🌱 Mayor Proposes New Violence Solutions + Gainsboro Future Discussed

Good morning, Roanokers! It's time for the venerable Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with all the local news you need to know right now, including...

• LB senior set to play for Tech.
• Roanoke County Police seeking accreditation.
• The Lebanese Festival is back.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Cloudy with a shower. High: 69 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Lord Botetourt High School senior Ashton Harper grew up loving two things: golf and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Soon, he'll be combining both as he graduates high school and joins the Virginia Tech Golf Team. Harper has played at the state level each of his four high school years and won the Class 3 VHSL title last year, which caught the attention of the Virginia Tech coaching staff. "I always wanted to play at the college level definitely. So happy to play at Virginia Tech. Just a great atmosphere around there and just being able to play at the best level I could. I’ve been looking forward to it since I committed. I can’t wait. I know it’s going to be different but I’m ready for it,” Harper said. (WFXR)
2. A highly anticipated report on the future of the Gainsboro Neighborhood was presented to the public last night at a meeting held by Downtown Economics, LLC. "They will be looking at where we can put some retail space, where we can look for space to create entrepreneurship. I think we're looking at some public art possibilities. I think perhaps another little park," said Chuck D’Aprix, Downtown Economics principal. D'Aprix went on to say the most important part of the process to city officials is the input of the community. The meeting was held at Gainsboro Library and an online look at plans is expected in the not-too-distant future. (WDBJ)
3. Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea was asked about the recent rise in violence and the fact that it has begun happening not just in the northwest where it's been commonplace for a while, but also in other parts of the city. "It’s a mindset that’s going on in this community that bothers me in terms of people wanting to use guns to deal with or settle arguments of what happened. That’s dangerous, very dangerous," Lea said. He proposed a number of possible solutions including the closing of some businesses, an embargo on alcohol sales, and doubled down on his curfew for teenagers, which has been a non-starter with the public at recent community meetings. "I want kids to enjoy themselves, but I’m also obligated as mayor to make sure young people are safe and right now people are dying. People are getting shot," he said. But many residents pushed back saying ideas and meetings aren't solving the problem. (WDBJ)
4. The Roanoke County Police Department is seeking public input as a part of participation in the CALEA law enforcement accreditation process. The public portal offered on the CALEA website is designed to gauge how the department is doing in executing its duties to protect and serve the community. Police officials warned that the portal does not serve any investigatory function and that information on crimes should not be submitted there, only comments and concerns about the department itself. You can access the portal here but will not receive a response beyond an acknowledgement that the submission was successful. (WSET)
5. The Roanoke Lebanese Festival, hosted by St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, is coming back after taking a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The festival will be held this year from June 2-4 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and will feature the renowned Lebanese food it's known for throughout the region. The Samer Jazrawy Band will be traveling all the way from Michigan to provide toe-tapping Lebanese music throughout the festival. Tours of the church and talks about the Maronite and Lebanese history in the Star City will be held periodically. Attendance will be free as always and takeout orders can be placed online at the festival's website. (WSLS)

Today in Roanoke:

• Salem Red Sox vs. Lynchburg Hillcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (11 a.m.)
• Brew-ha-ha Open Mic Comedy Night at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Easton Corbin at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (7 p.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Peoria Rivermen at the Berglund Center (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Our national symbol is in trouble — pictured here is Giles County Animal Control Officer Bill Aheron, who helped rescue and transport this young Bald Eagle to us today. This eagle is in rough shape, and we suspect she is suffering from an upper respiratory infection that has gotten severely out of control without treatment." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Last week we said farewell to Deputy Chief Guynn, as he departed Roanoke Fire-EMS to move on to the next part of his journey. Please join us in thanking him for his leadership and service to the City of Roanoke. 👏" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Strawberry Festival Roanoke Va.: "Make your Friday at work just a little bit sweeter with our Shortcake-To-Go kits! We'll deliver DIY shortcake kits in multiples of 10 to your office, school or place of business on Friday, May 5. Order soon because supplies are limited!" (Strawberry Festival Roanoke Va. via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Keep the outdoors awesome AND get paid to do it! Summer 'werk' is back in full effect and there are tons of ways to get paid to spend time outside! Click the link for more information!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, April 17-22. Happy Tails to Jordan, Puca, Flash, Ralphie, Enid, Pounce, Leia, Lady, Sienna, Tabby, Dave, Wednesday, Carlo, Jett, Pepper, Pixie, and Zorro who all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for the hike today! I'll see you tomorrow morning, sore and tired! 👊💥

— 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