Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke is opening a new 24,000-sqft skatepark and pump track at Wasena Park today with a ribbon-cutting event planned.

The project was funded by $1.07 million from the city, $200K from Salem, $50K from Vinton and $280K in private donations.

Dr. Pepper Park at The Bridges will debut its season tomorrow with the Green Envy St. Paddy’s Day Party — a kickoff event featuring live music, comedy, and tribute bands.

Attendees are encouraged to wear green as the park also plans the fall return of Roanoke Wing Fest.

UVA economists predict that job growth will slow this year, with unemployment reaching 4.4% and rising rents and power costs + affecting local sectors like healthcare and entertainment, while an economic rebound is expected in 2027.

Plans to add a ferris wheel to the roof of Center in the Square face a setback as the requested $600,000 economic development study did not get state funding.

The center is raising funds for its $250K study to boost downtown tourism + community growth.

Appalachian Power has seen rising bills in Virginia due to state policy conflicts—Virginia is moving to renewables while West Virginia supports coal, leaving ratepayers with high costs.

Lawmakers in both states will debate the issue on Saturday, March 14.

Freedom First Credit Union debunked common financial myths and explained why they persist during a session with the Financial Empowerment Center on Mar.

12. Residents can call (540) 378-8928 to schedule a free one-on-one counseling session and learn to gain financial independence.

Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office launched a new literacy initiative in collaboration with local partners to help residents improve reading skills (announced Mar.

12). The program will offer workshops and resources to support community learning.

School officials are debating whether to close Stewartsville Elementary amid budget challenges and community concerns.

The discussion continues as proposals for resource consolidation are weighed — decisions may affect local families in upcoming board meetings.

Gov. Spanberger has ordered flags flown at half-staff on state and local buildings today in honor of Corporal Marvin Silvester Patton — a Korean War veteran recently reburied in Dublin.

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has launched a program to install 15 new highway markers at lynching sites using $76,008 from the 2025-26 budget.

Nomination forms will be reviewed quarterly and must include detailed local documentation + community support.

Local vets stress the importance of vaccinating pets after three rabid animals were confirmed last Friday (two skunks in Campbell County and one raccoon in Bedford County) that came in contact with dogs.

Pet owners should watch for unusual behavior and report concerns to local health officials.

Shoobies at Parkway

5:30 PM — Parkway Brewing Company — Cover band performance — Enjoy tight vocal harmonies with real steel pans from local talent.

Filter Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $44-$74 — Experience a night of rock with Filter, Finger Eleven, and Local H on tour together.

Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour

6-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $27 — Experience an interactive live show with Blippi filled with music, laughter, and curiosity-igniting adventures.

Runaway Gin - A Tribute to Phish

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable night with the world’s most notable Phish tribute band.

A Taste of Ireland

8:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Harvester Performance Center — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland through music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling.

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage Live

7:30-10 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the mind-spinning indie rock and folk artistry of Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage.

MDA Cruise In Car Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Celebrate 45 years of automotive passion at this final community car show.

Disco Diner: A Tribute to Widespread Panic

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event page for costs — Experience a high-energy tribute to Widespread Panic featuring talented local musicians.

Chirp at The Spot on Kirk

7-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check website for details — Experience a night of progressive rock and funk with Ann Arbor's own Chirp.

Squeaky Feet Jam Band Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the full-flavor sonic marinade of a modern jam band from Denver.