🌱 Gun Violence Prevention Commission Grants + Power Outages

Hello again, Roanoke! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Roanoke Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Roanoke Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Roanoke long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 51.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke residents saw a disruption to their WDBJ7 and WZBJ24 channels over the weekend. The disruptions were due to heavy winds hitting the area. Channel engineers became aware of the issues that were experienced by the community and worked to fix the problems. Technical difficulties have been resolved and signals have been restored. (WDBJ7)
2. According to Appalachian Power, 1,000 Roanoke County residents were without power over the weekend. Power was restored for roughly 800 residents on Sunday but 200 still remain without power. The outages were caused by severe weather that hit the Roanoke area. (WDBJ7)
3. Roanoke's Gun Violence Prevention Commission will begin granting organizations mini-grants to prevent gun violence. Prevention methods are being focused within the youth and young adult demographics but the Commission reports that they are also interested in how organizations plan to reduce gun violence throughout a family unit. This is the second round of grants with the first round rewarding seventeen organizations last year for a total of $65,000. (WSLS 10)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Roanoke Public Libraries Closed For President's Day (All Day)

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From my notebook:

• The Williamson Road Southbound lanes have been reopened after the Roanoke Police Department removed construction equipment that was blocking traffic. The department thanks the community for their patience. (Facebook)
• Harriet Tubman used the Barred Owl's call to signal safe passage on the Underground Railroad and African American soldiers were tasked with protecting national parks before the establishment of the National Parks Service. Click for more fascinating stories during Black History Month. (Facebook)
• Black cats have historically been regarded as bad luck, but Darkness and Cuteness will be sure to bring you good luck. The Roanoke Valley SPCA is looking to find a forever home for these two cats. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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.