🌱 'Safe Exchange Zone' Downtown + School Aide Arrested For Assault

Good morning, everybody! It's time for a new edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, fresh off my keyboard with a quick dive into what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Sales woman dies in single vehicle crash.
• Grandin Theatre Film Lab features student films.
• Bears visit Salem family's porch.

Ready? Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A 58-year-old Salem woman, Karen Kingery, died in a car crash on Goodwin Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred when she was driving a 2016 Ford Escape at a high speed, crossed Wildwood Road, and collided with multiple trees. Kingery was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck. EMTs transported Kingery to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Authorities suspect that drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the accident. The road was temporarily closed but has since reopened. At present, there are no pending charges, and the crash is still being investigated by the Roanoke County Police Department. (WSLS, WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has introduced a "safe exchange zone" starting from June 1. This designated area provides a secure environment for individuals to meet in public for various purposes, such as exchanging online purchases, custody transfers, or private party transactions where safety may be a concern. The zone is continuously monitored by 24-hour video surveillance. To access the safe exchange zone, individuals can locate two yellow-marked parking spaces at 315 Church Ave. SW, situated in the parking lot next to the left side of the Oliver Hill Justice Center. Sheriff Antonio D. Hash, Chief Roman, Judge Rodgers, and Chief Judge Clemens held discussions to establish a common and secure meeting place for citizens to conduct exchanges. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office emphasizes that if any party involved in an exchange refuse to meet at the Safe Exchange Zone, it may be wise to reconsider the transaction. (WFXR, WDBJ)
3. A former instructional aide at a Roanoke County Public School is facing assault and battery charges for grabbing a 4-year-old student by the shoulders and neck. The incident took place on May 23 during lunchtime at Cave Spring Elementary. The child's mother expressed her frustration and heartbreak in a Facebook post that garnered close to 1,000 shares. The child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for educational and speech needs, and the aide was assisting his pre-kindergarten teachers during a recess time. Another teacher witnessed the aide grabbing the child by the wrists and pulling him off the ground by his shoulders and neck. and the child later complained of pain and was sent to the nurse. Upon being notified, the child's mother contacted the police, who investigated, and the aide was arrested for assault and battery. (WDBJ)
4. The 7th annual Grandin Theatre Film Lab Showcase featured the work of 17 high school students from the local community. These students were responsible for every aspect of filmmaking, including writing the screenplays, organizing the actors, shooting the movie, handling sound recording and lighting, and editing the final product. The program, which began in 2016, spans the entire school year, culminating in this showcase event at the Grandin Theatre. The Film Lab is currently accepting applications for next year's class, welcoming all high school students in the Roanoke Valley to get involved and learn more about the program through its website. (WDBJ)
5. A Salem woman in the Beverly Heights neighborhood had an unexpected encounter when a family of bears, including a mama bear and three cubs, showed up on her front porch. This surprised the woman and her neighbors, had never seen bears in the area before. The woman received an alert from her doorbell camera, thinking it was someone else, but was shocked to discover it was a bear and her cubs. Although the bears quickly left, they took the woman's trash with them. Wildlife experts advise putting away garbage, pet food, and bird seed to prevent bear encounters. The incident has made the residents more cautious, with plans to take extra precautions when walking their dogs. The Department of Wildlife Resources does not plan to respond, as they expect the bears to move along naturally. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• DIY Paint Class Paint Your Brass Off at Black Dog Salvage (10 a.m.)
• Author Event: Locavore Dinner with Bruce and Elaine Ingram in Botetourt County (5 p.m.)
• The Embers featuring Craig Woolard with Schult’s Dogs at Elmwood Park (5:30 p.m.)
• Mono Means One featuring John Ferrar w. Aaron Geller at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Roanoke College is proud to announce that Curtis Campbell has been selected as its new director of athletics effective July 1. Campbell, currently director of athletics at Morehouse College in Atlanta, brings to bear 23 years of experience." (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This little one is a lesser-known backyard bird with plenty of personality! This is an Eastern Phoebe, named after the chipper 'fee-bee!' sound this species makes as an adult. Phoebes are a type of tyrant flycatcher." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Last week, Garden City Elementary School's 21st Century students held a Book Prom to celebrate their love of reading. Each student, family member, and staff member brought their favorite book as their prom date!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Randy Houser is joining the Northwest Ace Hardware Summer Concert Series on Saturday, Oct. 7! Presale tickets ON SALE NOW! Enter the code "Note" at DrPepperPark.com! GA - $35 in advance / $40 at the gate!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

Thanks for following. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update! Ciao! 🍕

— 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