Good morning, Roanoke.

Last week, firefighters in Roanoke battled severe winter conditions, enduring icy roads and freezing equipment while responding to fires.

Chief Hoback said his team increased staffing + deployed extra snow plows to clear paths and ensure emergency vehicles reached homes.

LOV Ministry will host its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Conference 'Love Shouldn't Hurt' on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at High Street Baptist Church on Florida Ave, NW, with keynote speaker Katie Gilbert sharing her survival story — and tailored breakout sessions, prayer, and counseling offered.

WUVT, the community-run radio station from Virginia Tech’s campus — which added a translator antenna on Sugarloaf Mountain on Jan.

11 — expanded its broadcast to cover the greater Roanoke area and now reaches about 388,664 people on 101.9 FM.

Salem's Yokohama Tire Plant at 1500 Indiana Street will lay off nearly 400 workers in coming weeks due to decreased demand and outdated equipment, and local officials are working with state partners to help affected employees (resources may be available soon).

A 100-year-old Halifax County native, Edith Edmunds, has published Sacred Stitches, a book that explains secret quilt patterns used by slaves during the Underground Railroad.

Her quilt collection will be on display at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery in Charlotte through February.

GasBuddy data show that Roanoke’s gas prices fell 3.1 cents per gallon to $2.74 at 155 stations as of Monday.

Prices are 8.9 cents higher than last month and 18.7 cents lower than a year ago.

Local school systems in the New River Valley are adjusting their calendars after six consecutive days of closures caused by winter storms; remote learning helped keep students on track, and administrators plan makeup days (students will return in-person on Wednesday).

Chris Tribble, a systems administrator and engineer at Virginia Western Community College, shares his journey from Queens to Roanoke (including Marine service) and his dual passion for tech and photography.

His story highlights the blend of professional expertise and personal commitment that enriches local community life.

City leaders are considering a casino at the Berglund Center to boost revenue, despite concerns it may redirect funds from local businesses (and raise social costs).

Three local legislators announced opposition, and the plan will need approval by the Virginia General Assembly before going to voters.

Roanoke revised its trash schedule after last weekend’s winter storm; Monday saw service in the Southwest Quadrant and today the Northwest Quadrant gets collection while Northeast and Southeast are scheduled Wednesday and Thursday.

City officials reminded residents to clear sidewalks and use sand or kitty litter on compacted ice.

Therapist Ashley Lucas warns that social media use is harming student sleep, self esteem and personal interactions, while Nancy Hans of the Partnership of Community Wellness highlights developmental delays.

A community discussion on these issues will be held Feb. 10 at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School at 6:00 p.m. (registration pending).

Patrick Henry's varsity basketball team won a double overtime thriller 75-70 against rival William Fleming on Jan.

22, with Dariyon Williams, Tavon Jumper, and William Fowler making key plays. Fans will have to wait until winter for the teams to meet again.

Roanoke Valley Sports Club announced that Coach Steve Robinson will speak at a banquet on Monday, Feb.

16 at Salem Civic Center. The event starts with a 5:45 p.m. social hour, a 6:00 p.m. buffet dinner, and a program with Q&A and raffle, with reservations due by Friday, Feb. 13.

Big Lick Comic Con

10 AM – 5 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets available — Celebrate comics, cosplay, and pop culture with celebrity guests and panels.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Taubman Museum of Art — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.

Valentine's Day DIY Workshop

3-6 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio — Pre-registration required — Create your own unique wood sign with paint and wood stain while enjoying complimentary beverages.

Public Ice Bumper Cars

12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Enjoy a fun-filled family activity with ice bumper cars for all ages.

Rend Collective Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience an energetic performance from an eclectic collective of multi-instrumentalists from Northern Ireland.

Perpetual Groove Concert

7-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying blend of rock, indie electronica, and metal from PGroove with an impressive light show.

Toubab Krewe Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience unique music that transcends conventional genres and resonates deeply with the spirit of community.

Public Ice Bumper Cars

12:30-6:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — $11 + fees — Experience the thrill of bumper cars on ice for children aged 2 and up.

Riverdance 30 - New Generation

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Celebrate 30 years of Irish dance magic with innovative performances and a new generation of dancers.

Tuba Skinny Performance

9 PM – 1 AM — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of traditional New Orleans music with Tuba Skinny.