🌱 VDOT Declines Williamson Project + UVA Tech Team Up For Food Needs

Hello fellow Roanokers! I hope you're all enjoying your weekend! I'm back with a fresh edition of the Roanoke Daily. Here's what you need to know about what's happening locally, including:

• Area businesses concerned about new ABC store
• Charges upgraded on man accused of injuring child
• Salem Police and Walmart donate pallets of clothes

Let's go!

But first, today's weather:

Occasional rain, mainly early.

High: 44 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia hit pause on their game day discongruities and came together recently to work with Smithfield Foods to deliver 30,000 pounds of protein to Feeding Southwest Virginia. The massive donation comes as the extra SNAP benefits many families across the state have been receiving are set to expire March 1st, meaning families will have almost $100 a month less to buy food. Pamela Irvine, president and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia, said "A lot of those families don’t have a lot of opportunities for additional funds. We’re trying to prepare to meet that need. So this is very challenging right now." Players and former players from both UVA and Tech came together Friday evening for the unloading including Tech defensive coaching legend Bud Foster. (WSLS)
2. Roanoke City Police responded to a report of an injured child at a home on the 2100 block of Russell Avenue SW on Jan 21. The child was a juvenile female and was taken to the hospital for treatment of what was described as serious injuries later found to be caused by the adult in the house, a man named Jonathan S. Anderson, 32. Anderson was arrested for malicious wounding, but those charges have now been upgraded to second degree murder as the victim passed away on Jan 24 from her injuries. The name of the victim has not been released and the investigation is ongoing. Anderson is being held in the Roanoke City Jail. (WFXR)
3. The Walmart on West Main Street in Salem contacted the Salem Police Department about their desire to donate a large amount of clothing to area charities. Sergeant Stan Malek and Detective Chris Shelor of the SPD jumped into action, meeting with store management and working out a plan to collect and distribute the 12 pallets of clothes. With the help of the Salem Civic Center the pallets were moved to the Salem Memorial Ballpark for storage and then delivered to area charities and ministries including The Roanoke Rescue Mission, The Agape Center Vinton Roanoke, and Mrs. Dorsey’s Community Clothes Closet. "The Salem Police Department would like to thank Walmart, our fellow City Departments, and the many community partners who made this incredibly kind gesture a reality," the department said in a Facebook post. (WSET, Facebook)
4. Recent news of the opening of a new Virginia ABC store on Campbell Avenue in downtown Roanoke have some area business owners sounding the alarm. "I would hope and pray that everybody wants to see downtown successful. We had problems with the homeless people drinking here and there, and I think it’s going to be a nuisance," said Pauline Wood, a downtown business owner for nearly 40 years. But city officials say the building has been vacant for a long time and the additional revenue from it being occupied will be a plus for the city. "That’s not going to hurt us in any way; this is supportive. We are pleased to get that revenue from the building that’s been vacant for a while. We’re going to make sure from a public safety standpoint to make sure we have law enforcement with us to make sure people enjoy themselves," said Mayor Sherman Lea. The new store is set to open tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. (WSLS)
5. A proposed overhaul of certain sectors of William Road failed to gain the recommendation of state highway officials at the Virginia Department of Transportation. The proposal came as the amount of pedestrian deaths along the main traffic artery have only increased over the last few years with a 260 percent jump in Roanoke pedestrian fatalities in 2022 alone. VDOT's initial decision not to back the project doesn't mean it's dead, but does mean construction won't begin for a number of years as other funding options are explored. It's also possible that the the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the next step in the review process for state funded projects, could reverse the initial decision. "The process is not finished. That doesn’t at all discount the need to do something on Williamson," said Dwayne D’Ardenne, transportation division manager for Roanoke City. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Public Ice Skating at Berglund Center Coliseum (Noon)
• International Wine Festival at the Taubman Museum of Art (1 p.m.)
• “Snowed In” Murder Mystery at Twisted Track Brewpub (2 p.m.)
• Pinball Tournament with Weird Al at the Roanoke Pinball Museum (6 p.m.)
• Neko Case at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "She may not be flashy but she's certainly a unique bird to get! This is a female Purple Finch -- just like their more common cousins, the House Finch, female Purple Finches lack the colorful plumage of the males. This patient likely hit a window and is recovering from her injuries." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Help us welcome the newest class of police recruits! Today, the ten Roanoke Police Recruits in Class 85 experienced “Day Zero,” which is the first step of their 27-week long journey to becoming a Roanoke Police Officer. Did you know that the Roanoke Police Department and Roanoke County Police Department host academy classes at the same time? Recruits for both agencies will train alongside each other and learn how to work together, which leads to great collaboration between us." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "If you're looking for an outdoor activity this winter, we recommend giving disc golf a try. You're constantly moving (keeping warm and getting your steps in), you can use the time to catch up with friends, and you don't even have to be good at it to enjoy it (trust us)." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: "The RSO is pleased to announce our 12 winning artists for the Painted Violins Project. We have already begun working closely with these individuals to understand and learn about their vision for their violin. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting a new artists daily. Keep following along for exciting updates and some beautiful art." (Roanoke Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update — the Dreaded Monday edition! 😱😱😱

— 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