🌱 Roanoke Arts Pop! This Weekend + Roanoke The Best For Bass Fishing

Good morning! It's time for the Friday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today, including...

• 2016 Broadband expansion completed
• 'Barks n' Rec' open for registration
• Blue Cow expansion continues

Let's go!

But first, today's weather: Cooler with periods of rain. High: 51 Low: 44.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A public-private partnership designed to bring broadband internet to rural parts of Roanoke County has been completed, offering high speed connections to over 400 homes in the Bent Mountain area. Roanoke County partnered with Cox Communications on the $3 million project that began in the 2016 Community Strategic Plan. County and Cox officials celebrated the success at a meeting at the South County Library Thursday night, which included speakers from the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, the Southwest Virginia Boys & Girls Club, and Cox Communications. (WDBJ)
2. A new report from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources pegs the Roanoke area as the best spot in the state to catch a trophy winning smallmouth bass. The region is home to the Top 5 spots in the report including the James River, New River, Roanoke River, and Smith Mountain Lake. To be considered a trophy or citation, a smallmouth bass must measure at least 20 inches and weigh 5 lbs. Bass fishing is a big tourist draw and veteran James River fishing guide Rob England said it's "...no surprise. The amount of forage here is just tremendous" when asked about the James River being the number one spot. (WVNS-TV)
3. The Taubman Museum of Art is hosting a celebration of arts and culture this weekend called the Roanoke Arts Pop! that goes through Sunday and features performances, demonstrations, presentations, and even hands on activities for the whole family. This will be the third annual Roanoke Arts Pop! and over two dozen institutions from around the area are participating. The Taubman's Executive Director Cindy Peterson said, "From the performing and visual arts to science and technology, and from literature to our region’s rich history, we hope our community will come out this weekend to discover what makes Roanoke the cultural heart of Southwest Virginia." (Roanoke Times)
4. The third annual 'Barks n' Rec' fundraiser for Saint Francis Service Dogs is now open for registration and the organization is hoping to raise $65,000 dollars this year. "The purpose of this event is to raise money to support our mission which is to help children and adults with disabilities live more independent lives by a partnership with a service dog,” said Executive Director Cabell Youell. Registration is $25 and participants are asked to do what they love doing, but this time for a good cause. Hiking, biking, reading, writing, anything you want that brings you pleasure and is your recreation. Do it with your furry friends by your side and be sure to share photos of your activity on social media with the hashtag #barksnrec2023. Registration can be done here. (WSLS)
5. Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. is set to open its second location in the Richmond area and its fifth overall location after its humble beginnings in Roanoke on Piedmont Street SE. "When my wife and I started the business in 2017, we saw an opportunity to elevate the classic ice cream shop with local, fresh ingredients. With each new opening, we’re making a commitment to serve up unique flavor combinations in a fun, community-oriented shop," said Jason Kiser, co-owner and founder of Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. Even with stores now open in Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Fredericksburg, the original Piedmont Street location is still very much open and offering its fresh take on familiar fare including flavors such as Blue Cow Patty and Goat Cheese with Blueberry Swirl. (Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Author Meet and Greet: Brenda Stickland at Book No Further (11 a.m.)
• Art by Night Exhibit at Market Gallery (5 p.m.)
• Andy Burnette Trio at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Krisko & The Broadcast with Mercy Creek at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (6:30 p.m.)
• Fiesta Fridays at Leonore Restaurant (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Big day at Virginia Tech College of Science's Ornithology class! Last week, Katie and Haley were invited by Dr. Dana Hawley to teach students about bird senses, bird conservation, and other fun bird-y topics!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Our Patriots and Lady Colonels are moving on to State Class 5 Basketball Tournament! Congratulations to the Patrick Henry Boys for winning the 5D Region title last night and to the William Fleming Girls for being the 5D Region runner-up!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "We are pleased to announce that the department has been internationally re-accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). Members of the Office of the Chief attended the Accreditation Commission hearing on Feb. 28 in Orlando, Florida." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Did you happen to catch our Pet Talk segment on WDBJ7 today? Colt was ready for his close up! This 10-month-old boy has lots of energy, but he's also pretty gentle — especially when taking treats. He would be such a fun family companion!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "We're excited to introduce you to @magicalmysterybiketours, one of Roanoke's newest businesses that showcases a love for the outdoors of SWVA. Learn more now in our profile link!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)

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Bam! The Friday edition for your reading pleasure. Thanks for following along. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning!

— Ian

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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