🌱 Williamson Road Named Deadliest in Roanoke + Property Tax Rebates

Morning, everybody! Happy Saturday! Here's the Roanoke Daily with all the things you need to know about what's happening in the community today...

First, today's weather:

Sunny, breezy, and cooler. Yes! This week's been a hot one.

High: 79 Low: 54.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. Williamson Road has been named the deadliest road in Roanoke after several pedestrian deaths and injuries in recent years. The Virginia Department of Transportation is funding a new safety survey that is open for community ideas and comments until Wednesday June 22. Roanoke leaders envision improving the high traffic thoroughfare by making it two lanes instead of four with a wide center turn lane, dedicated bike lanes, and new sidewalks to replace the current crumbling ones. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
2. Roanoke City Council has said that it has received more than what it expected to receive in personal property taxes and is considering giving a rebate to those who have paid. The full city council is expected to hear a report from the city manager at the next council meeting on Tuesday, June 21. "The council will have to decide on what type of rebate should the public get from this. Should they receive most of it, a percentage of it, or none of it? I just want the public to be aware,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds. (WSLS)
3. The RAM House in Roanoke is offering a place to come inside and beat the heat for Roanokers who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week and will also provide meals to those in need. "People are real sensitive to people being cold, but in the summer when it gets like this, it’s very bad. The people who come in here, we give them things to get cleaned up. Can you imagine, sleeping outside, all night, in this?" Melissa Woodson, RAM House's executive director said. Both RAM House and The Salvation Army, who operates a similar cooling shelter, are in need of more volunteers. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke area food trucks are deciding to stay local as they continue to be pressured by the rise in gas and food prices. Salty's Lobster & Co. owner Jonathan Kelly reports that he has restricted his business to outings within a 15 mile radius when he used to cover the entire southwestern portion of the state. Teano Tucker, owner of DG Ice, said, "It costs $150 now to fill up the truck when last year it was only about $40 to fill up. I have to sell probably 12 or 15 cups before I start even getting my gas money for anywhere I go.” (WSLS)
5. The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocacy Committee hosted state lawmakers David Suetterlein and Joseph McNamara recently to discuss the 2022 legislative wrap up. The pair appeared at Richfield Living Thursday and discussed the state budget, which is due to be finalized next week, the possibility of a gas tax holiday and to recap the bills they supported, passed and didn't pass in the recent session. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Roanoke Diversity Center's Rainbow Run 5k at River’s Edge North (8 a.m.)
• Day of Action Park Clean Up at Booker T. Washington Park (8:30 a.m.)
• Body Mind Spirit Fest 2022 at Unity of Roanoke Valley (10 a.m.)
• Downtown Food and Cultural Tour hosted by Tour Roanoke (11 a.m.)
• Juneteenth 2022: Celebration of Freedom Event at Booker T. Washington National Monument (11 a.m.)
• Pig Roast & Bluegrass at Amrhein’s Wine Cellars (12 p.m.)
• The Kings at Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)
• Andy Grammer at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Water Culture / Regen Tate / Through The Tallwoods at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Roanoke Government said, "There will be a gun buyback event held on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Melrose Community Center (1427 Melrose Ave NW Roanoke. You can receive a $250 grocery gift card for a semi-automatic handgun." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools said, "Roanoke Academy for Math and Science 5th graders had a very special surprise visitor on the last day of school. Mary Divers Hackley gave 5th graders an encouraging word and made a special presentation." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke said, "Splish splash, take a bath! The Eastern Meadowlarks we have raised absolutely love cleaning themselves." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA said, "Thanks to Leading Age Virginia for inviting us to their conference today! Ila was thrilled to meet, well everyone! This gorgeous, relaxed girl is still looking for her home! Give us a call to schedule your meet and greet with her today!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke said, "Thank you to Coca-Cola Consolidated for buying lunches for ALL OUR GUESTS! What a great treat. Smiles were abound!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update. Cheers!

— 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