🌱 Youth and Gang Violence Update + Landfill To Convert Methane Gas

Hi all. It's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with all the community news you need to know right now, including:

• Roanoke County revises volunteer incentive for fire and rescue.
• A swimming advisory for blackwater parts of Smith Mountain Lake.
• Human trafficking is impacting Southwest and Central Virginia.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 95 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A swimming advisory for blackwater parts of Smith Mountain Lake will remain in effect until at least mid-August due to a harmful algae bloom. Though recent water samples showed acceptable algae levels, health officials require two consecutive clean samples taken at least 10 days apart before lifting the advisory. With testing delays, results from the next samples won't be available for three weeks. The Smith Mountain Lake Association plans to discuss shortening the testing process with local and state leaders for the future. (WTVR)
2. Roanoke County is simplifying and increasing its fire and rescue volunteer incentive program. At a Tuesday meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved raising the end-of-year monetary incentive from $500 to $599, as well as streamlining eligibility tracking for volunteers and management. The changes aim to boost volunteer recruitment, which one supervisor explained is crucial for staffing career positions that have become harder to fill. The revised volunteer program will utilize the existing $150,000 budget. (WDBJ)
3. As Virginia National Guard troops aid at the U.S.-Mexico border, organizations like Project Horizon in Lexington and Straight Street in Roanoke are providing resources to human trafficking victims in Central and Southwest Virginia. In 2021, there were 179 reported human trafficking cases in Virginia, with most involving non-U.S. citizens, highlighting the need for services like Project Horizon's non-English speaker support. Along with victim assistance, the groups are focused on education and prevention, including school and truck stop staff training to spot trafficking signs like nervousness, inability to answer questions, and lack of personal documents. (WSLS)
4. Roanoke hired a Youth and Gang Violence Prevention coordinator, Christopher Roberts, in 2021 to reduce youth violence through efforts like implementing the Cure Violence model used in major U.S. cities. Though overall crime is down, homicides are up in what Roberts calls "group violence" rather than gang activity. Over 14 months, his program worked with 13 high-risk individuals, keeping 12 out of violence and jail, but one teen was murdered in June. Though tragic, Roberts doesn't believe gaps exist in the program, which continues working to keep youth alive, out of jail, and away from gun violence. (WDBJ)
5. The Smith Gap Regional Landfill plans to convert decomposing trash into renewable natural gas through a partnership with Archaea Energy. The project will capture methane gas from the landfill that was previously being flared off, clean it, and sell it as a commodity, benefitting the environment and decreasing odors. With Archaea Energy covering all costs, the Roanoke Valley Resource Authority calls this a "win-win-win" enabling them to align business and environmental priorities. Construction on the gas processing facility aims for completion in 2025. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, July 27

• Ribbon Cutting for Club Pilates Roanoke (9 a.m.)
• Party in Elmwood — Roanoke City Special Events (5:30 p.m.)
• School board meeting — Roanoke County (6 p.m.)
• "Matilda the Musical" — Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College - Salem, VA: "In research work, there are questions that haven't been answered yet, mysteries that haven't been solved. Student researchers dive into those unknowns to help advance our understanding of the world. 🔎🔬🥼 Here at Roanoke, dozens of students are devoting their summer breaks to research projects." (Roanoke College - Salem, VA via Instagram)
• Green Hill Highland Games: "Celts at the Creek Aug. 26. Both a new beginning and a fresh start to Celtic festivals in the Roanoke valley, this is a mere preview of what's to come, this is Green Hill 2.0, but this is a rebuilding year so please keep that in mind." (Green Hill Highland Games via Facebook)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "🐶 We’re so excited to announce a Special Appearance by DIESEL from @railyarddawgs from 12-2 p.m. on Aug. 19 at our Grandparents’ Day Event! Find him out by The 611 with the team's SPHL Trophy and for photos! 🏆" (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Instagram)
• Roanoke Regional Chamber: "Congratulations to Member One Federal Credit Union on the official Grand Opening of their Learning and Development Center where Member One employees will receive training and community members will be able to participate in financial literacy." (Roanoke Regional Chamber via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for another 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