🌱 Multiple Residences Set On Fire + Officer Files Defamation Lawsuit

Good morning, everybody and Happy Veterans Day! Here's a fresh edition of the Roanoke Daily for your reading pleasure. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• Meet Scarlet the Chaplain Dog
• Roanoke Catholic culture fair
• Spanish language pet clinic

Let's roll out!

But first, today's weather:

Tropical Rainstorm Nicole.

High: 69 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A Roanoke City police officer has filed a defamation lawsuit against the city alleging that they defamed him in a 2020 Facebook post about a mural called 'End Racism Now.' The post featured the names of several Black Americans killed by police brutality and includes the name of Raheem Aleen, a 19-year-old home invasion suspect who exchanged gunfire with police and whom police officer Sgt. Jason Hicks shot and killed as a result. The shooting was ruled justifiable, but Hicks says he and others interpreted the city's post as conflating his actions with racism by including Aleen's name. Hicks is seeking $50,000 in damages. (WFIR)
2. Neighbors called 911 to report flames rising from a nearby residence at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and 10th Street in northwest Roanoke on Wednesday afternoon. When crews got to the scene, they found two structures burning with the fire from one having spread to the other. The flames were contained and ultimately extinguished, but the house where the fire started is estimated to be a total loss. After an investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office, the blaze was determined to be arson and to be related to an earlier blaze. 31-year-old Heather Johnson was later arrested, though there has been no word yet on what her motivation was in setting the fires. (WSLS, WDBJ)
3. Shield Chaplaincy, a Roanoke area nonprofit dedicated to providing spiritual services to area police officers and their families, has announced that they've added a four-legged chaplain to their growing organization. Chaplain Darren Potter introduced Scarlet, a 4-year-old golden retriever, on social media in early October and said he plans to take her to pre-shift lineups and briefings. "She’s just there to lower the anxiety level, to bring a sense of calm," he said. Scarlet was raised and trained by Mutts with a Mission, a Virginia Beach nonprofit who provides service dogs to veterans and first responders. (Roanoke Times)
4. Students at Roanoke Catholic School held their first ever Culture Fair on Wednesday afternoon offering children the chance to travel around the world without ever leaving the school grounds. The idea came from students who wanted to recognize the diverse cultures of their peers. The goal of the fair, said student organizer Malissa Louis, was "that they recognize that there’s a bunch of different cultures represented within the school and that they learn today from each one of them." (WDBJ)
5. Angels of Assisi and Casa Latina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of Hispanic citizens of the Roanoke area, have announced that they will be partnering up to offer a pet clinic in Spanish. During the event pet wellness checks will be discounted to only $10 and staff will be on hand to make further appointments as necessary. "We are excited to serve Roanoke’s Spanish-speaking community in a way that we have not been able to before. We are grateful to Casa Latina volunteers who will provide translators so that we are sure that both the pet owners and the Angels of Assisi staff and veterinarians understand each other completely," said Lisa O’Neill, executive director of Angels of Assisi. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Stocked Market Shopping Extravaganza by the Junior League of Roanoke Valley (11 a.m.)
• Latte and Learn by Junior Achievement SWVA at Hershberger Starbucks (11 a.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Macon Mayhem at the Berglund Center Coliseum (7 p.m.)
• Low Low Chariot at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium at Colonial Downs (8 p.m.)
• Travers Brothership at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Roanoke!

• If you want to nominate a local hero, click here
• If you want to nominate a local athlete, click here.

From my notebook:

• Roanoke County Police Department: "Congratulations to our own Sgt. Jacobs for being recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police with its '40 Under 40' Award for 2022." (Roanoke County, VA Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "While schools were closed for Election Day yesterday, Patrick Henry JROTC Cadets took time to place flags on every veteran's grave at Evergreen Burial Park in honor of Veterans Day. If you have time this week, take a moment to drive through!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Friday is Veterans Day and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who have served, continue to serve, and those whose service ended too soon." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Popular spots like the Triple Crown and Peaks of Otter are great trails for hiking in Virginia's Blue Ridge, but we also have lots of underrated trails you should definitely check out during your metro mountain adventure!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Botetourt County: "As we near Veterans Day, we want to shout out and recognize Lois and her team at New Freedom Farm, Inc., You are all appreciated more than you will ever know, and we are #BOCOGrateful for you!" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and all set for this Friday. I'll see you tomorrow with a new 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com