Community Corner

🌱 Roanoke Patch: What You Need To Know Today (Wed, Jan 25)

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Roanoke.

(Patch Media)

Hello, neighbors. Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel here with your Wednesday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days, including updates on:

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But first, today's weather:

Cooler with rain. High: 41 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

  1. It's not about me, It's about us - TheRoanoker.com (Roanoker)
  2. One person hospitalized with gunshot wound after pulling knife on police (WDBJ)
  3. EARLY YEARS: Student Registered Apprenticeship Showcase highlights opportunities for students in CTE industry in Roanoke Valley (WDBJ)
  4. Another long-lived Roanoke Valley business shutting its doors (Franklin News Post)
  5. Roanoke gets first glimpse at future Eureka Recreation Center (WSLS 10)
  6. Roanoke City School Board discusses potential staff raises in 2023-2024 budget (WDBJ)
  7. Northside scores last 10 points to beat William Fleming, 68-58 (Roanoke Times)
  8. 'Celebrating Gainsboro': Telling the story of Roanoke's historic Black neighborhood (Virginia Tech Daily)
  9. State report recommends transformation of Catawba Hospital (WDBJ)
  10. Troutville weigh station closure leaves I-81 truck drivers with one less overnight parking option (WSLS 10)
  11. H&C Coffee Company donating percentage of sales to Roanoke's Rescue Mission (WSLS 10)
  12. Year-round standard time or daylight savings? Roanoke Valley senators disagree (Martinsville Bulletin)
  13. Year-round standard time or daylight saving? Roanoke Valley senators disagree (Roanoke Times)
  14. State Electoral Board declines to impose 2022 Roanoke election fines (Roanoke Times)
  15. Salem City Council honors 'Mayor of Main Street' with award (WSET)
  16. Roanoke Gas gets state nod for renewable natural gas project (Roanoke Times)
  17. Roanoke’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority looking for solutions as Section 8 applicants struggle to find affordable housing (WDBJ)
  18. Jan. 24, 2023 evening weather update for Roanoke (Roanoke Times)
  19. 7@four: Little Green Hive Joins In Roanoke Restaurant Week (WDBJ)
  20. Virginia Children’s Theatre Begins a Conversation on Racism (WDBJ)
  21. IRON Lives Offers Youth Positive Direction (WDBJ)
  22. Roanoke man sentenced to life in prison for 2021 fatal shooting of ex-girlfriend (Roanoke Times)
  23. Newly listed homes for sale in the Roanoke area (Roanoke Times)
  24. Pulaski working on comprehensive plan (WDBJ)
  25. The Spirit of Giving - TheRoanoker.com (Roanoker)
  26. Goodwill to bring adult education to Roanoke | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR (WFIR News Talk Radio)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Roanoke:


From my notebook:

