🌱 Washington Park Pool Update + Law Enforcement Memorial Service

Good morning, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with what's happening in town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• Supervisor Peters a candidate for Commissioner of the Revenue.
• Mt. Pleasant library to reopen.
• The Mill Mountain Star will be preserved says city manager.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Supervisor Jason Peters has received the Republican nomination for the commissioner of the revenue in Roanoke County. Peters is the current supervisor for the Vinton District and has 10 years of experience on the board and 23 years of leadership in the banking industry. With over 30 years of active community involvement, Peters says he is well-prepared for the position and aims to bring new insights, modernize processes, develop crucial relationships, and understands the needs of businesses. He plans to streamline services for business owners in the county. Nancy Horn, a Democrat seeking her sixth term as commissioner, has not responded to requests for comment. (Roanoke Times)
2. Roanoke City is working on a new Washington Park Pool as part of a renovation project outlined in the 2019 Master Plan. The pool, originally built in the 1970s, received significant resident support for the renovation in a 2021 study. The old pool was closed in 2022 and demolition has begun. However, determining the new location has been a challenge due to the presence of landfill material in much of the park. The possibility of moving the pool to the lower half of the park, where the historical Evans House is located, has sparked mixed reactions from residents. Some see it as an opportunity to provide a vital recreational facility for the children in the area, while others view it as compromising historical value. Concerns have been raised about ensuring the pool receives proper attention and maintenance in the future, as neglect in the Northwest area has been a longstanding issue. The next step in the process is to issue a callout for a contractor. (WSLS)
3. The Roanoke Valley community recently gathered for annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. Over a hundred people attended the service, which paid tribute to area officers who have died in the line of duty since 1892. The service aimed to honor not only their service but also their roles as community members who engaged in everyday activities like mowing the lawn, attending church, and enjoying concerts. Chief of Police Craig Harris acknowledged the dangers of their profession and the sacrifices made by officers who never return home in his speech saying law enforcement officers face the unknown each day as they don their uniforms and leave their homes. The memorial service also aimed to support the families of fallen officers, ensuring they receive ongoing support from the law enforcement community. (WDBJ)
4. The Mt. Pleasant Library in Roanoke County has been closed for renovations, but is set to reopen soon. A ribbon-cutting ceremony has been scheduled for Monday, May 22 at 9:45 a.m. The library, located at 2918 Jae Valley Road, was temporarily relocated to the Mt. Pleasant Fire & Rescue station during the renovation period. The community is welcome to attend the ceremony, where Board of Supervisors member Jason Peters will be speaking. Following the ceremony, the library will be open to the public. (WSET)
5. The iconic Mill Mountain Star in the Roanoke Valley is going to be preserved, according to Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell. The star, which has been standing on the mountain for almost 75 years, was inspected by an engineering company two years ago, and recommendations were made for necessary repairs and improvements. The top priorities include deciding whether to replace the neon lights with modern LED lights and potentially removing the lead-based paint that covers the star. These improvements are estimated to cost around $2 million. The city's Parks and Recreation advisory board will be discussing the matter in the coming week.

Today in Roanoke:

• Sustainable Roanoke Recycling Event at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church (10 a.m.)
• Gainsboro Block Party at the Gainsboro Branch Library (11 a.m.)
• Local Colors Festival in Elmwood Park (11 a.m.)
• Vinton Palooza at the Vinton War Memorial (1 p.m.)
• Jo Dee Messina at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Daleville! Don't I have a pretty smile? I was bopping down Catawba Rd wearing my favorite green collar, heading to get an ice cold slushie at Sheetz when I got picked up for safe keeping. Do you know my family? Please share!" (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Woah, we discovered something really cool! 🤯 This Eastern Phoebe chick was admitted with an injured eye and in order to diagnose the problem correctly, we used a florescent dyed fluid to see if there was damage to the cornea." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "☀️ With the weather warming up and Summer just around the corner, you probably want to sit outside for your lunch break or happy hour. We've created an entire list of downtown outdoor dining options to help you find a new favorite spot!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Normally each week we like to highlight a senior or long timer cat or dog. A long timer is a pet who has been in our shelter for a while. Well today we want to shine a bright spotlight on our big dogs. Several have been in our shelter weeks or even months and we really can't understand why. These precious pups have so much good to offer!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Students and staff at Virginia Heights have been on an exciting journey of career exploration! Through special dress-up days and engaging classroom activities, they have been learning about different professions and discovering their passions!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early Tuesday morning with your next 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