Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday at Smith Mountain Lake that a man jumped from a boat near Three Point Isle Drive and did not resurface while another man jumped off Hales Ford Bridge and is being treated after life-saving measures were given—officials confirmed one victim died and both were recovered. WSLS 10
- ➤ Roanoke FireEMS responded to a structure fire Monday at 6:34 p.m. on Hamilton Terrace SW—firefighters quickly searched the building and put out the flames with no injuries as the incident remains under investigation. ABC 13
- ➤ First responders are investigating two water incidents at Smith Mountain Lake—one man jumped from a boat near Three Point Isle Drive in Penhook and was declared dead after not surfacing, while another man found near Halesford Bridge in Moneta is being flown to a hospital—officials are still looking into the causes. WDBJ7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Dateline has brought renewed national attention to the cold case of Chad Austin—who disappeared on Memorial Day in 2019 from Buena Vista and whose remains were found near Panther Falls nearly a year later—as his parents said they want his case to stay public to help find justice. WSLS 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Labor Secretary G. Bryan Slater said that job growth in skilled trades, IT, healthcare and education kept the state’s April unemployment rate at 3.3%—lower than the national 4.2%—with Roanoke holding at 3.3% while other parts of Southwest Virginia varied slightly. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Virginia candidates for governor propose more fixes for child care as state spending improves quality and access but leaves families facing high costs and staffing gaps—plans include more funding, workforce training, and faster regulatory steps to support providers and parents. This policy debate follows record investments and growing wait lists for child care subsidies. WVTF
- ➤ Virginia State Police said local agencies requested missing persons alerts over the past week and explained that there are six types issued when criteria are met—Amber alerts need evidence of abduction while CODI alerts are for when a child’s health is at risk, with four other alerts used for missing officers, seniors, people with autism, and critically missing adults. The department began its search as soon as it got a request from any agency. WFXR-TV
- ➤ The Salem City Council did not grant a rezoning request to build 10 town homes on Brand Avenue after only Mayor Renee Turk and Councilman Randy Foley voted in favor. Developer Patrick Snead said he will build six town homes plus two single family homes while neighbors raised concerns about stormwater management — the city plans to install a drainage system on the affected roadway. The Roanoke Times
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Queens of Soul
8 PM — Salem Civic Center — Ticket information available — Experience a celebration of soul with powerful opera performances from talented artists.
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Eaglemania - Tribute to The Eagles Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Park — Kids 12 and under free — Experience the world's greatest Eagles tribute with stunning harmonies and classic hits.
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Jackson Dean Live in Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Cost info unavailable — Experience the old school, gritty style of returning Maryland native Jackson Dean.
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Chayce Beckham Live Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Park — Cost varies — Enjoy a vibrant concert from American Idol winner Chayce Beckham as part of the Northwest ACE Summer Concert Series.
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Rethink, Reuse, Repair Fair
10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Wasena Park — Free entry — Discover how to repair broken items and reduce waste at this engaging community fair.
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Kairos Youth Faith Event
Sunday evening - Friday noon — Roanoke College — $350 — A week-long faith-sharing event designed for youth to engage in community, worship, and personal grace.
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Artistic Encounters: Meet the Artist
4-7 p.m. — Blue Ridge PBS — Fundraiser event — Enjoy art, live music, and support local PBS initiatives while exploring new creativity.
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Ledbetters & Superunknown
6-7:30 p.m. — Dr. Pepper Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell by The Ledbetters and Superunknown.
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WDBJ7's Star City Slide
10 AM – 10 PM on June 28 & 12 PM – 8 PM on June 29 — 2nd Street Bridge in Downtown Roanoke — $35 for adults, $10 for children 4-12 — Experience a thrilling ride down the slide with stunning city views.
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Freedom Festival & Fireworks
4-9:30 p.m. — River's Edge Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate freedom.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Writers live twice.
~ Natalie Goldberg
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