  • Roanoke College - Salem, VA: "For Lunar New Year, students participated in a hands-on calligraphy demonstration and played Go, a game invented in China over 2,500 years ago that is said to be the oldest board game that is still played. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #RoanokeCollege #Lun..." (Roanoke College - Salem, VA via Instagram)
  • Lynchburg Humane Society: "Poor two-month-old Toby and his family came to LHS in need of urgent help. Unfortunately, Toby was Parvo positive and not doing well. He was dehydrated, not eating, and his eyes appeared sunken in. Toby’s family couldn’t afford the Parvo..." (Lynchburg Humane Society via Instagram)
  • Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Whooo is looking at me?! We have about half a dozen Eastern Screech-Owls who are recovering from various injuries (including many internal eye injuries, like this one!). Even at close range you can see how the rich colors of this species..." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
  • Roanoke County Public Schools: "A reminder that schools will dismiss three (3) hours early tomorrow (Jan. 25). Elementary schools will dismiss at 11:25 a.m. Middle and high schools will dismiss at 12:25 p.m." (Roanoke County Public Schools via Facebook)
  • Lynchburg Humane Society: "Happy adoption day Camo, Finn, and Spatz!! Thank you so much to our adopters for taking these guys home, as well as our sponsors at Beacon Credit Union for making these adoptions possible!" (Lynchburg Humane Society via Instagram)
  • Roanoke College: "For Lunar New Year, students participated in a hands-on calligraphy demonstration and played Go, a game invented in China over 2,500 years ago that is said to be the oldest board game that is still played. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #RoanokeCollege #Luna..." (Roanoke College via Facebook)
  • Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tia loves pretty much everything in life. She loves to play, she loves to meet new people, she loves treats, and she loves toys! Now she just wants someone to love her back as much as she loves life! Schedule an appointment to meet this ..." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
  • Lynchburg Humane Society: "Did you know that every single pet that comes to our shelter requires medical care? From immunizations to complicated surgeries with long recovery times, every single pet that arrives at the Lynchburg Humane Society. Visit our blog to f..." (Lynchburg Humane Society via Instagram)
  • Missing Pieces Network: "😡 SCAM ALERT! This post is making the rounds on Facebook. It’s being posted and shared on community pages all over the country. After the post has been shared many times, the person changes the information and often includes a hyperlink..." (Missing Pieces Network via Facebook)
  • Lynchburg Humane Society: "Are you a fan of old-school video games?? Well, do we have something special for you! 🎉Ms. Pacman🎉 Ms. Pacman is almost 2 years old and she’s got quite a unique look! We believe she is a Hound mix, but her 80 lbs and looong body sug..." (Lynchburg Humane Society via Instagram)
  • Roanoke City Public Schools: "Highland Park kindergarten students recently performed the Gingerbread Man for their families! They did an amazing job. #RCPSProud" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
  • Roanoke FireEMS Department: "Check out what some of our swift water team got up to over the weekend! These B-shifters spent their off-duty day on the James River at Balcony Falls honing their skills in paddle craft operations. 🛶 Thanks Capt. Robert Reid, Lt. Nick S..." (Roanoke FireEMS Department via Facebook)
  • Roanoke, Virginia: "Join our team! The City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government is seeking applications for a Communications and Community Engagement Specialist. Click on the link below to read more about the position. Posting closes February 3, 2023. https..." (Roanoke, Virginia via Instagram)
  • Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "As a former SRO, Sheriff Hash is still committed to the success of our children. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the Roanoke City Public Schools." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
  • Roanoke Outside: "Calling all outdoor professionals! The Virginia Adventure Education Conference (@vaaec2023) is 2/24 at Camp Bethel in Fincastle. It brings together Virginia's outdoor adventurers, educators, guides, collegiate programs, businesses, and ..." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
  • Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tamara isn't just giving us a cute #tongueouttuesday🐶, she's giving us some ears out too! ☺️ #asafeshelter #rvspca #roanokevalleyspca #roanokeva #roanokevalley #animalshelter #adoptdontshop #animalrescue #shelter #rescue #adopt #adopti..." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
  • Roanoke Police Department - VA: "The primary role of the RPD Animal Wardens is to protect, serve, and advocate for the animals in our community. They speak up for the furry, feathered, and sometimes scaly creatures who can't speak for themselves. In 2022, there were a t..." (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
  • Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "🎉Happy Lunar New Year! We're excited to celebrate at the beautiful Taubman Museum of Art ! Joining us? Save this post for quick reference- ✅Date: Saturday February 4 ✅Time: 12pm to 2pm ✅Price: FREE! No registration required 🥳 For more ..." (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
  • The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "“You have to build your recovery on a solid foundation” Janet came to the Rescue Mission a year ago looking for recovery and a new start. What she found was a community of people who have encouraged her and helped her to find her talents..." (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
