🌱🎅 Operation 'Coal In The Stocking' + Warming Shelters Erected

And it's Christmas! Merry Christmas! Everyone about as ready to get this bad boy over with as I am? Don't get me wrong I'm down for some holidays I just feel like the build up to this one starts in August anymore. Anyways, here's my present to you — the Christmas Day edition of the Roanoke Daily, including updates on...

• 🎁
• 🎁 — They're presents! You have to keep reading to find out!
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Dive in, but be sure to save the tissue paper! We can reuse that next year!

But first, today's weather:

Very cold; breezy in the a.m.

High: 33 Low: 17.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Community leaders across the Roanoke region are putting word out that there are places to go if you need help. Many across Southwest Virginia are still without power and that can mean no heat if their homes aren't outfitted with natural gas or if they don't have a generator. The Roanoke Rescue Mission has put its white flag out, which means anyone is welcome regardless of their circumstances, but said they need people to help people. "We certainly need more volunteers and we need all the help we can get so if you’re looking to volunteer and do something nice during this cold weather, give us a call,” said Kevin Berry, the Rescue Mission's Director of Marketing and Communications. (WSLS)
2. For Roanoke Fire EMS crews working in extreme cold means working ahead to make sure they have extra gear for when they have to go out. Chief David Hoback says their coats can get soaked when putting out a fire and in temperatures like those expected this weekend that can lead to the coats freezing, to hypothermia, and to frostbite. "It is gonna be a rough weekend for us; hopefully we won’t have any fires. It’s Christmas. We certainly don’t want anybody to have a fire on Christmas," he said. The department continues to struggle with vacant positions and currently have 20 openings, which means they're staffed just enough to keep their trucks in service. Chief Hoback asks that you check on your neighbors to be sure they have warm houses and to get them help if they don't. (WDBJ)
3. The historic Fincastle Jail in downtown Fincastle may soon have a brand new purpose that includes a gift shop and museum. The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors held a public meeting about a proposal to lease the old and long vacant building to historic preservationists Donald and Caroline Naysmith, owners and operators of Cardon Consulting — a real estate development company that specializes in historic preservation. "The jail is amazing. It hasn’t been changed at all. That’s very attractive to us. It needs to be restored so that people can get into it and enjoy it. That’s what we’re hoping to do," said Caroline Naysmith. The current proposal would see the county lease the building to the Naysmith's company for a period of 40 years for $1 per month with the company covering all costs using a combination of private funds, grants, and historic tax credits. (Botetourt Bee)
4. The United States Marshals Service has announced that it recently held what they have deemed a "coal in the stocking" operation in which they partnered with Roanoke regional law enforcement agencies to conduct a fugitive roundup. The Marshals' press release says they were able to execute 24 felony warrants, arrest 10 wanted individuals, seize a nine-millimeter handgun, and small amounts of cocaine, marijuana, and fentanyl. The operation was conducted on Dec. 22 in partnership with the Virginia State Police, Jefferson Area Drug Task Force, and the Western District of Virginia. (WFXR)
5. Salem City Council recently voted on its legislative priorities for the 2023 General Assembly session set to begin in January. The council passed nine initiatives, but most of the attention was focused on reversing a state mandate that moved local elections from May to November. Salem Mayor Renee Turk said, "those who care about local issues make an effort to come out and vote in May." Other initiatives included supporting the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in expanding its runway and making other improvements, more funding for mental health initiatives, and transportation projects. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Nothing! It's Christmas! Get in there and drink some more eggnog.

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "When Sheriff Ward received information from County Administrator Gary Larrowe that a senior couple in the Lithia area of the county had no heat in their home he immediately utilized the Sheriff’s Senior Focus Program to help." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Turn the sound up for this Common Loon release! This loon was found in a parking lot earlier this week in Roanoke and just needed some help getting back to the water, as loons cannot take off from land." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "What can we do to improve this wall? Let's find out in 2023! We're looking for proposals by muralists willing to work with stakeholders and the community to give new life to this canvas overlooking the award-winning River's Edge Park North!" (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Henry, a guest and friend of many at the Rescue Mission signed his lease papers yesterday! He is so excited to have a place he can call his own. Henry is known as a warm soul at the Rescue Mission, someone who makes everyone around him at ease. Congratulations Henry!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We want everyone to be safe today with this blustery cold weather. Please remember to keep pets safe, too! Keep potty breaks outside short during bad weather, and increase play time with your pets while they are indoors." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

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There we go! You're officially in the loop for this Christmas day! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com