Friday, February 13th, 2026
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community members have voiced strong concerns about the planned demolition of the Roanoke College House, emphasizing the building's historic value. College officials said they will review the feedback as they plan for its future. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Roanoke Valley SPCA is spotlighting Pets for Patriots, a program offering veterans and spouses of fallen service members 50% off adoption fees, training services and discounts on pet care. This local initiative connects community heroes with shelter pets — improving lives for both. WSLS 10
- ➤ Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center is hosting a Growl-entine’s Day event tomorrow where a $5 donation lets donors name a feeder insect after an ex at its facility. A video will show an animal eating the named bug for local viewers. ABC 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire burned the barn at Homeplace Restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 12, with officials investigating the incident's cause. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Star City Golf opened its indoor simulated golf center near Berglund Center on Orange Avenue. Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb cut the ribbon today + owner Tim Horne reported strong local turnout offering access to over 2,000 national and local courses and a full bar. WFIR News
- ➤ Botetourt County native Eric Larson reassures local residents that data centers, including Google’s upcoming facility, use modern cooling systems and secure layouts to reduce environmental and noise impacts. WSLS 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools faces a $16 million shortfall that may lead to cuts in programs like PLATO and up to 150 positions. The division has received over 150 feedback submissions and will vote on a preliminary budget on Mar. 10 before finalizing it on Mar. 15. WDBJ7
- ➤ Ashvin Pinnamaraju, a Cave Spring Middle School student, won the Roanoke County Spelling Bee after correctly spelling certiorari in a 73-round duel with Rory Grant at Roanoke County Public Schools (Grant will serve as alternate), securing a spot in the regional contest at Radford University in March. The Roanoke Star
- ➤ Roanoke schools faced tough budget choices after school board updates and community reactions to a four-day week proposal in Franklin County. Officials will review funding options in upcoming meetings — details may affect local student programs. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Area farmers face a risk of a poor growing season due to an unusually dry winter & agricultural extension agent Scott Baker said low soil moisture may hurt planting unless more rain falls soon. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke has a new automated parking system that uses vehicle recognition for quick entry and offers a data-free T2 machine for users who avoid the app; downtown workers praise the ease of parking while others worry about app confusion and personal info, with officials promising stricter data rules. WSLS 10
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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.
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Browse & Bid Auction
Browse in house Feb. 12th-14th, then bid on over 1800 items, on line. Everything pictured on web site.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Shark is Broken
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Showtimers Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Dive into a comedic perspective of the behind-the-scenes antics during the filming of Jaws.
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Shadowgrass Concert
8-10 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of captivating instrumental music from the rising band Shadowgrass.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading is faster than listening. Doing is faster than watching.
~ Naval Ravikant
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