🌱 Mayor Talks New Gun Initiative + City Market Diner Traffic Up

Hey, everybody! It's a day later than usual because of the holiday weekend, which means I'll be even more messed up than I usually am as to what day it is. Hopefully you had a good long weekend. Let's dive into the local news. Today you'll read about...

• Roanoke author of kids’ books and novels Catherine Ferguson.
• Roanoke College welcomes first-ever director of Marching and Spirit Bands.
• Trial date set for 18-year-old charged with first-degree murder.

Let's motor! 🚗

But first, today's weather: Very hot. High: 96 Low: 71.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Another person was shot and killed in Roanoke over the weekend, marking the 24th homicide so far this year. In response, the city has launched a new 30-day initiative called Ceasefire - Victory in the Valley to try to end gun violence. The program involves partnerships between law enforcement, local pastors, and city leaders. Mayor Sherman Lea said he needs the community to get involved and help improve public safety. He expressed frustration over the violence but said he is encouraged by the new initiative. The police department and sheriff's office are actively participating in the campaign. (WSLS)
2. Catherine Ferguson is a Roanoke-based author who has published children's stories, two novels, and a cookbook, much of which is available as e-books. In a recent interview, she discussed starting writing at a young age and drawing inspiration from life experiences and imagination for her books focused on relationships, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Ferguson credits the support of family, friends, and mentors for helping achieve her dream of becoming a published author. She advises aspiring writers to believe in themselves, work hard at the craft, seek feedback, and not give up. More information about Ferguson's work can be found on "The Cat's Whiskers" Facebook page. (WDBJ)
3. Roanoke College has appointed Terrell Smith as the first-ever director of marching and spirit bands as the school prepares to relaunch varsity football after an 80-year hiatus. Smith brings over 15 years of music instruction experience and will build a 50-student marching band to champion campus spirit and engagement. As a composer and nonprofit founder, Smith aims to represent diversity through music selections and recruiting. Along with football's return as a club sport in 2024 and varsity in 2025, a competitive cheer team is also slated to attract around 130 new students. Smith looks forward to uniting the campus community through the planned expansion of athletics. (WFXR)
4. Door counters at the Roanoke City Market Building showed visitor traffic is up 30 percent this year over 2021, with an average of 833 people entering the food court daily in July. Elliot Broyles, director of the Market Building Foundation, said the increased foot traffic follows declines during COVID-19 and comes as the building has brought in a consultant to boost growth. Two new restaurants are slated to open, including a Japanese street food concept by Sticks & Spoons owner Jason Wu featuring ramen burgers. Broyles said the rise in visitors makes him excited and encouraged, though columnist Mark Owczarski longs for the bustling crowds that used to pack the market before counters were installed. Two restaurant spots remain vacant, but Broyles is optimistic about filling one. (Roanoke Times)
5. Ja'Zion Z. Robertson, an 18-year-old accused of fatally shooting a man in Northwest Roanoke this summer, will go to trial on Feb. 12, 2024, for charges including first-degree murder. The shooting occurred on July 10 around 11:20 p.m. on Sigmon Road, leaving one man dead and another injured. Robertson was initially charged with second-degree murder but the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder in August, along with firearm and malicious shooting charges. The victims have not been identified. Robertson's jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on Feb. 12 next year. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, September 6

• Salem Red Sox vs. Carolina Mudcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "MISSING PERSON: RPD is asking for your help locating 81-year-old James 'Jim' Smith. Jim was last seen at approximately 1:50 a.m. this morning at his residence in the 1800 block of Orange Avenue NW. He was last seen wearing jeans, a white T-shirt." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We are in need of fosters for 6 puppies and their mother. We have agreed to pull them from another shelter this week. The pups have already been separated from their mom, so all of these pets can be fostered independently." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Pinball Museum: "We’ve been busy! A new layout and new games await you after Labor Day. Pinball is always rolling!" (Roanoke Pinball Museum via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early.

— 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