ruling and denied the application siting the ineffective nature of the zone and recommending instead that a ban on wakes in general be proposed. "Agency representatives believe that this area would be best served, and concerns more appropriately addressed, by moving forward with an application for a no wake zone," the agency said in a statement. (Roanoke Times, Merriman Run)
2. Yesterday, at the age of 90, country singer Loretta Lynn passed away peacefully in her home in Tennessee, but the impact of her passing was felt even here in the Roanoke Valley. Former WSLS radio announcer Herm Reavis remembers his interactions with Lynn during her many performances at the Salem Rodeo like they were yesterday. "There wasn’t a stage around back then, so we just pulled up a flatbed truck and she and her band performed." He also remembers truly special times when she wasn't in the spotlight such as the occasion that she performed a private show for the residents of Salem's VA Medical Center. "As they could, they moved some of the patients, wheelchairs, crutches, and what not into that little auditorium, that would hold maybe 60, 70 people and she did a concert for them that was just so meaningful." (WDBJ)
3. Evergreen Burial Park will be hosting its 17th annual Walking Tour of Roanoke’s Oldest Cemetery this coming weekend on Sunday, Oct. 9. The guided tour will bring to life (sorry couldn't resist) the many individuals and stories of Roanoke's past from mayors and industrial moguls to Civil War soldiers and pioneering citizens. You'll learn about just how global of an impact Roanokers have had in stories ranging from the Industrial Revolution, World War II battlefields including D-Day, and even the founding of the United Nations. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. at 1307 Summit Ave. NW in the city's Wasena District and is family-friendly. (Roanoke Star)
4. Hurricane Ian brought the area a ton of rain and some gusty winds, but the storm also brought with it the sight of some unusual shorebird species who were driven further inland. Several species unique to this area including common terns, red-necked phalaropes, sandpipers, and American golden plovers were seen by area enthusiasts and researchers. Virginia Tech Wildlife Conservation student Max Nootbaar said, "They’ve been seen two or three times at most, so they are pretty rare. We got photos of the red-necked phalarope, which I believe is the third record for Montgomery County, which is a type of shorebird. That’s pretty rare around here.” (WDBJ)
5. A dog training company with a longtime presence in the Star City has finally been able to open its own facility. High Hopes Dog Training opened for classes in early August and offers everything from Puppy Kindergarten all the way to Therapy Dog classes in their new 2,500-square-foot center on Electric Road. Owner and lead trainer Hope Cogen said, "This year, I discovered the building on Electric Road and knew that my goal of having my own place was attainable. The location is central and convenient for easy access from anywhere in Roanoke and the wide-open space allows for plenty of room for the dogs and the people who accompany them." (Roanoker)

Today in Roanoke:

• Ghost Walk Tours by the Salem Museum & Historical Society (6 p.m.)
• Jamey Johnson at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)
• Hayley Jane at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (7:30 p.m.)
• Opening night of “Everybody” at Hollins University’s Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• Opening night of “Steel Magnolias” at Attic Productions (7:30 p.m.)
• Author Dolores Dorantes at Hollins University’s Niederer Auditorium (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Our schools have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in a variety of ways. At Breckinridge Middle School, Ms. Ballard’s Spanish class created a set of wings to represent and honor Hispanic Heritage Month." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Shield Chaplaincy: "Never thought I’d be learning how to do Pet CPR and First Aid, but this is a special animal that I want to be able to help if necessary. 'Scarlett' will be an incredible help to those I serve. SPECIAL THANKS goes out to the Roanoke City!" (Shield Chap via Facebook)
• Roanoke College: "We are so excited for the Shushok Shindig on Friday! Check out the dance team working on their line dancing. Get your dancing shoes on!" (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• Roanoke, VA - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets: "Please spread the word! Daisy and Lilac was LOST on Oct. 4 in Roanoke, near Wilshire Avenue and Carlton Road. Message from owner: These girls busted through our backyard fence around 3:30 today!" (Roanoke, VA - Lost Dogs, Cats & Pets via Facebook)
• Roanoke County, VA Police Department: "Today multiple of Roanoke County Officers received their awards that have been received over the past few months Officer of The Month by the Chamber of Commerce. Let’s take the time to congratulate all of them for their hard work!" (Roanoke County, VA Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Mouse is just about as precious and sweet as they come, but he's also got a feistiness to him since he was raised as a single kitten that makes him incredibly playful. That spunk makes him even more of a character!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)

Now you're back in the loop. See you all tomorrow morning 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.

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