🌱 Vinton Fire Damages Estimate + Roanoke Football Growth Camp

Hello again, fellow Roanokers! It's me, Ian, host of the Roanoke Daily. Keep reading for a quick look at what's going on around town.

First, today's weather:

A strong thunderstorm.

High: 89 Low: 76.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. Streets were closed through Sunday afternoon in Vinton due to the fire that began at 101 Lee Avenue, the beloved D.R. Music store. Current estimates of the damage according Roanoke County officials stands at $1.5 million and the music store had to be completely demolished as the fire made the structure unsound. A Facebook Post from The Town of Vinton read, "We're incredibly thankful for our first responders, public works crews, police officers, fire marshal's office, building commissioner's office, local utility workers, demo contractor's employees, area business owners, and our citizens who responded today when tragedy struck our town. We are grateful that no injuries were sustained by the responders or occupants in the affected buildings. We are sad to learn that several pets were lost and offer our condolences to the owners of the pets." (Roanoke Times)
2. Aaron Blackford, national Strongman competitor, world record holder and Roanoker, has opened his own gym along with his wife, Taylor. Blackford Barbell Strength and Combat will be focused on functional weight training and martial arts and will feature free weights, squat racks and coaching. "I created the space and this atmosphere because its something that I would want, and something that I felt like Roanoke was lacking. A good space that’s a competitive atmosphere, that’s also welcoming to all experience levels. I want a space for really good athletes to come in and train seriously for their sport but also be welcoming and take newer people under their wing who don’t have experiences and teach them the right things," said Blackford. (WSLS)
3. Botetourt County will be electing a new treasurer in November. William Arney, who served as treasurer for 11 years, recently announced his retirement and long time Deputy Clerk Donna Boothe took over as interim treasurer. Arney's term wasn't set to expire until 2023, so the position will be on the next two ballots, once to fill the remainder of Arney's term and again to elect a replacement for a full term. (The Botetourt Bee)
4. Thirty-five kids from around the Roanoke Valley recently took part in a youth football Growth Camp designed to help kids both on and off the football field. Coach Brandon McCall said, "This is an all growth football camp. We do this to get kids interested in playing football, in playing sports, but also we do coaching and motivational speaking to get them energized in their brain. The major thing we’re instilling is if you can listen, you can learn, and if you can learn, you can grow, and growth is needed all throughout life." The three day camp is scheduled to be held again July 27 - 29. Sign ups are ongoing. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (7:30 a.m.)
• Roanoke City Council Meeting Briefings in the City Council Chambers (9 a.m.)
• Roanoke City Council Meeting in the City Council Chambers (2 p.m.)
• The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (5:45 p.m.)
• Line Dancing with Angela & Kamronn at Corned Beef and Co. Bar and Grill (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "So cute! Baby beavers are spoiled in the wild—always having their parents or a sibling around—which makes them huge divas. While most of our patients are fairly quiet baby beavers boss us around by whining not unlike a human baby when." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Did you know that reading to shelter cats can help lower their stress, calm them down, and improve their shelter experience? Animals also make the best judgment-free audience to readers still mastering their skills." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "May we never forget... Patrolman Clyde H. Morgan EOW: Friday, July 3, 1925. (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Join us, and find out why this is truly the best job in the world! 🚒 The City of Roanoke's Fire-EMS department is looking for Firefighter-EMTs. To learn more about the position's responsibilities and requirements, and to apply, please visit the link." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "There is still time to provide your input on the recommendations and options presented to the School Board on school safety. Click on the link below for more information and to access the form to provide input by today." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com