Good morning, Roanoke.

Family Promise of Roanoke got $20,000 from Clayton Homes to help homeless families not using the city shelter secure permanent housing with its new A Future Begins at Home initiative.

The program will cover deposits and past due bills and will run through the end of December.

Roanoke Police K9 Knox died in a vehicle pursuit on April 18th when a non-handler officer accidentally struck him while releasing him to chase a suspect who fled a gas station stop on Melrose Ave NW and whose car later stalled on Vermont Ave NW — the driver, Timothy Darnell Bryant, faces charges including grand larceny and hit-and-run — while a passenger was arrested.

Alex Rios, a 43-year-old man convicted in December of killing two in Roanoke, was sentenced to life in prison—cellphone data linked him to the crime scene even as he continues to claim his innocence.

Roanoke police reported that K-9 Knox—a three-year-old German Shepherd serving in narcotics detection and patrol—died on April 18 after an officer’s vehicle struck him while chasing Timothy Darnell Bryant, a suspect in a stolen vehicle incident.

Henry County deputies arrested two wanted individuals during a traffic stop on Crestridge Road at 2:20 p.m. Thursday — a K9 alert led officers to drugs, a 9mm handgun, scales, packaging materials and $913 — and both 51-year-old Darian Tatum and 31-year-old Stacey Biggs now face new charges while being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center.

Solarize Roanoke is back until July 15 to offer deep discounts on solar panel installations provided by a local approved installer—helping homeowners and businesses lower their utility bills.

The Local Energy Alliance Program simplifies the process for those looking to go green.

Sergeant Ivor Thornton from Martinsville, who was last seen wading toward the shore during the second wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day, is no longer missing after DNA and other tests confirmed that remains recovered a few days later belong to him—his family requested the remains be examined in 2022 and he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Afro-Cuban Dance Party with Jstop Latin Soul

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — $10 Cover — Roanoke, get ready to move with vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms and a lively dance floor atmosphere.

Music Road Co

5:45-7:15 p.m. — Black Dog Salvage — Ticket info available online — Enjoy a local music experience in a vibrant setting.

April Speed Dating Event

5-8 p.m. — Bubba's 33 — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy a fun evening of quick conversations and the chance to meet potential matches.

Spring Conference Showcase by Virginia Sheriffs' Association 2025

Apr 30- May 1 — The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center — Free entry — Discover integrated software solutions aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency and safety.

Miniatures on the Market

Come see miniature farm animals on the market outside Center in the Square. Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and Face Painting!

Lenny Marcus Live Performance

7 PM — Montano's International Gourmet — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of soulful music with D.C.'s own Lenny Marcus accompanied by multiple instruments.