Welcome to Roanoke Valley Field Notes, a collection of news and miscellaneous notes from the past week in the valley and a look ahead at what’s happening next week. Here’s my last edition if you missed it.
Candidates for the Roanoke City Council will participate in the first debate since the Democratic primary election tonight. Tune in to get an idea of who you might have on your ballot in November.
As always, email me at samantha@cardinalnews.org to share your thoughts, ideas, questions and concerns.
Upon Salem Councilman John Saunders’ death, the process begins to find an interim member
It was reported this past weekend that Salem City Councilman John Saunders, who served for eight years, passed away on Saturday at the age of 66.
“The impact John had on the City of Salem is immeasurable,” City Manager Chris Dorsey said in a press release. “I am humbled by his lifelong dedication and service to the city. His passing is a difficult day for all of us.”
A Salem High School and Roanoke College graduate, Saunders worked in Salem since 1983, when he began working at the city’s civic center. At the age of 12, he worked as a part-time laborer and skate guard at the facility before later becoming the city’s civic facilities director until he retired in 2017.
The Salem Fair, NCAA National Tournaments, Virginia High School League Championships, and the Blue Ridge Music Festival are a few of the events he helped bring to the city, according to his council-related biography.
His cause of death was not disclosed.
Saunders’ second full term on the council was set to expire at the end of 2028. The city council is now seeking candidates to appoint to the council in the interim until a special election can be held in November 2027. That elected council member would serve the remainder of Saunders’ term, ending in 2028.
Those looking to apply can find more information here.
Roanoke council candidate forum set
The Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association will host a Roanoke City Council forum at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Aug. 27.
According to an email from the association, the forum will start at 6:30 p.m. with a meet and greet, before the moderated question and answer session begins at 7 p.m.
Seven candidates will run for three open seats on the council, currently held by Peter Volosin, Evelyn Powers and Vivian Sanchez-Jones. Jones, Raekwon Moore and Danny Clawson are running as Democrats. Former Mayor David Bowers, Rabbi Kathy Cohen and former councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds are independents. Businesswoman Amanda Marko is the lone Republican in the race. The general election is Nov. 3.
The association has asked that the public RSVP for the forum here.
Plus: Wawa coming to Salem
Next Thursday, the first Wawa in the region is scheduled to open on West Main Street in Salem. Wawa is a convenience store and gas station known for made-to-order hoagies.
The closest Wawa locations that currently exist are in Lexington and Lynchburg.
