🌱 Two Arrested At School Board Meeting + Grandin Court Leaders Ousted

Hello again, friends! It's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's what's going on around town are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including...

• New Jersey volunteers helping with Habitat for Humanity projects in Roanoke.
• Police investigating fatal Roanoke shooting.
• Bond granted to Roanoke man charged with firing shotgun, injuring twin boys.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Heavy afternoon t-storms; hot. High: 94 Low: 71.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A recent Roanoke County School Board meeting was interrupted and ultimately paused after two people were arrested for trespassing when they refused to leave following outbursts during a presentation of new state guidelines regarding transgender students. The arrests occurred after the superintendent presented the new policies affirming parental rights, which sparked passionate debate amongst meeting attendees — with most speaking in support of the LGBTQ community. The meeting resumed after the disruption but highlighted the controversial nature of the transgender policies in Virginia schools. (WDBJ)
2. Residents in Roanoke's Grandin Court neighborhood recently voted to remove the resident and secretary from the Grandin Court Neighborhood Association leadership positions, claiming the leaders did not properly represent the views of residents on local issues like the future use of the Fishburn Park Cottage. The ousted secretary, Freeda Cathcart, claims the vote was unlawful and they are still the rightful leaders, while interim president Kenny Marn says the change in leadership reflects a desire for more diverse representation of opinions in the neighborhood. The dispute highlights contention within the neighborhood association over its direction and decision-making processes. (WSLS)
3. For the 12th year, apart from 2020 due to COVID-19, youth volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen in New Jersey are spending a week in Roanoke helping Habitat for Humanity build homes. Around 20 teens are working on two homes, donated money they fundraised over the past year, and will participate in litter cleanup — embodying their ethos of service and community improvement. According to Charlie Day, a Habitat volunteer, the annual trip provides the youth group with a rewarding feeling from giving back while also enjoying camaraderie and time away from home. (WFXR)
4. The Roanoke City Police Department is investigating a homicide after a man was found shot and killed outside a home on Harrison Avenue NW on the night of July 26. Around 7:40 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired and discovered the unresponsive adult male victim with critical gunshot wounds. Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene. No suspects have been identified or arrested yet as police continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Roanoke City Police Department. Calls and texts can be made anonymously if necessary. (WSET)
5. A Roanoke man, Vonell Harris, was granted a $10,000 bond on July 28, after being charged in connection with an April 10, 2022, shooting that injured a woman and two boys outside his home on Salem Avenue. Harris' attorney argued he fired a warning shot to defend his fiancée who was being attacked, but the shot injured the boys and their aunt; the judge set bond conditions including no access to firearms and compliance with drug/alcohol testing, saying Harris made an "impulsive decision" but seems intelligent and needs to avoid further trouble to maintain his freedom. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, July 29

• National Roanoke Beautification Day — Roanoke City Special Events (7 a.m.)
• Ribbon Cutting for Banners Hallmark — Regional Chamber of Commerce (9:30 a.m.)
• DIY Paint Class — Intro to Furniture Painting (9:30 a.m.)
• Kids’ Health and Safety Day Expo: Dog Bite Prevention booth (1 p.m.)
• "Matilda the Musical" — Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Outside: "As development continues for Virginia's very first in-river park that will be located in Roanoke, those that are interested are invited to attend a Community Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 5:30 at the Wasena Park Shelter." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Juno is a sweet and spicy senior looking for her new home. She's a gorgeous girl, but it's hard to get a good photo of her because she wants to be on your lap and in your arms whenever possible! Her motor is one that never seems to quit!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Here is a SUPER easy way YOU can help wildlife! With Amazon Smile no longer giving nonprofits support for your purchases, you can still shop and help wildlife at the same time under Walmart's Spark Good program!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early Tuesday morning with another 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