🌱 Roanoke FIRE EMS Rescues Submerged Driver + High Water Closures

Hello, fellow Roanokers! Ian here again and right on time with the Sunday edition of the Roanoke Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Let's get to it!

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. Woo hoo! Pool weather!

High: 83 Low: 61.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke Fire EMS is reminding citizens to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" after the department's Swift Water Rescue Team was called to the scene of a submerged vehicle on 13th Street in Southeast Roanoke. The incident happened late Friday night after a spate of recent storms dumped heavy rain in a relatively short amount of time and lead to rising water levels and flooded roadways. (WDBJ)
2. Dangerously high water levels in area rivers has caused the closures of some weekend activities. Twin River Outfitters, a sporting company in Buchanan that offers canoeing and kayaking on the James River, is closed until further notice. Owner John Mays said, “Whenever it gets above six-foot on the Buchanan River gauge we have to close for river safety. They’ve got it projected to go over nine feet tomorrow so that usually means we’ll be closed for a couple of days." (WSLS)
3. The Roanoke Police Department said several area roads have been closed due to the recent storms. The roads were closed as of 7 p.m. on Friday night and include certain areas of Bradshaw Road, Verndale Drive, Orlando Avenue, and others. A list of the closures as well as pictures will be posted on the Roanoke Police Department's Facebook page where you can also check for regular updates and reopenings. (WDBJ, RCPD Facebook)
4. Today marks a brand new season for the Splash Valley waterpark located at Green Ridge Recreation Center in Roanoke County. The aquatic outdoor facility has 34 high slides, a lazy river, and a "sprayground" for younger children and offers a variety of concessions. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. "It's gonna be great. We've got some warn weather coming up for it. We have adult and kids rates as well as season passes," Alex North with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism said. (WDBJ)
5. Ahmad Mubdi has been sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison for shooting a man, Derrick Bostick, outside of the 1st Down Sports Lounge on Bridge Street. Mubdi was found guilty in February of first degree murder after initially being arrested and charged with malicious wounding in the September 12, 2020 attack. According to authorities he was also charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. (WSLS 10)
6. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention several Roanoke Valley localities including Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County are back in the high level for the spread of COVID-19. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. We know there are so many more people who have access to home tests that these numbers of confirmed cases that go through the laboratory system are just a drop in the bucket,” Dr. Cynthia Morrow, the head of the Roanoke City-Alleghany Health District, said. (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• Conquer the Cove 25k & Marathon at Loch Haven Lake (6:30 a.m.)
• Salem Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show at the Salem Civic Center (11 a.m.)
• Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes Tours at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest (11 a.m.)
• Roanoke’s Sunday Drag Brunch at The Park (12:45 p.m.)
• Divas Drag Show: Memorial Day Spectacular at Shishka Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Bar (7 p.m.)
• Etana presented by Sky High Reggae at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke would like you to "PLEASE READ AND PLEASE SHARE! We have begun to receive many #fawn calls and would like to share some local important information about fawns because many of them are getting kidnapped." (Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside says "We 💚 ending the work week on a high note⛰🏆 Roanoke has been listed in the @outsidemagazine Top 24 Mountain Towns in the U.S." (Instagram)
• Roanoke Fire EMS says "We are so proud of our Roanoke City Public Schools EMT program graduates! This year, 6 students graduated from the program. 🎓 These students learned the fundamentals of EMS, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology." (Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools says "Preston Park Elementary recently held their Preston Park Literacy Luau, a Hawaiian-themed family literacy event. Students and families were invited to come to the school and go through a series of engaging "make and take" literacy centers." (Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools would like to issue a "REMINDER: Schools and offices will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day." (Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS says "More than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. You never know how deep the water is or if the road has been washed away or compromised beneath the water. Don’t risk driving into floodwaters. Turn Around Don’t Drown!" (Facebook)
• Roanoke Police say "TRAFFIC ALERT! The 1800 block of Orange Ave NE, EB lane is blocked by fallen trees. Crews have been dispatched to remove the trees, but the removal will take some time. Please be cautious if traveling in this area." (Facebook)

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There you have it friends! You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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