🌱 New Brewery Announced For Daleville + Gun Violence Talent Show On

Good morning, friends! Happy weekend! Here's a fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter to get you started off right with what's happening locally, including:

• Roanoke County School Board responds to BoS CTE letter.
• Black History Month Art Contest winners announced.
• Salem-based bait business debuts new product.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy, showers around. High: 75 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Botetourt County and New Belgium Brewing Co. have announced the latter's acquisition of the former Ballast Point site in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. The current owner of the nearly 260,000 square feet facility, Constellation Brands, notified Botetourt County officials of the sale in a phone call early Thursday. "New Belgium Brewing is a nationally recognized name, and we are excited to learn more about the production plans of New Belgium brands right here in Botetourt County,” said Botetourt County Director of Economic Development Ken McFadyen. The current employees of the site will not be affected and have been offered jobs equal to or greater than what they currently have to stay with the new owner. (WSET)
2. The Roanoke County School Board has responded to a letter sent by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors regarding the planned Career & Technology Center, the funding of which has become a hot button issue between the two entities. At particular issue is the BoS request that the school board agree to repay an additional $21 million in debt out of the school budget. Frustration was the key feeling evident in one school board member's response. "Changing these things and them trying to force us to put Burton on here is not the right way to do this. So, the only way you effect change is to be a part of that change. We have to affect that change so that no other board tells a school board how they are going to do things at the schools,” said Tim Greenway, vice-chairman of the School Board. At the end of the day cooler heads prevailed and a proposal to split the $21 million 50/50 was floated. The BoS will now have to vote on the approval of that plan, but in the meantime the CTE Center is back on the list of upcoming 2024 - 2033 capital improvements. (WDBJ)
3. USCellular and The Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Virginia have announced the winners of its 16th Annual Black History Month Art Contest. The theme this year was influential Black STEM icons. Participants were asked to create an original piece of artwork featuring historical figures, world leaders, scientists, and educators who have had a significant impact on the world through STEM. The entries were featured digitally at USCellular retail locations throughout the Roanoke Valley and the winners — Aurelia Stoval, Trinity Dooley, Lynneisa Redd — received $250, $150, and $100 gift cards respectively for their first, second, and third place finishes. "We love working with Boys & Girls Club to celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the achievements of Black STEM icons such as Mae Jemison and Katherine Johnson,” said Nakeita Stewart, USCellular director of sales and operations in the region. (WFIR)
4. 'Talent in the Star,' a youth talent show organized, funded, and hosted by the Gun Violence Prevention Commission in Roanoke, is all set to "rock and roll," according to one commission member. The show is scheduled for Friday night at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson Center and is free to the public. The show will feature 23 contestants along with another 17 participants from among the area youth. "Music and the arts have saved my life over and over again. For so many kids and youth, singing, dancing, filmmaking, playing an instrument, these are the things that not only transform their lives at a young age, but can transform their lives throughout their entire life. I think this Talent in the Star program exemplifies the power of the arts,” said Joe Cobb, chair of the commission and Roanoke’s vice mayor. (Roanoke Times)
5. A Salem-based small business will be debuting a brand-new product at the Bassmaster Classic Expo in Knoxville this weekend. Missile Baits is a small company that creates soft plastic baits intended to help anglers catch more fish and whose products are credited with helping anglers win two 2022 Bassmaster Elite Circuit championships. Their newest product is the Mini Magic Worm, a smaller version of their flagship Magic Worm. "After all the bass I caught on the 6-inch Magic Worm last year, it was obvious that the worm is a winner. The Mini Magic is the natural progression for us to add. The Mini Magic is nasty on a drop shot when you need a smaller profile, but the big deal is that it is perfect on a drop shot wacky style," said Missile Baits President and Bassmaster Elite Series angler, John Crews. You can learn more about Missile Baits on their website here. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Exploring Watercolor Workshop at Art on 1st (10 a.m.)
• Phat Laces at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (6:30 p.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Fayetteville Marksmen at Berglund Center (7 p.m.)
• Alicia Olatuja at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (7 p.m. & 9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The Great Horned Owl owlet is doing well but is not old enough to eat on its own, so we assist feed this patient while wearing a huge mask that makes us look like an owl. Baby raptors can imprint on humans when they young which is why we wear masks when working with them." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Enjoy live music from the water! Check out the details below to add Concerts by Canoe to your summer schedule 😍 Visit Franklin County, Virginia | Franklin County, VA | Franklin County Parks and Recreation" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "The Boys and Girls Club in Vinton recently held a donation drive for the Roanoke Valley SPCA and wrapped up their fundraiser with a visit from our Canine Ambassador, Lightning! We were so excited to meet this fun and generous group!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Council: "Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing to receive the views of citizens with regard to options for enforcing a curfew and to hear additional ways to protect the youth in our communities on Thursday, March 30, at 6 p.m." (Roanoke, Virginia via Instagram)

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for your next 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