Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Construction began on a four-mile trail expansion on Mill Mountain in Roanoke—contractors are adding new paths to boost trail mileage by about 30% and improve connectivity. The project, a partnership between the Parks Foundation and the city—expects the first trail to open in roughly four weeks and the full expansion to be complete by early July. WDBJ7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia State Police Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the DEA seized weapons, drugs, and paraphernalia during a major narcotics operation on April 5 at the 800 block of Campbell Avenue Southwest in Roanoke—officials are consulting the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding a 41-year-old suspect. WSLS 10
- ➤ A 41-year-old man faces charges after law enforcement executed a search warrant on Campbell Ave SW on April 5, leading to the seizure of 6.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 54 grams of crack cocaine, 1500 grams of marijuana, 3 firearms and $75,020 in cash; authorities will file charges pending consultation with the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. WDBJ7
- ➤ On April 5, 2025, agents from the Virginia State Police Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the DEA searched a property on Campbell Ave SW in Roanoke and seized about 6.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine, 54 grams of crack cocaine, 1500 grams of marijuana, three firearms, and $75,020—charges against the 41-year-old suspect will be filed after review by local and federal authorities. WFIR News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Southwest Virginia Ballet will perform its spring season at Mill Mountain Theatre—featuring over 30 dancers in Swan Lake Act II and an original piece called Under the Tent. Artistic Director Pedro Szalay is presenting his final production after 18 years with the ballet—tickets remain available for tonight and tomorrow. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ After 10-year-old Autumn Bushman killed herself from heavy bullying, community members spoke at a Thursday night school board meeting to call for stronger rules. The board updated policy 3.16 AR, but many said the changes did not protect students enough—leading to a petition with about 3,000 signatures for tougher measures. ABC 13
- ➤ Roanoke City Public Schools opened its new William Robertson Administration building today in the former Roanoke Times building to honor the local trailblazer. The $17 million project was funded with one-time pandemic relief funds and marks a long-term effort to boost efficiency for students and staff. WDBJ7
- ➤ At a Roanoke County School Board meeting, parents and students asked for a stronger bullying policy after 10-year-old Autumn Bushman died by suicide on March 21 amid reports of bullying. School officials said they are open to revising the policy in the future as community members, including Autumn’s family, expressed anger when they were not quickly informed—law enforcement had to step in as tensions rose. Roanoke.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke will close a nine-mile corridor from milepost 95.9 to 106 beginning April 14 for repaving and rehabilitation—drivers must follow a detour via Hwy 43 through Bedford and Route 460 north of Vinton. The $75 million project will also include smaller closures between milepost 106 and 121 with work set to continue until Fall. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon is back in Roanoke this weekend as thousands of runners and spectators get ready to tackle challenging elevation changes in events from a marathon to a 10K. Organizers expect over 3,000 runners to pick up race bibs and for several roads—such as Jefferson Street and Franklin Road—to be closed, which may boost local business by about $2 million. WSLS 10
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Local Author Fair
The South County Library is hosting a local author fair—light refreshments provided! Come between 1-4 PM to meet the writers and discover what your neighbors are writing.
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The Magnetic Fields - 69 Love Songs Performance
Apr 14-15 — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the 25th anniversary of '69 Love Songs' with a full performance by The Magnetic Fields over two nights.
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The Magnetic Fields Live Concert
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket pricing available — Celebrate the 25th anniversary of 69 Love Songs with an unforgettable live performance.
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SunSquabi Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $40 — Experience an electrifying evening with SunSquabi in Roanoke's intimate venue.
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Ashes & Arrows Concert
7 PM – 1 AM — The Grandin Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience captivating vocals and thoughtful lyrics from this talented musical group.
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Spafford Live at 5 Points Music Sanctuary
6:30-11:00 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets required — Experience an evening of astonishing improvisational jams with one of the most creative bands on the contemporary jam scene.
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Longshot Comic & Toy Show
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $5.00 admission, kids free — Explore comics, toys, collectibles, and enjoy some cosplay fun.
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Star City Circlesongs
3:30-5 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — Free entry — Experience a spontaneous community singing event that invites everyone to express their inner voice.
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The Great Gatsby Ballet
7 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the glitz and glamour of the 1920s in this dazzling ballet adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic tale.
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Amos Lee Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Experience emotionally raw music with a magical quality from Amos Lee.
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CoComelon Live! in Roanoke
6-7:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling live sing-along adventure with CoComelon's JJ and friends on stage.
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