🌱 Sheriff's Office Announces New Team + A New 'Mom Pod' At Wasena

And just like that it's November. Good morning, everyone! This year seems to have kind of flown by. Anyways, here's a new edition of the Roanoke Daily. In today's issue, you'll find...

• An arrest in a recent shooting
• A high dollar gift to science education
• And an update on Botetourt County's new courthouse!

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant.

High: 71 Low: 50.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has announced the creation of a Community Engagement Team that will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens. The team will be made up of local volunteers who will work with RSCO personnel to attend community events and help coordinate with schools, churches, civic organizations, and businesses in the area. The agency is accepting applications for the positions and a press release said, "Any person of good character, at least 18 years of age, and sufficiently mature enough to handle the responsibilities involved is eligible to become a volunteer." (Subscription: Roanoke Times)
2. A new three-sided structure at Wasena Park is a first for the city's greenway system. Known as a "mom pod," the structure has been built to provide a space for new moms to nurse babies and change diapers. The new addition (Ha! New addition, get it?) was made possible by area Girl Scout Troop #172, who raised the funds and helped with construction, and the idea came from a support group called Huddle Up Moms. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. (WFIR)
3. Roanoke College has received a $5 million dollar gift towards the completion of the campus's new science center from alumnus John Snyder and his wife, Linda. Snyder graduated from the college in 1964 and said his fond memories of his time there and his belief in the importance of science education inspired his gift. The new science center is being built to house three of the college's 10 most popular majors, psychology, biology, and environmental studies, and is expected to cost around $70 million, which the school has raised $50 million of so far. (Cardinal News)
4. Phase 1 of the new Botetourt County Courthouse project in Fincastle has been approved by the Board of Supervisors with a $5.2 million dollar contract being submitted to the board at its most recent meeting. The first phase will include many renovations to current buildings to allow the county court system to continue functioning including the temporary storage of documents from the Circuit Court Clerk's office and the creation of a temporary courtroom. The entire project is projected to cost around $30 million and will begin once temporary facilities have been settled. (Botetourt Bee)
5. Roanoke City Police have made an arrest in a shooting that occurred on the front porch of a Marshall Avenue home on Friday morning. The incident left one person dead and witnesses to the attack said the suspect fled into the residence where police later found him barricaded in the attic. An RPD Tactical Response Team cleared the home of additional threats, and a crisis negotiator was called in. After being able to communicate with the suspect via phone, the crisis negotiator was able to talk 29-year-old Anthony L. Hall into surrendering without further incident. (WFXR)

Today in Roanoke:

• Coffee & Contacts November 2022 presented by Tech Squared (7:30 a.m.)
• Roanoke County School Board Work Session (3:30 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.)
• GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Pumpkinfest was a blast yesterday! It was great to see so many Maroons decorating pumpkins, playing pumpkin bowling, and enjoying a beautiful Saturday. (Roanoke College via Instagram)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Congratulations to our friends at Texas Tavern on being featured by Oprah Daily in its list of 30 of the Best Diners Across America! (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Listen to this! We got a patient in today that has made some very strange vocalizations — most people never hear this animal make this noise in the wild, so we thought we would share it with you! Place your bets now, and tomorrow we will reveal what it is!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Here are some more pictures from Red Ribbon week, this time at Hurt Park Elementary. Schools had themed dress-up days to celebrate living life drug-free! Be sure to 'like' your school's Facebook page to see their photos." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Hey! We know that place! 🥰 Thank you Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge for featuring our venue as the cover photo for the online event calendar! We are grateful! 🤘🤘🤘" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• 3rd Street Coffeehouse: "Had another fine day afternoon on Mill Mountain today. We all dressed for the cooler weather and had lots of company with all the folks enjoying Mill Mountain." (3rd Street Coffeehouse via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Tomorrow is the last day to nominate your favorites for @blueridgeoutdoors Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. [link in profile] #visitvbr #roanokeoutside #outdoorlife #swva #roanokeva #virginiaisforlovers #blueridgemountains #pathlesstraveled" (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. 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