🌱 Salem Approves Tax Rebate + New Mural Complete On Greenway

Hi there, Roanokers! Here's a look at some local news and events to get you ready fore this weekend.

First, today's weather:

Mainly cloudy.

High: 86 Low: 69.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. A brand new mural along the Lick Run part of the Roanoke River Greenway was just recently unveiled. Located on the backside of Barrow's Incorporated in Southwest Roanoke, the 5,000 square foot mural is being called the Barrows Mural Project and was paid for by Barrows, the city of Roanoke and the Parks and Rec Department. The artwork is a collaboration among three local artists and took about two months to complete. "Hopefully it’s a narrative that they can kind of look at. There is something to see every time you come. There are little things hidden, there’s a story in there,” said one of the artists, Josh Nolan-Shafer. (WSLS 10)
2. Williamson Road area residents recently gathered to voice their concerns about plans presented to Roanoke City Council for improvements to the busy road. At the last city council meeting plans were presented that would involve a major redesign of the section of Williamson Road that runs between Hershberger and Orange Avenue, which has been the site of several pedestrian deaths in recent years. But area residents aren't happy with the plan. "We just want them to put it on hold for a period of time, and hear us out. I’m not trying to say not to try to get funding, that’s fine and dandy, get the funding, but we need to also listen to each and every person that is actually trying to give an idea. I don’t think they are taking into effect what bike lanes and going down to two lanes is going to do to Williamson Road. Not just to businesses but to the neighborhoods," said Noble Neighborhood Watch leader, Clay McClintock. (WDBJ)
3. Salem City Council voted unanimously earlier this week to approve a 19.5% tax rebate to the citizens of Salem who paid personal property taxes on their cars. The rebates will give about half of the $2 million surplus the city has back to its residents. Roanoke City and Roanoke County have also passed personal property tax rebates in recent months and all three councils have been sure to warn residents that this isn't something they should expect every year. The issue this year largely stems from the steep increase in used vehicle values as a result of the pandemic and the effect it had on the auto industry across the country. (Roanoke Times)
4. Roanoke County Public School leaders are looking to area businesses to help educate the next generation of students. The idea comes on the heels of the success had by several area businesses last year including the apprenticeship program offered by area land surveyors Balzar & Associates. Students registered in the program received hands-on experience in different industries and at least one of the students has gone on to work for Balzar since. "I don’t know where I would be if the program didn’t exist, probably still in college, not enjoying it, just trying to force myself down a career path that I wouldn’t like," said Phoenix Angell, who is now running his own crew and making a good living. (WSLS)
5. Roanoke police said in a recent press release that there has been an increase in incidents involving electric ‘SplatRBall’ guns. The guns fire little water filled orbs known as Orbeez and police are advising parents to monitor their children’s use of the toys and to ensure they are not firing at people or property. Misuse of the guns can result in being a person being charged with shooting at or throwing missiles at a moving vehicle or assault and battery — both charges that are considered a felony if a person's life is in danger under state law. (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• Mill Mountain Coffee & Custard Run at Chris’s Coffee & Custard (7 a.m.)
• HUGE Yard Sale at St. Mark's UMC in Daleville (8 a.m.)
• 3rd Annual National Roanoke Community Beautification Day (9 a.m.)
• The Great Upgrade Event by Stateson Homes at Daleville Town Center (10 a.m.)
• 2nd Annual Car Show at the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department (10 a.m.)
• LOVE SE Fest at Belmont Park (Noon)
• ’80s vs. ’90s Cookout presented by Just a Splash at River’s Edge (4 p.m.)
• Jack Marion & The Pearl Shop Prophets at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 a.m.)
• Andrew & The Noise / The Scoots at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "No, these are not photos of the same bird. All three of these Carolina Wrens were admitted to the Center in a single afternoon from different people for the same reason... all of them were caught by cats." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Mack was fascinated by his winged friend, a butterfly! We couldn't help but giggle when this delicate little creature landed on a 91 pound dog's nose!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "This week's #StarCityShoutout goes to the City of Roanoke's Department of Social Service's Laura Baker! "Laura started with Roanoke City Department of Social Services in January 2021, in the Adoption Unit. After only a handful of weeks t..." (City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Who's ready for another concert in Elmwood?? The remaining shows in our Budweiser Summer Series can't come soon enough! We have Brett Eldredge on August 19th and Brett Young on September 30th. Visit DowntownSummerSeries.com for details!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "We LOVED having Mt. Vernon Baptist Church here at the Mission last week! They did so much for all of our guests, from serving food, to cleaning, to sorting clothing and much, much more. Thank you to all the teens and adults that came!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "The folks from Engine 6 had a blast recently when they went to visit Fallon Park for their Fun Day celebration! Thanks for having us over! " (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Did you know our area has some amazing waterfall hikes that you can take advantage of like this one at Cascade Falls? Find out now about the 11 best waterfall hikes in our area!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you tomorrow.

— 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