🌱 Roanoke Man Convicted Of Theft + LEAP Community Gardens

Up and at 'em, Roanoke! Let's get you all caught up to start this Saturday, March 19 off on an informed note. Here's what's happening around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Breezy; a shower in the a.m.. High: 75 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. A former Roanoke American Electric Power employee has been sentenced to three years in prison after stealing from AEP customers. Gregory Thomas Holland, 64, has been convicted of stealing roughly $1.6 million while in charge of AEP's customer bankruptcies. Holland allegedly stole the money while working for the company for almost three decades. (WSLS 10)
2. Are you curious how LEAP community gardens will spend its newly acquired $180,000 funds from Roanoke City? The LEAP Community Gardens Manager has outlined how the money will be spent to support infrastructure improvements in its various garden sites. The ARPA funds will be used to build a fence, plant perennial edibles, install additional garden beds, and build a pavilion. Click the link for complete details regarding the expenses. (WSLS 10)
3. Feeding Southwest Virginia has received 38,000 pounds of food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The food was transported from Salt Lake City, Utah in two truckloads. The donations are needed while food prices increase and donations are harder to get. (WFIR News Talk Radio)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Shamrock Festival At Roanoke City (10:00 AM)
• Reading to Cats! At Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection (2:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Roanoke Police Department is accepting applications for Class 84. Class 83 has officially begun its training. (Twitter)
• Ever wonder how Roanoke Fire & EMS keeps our community safe? Click for an inside view of the process. (Facebook)
• Don't miss out on Roanoke County Public Library events this spring. Click to register. (Roanoke County Public Library)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you soon!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.