🌱 RESET Team Northwest Neighborhood + Retired Judge Releases Novel

Welcome back, Roanokers!. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on:

• Salem VA hosts job fair for health care professionals.
• Carilion financials should return to black in '24, CEO says.
• Woman sentenced to over two decades in prison for deadly 2022 Roanoke shooting.

Let's motor! 🚒

But first, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 53.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Salem VA is hosting a job fair today for health care professionals at the Salem VA building on Roanoke Boulevard. They are looking to hire registered nurses, advanced practice providers, and physicians as well as nursing assistants, police officers, and medical technologists. The VA's HR consultant Brandon Dillon said applicants should bring resumes and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews and facility tours. Some applicants may be hired on the spot. (WDBJ)
2. Carilion Clinic continues to face financial challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting a 2.5 percent operating loss in fiscal year 2022 and anticipating similar losses this fiscal year ending in September 2023. However, CEO Nancy Agee expects Carilion to return to profitability in fiscal 2024 by reducing reliance on contract labor, increasing patient volumes, embracing technology like telemedicine and chatbots, and focusing on core services. Despite the losses, Carilion is advancing long-term infrastructure projects like a new psychiatric hospital, cancer center, heart unit and ER expansion. Agee aims to restore 3.5-5 percent operating margins, the level needed to invest in staff and facilities, after achieving it for 10 straight years before the pandemic caused losses. (Paywall: Roanoke Times)
3. The Roanoke Police Department deployed its Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma (RESET) team to northwest Roanoke City on Wednesday. The volunteer-based team visits areas affected by violent crime to offer residents support services and help the community heal from trauma. This visit follows a recent shooting on Tremont Street in the area, which has high rates of violent crime. The RESET program aims to provide immediate aid after incidents of trauma. (WDBJ)
4. Armonie Alize Gunn was sentenced to 43 years in prison, with 23 years suspended, for the 2022 murder of Mahdi Holland in Roanoke. Gunn pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of murder. The investigation revealed Gunn shot and killed Holland in the backseat of a Mercedes as it drove around Roanoke. The car was later found abandoned with bullet holes and blood inside. Two witnesses identified Gunn as the shooter. Gunn was indicted in January 2023 and ultimately sentenced for the murder. (WFXR)
5. Retired Patrick County Judge Martin Clark has written a new fictional crime novel called "The Plinko Bounce," set in his local area. Clark, author of several criminal justice books, aims not to educate about the legal system but rather immerse readers in it through a mix of fictional and real characters. His latest book centers on a murder case jeopardized by a technicality. Although a judge is featured on the cover, Clark says his goal is entertainment rather than education on the justice system. He will be holding a book signing for "The Plinko Bounce" in downtown Roanoke at Book No Further. (WFIR)

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Roanoke bargain hunters: looking for the next great deal? Check out Virginia's only licensed auction house without an auctioneer at Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services from Thursday, Sept. 14 through Saturday, Sept. 16. From 55-inch Smart TV's, Bedroom sets and leather love seats, to Frigidaire freezers, jewelry, and Waterford crystal, there's something for everyone from their client list of local seniors who are downsizing. Visit here to learn more and start placing your bids today.

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, September 15

• Domino presented by Salem After Five at the Salem Farmers Market (5 p.m.)
• Billy Joel & Elton John Tributes: Face 2 Face at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Ben Trout at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 p.m.)
• Tumbao and Cinémathèque at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Be free, little ones! These four barn swallows we raised from tiny naked hatchlings took to the skies on Monday. These four originally came in once their nest fell apart and they could not be renested." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Be sure to 'like' the new Charles W. Day Technical Education Center (DAYTEC) Facebook page! We are excited to double our seat capacity in Career & Technical Education (CTE) with the opening of our second CTE center." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "During last night’s School Board meeting, the Board recognized our School Resource Officers from the Roanoke Sheriff's Office and Roanoke Police Department - VA! With 26 SROs, the program has this year achieved its goal of having an SRO in every school!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "The RPD Badge Buddies are back in action this week! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃 We took a few weeks off to get the kids settled into the school year, but now we’re back to our training for the Spooky Sprint 5K." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Wow, that's a lot of markers on the map! 📍 Our ambassadors removed graffiti, power washed, weeded, and so much more last month. 📝 Pop Quiz: How many blocks of weeding did the ambassadors complete in August?" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow 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