🌱 WWII Veterans Visit Lord Botetourt + 'Cones With A Cop' Returns

Hello, neighbors! It's Saturday and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• Consultant looks at feasibility of creating affordable artist colonies.
• Berglund Center to host Prepare-A-Thon event this weekend.
• Roanoke judges seek recusal from Timothy Church case.

Let's motor! 🛵

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 84 Low: 60.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Recently, four World War II veterans visited Lord Botetourt High School to share their war stories and experiences with students. The visit was organized by English teacher Bruce Ingram, who had his students research and do projects on the World War II era. The veterans answered students' questions and provided firsthand accounts of their time in uniform during the war. Students said meeting the veterans in person made history feel more real than just looking at old photos. It was a memorable opportunity for the students to connect with living history and gain perspective on the sacrifices of American soldiers. (WFXR)
2. This week, the Minnesota-based nonprofit Artspace visited Roanoke to meet with local artists, officials, and community members about potentially redeveloping properties into affordable housing and studio spaces for artists. They surveyed sites like the Ninth Street Southeast Industrial Park, part of the mixed-use Riverdale Project, to gauge interest and feasibility. The city's arts and culture coordinator Doug Jackson attended the meetings, noting Roanoke is working to support its arts community and believes clustering artists together in neighborhoods has many benefits. Artspace has experience repurposing old properties into artistic colonies and affordable housing in other cities. The meetings and on-the-spot surveys gave Artspace key insights into the enthusiasm for such a project taking shape in Roanoke. (WFIR)
3. Homestead Creamery hosted a "Cone with a Cop" event on Thursday to bring the local community and law enforcement together over ice cream before summer's end. After the success of last year's event, Homestead was eager to hold it again as an opportunity to foster positive bonds between police and residents in a fun atmosphere. Officers from agencies all around the area were invited to scoop ice cream. Homestead said that as a community-oriented business they value engaging with law enforcement and people, so the ice cream social provided the perfect way to bridge those groups. (WSLS)
4. Roanoke Circuit Court judges have recused themselves from hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by convicted murderer Timothy Church. Church claims Judge Onzlee Ware promised legal help to Church's mother in exchange for sex. After the allegation surfaced, Chief Judge Christopher Clemens signed an order stating it would be improper for any local judge to preside over the Church case. Per Virginia law, the state Supreme Court must now appoint an outside judge. The recusal aims to assure both the fact and appearance of propriety given the extraordinary circumstances. Ware has not commented on the allegations. (Roanoke Times)
5. Today, the City of Roanoke Stormwater Utility along with Emergency Management and public safety partners will host Roanoke's 2023 Prepare-A-Thon event at the Berglund Center from 10am-2pm. The initiative partners with FEMA to help local families and individuals prepare for flooding and other natural disasters affecting the area. Representatives will be on hand to provide information and resources focused on emergency preparedness and response. The event aims to boost community readiness and resilience in the face of potential crises. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, September 16

• Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross at Fallon Park (7 a.m.)
• Used Book Sale at O. Winston Link Museum (10 a.m.)
• Southwest Virginia Pride Fest 2023 at the Vinton War Memorial (Noon)
• Henry Street Heritage Festival at Elmwood Park (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke County Public Schools: "Ronde Barber is coming home to Cave Spring High School for the Sept. 22 homecoming game at Bogle Stadium vs. Blacksburg. Barber, a 1993 graduate of CSHS, will be recognized during the pregame activities for his recent induction into the NFL Hall of Fame." (Roanoke County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "How about a kiss from your prince? This American Toad was found after his tongue was lolling out of his mouth and brought to us for treatment for his tongue-tied problem." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Ginger is gorgeous, talkative girl who is looking for a family who will play with her on her terms. She loves to rub against you and get love and attention. She's very sweet, and a little bit sassy 😉" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Market Building: "Do you recognize these young ladies? Early yesterday morning, these two ripped out a couple hundred dollars in Market Building plants and flowers. We don't want to press charges, but we'd like to be reimbursed for the damage." (Roanoke City Market Building via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— 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