Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of June.
Good morning, Roanoke.
Roanoke City PD is searching for 15-year-old Isabelle Renee Atkins—officials ask anyone with information to contact them immediately.
Lauren Cone, a Hidden Valley High School grad and ecological engineering major at Virginia Tech, received the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke’s $5,000 environmental scholarship at a June 11 meeting at Charter Hall in the Market Building.
She plans to stay in Roanoke and work in ecological restoration while continuing volunteer work at Camp Roanoke — showing her commitment to the local environment.
Veterinary students from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine are using their Wildlife Ward to treat injured wild animals—stabilizing them at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital before they are transported to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke for further care. The program gives students hands-on clinical experience and supports local wildlife rescue efforts.
Roanoke City Public Schools updated its cell phone policy to require all grades PK-12 to keep phones off during school hours starting next week—summer programs will follow this rule in the upcoming school year.
Parents must call the main office to reach students during school hours.
VMI Cadets will honor soldiers in a ceremony that will take place during the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary celebrations—an event announced on June 12 that underscores military tradition—while officials say further details will be shared later.
American Red Cross is now testing ring-shaped sensors—devices that use light to check hemoglobin levels without finger pricks—at blood drives in Southwest Virginia.
The group says all blood drives nationwide will use the sensors by the end of this month, which may make donating blood more comfortable.
Virginia will start tracking alpha-gal syndrome—an illness that causes red meat allergies—on July 1 after a law passed last year amid rising reports; Roanoke residents hope the change will help doctors learn more about and treat the condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virginia Electric Live Concert
10 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — No Refunds — Enjoy two sets of electrifying music at one of Roanoke's top venues.
Annual Floatilla to Starr Hill
1-6 p.m. — Roanoke Mountain Adventures — Bring your own float — Float down the Roanoke River to Starr Hill Brewery with friends and family.
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