🌱 NFL Player Launches Reading Campaign + 81-Year-Old Still Missing

Hello there, Roanokers! Time for another look at what's going on around town, including updates on...

• Historian Rebecca Boggs Roberts to speak for Roanoke History Museum.
• Suspect arrested after hours-long barricade.
• City considering adjusting zoning ordinances to build affordable housing.

Let's motor! 🚙

But first, today's weather: A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 89 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. On Tuesday, the Roanoke Police Department responded to a barricade situation with a potentially armed suspect at a residence on Arcadia Drive. Police advised the public to avoid the area while negotiators worked to take the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Rodolfo Benitez, into custody safely. After several hours, Benitez was arrested and charged with domestic assault for the incident, with additional charges pending. No injuries were reported. (WSET)
2. The Roanoke History & O. Winston Link Museums will host its annual fundraising event "History is Served" at the Hotel Roanoke on Oct. 12. The keynote speaker will be author Rebecca Boggs Roberts, who will discuss First Lady Edith Wilson in relation to Roberts' new book "Untold Power." Tickets to the evening gala, including a reception, dinner, and auction, are $100 per person. Sponsorship tables and special dinner seating with Roberts are also available. Proceeds benefit the Historical Society of Western Virginia's operation of the Roanoke History and Link Museums, located in a historic train station across from the Hotel Roanoke. (Roanoker)
3. Former New England Patriot and literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell is the first reader in Roanoke City Public Schools' new 52 Weeks of Reading campaign. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., Mitchell and other special guests will read a book virtually to promote literacy and family reading time. Mitchell, who founded the Share the Magic Foundation to improve childhood literacy, visited local schools recently to speak about the importance of reading in his life and encourage students' passion for reading. The weekly story time readings can be viewed on the RCPS website as part of the new partnership between RCPS and Cox to motivate students and families to read together. (WDBJ)
4. Police are still searching for 81-year-old Jim Herman Smith, who went missing on Monday and suffers from cognitive impairment. Bloodhounds tracked Smith to 11th Street and Orange Avenue Northwest on Monday morning, indicating he may have gotten into a vehicle. With the search expanded citywide and no sightings in over 24 hours, police are urging residents to check their properties thoroughly, as Smith may have sought shelter from the heat. Anyone who has information about Smith's whereabouts or may have picked him up on Monday morning is asked to contact police immediately at 911, as there are concerns about dehydration due to the warm weather conditions. (WSLS)
5. The City of Roanoke is considering adjusting zoning ordinances to make it easier for developers to build affordable housing and help address the shortage of around 4,000 housing units. Proposed changes include removing public hearing requirements to streamline the process, increasing density capacity, and making housing more accessible for low-income and vulnerable residents. The planning commission believes eliminating barriers will incentivize development but notes that revising ordinances is only one part of solving the affordable housing crisis and changes will not create immediate results. The commission plans to gather community input over the next few weeks as they consider the zoning adjustments. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, September 7

• Party in Elmwood featuring The Entertainers and Bootleg BBQ (5:30 p.m.)
• Gaymer Night at the Roanoke Diversity Center (7 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Carolina Mudcats at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7:05 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "New species just dropped — we have never gotten this animal before! This is a Pickerel frog who was found dragging one of his back legs. Pickerel frogs can secrete toxins on their skin when scared that are toxic to many other animals and can even be fatal to some smaller animals." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Peak fall leaf color predictions are in! 🥳 Plan your next metro mountain adventure around experiencing the vibrant fall colors and foliage of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains! We can't wait to see the autumn leaves throughout the Roanoke area!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Many local communities have groups of cats living outdoors, called colonies. Passionate individuals and groups, like our Community Cat Crew, take care of these cats by providing food, water, and shelter." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Roanoke Diversity Center: "Starting today! Every Tuesday from 4-8 will be happy hour for all at A Few Old Goats Brewing. A safe and inclusive space for all people to get together. Thanks A Few Old Goats for this wonderful idea." (Roanoke Diversity Center via Facebook)
• Botetourt County: "⚾️Making BOCO proud! Run don’t walk to the Salem Red Sox game tonight to support our local MLB athlete! We are proud of you Zack! #bocobrag" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you 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