🌱 Neuroscience Conference + Additional Funds For School Security

Hey, friends! It's Thursday in Roanoke and I'm back with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and more humid.

High: 90 Low: 70.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Roanoke Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top five stories in Roanoke today:

1. The International Precision Neuroscience Conference, a combined effort of Virginia Tech and institutes in Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden, took place at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center recently. After being delayed by the pandemic, the third annual symposium brought researchers, clinicians and students side-by-side for three days to share ideas that may help people worldwide who are coping with brain disorders. “This represents a meeting of the minds of a group of researchers and physicians who many years ago found that there really was a gap between incredible scientific discoveries and the ability to apply those discoveries for better care for patients with psychiatric or neurological disorders or injuries,” said Michael Friedlander, Virginia Tech vice president for Health Sciences and Technology." (Roanoke Star)
2. The Roanoke City School Board voted Tuesday night to allocate an additional $600,000 towards school safety initiatives. The additional funding will be a part of the 2023-24 school budget, but it has not yet been decided exactly what initiatives the money will be spent on. “We are so grateful to our school board’s commitment to safety. And they are putting funds where the priority is,” said Superintendent Verletta White. "Parents and community members, staff members still have time to weigh in . We are accepting that input all the way until July 5. We are encouraging everyone to go to our website, find the survey, and weigh in on those recommendations.” (WSLS)
3. Code Enforcement staff with the City of Roanoke are closely monitoring a situation at the Ashton Heights Apartments in Northwest Roanoke after several tenants complained of their apartments being flooded with raw sewage. Residents have said there has been no effort to clean up the mess since it happened on Saturday and that this kind of flooding has been a frequent issue for some time. "The water’s just been sitting. Nobody's came to try and just clean it up. It’s happened countless of times but within the last two months its been a lot more frequent, like every other week," said tenant Taniah Ferguson. Property managers for the complex declined comment and asked reporters to leave the property immediately. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke City Schools Superintendent Verletta White received a two year extension on her contract from the Roanoke City School Board Tuesday night. White has been in the position since 2020 and her original contract was due to expire in 2024. "I’m grateful for the faith and trust they’ve placed in me to continue this work. I continue to say that we are onto something special here," she said. (WSLS)
5. Community School, a private school focused on children ages 11 - 14 located next to the Hollins University campus on Williamson Road, has been named one of twelve schools of distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education. The school was chosen from among more than 100 schools that applied and had to pass a rigorous evaluation. Executive Director Linda Roth said, "We are honored to be recognized by the AMLE as a School of Distinction for the many ways we encourage our students to be engaged and empowered to explore their gifts. Community School has been educating students in the Roanoke Valley for over 50 years and it’s very rewarding to know that going forward we have the support of AMLE to help us continue our growth and success.” (WSLS 10)

Today in Roanoke:

• Live music: Roanoke Old Time & Americana Jam at Golden Cactus Brewing (6 p.m.)
• Yo.Go.Play at Morningside Urban Farm (6:30 p.m.)
• Live music: Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "Although October is breast cancer awareness month, Sergeant Vazquez and Deputy Whitaker were recently presented with pink badges in celebration of winning the battle against breast cancer. What a great inspiration to others." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Ever heard of a Northern rough-winged swallow? This baby bird was rescued by a police officer in Patrick County after the baby fell out of the nest at a local station and could not be re-nested." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Puppies like Skye go out to foster care in order to grow big enough for their neuter or spay surgery. But they also learn valuable socialization skills by meeting new people and maybe even other pets!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Highland Park families and staff are having a fun time celebrating summer together and learning about Wit and Wisdom!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke College: "Cardinal News highlighted our President-elect Frank Shushok recently. Read this inspirational story about the power of education and educators. We can't wait to officially welcome President Shushok to campus soon!" (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "Reminder that USA Cycling will be in town this week holding its Amateur Road National Championships! Through Friday there will be trials and road races in Botetourt County." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Recently, Station 7 had a very nice family visit and give the crews a brand new basketball and football! The Brittle family wanted to express their gratitude to the 7-C crew who has been especially kind to their little boy, Luke." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow with your next update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com