🌱 New McAfee's Knob Shuttle Service + International Overdose Day

Hello again, neighbors! It's finally Friday. I hope you all have a fun weekend planned. I'm thinking pizza for dinner, but that's not unusual. What are your plans?

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny.

High: 87 Low: 66.

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Here are the top five stories in Roanoke today:

1. New data shows residents of the Loudon-Melrose neighborhood and sections of the Gilmer and Harrison neighborhoods of Northwest Roanoke have the highest incarceration rates in the state out of over 1,000 Census tracts studied in a new report from the Prison Policy Initiative and the New Virginia Majority. "I'm really, really taken aback to hear those numbers, but it just tells me we've got a lot of work to do," said Roanoke City Mayor Sherman Lea. "Certain types of crime, especially violent crimes, have picked up in those areas. But that's an interesting statistic. I had never seen that." The information was made possible by a 2020 change in Virginia law that now classifies people in prison as residents of the communities they came from rather than the prisons where they're currently located. (WFIR, Roanoke Rambler)
2. Habitat for Humanity and WSLS Channel 10's Home For Good is nearly finished. This past week a crew from Capps Home Building Center volunteered at the site to pour concrete for the front walkway and work on the interior trim. "Affordable housing is such an issue nationwide as well as regionally, so to be able to support an organization like Habitat for Humanity is a great honor for us," said Capp's chief operating officer, Ryan Cappellari. The home is nearly finished and is expected to be ready to dedicate within a few weeks. (WSLS)
3. Now jailed former Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. has filed suit this past week in an attempt to recover his seat on city council. "The objective of the suit is to call into question the procedure. It is our view that proper procedures were not followed," said Jeffrey's attorney, Melvin Hill. But local leaders said the suit changes nothing and that a scheduled special election on November 8 to permanently fill the seat will still be held. "I understand that people when they're locked up are frustrated, they're angry, they're bitter and so this happens. I'm disappointed about all of this that's happened and I'm sad. And I wish the best for Robert. I would hope that he would do his time and come back out and rebuild his life," said Mayor Sherman Lea, who worked as a parole officer for a number of years. (Roanoke Times)
4. International Overdose Awareness Day was Wednesday, August 31 and saw the gathering of several Roanoke area organizations as well as people recovering from addiction at the Vinton War Memorial. Pictures of people who lost their lives to overdose were hung along the memorial and many of their loved ones were among the attendees. "If she were still here I would reiterate something that I've heard tonight … that it's not too late," said addiction survivor Caitlyn Sherwood whose sister Storrie died of an overdose. "I'm lucky my face isn't on that wall. I focus on the numbers because I think it's really important to understand … every four hours a Virginian dies of an overdose," said Niles Comer. International Overdose Awareness Day is 'the world's annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind,' according to its website. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at 800-662-HELP (4357). (WSLS)
5. Roanoke County has announced that it has partnered with Ride Source to introduce the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service, a transportation program designed to provide rides from exit 140 on I-81, along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, to the McAfee Knob trail every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, September 2 until Sunday, November 27. "The shuttle is possible thanks to funding from anticipated fares, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Roanoke County. "We are excited for locals and tourists alike to come and enjoy the beautiful views from McAfee Knob," Roanoke County Planning wrote in a post on Facebook. Visit the McAfee's Shuttle website for pickup locations and hours of operation. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• The Kings at First and Third Fridays at 5 (5 p.m.)
• Bee Gees Gold at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)
• Jenn Bertiaux at the Friday Food Truck & Tunes at Sweet Donkey Coffee (6 p.m.)
• The Mantras at Martin's Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "The Roanoke Police Department partnered with Virginia State Police for targeted traffic enforcement in school zones during the first week of school. We'd like to thank Virginia State Police for their assistance and partnership on the roads." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We're grateful to the UnitedHealthcare volunteers who helped us out with some big projects at our shelter recently! Little puppy Nymeria was pretty happy with some playtime with their group, too! Thank you!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Hickory Grove Baptist Church served [recently] in more ways than one! Thank you for not only dishing out meals in our dining hall, but also serving in our chapel, giving guidance to our guests in a time of need! " (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "McAfee's Knob is the most photographed point along the entire Appalachian Trail for a good reason, it's beautiful. And a lot, and we mean a lot, of people want to check out this bucket-list hike which is overcrowding the parking lot." (Roanoke Outside via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a new program titled (R) I.G.N.I.T.E. RSO believes in second chances and with this ideology comes a need to change the culture of how others see incarcerated individuals." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke STARCADE: "Roanoke's best kept secret! STARCADE is the game room for all ages and we also operate as a video game museum with many exhibits! How cool is that?" (Roanoke STARCADE via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning!

— 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com