🌱 Settlement In Bicyclist's Death + Trail Set For Downtown Shooting

Good morning, neighbors! Here's a new copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today. In this issue, you'll find news about...

• Record breaking year for Roanoke Fire-EMS.
• Teacher wins supplies and Virginia vacation.
• Roanoke City Schools cautions parents about device usage.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 78 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A Roanoke Circuit Court judge has awarded a $1.5 million settlement to the estate of a cyclist who was killed by a distracted driver in Botetourt County. The cyclist, Tabitha Leigh Thompson, was hit by a car while riding her bicycle on U.S. 11. The driver, Danielle Marie Rock, was charged with reckless driving and received a 12-month sentence with 30 days on home electronic monitoring. After the criminal case concluded, Thompson's husband, Matt Thompson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Attorney John Lichtenstein worked with Thompson to reach a resolution, and the court approved the $1.5 million settlement, which represents the maximum liability insurance coverage. Matt Thompson said the case aims to raise awareness about bicycle safety and promote responsible driving to protect cyclists. (Roanoke Times)
2. Roanoke Fire-EMS presented its annual report to the City Council, highlighting a record-breaking year with 32,427 incidents in 2022. Chief David Hoback reported a 12% increase in fire calls and nearly a 5% increase in EMS calls compared to the previous year. The rise in demand for emergency services has impacted travel time, particularly in assembling the required apparatus for fire incidents. Despite meeting response time benchmarks for structure fires, the department fell short when dispatching three engines and two ladders for initial alarm assignments. The increase in volume contributed to the challenges faced. (WDBJ)
3. A trial date has been set for Brandon Woods, a Roanoke man charged in connection with a shooting. The incident occurred on April 23, resulting in one person dead and two others hospitalized. Woods, 27 years old, is scheduled to appear in court on November 20 at 9 a.m. He is facing a first-degree murder charge. The shooting took place in downtown Roanoke, with police responding to gunshots and finding a man and a woman injured. The woman survived, but the male victim succumbed to his injuries. A third victim was also injured in the incident. (WSLS)
4. As summer approaches, it is important to recognize that bullying, including cyberbullying, does not necessarily cease during this time. In fact, children's exposure to bullying tends to increase as they spend more time using mobile devices. To address this issue, Roanoke City school counselors recommend that parents and guardians regularly monitor and check in with their children. They also advise setting limits on device usage. It is crucial to establish rules and expectations regarding phone usage to ensure responsible and safe behavior. In case of difficult situations, many schools provide counselors who can offer assistance. Roanoke City Public Schools additionally offer an anonymous tip line for families to report concerns. Assistant Superintendent Hayley Poland suggests keeping children engaged in activities such as summer camps, sports, or other interests to prevent excessive device use. (WDBJ)
5. A kindergarten teacher named Blaire Flowers from Roanoke won a Virginia-themed vacation and a $2,500 donation for school supplies as part of the Virginia Lottery's "Thank a Teacher" campaign. Flowers expressed her surprise at winning, and the executive director of the Virginia Lottery emphasized the importance of celebrating and supporting public school teachers. Flowers' submission was one of almost 7,000 received. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, June 8

• The Entertainers with food vendor KEFI at The Party in Elmwood (6 p.m.)
• Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• R&B Karaoke at 2 Chill Restaurant (7 p.m.)
• Mojohand at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Our first baby birds are getting released! Last week we returned seven House Finches back to the wild we raised from a very young age after their nests were cut down, fell apart, or their parents died." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Our shelter provides a safe haven for pets who need it, like Bear, pictured here. But not every pet needs to be sheltered. Many pet guardians simply need some advice or assistance if they're struggling to adjust to life with their new pet." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "#SupportSaturdays announcement #1 for the day! Even though it's a Tuesday, we're announcing some opening acts for a few shows you have been asking about! We're so excited to announce that BRKN LOVE will be opening for Steel Panther!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Lincoln Terrace Elementary School alumni were cheered on by current students and staff as they get ready to graduate from William Fleming High School and Patrick Henry High School- RCPS tomorrow and Thursday." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for 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