🌱 Rescue Crews Sent To Help In Buchanan Co. + New Kroger Program

Hi there, friends! Let's have at what's going on in the 'noke today!

First, today's weather:

Thunderstorms around in the p.m.

High: 87 Low: 66.

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Here are the top four stories in Roanoke today:

1. Zach Jackson, longtime co-host of K92's Mornin' Thang, had the disagreeable experience of having a tree fall on his home during recent severe weather. The radio host said he was at home and had just gone in to grab another cocktail when he heard a loud crash. "My son, he asked me, well what was that? I said I think a tree came down, and I went and I looked outside, and I saw the branches thinking, yeah a tree came down. Then I saw the damage on the house, and on the ground and everywhere, wow it really came down," Jackson said. Jackson went on to say he's thankful for the community support he's received. (WDBJ)
2. At a recent Roanoke Zoning Board of Appeals meeting residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions about a new hotel that has been proposed in the Crystal Spring area. While some residents said they welcomed the economic development, the main concern heard at the meeting was the already tight parking and lack thereof in the area. "The traffic will increase three or four times with the additional delivery trucks needed for a project of this size. This noise all filters into the buildings nearby. There will be more noise, this will cause more congestion in this area for the residents," said concerned resident Nancy Cronin. The board is set to vote on the project at the August meeting. (WSLS)
3. Roanoke City and Roanoke County Swiftwater Rescue crews received a call up around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Between the two departments and the city of Salem, 17 personnel were sent with boats and equipment to Buchanan County, which has been devastated by flooding after recent severe weather. “We do this together. We want all the teams to be successful and be safe while they’re doing it. That’s exactly why we want to be good at it, and when we help others, we know we may need to call them,” said Trevor Shannon, Roanoke City’s Battalion Chief of Emergency Management. (WSLS)
4. Kroger Mid-Atlantic stores recently announced a brand new BOOST program, an annual membership opportunity aimed at helping customers save both time and money. Customers who register will be able to access benefits such as free grocery delivery, two times the fuel points on every purchase and extra savings for popular brands. "We know our customers are looking to stretch their budgets and we think this is a great way to help them save money while making grocery shopping more convenient," Lori Raya, president of Kroger Mid-Atlantic, said in a prepared statement. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• West Station Block Party - Roanoke City Special Events (11 a.m.)
• Post Adventure Saturday Concert at Explore Park (3:30 p.m.)
• Quiet Riot at Dr. Pepper Park (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Ah, that beautiful Salem sunset!" (Roanoke College via Instagram)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Thanks to Advance Auto Parts for donating gift cards for us to give out to citizens who attend community activities, like public education events!" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• The Roanoke Times: "The owners of Big Spring Mill will end more than a century and a half in the feed and flour-milling business, when they shut down the Elliston landmark on the Roanoke River in August." (The Roanoke Times via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre: "At Virginia Children's Theatre, everyone is welcome! Each and every day it is the goal of VCT to be accessible and equitable to all of our students, patrons, partners and families; no matter race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation." (Virginia Children's Theatre via Facebook)

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Events:

• Purcellville Wine and Food Festival (July 16)
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You're officially in the loop for today! 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. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

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