🌱 People Displaced Following Fire + City Buys Roanoke Ramada Inn

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 periods of sun. High: 76 Low: 56.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Roanoke:

1. Multiple people are displaced after a fire in Northwest Roanoke on Friday night. Around 11:30 p.m., The Roanoke Fire-EMS responded to the 2200 block of Grassland Drive NW on reports of a fire. Crews had the fire under control within 20 minutes, but it left about $65,000 in damages to the home. (WSLS 10)
2. The City of Roanoke purchased the Roanoke Ramada Inn on Franklin Road. The city is preparing to demolish it later this year. It's not clear what will be on the property, but city leaders have some ideas, such as a botanical garden. (WDBJ)
3. The Veterans Affairs has officially recommended the closure of the Salem hospital and the building of a new medical center in Roanoke. However, veterans, employees, and community members are concerned about how it could be done. The new facility would provide inpatient mental health services, outpatient services, a residential rehabilitation treatment program, and a community living center. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Open Mic Event at 3rd Street Coffee House (7:00 PM)
• Free Tax Clinic at Dumas Center (10:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke shared that squirrel baby season is in full swing and they have their hands "literally" full. Eastern Gray Squirrels are the top species at the Center right now but we will soon be flooded with migrating songbirds and early spring bird babies. (Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools shared that April is Autism Awareness Month, also known as Autism Acceptance Month. They also shared how they support autism awareness. (Facebook)
• The City of Roanoke, Virginia Government shared a photo on Facebook of the beautiful Spring weather. Spring has sprung in the Star City! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. See you all tomorrow 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.