🌱 SCAM Fire Marshal Calls + VDOT Survey On Williamson Road Project

Good morning, fellow Roanokers! Ian here with your Tuesday edition of the Roanoke Daily, full of all the community information you need to know right now. Here goes!

First, today's weather:

Occasional rain and a possible thunder storm.

High: 77 Low: 65.

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Here's the top five stories in the Star City today!

1. A number of Roanoke area residents have reported receiving calls from the Roanoke Fire Marshal's Office about alleged violations and soliciting donations. Officials in the Roanoke Fire Marshal's Office say these are SCAM CALLS and that they will never call for either purpose. Citizens who receive these calls should immediately report them by calling (540) 853-2795. (WDBJ)
2. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is considering Williamson Road for a project that will address safety, bike and pedestrian access, and the overall needs of US Route 11 traffic between Hershberger Road and Orange Avenue, one of the busiest arties in Roanoke. Before they decide whether or not to proceed with the project, VDOT has opened up an online survey for drivers in the area to provide their thoughts and ideas on possible improvements. "Between 2017 and 2021, there were 12 pedestrian crashes, 5 pedestrian fatalities, and 7 injuries on Williamson Road. We need to address this for the safety of our community, towards the betterment of the area as a whole,” said Williamson Road Area Business Association Executive Director Valerie Brown. (WSLS)
3. Cam Terry, a native of Colorado, moved to Roanoke in 2017 with the idea of starting an urban farming business. At first, Garden Variety Harvests used the backyards of neighbors to grow produce and paid rent in vegetables, but now farms a 3.5 acre parcel on Lick Run Farm. Terry said the biggest issue for aspiring farmers is access to land, but thinks this can be overcome with some outside the box thinking. "I don’t believe that a farmer necessarily has to own the land that they farm on. They just need to be guaranteed that they can’t be kicked off of it." (WDBJ)
4. Salem Police arrested a teenager Friday night after being alerted to some concerning social media posts. Officials say there is no credible threat to any schools or individuals at this time and that they will always fully investigate the reports of parents when it comes to threatening content. The teenager's name was not released, but officers said "appropriate charges" had been filed. (WDBJ)
5. Verletta White, superintendent of Roanoke City Schools, recently sent out a letter to parents detailing several items the Roanoke School Board are set to review over the summer months in the wake of recent violent events in schools nationwide. Among the items listed are a new safety tip system, additional security cameras, and distinguishing and clarifying the robocall and emergency alert system protocols. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (5:45 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Line Dancing with Angela & Kamronn at Corned Beef and Co. Bar and Grill (7 p.m.)
• Seph Custer & The Flatbreaks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department says "BEAR SIGHTINGS! There have been several calls regarding bear sightings in both the areas near Hershberger Road NE and Carlton Road SW. We have notified the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources who advised they will respond as soon as possible." (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke says look at this "Beautiful baby Baltimore Oriole! This young one was accidentally stepped on and has some minor injuries but is doing surprisingly well." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Our Nextdoor Neighbor in the Greater Raleigh Court area says "There is bear in the 2600 block of Avenel going from backyard to backyard. It was in our backyard about 2 1/2 hours. Watch your kids and pets!" (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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