Good morning, Roanoke.

Dutch Bros has filed a special exception application with the Roanoke Board of Zoning Appeals to open its first Virginia location on Hershberger Road; the public hearing is scheduled for March 11.

The drive-thru coffee chain plans a community-focused store.

Google's proposed project in Botetourt County will use eight million gallons of water per day, raising questions on who will cover local infrastructure costs (a Virginia Tech Engineering Professor said regional water concerns are overblown).

Gwen Mitchell retired after a 46 year career in banking and community service in Roanoke.

She earned respect for her work in consumer banking and teaching financial literacy (a legacy that continues to impact local residents).

Two local cultural events highlight the weekend, with 'Crowns' by Shine by JP playing at the historic Dumas Theatre Friday through Sunday — a gospel musical celebrating grace and community.

The Taubman Museum of Art hosts a Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

State lawmakers are working to raise the minimum wage from $12.77 to $15 by 2028 as Gov. Spanberger plans to sign the bill — Senator Danica Roem says it will help workers afford studio apartments; Roanoke rents average $710 to $1,500 and the measure is expected to ease costs.

A proposed minimum wage increase raised concerns that higher labor costs might push rents up, while workers could benefit from better pay—local officials are reviewing the proposal amid mixed reactions.

Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands outlined plans to expand the VT Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke with a new facility to double enrollment to 400 students & address the region's physician shortage.

He also shared 2025 figures showing $475 million impact in Roanoke and over 10,000 university jobs.

Drivers can file claims for pothole damage on city streets or state highways; local officials and VDOT stress the need to report hazards as soon as possible (for state claims up to $5k) so crews can prioritize repairs quickly.

City Manager Valmarie Turner said Roanoke has received $3.7M in federal funding for four projects, including a $1M biotech incubator aimed at boosting local job growth + economic development.

The funds will also support a Goodwill Industries career center at Melrose Plaza and expand Bradley Free Clinic's behavioral health services.

Always There Counseling aired its Breaking the Stigma mental health segment Wednesday, Feb.

18 to help locals talk about mental health without shame (the segment works to reduce stigma).

Faith Christian's boys & girls basketball teams advanced to the VACA semis after key wins and they will face fresh opponents later this week at the tournament.

Former Roanoker Keith Johnson will be inducted with the Class of 2026 at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Georgia Chapter ceremony on Saturday, May 2 at the Ramsey Conference Center at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville — he is honored for his service and contributions to wrestling.

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.

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.

Shadowgrass Concert

8-10 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of captivating instrumental music from the rising band Shadowgrass.

Steven Curtis Chapman Concert

7-10 p.m. — Parkway Church On The Mountain — Tickets from $50 — Experience a night of uplifting music with Steven Curtis Chapman in Roanoke.

Spafford Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets Required — Experience astonishing improvisational jams from Spafford as they create a unique musical atmosphere.

Nicole Zuraitis Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the genre-blurring sound of Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nicole Zuraitis.