🌱 New Biotechnology Facility Opening + Driver Rescued From Train

And just like that it's Friday! Good morning, everybody! Here's a fresh copy of the Roanoke PATCH newsletter with what's happening in the community today, including:

• Two labs abducted in Franklin County found dead
• Star City to Music City airfare resumes
• Troutville woman who shot husband appears in court

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Winds subsiding and cooler. High: 60 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Colby and Caleb, the two black labs taken from Waid Park in Franklin County, were found dead Tuesday afternoon. A resident on the 500 block of Carolina Springs Road called the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to report the bodies located on the side of the road and it was soon confirmed to be the two missing dogs. "We were devastated because they had all the opportunity to just let them loose or turn them in somewhere even for a reward, but they chose not to so we’re having a really hard time with it at this point, but we know that something good will come," said the dogs' owner Rhonda Michel. The boys' bodies were sent to Virginia Tech to determine a cause of death and a candlelight vigil is being held Saturday night in Waid Park. (WSET)
2. The City of Roanoke, Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, Verge, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, and Virginia Western Community College have announced that they are partnering up to bring a biotechnology incubator facility to Roanoke. Verge will use the facility to host new talent programs and both Virginia Western and Virginia Tech will expand its current offerings in the biomedical and biotechnology fields to enhance educational opportunities for students interested in those fields. "Roanoke is building a strong case for companies to look at this region and say, ‘This is a place where I want to be.' We are excited that so many partners were able to come together to make this project a reality in a relatively short period of time," said Marc Nelson, City of Roanoke director of Economic Development. The facility will be located in the semi-ominous looking black glass building on Jefferson Street near Athens Grill and Physicians to Children. (Press Release)
3. A Troutville woman who is accused of shooting her husband made her first appearance in court Wednesday and is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Rhonda Hinkley, 59, appeared briefly to sign a waiver to her right to a preliminary hearing, which results in her case being sent to the grand jury that will meet again in March. Hinkley phoned the Botetourt County E-911 center on Jan. 12 to inform them that she had shot her husband, Walter Hinkley, 60, and deputies responded to the scene to find the two in the driveway — her with a gun and him with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Her husband has since been treated and released from the hospital. No motive has been given, though it is believed to be domestic in nature. (WSLS)
4. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Allegiant Air have announced the return of direct flights between the Star City and Nashville. Round trip service will be offered Thursdays and Sundays beginning Feb. 16 with fares as low as $38 one way. "We’re excited for this service between Roanoke and the Music City to return. Passenger traffic levels definitely factor into airlines’ decision-making on where to add capacity, and we’re hopeful this direct service will continue," said Mike Stewart, executive director of Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. The service is expected to have a trial run through May 14, but could be extended if volume dictates. Flight time between the two cities is roughly two hours, but a change in time zone from Eastern to Central has to be factored in. (WDBJ)
5. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue was called to the scene of a single vehicle accident around 2 p.m. on Wednesday and crews arrived to find a pickup truck overturned and lying on a railroad track. With the one of the occupants trapped inside the truck, a multi-agency effort began to stop an oncoming train between Boones Mill and Roanoke while crews worked to free the driver from the wreckage. With the aid of the Roanoke County E 9-11 Center, Norfolk Southern Railroad, Roanoke County Police, and the Virginia State Police, the train was stopped, the driver was freed, and both occupants were taken to the hospital for treatment. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• VHSL State Wrestling Championships at the Salem Civic Center (10 a.m.)
• Valentine’s Weekend Celebration at the Hotel Roanoke (6 p.m.)
• Kevin Daniel at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Book Launch with Cathryn Hankla: Immortal Stuff at Book No Further (7 p.m.)
• Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohen, & Sarah Jarosz at the Shaftman Performance Hall (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Roanoke's newest mural is now live! Artist Bryce Cobbs has unveiled both his original canvas and large-scale mural at the Berglund Center. The art honors the history and people who once lived in Gainsboro neighborhood, prior to urban renewal. The Berglund Center now stands where homes once were, and today they revealed the new names of their parlor rooms after previous residents and dedicated the last tree standing from the pre-existing neighborhood." (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• The Agape Center Vinton-Roanoke: "Do you have GENTLY USED furniture you've been considering getting rid of? Perhaps in a finished basement or just in storage somewhere?
  We would gratefully take it off your hands! Our furniture section has been in need of restocking for a while now and we have families waiting! Visit us at 1568 Granby St. in Roanoke on TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and the SECOND SATURDAY of each month from 9 a.m. - Noon!" (The Agape Center Vinton-Roanoke via Facebook)
• Remini's: "The wait is over! Our America’s Best Restaurants episode is complete and ready for you to enjoy! If you’re new here, here’s a little about us: Great quality food and great tasting food combined with our laid-back atmosphere is what we strive to do. Remini’s has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and a great demonstration of how your food is prepared. Our 'show kitchen' will allow you to see your meal being prepared from start to finish by our culinary team." (Remini's via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com