🌱 Two Shot On Campbell Avenue + Sheriff's Office Drug Take Back

How is it already time for another Dreaded Monday Edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter? 😱

Weird how that happens so quick. Anyways, here's the highlights of what's happening in town with as much snark as I can manage since the editorial staff are off today. Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cool. High: 63 Low: 38.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke City Police were called to the scene of a shooting in downtown early Sunday morning and taped off a wide section in the 100 block of Campbell Avenue SE. Police say two people were shot and taken to the hospital, but no word has been issued on their condition or the situation leading up to the shooting. Police say the investigation is on going and are asking for anyone with information to please come forward. Calls and texts can be made anonymously and pictures or videos can be shared to the department's social media platforms. (WDBJ)
2. An education company focused on providing CPR training and certification up and down the eastern seaboard moved their home base to Roanoke during the pandemic and has quietly setup shop. Code One Training Solutions has been in business since 2007 and retooled its business practices during the pandemic in order to successful shift to a less in-person approach and include more online instruction. "Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom with 12 other people, watching videos and then trying to breathe into a mannequin," said owner Richard Shok, who recently moved to Roanoke. Since arriving in the Star City, Code One has applied and been accepted by area mentoring program, the Regional Accelerator & Mentoring Program (RAMP) and is said to be one of the five tech-driven companies the program believes to have the highest growth potential. To find out more about Code One click here. (Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke City Fire Department and Salem Fire EMS were called to the scene of a structural fire on Saturday afternoon shortly after 4 p.m. Crews arrived to find a fire burning in the showroom of Virginia Industrial Cleaners & Equipment on Apperson Drive across from the Schewel's Home Store. Firefighters managed to contain the flames in about 30 minutes, but the building endured severe fire, water, and smoke damage. No injuries were reported and fire marshals were investigating at the time of writing. A cause and an estimate of the damages is expected to be released soon. (WDBJ)
4. The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other area law enforcement agencies to host 'Drub Take Back' Events and drop boxes. "In 2019, we saw 46 fatal overdoses in Roanoke City, in 2020 that number grew to 96, and in 2021 it went to 97. Since the programs inception back in 2010, the DEA has been able to take back over 8,300 tons of prescription medications," said RCSO Captain Brandon Young. The Sheriff's Office will be hosting two drop boxes for unwanted prescription drugs — one in the lobby of the Roanoke City Jail and another in the administration lobby just up the road. Both are located at 340 Campbell Ave. SE and the one inside the jail lobby is available 24 hours a day. (WFXR)

Today in Roanoke:

• DMV2Go at the Salem Civic Center (9 a.m.)
• Job Fair hosted by Roanoke City at the Melrose Branch Library (3 p.m.)
• Irish Jam Band at Big Lick Brewing Company (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Botetourt Animal Control Deputies and residents are out searching for this scared and injured fur baby in the Mill Creek area. Please keep an eye out and help bring Marley home! Sightings please call Animal Control at 540-473-8631!" (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "RCPS was able to take 100 high school students to see Hamilton in Richmond this past week! This was a wonderful opportunity for our students. Thank you to Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts Whitney Johnson for making this trip possible!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "It begins! We have begun getting many, many, many baby Virginia Opossums lately, most of them coming in after being orphaned when their moms are killed. Opossum mamas are killed by cars and dogs most often." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "🚨 Low Ticket Alert for Jo Dee Messina at Dr Pepper Park! Get yours now at DrPepperPark.com before it’s too late!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

There you have it — hopefully that wasn't too painful. Unfortunately, none of the stories really lent themselves to humor so shenanigans were limited. Hopefully next week will be more giving. See you tomorrow morning for 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