🌱 Vinton Talks Capital Projects + The Green Hill Highland Games!

Good morning! Did you know Thursday gets its name from the Thunder God, Thor? The name is derived from the Old English þunresdæg, which came from the Norse Þórsdagr meaning Thor's Day. Random fact, I know, but I couldn't think of another greeting. Let's get to some news...

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm around in the p.m..

High: 85 Low: 68.

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Here are the top five stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Swift Water Rescue Team was recently recognized by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors for their efforts during the massive flooding in Buchanan County that took place in July. "We’re thankful that you’re willing to go and help someone else but also having you here for that time that we might need you here in the valley,” said BOS vice chairman Jason Peters. The team appreciated being recognized and said no matter where it is, they are always ready to help when disaster strikes. Supervisor David Radford added, "It really is brave of people to go out and do that and we commend you." (WDBJ)
2. The Town of Vinton has announced that it hopes to fund several capital projects over the next year using a mixture of funds that includes grant money, unobligated carryover funds from last year's budget and funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to Assistant Town Manager Cody Sexton, the funds total $5.5 million and several possible projects are being discussed including the Gish Mill redevelopment project, which has been ongoing since the town purchased the vacant Holdren's Country Store property in 2015. Many citizens wanted to preserve the historic mill, which appears on the town seal and has been in continual operation in one form or another since its construction in the 1770s. Various plans have been put forward over the years to convert the creek side property into a mixed-use development, but plans have been on hold throughout the pandemic. (Roanoke Times, Vinton Messenger)
3. After a slew of restaurant closings in recent months, news comes that one popular eatery that closed unexpectedly a few years ago is coming back. Zaxby's, known for its chicken wings and Zax Sauce, will be reopening at the 3206 Ordway Drive location in Roanoke under new owners, including Kevin Schweiker. "We’re looking forward to bringing Zaxby’s back to the Roanoke community," he said. The restaurant will be able to seat over 50 guests, online and app ordering will be available, and delivery will be offered through Doordash, GrubHub, and UberEats. To celebrate the new opening, Zaxby’s said that customers who download the app and sign up for the Zax Fanz Club will be eligible to get a free Signature Sandwich. (WSLS)
4. The 12th Annual Green Hill Highland Games are happening, rain or shine, Saturday, August 27! The festival aims to celebrate the Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture that is alive throughout the Roanoke Valley and the region with food, drink, music and dance including performances by local Celtic duo Kinnfolk, the Virginia Highland Pipes & Drum Corp and folk rock band SYR! Many Scottish clans will be on hand to talk about their history and amateur as well as professional highland athletes will show their skills in events such as the popular caber toss and hammer throw. The event is free to the public! (WDBJ, Greenhill Highland Games, Facebook)
5. Staffing issues at Valley Metro could soon cause some bus schedules to change. According to General Manager Kevin Price, the bus service is currently down about 25 bus drivers. "We have to do what we needed to do in order to keep the services that we have. On Saturday we’ve combined two routes. There is still transit service on that line but it’s just on the opposite side of the street," he said. Some area bus riders have noticed the paired down service and have started an organization called Bus Riders of Roanoke Advocacy Group to advocate for more bus operators, shorter wait times and expanded hours of operation. "We are advocating for better transit and just to raise awareness that transit is a really important part of our community. It’s the lifeblood. And it has so much potential to improve our community," said Lisa Hartman, a founding member of the group. Price said Valley Metro is doing everything they can to hire more bus operators. “We go to job fairs. We are thinking about doing vocational exercises with schools. And we have advertisements all over the buses. So if you need a job, this is an awesome place to work,” he said. (WSLS)

Today in Roanoke:

• State of the City Address at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (7:30 a.m.)
• Business After Hours at the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce (5:30 p.m.)
• Party in Elmwood featuring Band of Oz in Elmwood Park (5:30 p.m.)
• Roanoke County School Board Regular Meeting (6 p.m.)
• Virginia Latino Advisory Board Listening Session at Casa Latina (6 p.m.)
• Creek Freaks Skills Session on the Roanoke River Blueway at Rotary Park (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Want to celebrate back to school with us? How does a $50 Kroger gift card sound? Tell us your favorite subject when you were in school (...reading 👀...) and get entered in for a chance to win!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This puppy was giving us all the sad eyes during his vet exam, but have no fear! He's very happy in his foster home! We can't thank our fosters enough - especially during puppy and kitten season when there are more animals needing care." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Thank you WSLS 10 for covering the The Rescue Mission of Roanoke Drumstick DASH and all the exciting news that came from our press conference yesterday!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Are you looking for something family-friendly to do on Friday night? Take the kids to see "Moana" at @vmtroanoke! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is $5 and the movie is free." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "Another great group from Marvin worked on August 17 at the WSLS Home for Good project. Fun day!" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)

There you have it. You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow!

— 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.

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