Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, July 5th, 2025
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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 5th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Buchanan charity Sirens & Salutes set up three food trucks to serve free lunches to first responders at jails in Salem, Rockbridge County and Botetourt County to honor those working long shifts over the holiday weekend. Top Dawgs Mobile provided the meals and the charity plans to make the event annual. WSLS 10
- ➤ Vinton War Memorial held 4th of July celebrations on July 4 with locals gathering to mark the day. Officials said the memorial will start major projects soon — more details are expected. WDBJ7
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ 75-year-old Tom Stenson drowned Wednesday night at Smith Mountain Lake and his body was found Thursday in the Beech Drive area of Union Hall—his remains were taken for an autopsy. ABC 13
- ➤ On July 3, Franklin County authorities responded to a 911 call about a missing person last seen along Beech Dr in Union Hall and after a thorough search at Smith Mountain Lake they found Tom Stenson aged 75 from McGaheysville, who was pronounced dead and taken to the Medical Examiner while the investigation remains active pending autopsy. WFIR News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport rebranded with a shorter name after last year's record ridership and expects passenger numbers to exceed 756,000. A $2.95 million grant will fund repaving taxiways next spring—supporting improvements in parking and security—all as officials work to meet the region's growth. Roanoke.com
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Mark Lamont Gray Jr. admitted to shooting a man at a Roanoke convenience store after he was punched in the face—he fired as many as 15 rounds. Roanoke.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carilion Clinic started a $4M effort on July 4 to fund the planned Taubman Cancer Center — a project designed to boost local cancer treatment options. The funding push is part of ongoing plans to improve care for cancer patients. WDBJ7
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Roanoke.
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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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Them Dirty Roses Concert
5-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticketed event — Enjoy southern rock vibes from Bama's own Them Dirty Roses.
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Minka with The Big Debbies
6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check for ticket prices — Experience a funky night with Minka and the debut of The Big Debbies, promising an energetic musical blend.
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Summer Discovery Days at the Museum
10 AM — O. Winston Link & Roanoke History Museum — $5 per child — Interactive summer learning themed around local history and hands-on adventures.
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Weekly Club Meeting
12:30-1:30 p.m. — Charter Hall at the City Market Building — Registration required — Attend this weekly meeting in person or virtually via Zoom.
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Summer Senior Club
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Historic Fishburn Mansion — $30 — Engage in crafts and games while making new friends in a welcoming environment.
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Diamond Rio Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved country band Diamond Rio live in Roanoke.
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Spanish Tune-Up for Middle School Students
9 AM - 12 PM — Michael Eaton — Cancellation and change fees apply — A fun camp for rising sixth to eighth graders to boost their Spanish skills over the summer.
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Nat Myers Live at FloydFest
8 p.m. — FloydFest — Ticket information available — Experience the soulful sounds of Nat Myers in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Endless Summer 1-Mile Run & Relay
6:15-7:30 p.m. — Hidden Valley High School — Registration fee required — A family-friendly track event featuring a 1-mile run and kids' dash.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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