🌱 RCPS Unveils New Logo + Four Shot, Two Killed In Weekend Violence

Hello, neighbors. Do you know what time it is? Of course, you do! It's time for the esteemed Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, full of everything you need to know about what's going on locally. Including updates on...

• Suspect involved in the murder of a man in Roanoke has been sentenced.
• Best of the Mountains Awards 2023 unveiled.
• County police warn of increased scam calls.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 83 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke Police reported three shootings in which four young people were shot, resulting in two fatalities. The first incident occurred on Melrose Avenue, where one person was killed on Saturday morning. Shortly afterward, two more individuals were shot at a business on Hershberger Road. On Sunday night, a teenager was fatally shot on 18th Street. All the victims were between the ages of 15 and 19. During a press conference, law enforcement expressed their concern about the young victims, emphasizing that they had not yet had the opportunity to make a positive impact or shape their futures. Bishop J. L. Jackson, a member of the FEDUP organization, shared his firsthand experience of consoling the devastated mothers of the deceased victims, highlighting the many unanswered questions surrounding these tragic events. Anyone with information is asked to call 540-344-8500 or anonymously submit a text message to the number 274637 (CRIMES) and start your message with “RoanokePD” when sent. (WDBJ)
2. Roanoke City Public Schools will introduce a new logo and website. Superintendent Verletta White and Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Kelly Sandridge revealed the new designs. The logo portrays a star at the center, representing collaborative learning between students and teachers. The website redesign incorporates improved accessibility features, including a translation option for individuals with disabilities. The division-wide and school-based websites are set to be launched on Wednesday, coinciding with the adoption of the new logo by the school system. (WFIR)
3. A second suspect involved in the murder of a man in Roanoke has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison. Jaytwon Shepherd, from Roanoke, pleaded guilty to the murder of Arnez Kirtley and received a 43-year sentence, with 25 years suspended. This means he will serve 18 years in prison. The shooting took place in February 2022 on Jefferson Street in Southwest Roanoke. The victim was found critically injured inside a home and later died at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Initially charged with first-degree murder, Shepherd's charge was later amended to second-degree. The first suspect, Bryson W. Berger, aged 21, is facing charges of second-degree murder and has a court hearing scheduled for July 18. (WSLS)
4. Blue Ridge Country magazine conducted its 2023 Best of the Mountains reader poll, where readers voted for their favorite towns, attractions, and activities. The survey featured 48 categories, and readers from seven states participated. The Roanoke area achieved notable wins, including third place for Best Retirement Town, Best Biking Trail (Roanoke River Greenway), Best Motorcycle Route (Blue Ridge Parkway, NC-VA), Best Caverns (Dixie Caverns, Salem), and Best Museum (Taubman Museum of Art). The Grandin Theatre received third place for Best Historic Theater, while the Historic Roanoke City Market secured second place for Best Farmers Market. The results were published in the July/August 2023 issue of Blue Ridge Country. (Roanoker Magazine)
5. The Roanoke County Police Department is alerting the public to be wary of telephone scams. Scammers are contacting residents, posing as Roanoke County Police officials and claiming that the residents have outstanding warrants. These fraudulent callers may request payment details or attempt to extract inappropriate personal information. Additionally, they employ a technique called "spoofing" to display official Roanoke County telephone numbers on caller ID. The police department emphasizes that they do not make calls regarding outstanding warrants and will never ask for money or financial information over the phone. They advise residents not to disclose payment, financial, or personal information to anyone claiming to be from the Roanoke County Police. (WDBJ)

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Roanoke? Partner with the Roanoke Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, June 28

• Opening day of the Salem Fair at the Salem Civic Center (4 p.m.)
• Stand-up Comedy Night with the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6:30 p.m.)
• Isaac Hadden Organ Trio at the Grandin Theatre (7 p.m.)
• Children's Literature Lecture by Author Amanda Cockrell (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Caw caw crows! We have two baby American Crows at the Center currently. Crows are a bird that everyone knows — hardly a day goes by without seeing one of these fly overhead or forage in the grass on your daily commute." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke College: "Wúnderbar news! George Kendall ’23 has been tapped for a Fulbright that will send him to Germany to serve as a teacher and cultural ambassador. Fulbright is one of the most selective and prestigious programs in international education." (Roanoke College - Salem, VA via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, June 12-17. Happy Tails to Valentino, Pebbles, Brodie, Rocket, Devon, Lapis, Sylvia, Winnie, Starry, Draco, Macho, and Ginger who all went home! Pictured are a few of the happy families!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "We had the best time with YOU this morning at the Anything but a Paintbrush program. Didn’t get a chance to swing by this morning? We have a ton of great programs happening all week and we’d love to see you!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)

Whew! Alright that's your morning briefing before you head out onto the mountain. Now you're in the loop! See you tomorrow for 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com