  • Botetourt County: "Today we recognized two new members of the Botetourt family. A big welcome goes to Taylor Montgomery and Matt Paxton who join our Technology Services team. We are so happy you are here!" (Botetourt County via Facebook)
  • Botetourt County: "Congratulations to our newly promoted Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS officers! Left to right: Captain John Rodgers, Captain Travis Collins, Lieutenant Kayla Jones, Lieutenant Seth Mowles, Captain Ryan Hartberger, Lieutenant Mi..." (Botetourt County via Facebook)
  • Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Have you ever wanted to have the comfort of a pet in your home, but didn't think your lifestyle would allow you to commit to long-term care? You're not alone! Adopting a pet is a huge commitment. Some cats and dogs can live well into the..." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
  • Roanoke Regional Chamber: "Looking for a powerful advocate for your business? That's our bread & butter. 🍞🧈 Join us. 800+ businesses already have! Membership starts at $380: bit.ly/3XzcTTl" (Roanoke Regional Chamber via Facebook)
  • Lynchburg Humane Society: "*Big yawn* Can you believe it’s only Tuesday?? Don’t worry, we have plenty of things to do here at LHS! Stop by today and visit the Backyard Room where you’ll meet this handsome fellow, Snowflake! Snowflake is a 10 month old, male k..." (Lynchburg Humane Society via Instagram)
  • Miller Home For Girls: "We heard the weather was going to be pretty dreary today - so, yesterday, we took advantage of the afternoon sunshine and went for a bike ride!" (Miller Home For Girls via Instagram)
  • Roanoke Public Libraries: "Join us at the Claude Moore Education Complex on Saturday, February 4th at 5:30 pm for an evening honoring Perneller Chubb-Wilson, Richard Chubb & Mignon Chubb-Hale. This program is in partnership with our friends at CommUnity-ArtsReach,..." (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
  • Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Caring for a pet means loving them through the happiest of times, and the hardest of times. Pets are members of our families and their loss is felt deeply. If you are struggling with the loss of a pet, there is help. Please don't be asha..." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
  • Lynchburg Parks & Recreation: "Spend a night out with the girls, make new friends, and enjoy an evening of self-care, cooking, and crafting! Girls will create a new year vision board, enjoy a yoga class, and make a healthy dinner. Register by 1/31 on our website or wi..." (Lynchburg Parks & Recreation via Instagram)
  • Jack Browns Roanoke: "Susan notched her 200th beer‼️‼️‼️#jbsnoke #weloveournotchers" (Jack Browns Roanoke via Instagram)
  • Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Do you have a camera and an interest in photography? Put that camera to use in the Introductory Camera Class! This class will help you understand the basics of your camera and photography to let you make the most of your camera. 🔹Satu..." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Canterbury Park: "I need to find a ride down Brambleton from Cavalier Dr at 7:00 am on Tuesday through Friday. - I would ride my Scooter but it was totalled on Oct 25, on my way to work. I can adjust the time earlier if needed. Please help me." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, The Orchards: "Did the Dairy Queen on Orange Ave shut down? - Google said it was "temporarily closed." What happened??" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Oak Grove: "Has anyone verified any facility that will help injured deer? - Have a doe that comes thru my yard with her babies who has injured rear leg. Thx" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Steeplechase/Wexford: "I need someone to interested in installing a new Delta kitchen faucet and replace 2 Flowtite push/pull water shutoff valves with Sharkbite shutoff valves. - I could probably do it myself but after having a stroke I can't get under a kitc..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Brookside/Bentcreek: "Curious if anyone can give me an idea how much it would cost for hard wood floor refinishing in our area? - I am not sure of exact square footage, but I would guess approximately 800-1,000. 3 small bedrooms, hallway and living room. Just..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Wildwood: "I live on 19th street ne a black cat has been living here for some time. - my nephew spotted it when I was on vacation. i have not seen it, but if you are looking for your black cat call and leave a message at 540 915 3339, and i will c..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Fairway Forest: "Does anyone on the Fairway Forest Area have two brown labs that escaped from their invisible fence. - Seen together running around Hidden Woods Dr and Fairway Estates Drive? No ID tags only shock collars. Last seen at 9 pm." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Greater Raleigh Court: "Hello all! - This is a question for slightly out of our range, but I'm looking for a veterinarian in the Blacksburg/New River Valley area who will do end-of-life at-home calls for a sweet cat who is not doing well and a family trying to ..." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Raleigh Court: "Telephone service in Grandin Village? - We have a downed line in our backyard that is coming from a box marked for telephone service. We do not have an active phone line so I am wondering if anyone would know who we would call? I don't k..." (Nextdoor)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

Celeste "Pirate Queen" Wetzel

About me: The original Pirate Queen and QA engineer for Patch. Did you know that this week I have worked at least two fourteen hour days? This sprint has been nuts and the engineering team has been keeping me hopping non-stop. I'm exhausted and very close to needing a vacation.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at celeste.wetzel@patch.com

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