🌱 Northside Suit Motion To Dismiss Denied + U.S. Senators Visit Area

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time for the revered Friday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter! So, here's what's happening in town, including news on:

• Bobcat released into the wild.
• Democratic primary set for crowded 4th district race.
• ECPI students compete in Unified Championship Week.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Cooler; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 67 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Virginia's senior senator, Mark Warner, visited Roanoke to speak at a conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Wednesday. The conference was titled 'Investing in Rural America' and Warner's remarks centered around increasing access to affordable housing, broadband internet, and access to capital funds. "Housing has always been that ‘yes, we’ve got to get to it next’ — and we’ve never gotten to it next. I’d give Congress an absolute failing grade," Warner said. Warner also made stops in Clarke County to discuss agricultural issues, Rockbridge County to deliver federal funding checks for water infrastructure, and Botetourt County to talk high-speed internet access in rural communities. (Cardinal News)
2. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center rescued a bobcat kitten last year after finding the baby anemic, dehydrated, and covered in ticks. The center's efforts were able to help the kitten recover, but by the time he was ready to go it was the middle of the winter. "After overwintering with us, and eating an astonishing amount of food, we're proud to announce he's all grown up and back in the wild," the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center said in a statement. The bobcat was released in Roanoke County and a video taken by the center shows him leaving a carrier cage and bounding away in seconds, 9 months after he entered the center's care. A video of the release can be seen here. (WSET)
3. The judge in a lawsuit that alleges the Roanoke County School Board and individual school administrators had knowledge of improper conduct on the part of Lorstan Allan, a former soccer coach and IT specialist at Northside High School, denied a motion to dismiss the case at a recent hearing. The suit was filed by two unidentified women and since then three more have come forward to accuse the defendant as well. The judge found that the former students had sufficiently presented their case and that the suit could continue as such. The accusations against Allan are predatory behavior in an attempt to groom the students and accuses public school officials of failing to act on reports to prevent the actions. (WFXR)
4. A crowded race for the 4th district senate seat in the Virginia General Assembly is shaping up with a third democrat entering the race — D.A. Pierce, a William Fleming graduate, veteran of the Air Force, and an engineer draftsman, according to his campaign website. The race for the seat began with the announced retirement of long-time holder Sen. John Edwards and the eventual nominee will face formidable GOP candidate Sen. David Suetterlein due to the 2020 redistricting process. Pierce joins councilman and former Edwards chief of staff Luke Priddy as well as Roanoke's former vice mayor Councilwoman Trish White-Boyd, both of whom launched their campaigns in March. "Being a public servant isn’t new to me. My inspiration to serve the public comes from my mother, Darlene Pierce, who worked as a clerk in Roanoke City’s Commissioner of Revenue’s office for over 30+ years before retiring," Pierce said on his campaign website. The primary will be held June 20. (Roanoke Times)
5. The students in the No Bounds program at the ECPI University Campus on the corner of Airport Road NW and Towne Square Boulevard NW are competing in Unified Championship Week. The No Bounds program is designed to help students with mental disabilities go on to gain success after graduating from high school. Dr. Tina Bhandari said, "Every segment was taped with intent, and with intent to make the students feel they’re a whole part of the community service, the runs, the physical fitness." The contest is part of the Special Olympics program, and the students need your vote to win. Check out No Bounds’ Instagram page if you would like to help out by voting. (WSLS)

Today in Roanoke:

• The Wilson Springs Hotel with The Floorboards at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (6:30 p.m.)
• Yarn with special guest Brock William Butler at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)
• Tin Can Locomotive at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Everyone knows this bird — American Robins are commonplace and easily seen, which is why we get so many including this patient who is recovering from a nasty cat attack and has been in our care since early March." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week! This week, we celebrate and honor City of Roanoke E-911 Center personnel who work around the clock to serve this community." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "🎤 Get ready for the ultimate throwback concert! 🎉 The Pop 2000 tour is coming with Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC, O-Town, BBMak, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO! Relive the early 2000s and sing your heart out to all your favorite hits. Don't miss it!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "We can't wait to get out on the water at Carvin's Cove! 😍 These photos perfectly capture our region and the outdoor adventures that await this spring and summer ☀️ Get2KnowNoke | Virginia is for Lovers" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

There you have it! The revered Friday edition. Revered by who I'm not sure, but hey who doesn't like adjectives? Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you tomorrow morning for the 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