🌱 Officials Respond To School Threats + County Police Chief Retiring

Hello fellow Roanokers! Happy weekend! I hope you've found a few entertaining options to enjoy in our fair city today. If you're looking for something to sit down and chill with may I humbly recommend a new action movie called "SECTION 8?" As I may have mentioned in addition to writing this newsletter, I'm also a screenwriter and, while I'm not directly involved in "Section 8," many of the people I work with regularly are and we would all appreciate your support. OK, enough about that... in this edition you'll read about:

• A 2020 domestic violence case with a surprising verdict...
• Virginia Children's Theatre's new manager and upcoming season.
• And meet sweet and snuggly Gerard in the Notebook section!

Let's goooo!

But first, today's weather:

Turning sunny and pleasant.

High: 76 Low: 58.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Virginia's junior senator, Tim Kaine, recently responded to threats made against schools in and around the Roanoke area. In a video conference from Washington, Kaine said, "We have to have really good training for our school personnel to be able to understand the difference between a stunt and a threat that’s serious. And then you always have to err on the side of caution. Training, sharing of best practices among jurisdictions, and guidance from the State Police can help, but in the end, schools and other organizations have no choice but to take the threats seriously." Kaine was specifically addressing the lockdowns that happened this week at William Fleming, Patrick Henry, and Lucy Addison schools in Roanoke City. At a separate press conference RCPS Superintendent Verletta White said, "Apparently this is a game to some students. We cannot continue to do what we’ve been doing and expect a different result. Therefore, we need to change. That could mean canceling homecoming events, canceling sporting events, canceling after-school clubs, activities, and concerts. It could also mean adding days to the school calendar for any lost instructional time." (WDBJ, WDBJ, WSLS)
2. A long gestating domestic violence case in which a Vinton woman was repeatedly abused by her live-in boyfriend and that led to the boyfriend's death when the woman's 10-year-old son shot him, has finally been heard by a court. Teirra Shanae Poindexter, 31, was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Carlos Andre Jones, 29, and two counts of felony child neglect after a smartphone video showed her pointing a pistol at Jones as he held up her son as a human shield. The judge in the case, Charlie Dorsey, said the decision to convict Poindexter was in large part because evidence showed she had left the apartment to pick up her daughter from school, effectively de-escalating a downwardly spiraling situation, but then chose to return and continue the altercation. The violent situation between Jones and Poindexter had been going on for the better part of a year and included an earlier incident at a Roanoke 7-11 store in which Poindexter was punched, beaten, and threatened with a knife by Jones, but later chose to allow a protective order against him to expire. Poindexter's sentencing is scheduled for January 26th. (Roanoke Times)
3. The Virginia Children's Theater in Roanoke announced today that Director of Development Jeanne M. Bollendorf, who has been with the organization since 2017, is being promoted to managing director effective immediately. "VCT is thriving! It is time! I could not think of a more fitting employee for this new opportunity for VCT as we continue to grow and expand," said Producing Artistic Director Brett J. Roden. "Both Jeanne and I are entering our sixth season with the company. Throughout our time at VCT we have built trust and a partnership through our work and professional relationship. I am thrilled to have Jeanne serve in this new capacity." The news comes as VCT enters its 15th season with performances of "The Secret Garden," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Willy Wonka" on the schedule as well as others. "This is a season of love, hope and enchantment and it is filled to the brim with adventure! We hope audiences will join us for our 15th season, to fill their hearts with love, laughter and so much more,” Roden continued. (The Roanoker, VCT website, The Roanoker)
4. Roanoke County officials announced in a press release that police chief Howard Hall, who has served as police chief in Roanoke since 2012, will retire at the end of the calendar year. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve as chief of the Roanoke County Police Department for the past decade. Everyone in our agency should be proud of the work that has been done and the accomplishments that have been achieved towards keeping our communities safe," Hall said. During his 40-year career in law enforcement, Hall has received numerous recognitions including being inducted into the Evidence Based Policing Hall of Fame at the Center for Evidence Based Crime Policy at Mason University and receiving the J. Stannard Baker Award for lifetime contributions to traffic safety from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. "Howard has had a long and distinguished career in public service. He has been a tremendous asset for Roanoke County and is to be commended for his dedication to the profession and our community. We will miss his leadership but know he will enjoy a well-deserved retirement," said County Administrator Richard Caywood. (Roanoke Times, RCPD Press Release)

Today in Roanoke:

• Bearwallow Breakdown, starting and finishing at Buchanan Town Park (9 a.m.)
• Historic Fincastle Festival in the Town of Fincastle (9 a.m.)
• SW VA’s Bigfoot & Friends: A Cryptid Celebration at the Salem Civic Center (9 a.m.)
• Book and Bake Sale at the Fincastle Library (10 a.m.)
• Reading Dangerously: A Celebration of Banned Books at Book No Further (11 a.m.)
• Oktoberfest 2022 at Olde Salem Brewing Company (Noon)
• Roanoke Roots & Reggae Fest at Wasena Park (2 p.m.)
• Moonlight Grape Stomp at Amrhein’s Wine Cellars (4 p.m.)
• The Unlikely Candidates with Orange Culture at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Please watch this important joint message from Roanoke City Public Schools, the Roanoke Police Department, and the Roanoke Sheriff's Office regarding recent threats to RCPS." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Gerard is as soft as he is sweet and snuggly! He's going to make a precious addition to someone's family! Find out how to adopt at our website or call us at 540-339-9247!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Our Downtown Ambassador Program kicked off one week ago and the team has been busy! We’ll share more information about the team members and what they're up to in the come weeks but for now, here are a few impressive highlights." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "This week Sheriff Hash and members of the department traveled to the VSA conference in Virginia Beach. Many speakers were present, and they touched on a range of important topics. Check out the highlights here ~~~~>" (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Animal Hospital: "A big 🎊congrats🎉 to our newest licensed veterinary technician, Deanna! We are so proud of the hard work you have put in to achieve your LVT and equally as proud to have you as part of the RAH family!! 👏🎊🤩" (Roanoke Animal Hospital via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're back in the loop. I'll see you tomorrow!

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com