🌱 More Scam Cases In The Valley + New Flagpole Dedicated To 9/11

Hello all. It's me, your host of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter — back in your inbox with what's happening in town today. Including updates on...

• Salem approves commercial buildings, restaurant.
• Fralin Biomedical Research Institute poised for more growth.
• Man drowns at Smith Mountain Lake.

Let's motor! 🚔

But first, today's weather: Cloudy with a thunderstorm. High: 80 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. On Tuesday, Roanoke County dedicated a new flagpole at the Stormwater Maintenance Facility to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The flagpole was donated by Woodmen Life. At the dedication ceremony, Martha Hooker, chair of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, stated that the flagpole will serve as a reminder of the lives lost on 9/11 and the continued sacrifices made by first responders and service members. (WSLS)
2. On Tuesday, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech announced a $50 million donation from the Richmond-based Red Gates Foundation to support cancer and neurological research efforts over the next five years. The donation will fund the recruitment of 14 new research teams, six major research projects at the institute, and propel translational research to move findings from the lab to clinical applications. Michael Friedlander, executive director of the institute, said the donation will help the Roanoke-based institute grow its reputation on the national stage and make breakthroughs in understanding and treating cancers and brain disorders. (Paywall: Roanoke Times)
3. According to Chris Duncan, president of Vinton Computer and Brambleton Computer, cybercrime scams have been increasing in the Roanoke Valley. Some victims have lost over $100,000 in recent weeks to phishing emails, Facebook messages, and pop-up ads pretending to be from banks or offering computer tech support. Duncan advises not opening suspicious emails or links, avoiding unsolicited calls, never providing personal information or sending money to strangers, using security software, and contacting law enforcement if scammed, as well as warns that scammers may even remotely access your computer if allowed. (WFXR)
4. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office reported that 25-year-old Jerson Martinez of Roanoke drowned at Smith Mountain Lake on Monday morning. Authorities responded to a report of a missing person in the area and located Martinez's body in the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Martinez was an assistant manager at Los Amigos Bar and Grill on the lake. The sheriff's office said there does not appear to be anything suspicious about the drowning at this time, pending autopsy results. A GoFundMe has been started to support Martinez's mother. (WSLS)
5. Salem City Council approved the rezoning of three properties at its meeting on Monday, clearing the way for a new drive-thru restaurant, a commercial building, and a warehouse to store a classic car collection. The rezonings, which required two readings, were unanimously approved on second reading despite some initial opposition to the materials being used for the car warehouse. The restaurant location was not identified, and the commercial building will be elevated due to flood plain issues. The car warehouse, proposed by Cecil Doyle, had drawn criticism over its planned metal exterior but was ultimately approved 4-1. (Paywall: Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, September 13

• Open House at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (4 p.m.)
• Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates — Roanoke City Council (5:30 p.m.)
• Senior Parent Night — William Byrd High School (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, Sept. 4-9! Happy Tails to Arlo, Atlas, Binx, Cashew, Winifred, Pepper, Scooter, Milo, Sprite, Charles David, Bocephus, Tahloo, Binx, Inky, Caitlen, Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo, who all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Mission BBQ paid tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11 with a heartfelt remembrance ceremony today. We are forever grateful for the brave first responders who risk their lives every single day to keep us safe." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "We are so excited to offer a new series of programming for homeschoolers at your Raleigh Court Branch Library! Mill Mountain Zoo's Education Department is providing three, 2-hour long classes on wildlife and conservation for homeschool students!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "🚒 On this First Responder's Day, we salute the heroes who rush towards danger to keep us safe. As a tribute to their unwavering dedication, today we showcase the 1952 Squad Wagon, a custom-built masterpiece by Oren Roanoke Corp." (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you around!

— 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