🌱 Search Warrants Detail Investigation + Local Jobless Reports Good

Hello all. It's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter all about what's happening locally. In today's briefing, you'll read about these stories and more...

• Southwest Virginia Ballet announces new season of shows.
• Roanoke Police Department participates in the 2023 Annual National LawFit Challenge.
• Explore Park has had a busy, successful summer season.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 90 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Search warrants have provided some details about a shooting that occurred on June 25 on 18th Street in Northwest Roanoke. The victim, Jacari Reynolds, was identified by his mother during a vigil. Reynolds had recently turned 16 in May. The warrants indicate that a person at the scene informed detectives that Reynolds had been involved in an argument on Facebook Live on the day of the shooting. In an effort to find evidence related to the firearm used in the incident, a trained canine capable of detecting explosives was utilized. The canine led the police to a residence on Hanover Avenue Northwest, where they discovered 7.62 mm rifle casings in plain view of the 18th Street home. Additionally, another search warrant revealed the presence of casings of a different caliber on the property. The family has announced that Reynolds' funeral will take place on Friday afternoon at Temple of the Way Out Church. (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke Police Department recently participated in the 2023 Annual National LawFit Challenge, a nationwide competition that evaluates an officer's performance in high-stress situations and physical fitness. The challenge includes six events, such as bench press, pull-ups, sit-ups, flexibility tests, a 1.5-mile run, and an agility course. The scores are adjusted for age and gender to ensure fairness. Roanoke's LawFit Team achieved notable success in the competition, earning multiple awards, including 3rd place Overall Individual Female, 1st place Individual Female in the Sit-and-Reach Event, 1st place Individual Male in the Sit-up Event, 2nd place Individual Female in the Sit-up Event, and 3rd place Individual Female in the Suspect Pursuit Course. (WSET)
3. The Berglund Center is thrilled to announce the upcoming 23-24 Season of the Southwest Virginia Ballet. Season ticket packages are now on sale for their 33rd Season, which will feature performances of "The Nutcracker" and "Romeo & Juliet" at The Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. Southwest Virginia Ballet is an award-winning pre-professional dance company with about 40 company members ranging from ages 10 to 18. Company members come from various locations, including Radford and Bedford County, and receive training and costumes free of charge. Season ticket packages for both shows will be on presale starting on July 4, and can be purchased at henritzedentaltickets.com, by phone, or at the Berglund Center Box Office. Single show tickets will be available at a later date. (Roanoker)
4. The Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area had a jobless rate of 2.4 percent. These rates were lower than the unemployment rates for both Virginia, which was 3.1 percent and the nation at 3.4 percent. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased significantly last week, marking the largest drop in 20 months. This unexpected decline, reported by the Labor Department, indicates the economy's resilience and raises the possibility of the Federal Reserve resuming its interest rate hikes in July. This decrease comes after a recent increase in jobless claims, which had remained at elevated levels seen in October 2021. (Roanoke Times)
5. Explore Park had a busy Fourth of July holiday and is expecting a successful second half of the summer season. The attendance at Treetop Quest and the T-Rex Trail was affected by the weather. However, there has been an increase in group visits compared to last year, as well as an increase in visitors staying overnight at the Blue Ridge Campground and Don's Cab-Inns. The addition of new elements, such as the Tavern Stage Summer Music Series, has been successful, with 250 and approximately 600 attendees in the first two events. The upcoming events include a concert on July 14 and Adventure Saturday on July 15, featuring outdoor recreation activities, the T-Rex Trail, and a nighttime zip line at Treetop Quest. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, July 7

• Brightside at First and Third Fridays (5 p.m.)
• Washer w/ L.A. Dies & The Stray Lions at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)
• Chad Nickell & the Loose Change at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Hello Fincastle! When the fireworks went boom, I went zoom 😳! I was found lost on Shavers Farm Road. Can you help me find my family? I have been taken to the RCACP Shelter in Roanoke! XOXO" (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Peekaboo! Meet our newest education ambassador who just so happens to also need a name. This Virginia Opossum is about a year and a half old and came to us after being illegally kept as a pet." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Meet Animal Warden M. Beaman! Warden Beaman has been with the Roanoke Police Department since April 2022. A.W. Beaman took environmental and botany classes in high school, which made her feel more at home when outside or around animals." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Charlie Kracken was so impressed with the team at WDBJ7 during the Pet Talk segment today! This is such a wonderful segment not only for showcasing adoptable pets like Charlie, but also for tackling some great topics." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— 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