🌱 Towers' Tuesday Morning Closing + Virtual Downtown Tours Available

Hello, fellow Roanokers! It's time for a new edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, fresh off the presses for this fine Thursday morning. Here's what's happening in town, including...

• Arrest made in 2022 Ferncliff murder.
• New location for West End Farmers' Market.
• Cardinal Bicycle employees earns important new credentials — congrats, Dan!

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 65 Low: 41.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Downtown Roanoke, Inc. has launched a virtual tour of the downtown district to help visitors and potential visitors familiarize themselves with the area. The tour features high-resolution panoramic views and allows users to explore local venues, hotels, food and shopping options, off-street parking, downtown living options, and historical photos. The virtual tour can be accessed on DiscoverRoanokeVA.com and is currently only recommended for desktop use. (Roanoke Star)
2. Tuesday Morning, a national home goods discount retailer, is closing all its stores in Virginia, including its last five sites. The going-out-of-business sale has already started at all locations, but the last day in business is uncertain. The Texas-based retailer, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year and delisted from Nasdaq in December 2022, will honor gift cards or merchandise return cards until May 13. All of the chain's stores, located in 25 states, will close, including the location at Towers Mall in Roanoke. (Roanoke Patch)
3. A 22-year-old woman named J’mya Stimpson has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony for a shooting in Roanoke in February that killed one man. Stimpson was identified as a person of interest and fled the scene but was tracked down by police K-9 units and taken into custody without incident. The case was presented to the Roanoke City Grand Jury, and indictments were obtained. The investigation is ongoing. (WSLS)
4. The West End Farmers' Market has reopened in a new location at 1027 Patterson Ave. SW, just a block away from its previous spot. Vendors will be available year-round on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., offering fresh produce and other products. The market helps to promote healthy food accessibility and affordability, and doubles the value of purchases made by SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC participants. (WDBJ)
5. Dan Lucas of Cardinal Bicycle on Orange Avenue has recently earned two certifications: Master Level Turbo Technician from Specialized and Level 2 BICP Mountain Bike Skills Instructor. These certifications were earned through extensive training and testing and make Lucas one of the few individuals nationwide with these designations. As the Rider Experience manager at Cardinal Bicycle, Lucas is dedicated to helping riders have great experiences on bikes. His certifications make him an industry expert, and his passion for cycling shows in everything he does the owner of the shop told local media. (Roanoke Star)

Today in Roanoke:

• Explore Southeast Community Night at Morningside Urban Farm (6 p.m.)
• "Charlotte’s Web" at Mill Mountain Theatre (6:30 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Jamie McLean Band with William Seymour at The Spot on Kirk (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Did any of you get to meet sweet Sadie Mae at the Rail Yard Dawgs game last night? She's ready to find her new home and wants to know if you'd like to come and meet her? Just give us a call to schedule a meet and greet @ 540-339-9247!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "A young wildlife hero! Alexandra LePera asked for donations her 10th birthday for the Center and her mom, Dr. LePera, drove her down to deliver them in person! We love seeing young people who are passionate about wildlife!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "Join us in congratulating The Rail Yard Dawgs on their historic SPHL Championship win and bringing the President's Cup to Roanoke! 🏆" (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Mother's Day is right around the corner. Give her the gift that lasts a lifetime — free family photos! Stop by the Main Library on May 11 at 6 p.m. for free Mommy & Me photos!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "We are thrilled to announce that the Cundiff Heating & Air Conditioning Flashback Concert Series is bringing back the highly anticipated Billy Joel & Elton John Tributes: Face 2 Face to Dr Pepper Park on Sept. 15!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow morning 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