🌱 Mobile Drug Outreach In Downtown + Salem VA Job Fair

Hello, everybody. I'm here with your Tuesday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally, including updates on...

• Woman arrested for 2o22 murder
• Roanoker arrested in Pennsylvania
• RAMP business sees acquisition

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and windy. High: 64 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program, known to the Roanoke community mostly as RAMP, reached a milestone of sorts when a company that began in its program was sold to a larger company. RAMP is a 12-week business startup program based in Downtown Roanoke and while several startups have reached success after starting there, this is the first time one has been acquired. The acquired business is Ticket Spicket, a mobile app designed to help with the fundraising efforts of school sports teams. "Oftentimes, entrepreneurs are looking to grow their companies to a point where other, larger companies are interested in partnering or merging or acquiring their companies. It’s a great way to move on to a next level in a lot of ways," said Lisa Garcia, the director of RAMP. (Cardinal News)
2. Mobile drug outreach providers have been visiting downtown Roanoke with the goal of keeping those with substance abuse disorders alive rather than simply focusing their efforts on getting them to stop using drugs. The Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drop-In Center cover Roanoke five days a week between the two services offering Narcan, syringes, tampons and pads, and other supplies in areas of the city with high concentrations of addicts, such as Belmont Avenue near where many homeless encampments lie beneath the city's overpasses. Building trust is a key component of the strategy said Phil Anderson, a worker with the coalition since last October. "They come to pick up what they need, and it’s transactional. But we’re as empathetic as we can possibly be, and for some, it’s the only time in their day where they get that." More information about the efforts of the two organizations can be found here and here. (Roanoke Times)
3. A Roanoke man was taken into custody after a violent incident in Swatara Township in Pennsylvania. Charles Wilson, 36, allegedly assaulted a woman during a domestic dispute and forced her to leave the scene against her will in a tan SUV. Wilson was later arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police and the woman is safe. It is not known at this time whether or not charges have been filed against him. Swatara Township is a suburban community south of Harrisburg on the shores of the Susquehanna River. (WFXR, WGAL)
4. 22-year-old Armonie Gunn (I promise I didn't make that name up) of Roanoke was arrested for the killing of 25-year-old Mahdi Holland. Holland arrived at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on the morning of Aug 20, 2022, in his personal vehicle where he later died of his injuries. Detectives with the Roanoke City Police Department presented the case to the grand jury in January, indictments were made, and Gunn was located and taken into custody on Feb. 23 without incident. Gunn is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is being held in the Roanoke City Jail pending court appearances. (WDBJ)
5. The Salem VA is holding a job fair on March 25 in hopes of recruiting nursing and support staff including ultrasound technicians, police officers, and social workers. The event will be held at the Salem VA campus on Roanoke Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "There will be HR experts on hand to review candidates’ resumes, interview candidates, and in some cases extend job offers to qualified candidates, and to get selected applicants started on the pre-employment process,” said Brandon Dillon, senior human resources strategic business partner. More information on the open jobs and qualifications can be found here. (Augusta Free Press)

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Today in Roanoke:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (8:30 a.m.)
• L’eroica, Roanoke’s Friendliest Ride at Cardinal Bicycle Grandin (5:45 p.m.)
• Gote at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Some turtles don't get the memo that you shouldn't bring your food into the bath, like this one, who still has veggie residue around his lips and his newly cleaned water. But with those handsome eyes, who could scold him for it?" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Raye, Luanne, and Stardust all came from the same situation that may have been a little hard on them. No matter their background, when we bring pets into our shelter, we rely heavily on reading their body language to tell us how to proceed with them. Did you know that scratching, lip/nose licking, and yawning can actually signify that a dog is stressed?" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Looking ahead at your schedule this week? Don't forget to check out one of our top four featured programs. With over 50 programs a week, it can be tricky to pick the top four. For a full list of events, please visit www.roanokeva.gov/library." (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• 3rd Street Coffeehouse: "Here’s what’s going on at 3rd Street Coffeehouse for the week of March 5! Please like and share to help us get the word out!" (3rd Street Coffeehouse via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. 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. 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