🌱 New, But Familiar Fire Chief in Bedford + Gun Violence Campaign

Morning, Roanoke! I'm back with a fresh copy of the Roanoke Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

First, today's weather:

Hot and humid with a good possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. So, yesterday's weather, but today.

High: 93 Low: 73.

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Here are the top five stories in Roanoke today:

1. Todd Stone, a native of Bedford and a familiar face at both the Roanoke and Bedford Fire Departments, has been named the new fire chief in Bedford. Stone has served for nearly 30 years in both localities.“It will probably be one of the biggest honors of my career being the chief in the town I was raised in. The Bedford Fire Department is 134 years old this year. We have never turned over a call," he said. (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission is in the early stages of researching a public awareness campaign to better publicize the group's mission, which is to solve gun violence in the Star City. "We want to make sure that we look at every angle to get this word out and to reach as many people as we can. You can’t just do social media. You can’t just do print. You can’t just do TV or radio. So, what are the other ways? From door hangers to flyers to knocking on doors. We want to hear what reaches people," said Commission Chairman Joe Cobb. (WDBJ)
3. Roanoke Fire Marshals have determined that a vehicle fire on Rutherford Avenue over the weekend was intentionally set. Roanoke Fire EMS responded to a call early Sunday morning and got the flames under control. Michelle D. Sellers, 48 of Roanoke, was determined to be at fault and arrested on charges of arson of a motor vehicle. She is being held in the Roanoke City Jail. (WDBJ)
4. A lawsuit filed by a Roanoke city homeowner against seven Roanoke City police officers has been settled and a petition to have the case dismissed has been issued. Homeowner Cathy Reynolds sued the department, a sergeant, a detective, and five officers after her home was damaged during the execution of a search warrant for a murder suspect. The city chose to settle the last of Reynolds' three claims after a federal court threw out two others. The city says the settlement of $13,500 for damages to Reynolds' front door and siding is in the best interests of the city and its residents. (WDBJ)
5. The human remains found in the Lost Creek Wilderness of Colorado in 2020 have been identified as those of a Roanoke native. Gregory Allan Woodford, 30, a Navy veteran, was identified by the Park County Coroner’s Office using forensic genealogy. Woodford went missing in June of 2019. Nearly a year later, hiking teenagers found the scattered skeletal remains and notified area law enforcement. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• “Curious George: The Golden Meatball” presented by Mill Mountain Theatre at Market Square (10:30 a.m.)
• Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (5:15 p.m.)
• Roanoke Old Time & Americana Jam at Golden Cactus Brewing (6 p.m.)
• Yo Go Play presented by Carilion Clinic Community Health and Outreach at Morningside Urban Farm (6:30 p.m.)
• Jeremy Davall at Crescent City BBQ (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke said, "Nature is amazing! These two fledglings (both injured by cats) are both American Robins but the difference in coloration between the two is astounding!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA said, "Happy tails to the adopters and their adopted pets who formed new families this week, June 6 - 11! We can't thank the adopters enough for opening their hearts and homes to a shelter pet!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside wants to know "Who's ready to float this summer? If you're looking for the adventure, but don't know where to start, we've put together our top seven tubing spots in Virginia's Blue Ridge. We hope it helps!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Fire EMS would like to say "Congratulations to Capt. Rhett Fleitz for graduating from Virginia Chief Officer Academy, and Lt. Jason Focht for graduating from Virginia Fire Officer Academy that was held last week at the College of William and Mary." (Roanoke Fire EMS via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said, "Today marks the start of our annual summer reading program, once again generously sponsored by Cox! Students who read at least 600 minutes over the summer and turn in a completed reading log will receive a FREE book and gift card!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said, "Last week, Lucy Addison held a staff vs. 8th grade basketball game! Staff were ahead most of the game, but the students came very close to winning near the end. The final score was staff 43 to students 40. Thank you for sharing, Ms. Hanks!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government said, "We’re taking the Roanoke Youth Summit 2022 OUTSIDE to Washington Park this year! ☀️ All middle and high school students in the City of Roanoke are welcome to join us for some FUN on Saturday, June 25!" (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre is "So excited for our student creatives!! What fun we are having!! Way to go Drew and Asher!" (Virginia Children's Theatre via Instagram)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc. said, "Grab your tickets to see Brett Eldredge live at the Budweiser Summer Series! Lauren Alaina will open the show! 🎤 August 19th at Elmwood Park 🎤 Cost: $39 Visit DowntownSummerSeries.com for details." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley would like to say "Thanks to the great volunteers from Whiting-Turner Contracting HQ who came out on Friday, June 10 to help on the home being built at 1127 14th Street SE! What an awesome group of volunteers! 🙂🏠" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you again tomorrow.

— 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