🌱RCPS Moves Ahead On School Plan + Vinton 25 MPH Speed Limit Extended

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's what's happening in the local news. Today you'll read about:

• Roanoke’s mayor and community member are optimistic about new police chief.
• Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum working to rebuild.
• Roanoke’s ‘A Few Old Goats Brewing’ “hops” into Buchanan.

Let's motor! 🛵

But first, today's weather: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 77 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. As the town of Vinton, Virginia, continues to grow, town officials are implementing new safety measures to protect pedestrians and drivers. Beginning Oct. 2, the speed limit on Gus Nicks Boulevard will be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph, extending the current 25 mph zone all the way to the town limits past the Gish Mill. With new businesses, apartments, a crosswalk, and increased foot traffic in the area, the lower speed limit aims to improve safety. For the next couple weeks, the Vinton Police Department will increase enforcement of the speed limit to encourage compliance before the change takes effect. The goal is to proactively change driving behaviors and prevent any incidents between vehicles and pedestrians in the changing neighborhood. (WDBJ)
2. After a devastating fire in 2017 destroyed 12 buses and most of its facilities, the Commonwealth Coach and Trolley Museum in Roanoke is appealing to the community to help rebuild. The nonprofit museum, which previously provided low-cost transportation services, is now rebuilding from scratch after the fire left them without their vintage fleet. Museum leaders are specifically looking for volunteers with mechanical and bodywork skills who can help restore the buses and facility. The museum plays an important cultural role in Roanoke by preserving historic modes of transit, but now needs the community's support to carry out its mission once again after the tragedy. By rallying volunteers and resources, the museum hopes to restore its ability to showcase transportation history for the public's benefit. (WSLS)
3. Roanoke County Public Schools is moving forward with plans to build a new career and technical education center and renovate two elementary schools after the School Board voted 5-0 on Thursday to advance two construction proposals to the next stage of review. The $130 million facilities improvement project, funded by the county supervisors, will replace the aging Burton Center for Arts and Technology and upgrade W.E. Cundiff and Glen Cove elementary schools. The board will now conduct a more detailed evaluation of project plans submitted by The Branch Group and Avis Construction before selecting one company to complete all the construction and renovations. While there is no set timeline yet, the first step will be a public hearing on Sept. 21 to gather community input. The school system has prioritized modernizing learning environments across the county through this major investment. (Subscription: Roanoke Times)
4. A Few Old Goats Brewing, a popular nano brewery in downtown Roanoke, is expanding to a second location that will open under the new name BFOG Brewing in the town of Buchanan in spring 2024. After gaining a loyal following since opening in 2018, A Few Old Goats will bring its constantly rotating selection of unique craft beers to the Factory Flats development in Buchanan. The owners, who met after moving from Ohio, credit strong community support in the Roanoke Valley for helping realize their dream of opening a second brewery. While keeping A Few Old Goats operating as usual, the new BFOG location will allow the business to reach more beer lovers across the region. Both beer fans and Buchanan town members have enthusiastically welcomed the forthcoming brewery. (WFXR)
5. The City of Roanoke has appointed Scott Booth as its new police chief beginning Oct. 31, selecting him to lead the department in reducing violent crime. Booth brings over 27 years of law enforcement experience from his current role as chief in Danville and previously with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Under his leadership in Danville, crime rates reached 35-year lows in 2020. Roanoke leaders hope Booth can build on the foundation established by outgoing Interim Chief Jerry Stokes to make further progress on public safety priorities in the community through effective prevention, intervention and enforcement. Residents and officials welcome Booth's fresh perspective and ideas to address pressing issues like gun violence. By refocusing the department's strategy and boots-on-the-ground policing, the city aims to ensure Roanoke remains a safe place for all. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, September 9

• Cross Country Invitational — Green Hill Park (9:15 a.m.)
• Taco Fest — Roanoke City Special Events (11 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The gang is all here! These are some of the last baby birds of the season, a quadruplet of Carolina wrens who are inseparable and curious! The Carolina wren is the state bird of South Carolina, but the species can be found all up and down the east coast." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "The members of the Roanoke Police Department are looking forward to serving the residents of Roanoke alongside Chief Booth. Help us welcome Chief Booth to Roanoke! #RPDpride" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Boss is a sweet boy who loves to cuddle and relax with his friends. He's working on his confidence with meeting new people, so he will need to meet and greet potential adopters multiple times. He is a foster to adopt pet, so we will provide extra support to help everyone get settled." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "🚗 Take a step back in time and experience the thrill of the sleek and swift 1949 Crosley Hotshot, generously donated by the Breedlove family of Giles County, Virginia. This dashing two-seater is a testament to style and speed." (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Instagram)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "The cozy vibes at Fire Station One are perfect for a metro mountain getaway! With so many fun fall festivals happening this season, it's a great time to plan an overnight stay in Downtown Roanoke. 😍" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all Tuesday 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