🌱 National Night Out Celebrations + New Teen Poetry Camp At Libraries

Hello, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll find news about...

• Music games raise money for Salem band programs.
• VDOT invites input on Peters Creek Road and Williamson Road.
• Roanoke man sentenced for biting officer, stealing her patrol car.

Let's go!

But first, today's weather: A stray t-storm; more humid. High: 82 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. This year's National Night Out events aimed to build relationships between police and neighborhood groups in order to make communities safer and more connected. Following a recent surge in violent crime, interim police chief Jerry Stokes attended the events to connect with residents, build trust, and emphasize the importance of community partnerships in addressing crime. Groups like the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood Forum hosted National Night Out gatherings to bring neighbors together, strengthen relationships, and foster open communication that could help prevent violence. (WSLS)
2. Elite marching bands competed at the Salem Stadium on Tuesday night, performing for over 1,400 people as part of the Drum Corps International's Summer Music Games tour. The event raised money for the Salem Band Boosters to support local school music programs. Bands like Carolina Crown rehearse and perform rigorously while touring the country over 13 weeks, demonstrating the highest levels of musicianship. Three members of the Salem High School Band are performing with Jersey Surf this summer, inspiring other student musicians in the audience who aspire to march at the elite level one day. Funds from the event help cover transportation costs for Salem's bands and ensure all students can participate regardless of financial circumstances. (WFXR)
3. A three-week Teen Speak: Poetry Camp kicks off on Aug. 3 at the Melrose Branch Library, providing middle and high school students the opportunity to explore creative writing through poetry. Organized in conjunction with Arts in Roanoke, The Grandin Theatre, and the Star City Safe Initiative, the free drop-in workshop will meet Thursday evenings from 5-7:30 p.m. and will be led by teacher Adria Cintron and artist Bryan Hancock. Students will workshop and develop original poems, culminating in a live performance at The Grandin Theatre on Sept. 21 where they will share their work with the community. (WDBJ)
4. The Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting a study to evaluate potential safety and transportation improvements along Plantation Road and part of Williamson Road in Roanoke County. VDOT is seeking public input through an online survey open until Aug. 15 to help identify issues and develop recommendations to be considered for future funding. The survey and contact information for providing comments are available at Project Pipeline Peters Creek Road & Williamson Road Study (SA-23-06) - PublicInput. Community feedback will inform the study team's analysis during this initial phase, and there will be additional opportunities for public comment as the study progresses. (WDBJ)
5. Terry F. Yerkey, 43, was sentenced to 2.5 years in jail after pleading guilty to grand larceny and assault of a law enforcement officer in Roanoke. In August 2022, Yerkey attacked Officer Cynthia Berrman, biting her arm, and then stole her police vehicle, crashing it at high speed in Botetourt County. The prosecutor argued for a harsher 10-year sentence due to the dangerous nature of the crimes, but the defense pointed to Yerkey's long history of drug addiction and his remorseful, confused state after the incident. The judge ultimately sentenced Yerkey to 3 years with 1 year suspended for the assault and 1.5 years suspended for the grand larceny. After release, Yerkey will serve 1 year probation focused on substance abuse treatment. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, August 3

• Party in Elmwood featuring Jim Quick & Coastline with food vendor KEFI (5:30 p.m.)
• Phat Anchovies at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Karaoke at 2 Chill Restaurant (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Talk about a double whammy! This poor young Wood Thrush not only hit a window but was then caught by a cat AFTER hitting the window! But he's in good hands now." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Crime Prevention Alert – Daleville Residents Deputies are investigating a series of thefts that have occurred in the Daleville area. All of these incidents have involved valuables being taken from unlocked vehicles at night." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We had a blast photographing your pets for our Summer Pet Portrait fundraiser! We even had a visit from one of our animal alumni and it was so good to see him! Our next pet portrait session will take place on Oct. 15!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Check out this stunning sunset image of Tim Lewis's 500th summit to McAfee Knob! 🥳 Congratulations on your incredible achievement, Tim! Want to experience these sky-high views? Learn more about hiking McAfee Knob at the link." (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

That's it for today. 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