🌱 'Salem Salutes' Restaurant Owner + RCPD Officer-Involved Shooting

Hello, Roanoke neighbors! It's time for the Thursday edition of the Roanoke Daily, filled with all the local news you need to know. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Update on electoral fines for local campaign
• Update on Eureka Center meeting
• Senate defeats Daylight Savings bill

Let's modur!

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds and breezy.

High: 47 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke City Police responded to a call at the Leehy Manor apartments off Brandon Avenue SW and were trying to de-escalate a situation when a subject pulled a knife and was shot by an officer. RCPD Chief Sam Roman said the suspect's injuries are not life threatening and that per protocol the investigation has been handed over to the Virginia State Police since it is now considered an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment. No further word was given on their condition. (WDBJ, WFIR)
2. The Roanoke community finally got a glimpse at the possibilities for the new Eureka Park Community Center being planned by Roanoke Parks & Recreation at a community meeting held Tuesday night. The presentation by architects for the project included three different design options but said they will not be choosing one of those designs but are rather seeking further input from the residents to come up with a design that incorporates the most popular aspects of all three designs. "[We want to] create options that are different, deliberately different, to bring out different strategies and then to get the reaction from the community about what kinds of things are working, what’s not working," said Joe Celentano, principle of VMDO Architects. The final design is expected to be ready in March and another community meeting is planned for late February. (WSLS)
3. The state Board of Elections has voted and decided not to impose fines on the campaign of Jamaal Jackson, a former candidate for Roanoke City Council in the 2022 elections. The fines stem from reports that Jackson's campaign violated the federal Stand By Your Ad provision, which requires candidates to have certain endorsement language on their ads. The board voted unanimously not to impose a fine, but Jackson's campaign still faces violations and possible fines from Roanoke Registrar Andrew Cochran related to the late filing of campaign financial reports. Jackson is disputing the claims but could face as much as $3,100 fine — more than he spent on his entire campaign — if the case isn't settled in his favor. (Roanoke Times)
4. One of the founders of Mac n' Bob's Restaurant in Salem has been presented with the 'Salem Salutes' award from Salem City Council. Bob Rotanz opened Mac n' Bob's in 1980 and the beloved Main Street eatery has continued to serve up ice cold beers and dish out enormous calzones that if dropped from on high could cover a city block after catching some air. But that's not all Bob is known for according to Salem City. "In truth, this is something Council could give him each meeting for the many things he has done and continues to do to make Salem a better place to live and work," a press release said. (WSET)
5. A bill that would make Daylight Savings Time the year-round time for the Commonwealth was defeated in the state senate along a party line vote. SB1017, brought by Sen. Richard Stuart, a Republican representing King George County, went down in flames with a final read and an 18 - 21 vote against it. At particular issue in the debate was which time to make the permanent time —standard time, observed during the winter months or daylight savings time observed during the summer months. Sen. John Edwards of Roanoke was an outspoken opponent of the bill and said, "I’ve come to the conclusion that only Congress can really do this, because you cannot have a situation where Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina all have different time zones. It’s bad enough in Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. There’s an hour difference right smack down the middle of Bristol." Similar bills are being discussed on a nationwide level. (Roanoke Times)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Roanoke:

• Fun Furniture Painting Classes at Black Dog Salvage (9 a.m.)
• Roanoke Regional Chamber Annual Meeting at Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (5:30 p.m.)
• R&B Karaoke at 2 Chill Restaurant (7 p.m.)
• Joey’s Van at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Whooo is looking at me?! We have about half a dozen Eastern Screech-Owls who are recovering from various injuries (including many internal eye injuries, like this one!). Even at close range you can see how the rich colors of this species." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tia loves pretty much everything in life. She loves to play, she loves to meet new people, she loves treats, and she loves toys! Now she just wants someone to love her back as much as she loves life! Schedule an appointment to meet this pretty girl today!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Check out what some of our swift water team got up to over the weekend! These B-shifters spent their off-duty day on the James River at Balcony Falls honing their skills in paddle craft operations. 🛶" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Calling all outdoor professionals! The Virginia Adventure Education Conference (@vaaec2023) is Feb. 24 at Camp Bethel in Fincastle. It brings together Virginia's outdoor adventurers, educators, guides, collegiate programs, and businesses." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Police Department - VA: "The primary role of the RPD Animal Wardens is to protect, serve, and advocate for the animals in our community. They speak up for the furry, feathered, and sometimes scaly creatures who can't speak for themselves." (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning for the next Roanoke Daily! I'm hearing rumors of it being Friday, but I'm skeptical.

— 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com