🌱 New Historic Place Registered + Youngkin Visits Area, Talks Tax Cut

Hello, fellow Roanokers! Here's the Saturday edition of the Roanoke Daily to get you all caught up on what's happening in the Star City. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more:

• Applications for school board vacancies
• Return of the rodeo
• VWCC EnVision open houses

Let's motor!

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But first, today's weather:

A couple of morning showers.

High: 52 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited Salem on Thursday where he spoke at Carter Machinery about his recent proposal to cut taxes. The tax cut was introduced in the governor's proposed budget last month and would lower the business tax rate from 6 percent to 5 percent. "We're going to build on top our $4 million of tax cuts an additional $1 million in tax cuts. We are going to take a two-prong solid approach. First, we're going to tackle the burden on working families, and we're also going to reduce taxes on businesses." Youngkin also spoke on helping Virginia catch up on high school dual enrollment, lowering the individual tax rate, and giving a $5,000 bonus to teachers. The state legislature meets for the first time this year next week and is expected to take up the proposal soon. (WSET, Roanoke Times)
2. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has added The Colony House Motor Lodge on Franklin Road in Roanoke to the state landmarks register. The motor lodge was listed because it is considered an "excellent example of mid-20th century roadside architecture" and being on the register will help it qualify for tax credits that can be used for renovation. The building's current owners are the Farrell family who also own and operate the Berglund car dealerships and they say there are plans to renovate the property and open a boutique hotel. According to Mike Pulice, the architectural historian for the Western Region of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, tax credits can help fund up to 45 percent of a renovation project. (WDBJ)
3. The Roanoke City Clerk's Office is now accepting applications for two upcoming vacancies on the Roanoke City School Board, which will be opening up on June 30 for new three-year terms. Applicants must live in the Roanoke City School District and the term will start on July 1. The deadline for applications is March 10 at 5 p.m. and the application as well as a description of duties and responsibilities can be found on the city's website. The incumbents whose offices are coming open are Elizabeth C.S. Jamison and Natasha N. Saunders, whose second and first terms are expiring respectively. (WSET, WDBJ)
4. The rodeo is returning to the Salem Civic Center this weekend with shows happening both today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. This will be the 55th year for the Salem Stampede Championship Rodeo and this year features 5-time national all-around Charro and 17-time Texas Champion, Francisco Flores of San Antonio, Texas, in addition to many other professional cowboys and cowgirls chasing points for a world title. Kevin DeBusk, spokesperson for the rodeo said, "It's always special coming to Salem and to think of all those who have been part of bringing the longest-running family show to the Salem Civic Center." Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased here. (WSLS)
5. Virginia Western Community College has announced that they will be hosting three open houses at its new outreach location inside the Roanoke EnVision Center located on Salem Turnpike in Northwest Roanoke. The open houses will be held the next three Wednesdays and VWCC staff and faculty will be on hand to talk with interested parties about applying for college through the state Community College Access Program scholarship as well as other resources that can help people pursue their education such as transportation assistance and a campus food pantry. "We look forward to hearing what the community would like to see us offer," said Dr. Milan Hayward, Virginia Western's vice president of Career & Corporate Training. "The open houses will be casual events where we invite people to stop by, grab a bite to eat and learn about each other." The times of the open houses vary and can be found here. (Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• 14th Annual Frozen Toe 10K starting at New Hope Christian Church (9 a.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Macon Mayhem at the Berglund Center Coliseum (7 p.m.)
• Stampede Championship Rodeo at the Salem Civic Center (7:30 p.m.)
• Laid Back Country Picker at Martin's Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Police Department: "Many thanks to our friends at Mission BBQ who donated a delicious lunch to RPD staff today, to thank them for all their hard work in 2022. We are so grateful to serve this community and have supportive, kind partners." (Roanoke City Police Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Get ready for the Taste of Virginia Expo & Market, which is a celebration of delicious and local Virginia foods, beverages, and handmade goods! This year's Taste of Virginia event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 2-9 p.m.!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This trio of tabbies along with their two other siblings and their mother came into our shelter yesterday. They were born on Christmas Day! This sweet little family has been vet checked and will be going out to foster until they are ready for adoption!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "For National Bird Day, here are all three-color morphs at once for this cool species! These three patients are all Eastern Screech-Owls recovering from hitting from cars." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport: "What makes New York pizza taste so good? 🍕 There's only one way to find out... Take advantage of our direct flights to New York City's LaGuardia Airport! When you come back, you could let us know where to find the best slice!" (Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport via Facebook)

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Now you're all caught up for today. See you tomorrow morning 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com