🌱 Roanoke Celtic Duo Wins Emerging Artist + Old Fishburn House Update

Hello, Roanokers! It's Friday — finally — and here's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter to get you all caught up on what's going on in town. Today's briefing includes news about...

• Lawrence Transportation looking for apprentices.
• Man who bit RCPD officer pleads guilty.
• Rail Yard Dawgs SPHL Finals schedule.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Cooler with rain. High: 64 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke's own Celtic music duo, Kinnfolk, has won the 2023 Robinson Emerging Artist Showcase hosted by the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. They were selected by a jury of industry professionals and public votes to take part in and perform at the 31st annual Goderich Celtic Roots Festival in August alongside other international and homegrown talent. "We are thrilled to have Kinnfolk join us as the Robinson Emerging Artist winner. Their music is exciting, fresh and dynamic, and we know our audience will love them," said the festival's artistic director Cheryl Prashker. (Goderich Celtic Roots Festival)
2. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and Birmingham Bulls will compete in the best-of-five SPHL President's Cup Finals. Both teams are seeking its first title, and each won two games out of four in their previous meetings. The schedule for the games is listed as follows: Game 1 and 2 will be held on May 27 and May 28, respectively at Pelham Civic Complex; Game 3 and, if needed, Game 4 will be played on May 1 and 2 at the Berglund Center; and Game 5, if necessary, will be held on May 4 at Pelham Civic Complex. Popular players Francesco Molinari, Nicolai Hojgaard, Jimmy Walker, and Andrew Novak will be taking the ice. (WFXR)
3. A Roanoke couple wants to turn an old cabin in Fishburn Park into a coffee shop but are facing opposition from neighbors who are concerned about the purchase of public land and future development. The couple has a contract with the city, but they've applied for rezoning and their request will go before the planning commission soon. "I think a lot of the opposition is fearful of what will happen in the future, but we restricted the deed and the zoning so much that nobody can do anything without going back to the city," owner Justin VanBlaricom said. A planning commission meeting is set for May 8 at 1:30 p.m. and a neighborhood meeting takes place May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Grandin Court Baptist Church. (WSLS)
4. Lawrence Transportation Company is offering an apprenticeship program in various trade industries. The trades include diesel mechanics, auto body repair, fabrication, welding, heavy trailer repair, and more. The program provides paid on-the-job training and mentorship, and participants also receive a toolbox with tools. Lawrence hopes to recruit highly motivated men and women and create long-term careers for them. "We’re always looking to grow. We’re always looking at new opportunities, so we’re taking these individuals that are 16 to 18 years old, so who’s to say in 10 years from now they’re not one of our leaders,” said Mike Stevens, Lawrence's chief operating officer. More information and an application can be found here. (WDBJ)
5. A Roanoke man, Terry F. Yerkey, pleaded guilty to grand larceny and assault charges after biting a female police officer and stealing her patrol car. Yerkey's pre-sentence report will include mental health and drug screenings. The incident occurred on Aug. 26 when police responded to reports of a man acting strangely on Williamson Road. Yerkey approached the officer's car and a physical scuffle ensued, during which he bit the officer's hand and stole her car, crashing it into another vehicle as he fled the scene. He was eventually apprehended after a pursuit that involved multiple officers and a police dog. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31 and he is being held in the Roanoke City Jail. (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• Dedication of Estelle H. McCadden Park, formerly known as Kennedy Park (11 a.m.)
• Grandin Chillage at Pinnacle Financial Partners Grandin Location (6 p.m.)
• Virginia Children’s Theatre 'James and The Giant Peach' at The Jefferson Center (7 p.m.)
• Roanoke Pride 31st Anniversary Weekend at The Park Dance Club (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Our agency couldn't function without the many wonderful professionals who work behind the scenes that make operations run smoothly. Happy Administrative Professionals Day and thank you for your commitment to serving our citizens." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Y'all had some great guesses to yesterday's question — the answer is Northern Flicker! This female woodpecker hit a window and on admission was in rough shape — all she wanted to do was flop over and sleep and barely was able to stand." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Public Schools: "More than 500 students from across the Roanoke Valley came out to Roanoke College today for the annual Little Feet Meet as part of Special Olympics Virginia. We are so thankful to all the teachers, assistants, volunteers and businesses!" (Roanoke County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This little chunk came back to our shelter today with his mom, Minnie, and his siblings. Everyone received veterinary checkups and vaccines, and then went back to their foster home." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "We are excited to announce that Satisfaction/International Rolling Stones Tribute Show will be performing live on July 8 at Dr Pepper Park as part of the Cundiff Heating & Air Conditioning Flashback Concert Series!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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