🌱 Mill Mountain Star May Be Replaced + Local Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Hello, neighbors. It's time for the Friday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with everything you need to know about what's happening locally, including news about...

• Man sentenced in 2022 party shooting.
• New book 'Moonshine & Salteens' by local author.
• Sheriff's Office hosts Special Olympics fundraiser.

Let' do it!

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 84 Low: 64.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke's iconic Mill Mountain Star, which is almost 75 years old and is billed as the world's largest man-made star, needs attention. The city is considering major renovations or even a complete replacement after finding serious deficiencies that could cost millions to address. The city is seeking public input on how to proceed and wants to provide a structure that is meaningful to the community and will stand the test of time. The Mill Mountain Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will be discussing the issue, and the city hopes to complete the work in time for the 75th anniversary of the star late next year. (WFIR, WDBJ, Roanoke Rambler)
2. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office will hold its annual 'Cover the Cruiser' and 'Tip the Deputy' events on May 13, which aim to raise funds for Special Olympics Virginia. These events will take place outside Red Robin from noon to 3 p.m. and donors will receive a pledge card. The goal is to cover an entire squad car with pledge cards. Celebrity waiters will serve customers inside Red Robin, and all their tips will be donated to Special Olympics Virginia. (WFXR)
3. A Roanoke man, John-Bayleigh D. Smith, has been found guilty of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Clayton T. Williams, a relative of a former city council member, at a party in October 2021. Smith testified during his two-day trial that he fired shots into the air from a handgun after arguing with Williams, who accused him of using a racial slur. The incident escalated when Smith fired his handgun, killing Williams. The sentencing hearing is set for Aug 23. (Roanoke Times)
4. Roanoke area author Brenda Strickland has written a new book titled "Moonshine and Salteens" that follows retirees on an adventure to solve a murder. Strickland is a retired teacher as well as an actress and puppet show creator and will share her inspiration and the book's overall theme at an event called "The Moonshine Express" that takes place on May 13. The event is being held at Ben Franklin Middle School in Rocky Mount and offers visitors an immersive experience of what living in Prohibition times was like. (WDBJ)
5. A Roanoke business has suggestions for Mother's Day gifts — Let's Party Creatively owner, Dana Long, offers various experiences like paint parties, plant parties, and candle-making parties that can be enjoyed with loved ones. Pre-traced canvases and wooden cutouts are provided, and Long is partnering with Twin Creeks Brewpub for a Succulent Plant Party with Rose Quartz on Saturday at 2 p.m. Other events hosted by the business can be found by clicking here. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• The WORX at Sinkland Farms (5 p.m.)
• Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute: Tuesday's Gone at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)
• GREASE School Edition at Patrick Henry High School (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Please bookmark this guide and save this number below for advice on what to do if you find a fawn: Wildlife Conflict Helpline or call them at 855-571-9003. We get thousands of messages every year from people about fawns." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "This morning, the Law Enforcement United Memorial Bike Ride left Roanoke on its way to Washington D.C. to the Law Enforcement Memorial for National Police Week. This group is made up of current and retired LEOs, families of officers." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Did you know that every time you shop on Walmart.com, you can round up your change and donate it to our shelter? Learn how small acts can lead to big impact for pets like Brooks with the #WalmartSparkGood program!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "This summer, add Daleville's Summer Concert Series to your must-experience list! 🎉 Be sure to check out their website for details, including their concert line-up! We suggest getting dinner and drinks from the Daleville Town Center next door!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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