Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 8th of June.
Good morning, Roanoke.
Fork in the Market in downtown Roanoke has a new owner as longtime manager Brandon Blevins takes over from the Trinkles after 15 years.
He plans to keep the familiar community feel with small updates — a smooth transition celebrated with live music and drinks.
A local restaurant that recovered from a fire changed ownership on Sunday, June 7.
The new owners (planning a refreshed menu and renovations) will reopen the establishment soon.
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days 2026 moves to venues with a Pirates Ball at Mango’s Bar + Grill Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m., and Pancakes and Pirates Breakfast at Cancun Restaurant Saturday, July 18 (8 to 11 a.m.); festivities at Wind Vineyards start at 10 a.m.
Forest Hill Swim Club in Cave Spring raised its summer pool membership fees by 5% to combat a 3.8% inflation rate and now charges $550 for family memberships and $360 for individual ones.
The club, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, relies on self-handled maintenance to manage costs for locals.
Virginia Tech received its largest-ever $75 million commitment on Tuesday, June 2 to boost athletics and the Honors College.
The donation, given by a four-generation Hokie family (most funds dedicated to the Invest to Win initiative), will drive future programs for competitive teams.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library now offers free monthly books to children under five in Roanoke, expanding access with a goal to enroll 1,000 kids over three years.
A community kickoff event will be held July 7 (3-5 p.m.) at the RCPS Community Empowerment Center on 40 Douglass Ave N.W.
Construction is underway for the nearly 80-megawatt Rocky Forge wind farm on North Mountain in Botetourt County, where officials and community boosters celebrated a milestone Saturday when Apex Clean Energy signed a 254-foot turbine blade.
The project is expected to begin producing energy by year-end—Google will buy the power.
On Friday, the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services urged farmers to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season by securing livestock, equipment, and supplies ahead of the peak from mid-August to late October.
They also recommended repairing structures and reviewing emergency plans to reduce storm risks.
The WDBJ7 Archive revisits a 60-year-old legacy by showcasing the groundbreaking ceremony of our civic center led by Mayor Benton Dillard.
City officials are weighing a $30 million renovation for the Berglund Center, with plans to create an entertainment district plus a casino.
The Ayers family held its first annual fundraiser at Mae's Haven at Ayers Family Farm to support healing through horse therapy and suicide awareness.
Visitors interacted with rescued horses while riding motorcycles to honor Juliauna Mae.
Target is recalling its Up & Up Fragrance Free and Fresh Cucumber Scented Baby Wipes after the FDA found harmful bacteria that can cause severe infections in newborns, infants, and those with weakened immune systems; customers should return them to any Target store for a full refund.
The Virginia High School League soccer tournaments begin Tuesday, June 9 at various schools with quarterfinal games in both boys and girls divisions; winners will advance to semifinals on June 12 and championships are set for June 13.
TOAST - The Best of BREAD
7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA — Ticket prices vary — Experience the nostalgic soft rock hits of BREAD performed with virtuoso fidelity by TOAST.
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: A Heartland Hit Parade
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31.00, $37.00 & $50.00 — Experience the powerful fusion of country music and orchestral performance with hits from legendary artists.
Monster Flea Market
7-11 a.m. — Berglund Center — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors selling a diverse range of items at Roanoke's biggest flea market.
Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp
June 16-18 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance your game with intense ball handling, shooting, and decision-making drills.
Leonard Blush and the Camelcals Live Performance
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Parkway Brewing Company — Check the venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a vibrant rock and roll performance by Leonard Blush and the Camelcals, hailing from Virginia.
Josh Turner Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth baritone of Josh Turner and his timeless hits live on stage.
Allen Stone Live in Concert
7-11:30 p.m. — The Exchange — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying soulful sounds of Allen Stone in Roanoke’s premier music venue.
PWR Poetry Jam featuring Taye the Truth
7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Free entry — Experience an evening filled with expressive poetry and music from local artists in Roanoke.
Dinner in the Dark 2026
6-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Supportive event — Experience a unique dining event aimed at raising awareness for the Deaf/Blind community.
2026 Miss Virginia - Thursday Preliminary Competition
June 25th — Berglund Center — Scholarships over $80,000 at stake — Witness the competition as talented young ladies vie for the crowns of Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia’s Teen.
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