Good morning, Roanoke.

3 balloons, a new non-profit store in Roanoke, is remodeling a property on McClanahan St. and Franklin Rd SW to train and employ up to 18 adults with intellectual disabilities — the employees will learn skills in creating handmade costume jewelry, wall art, and books for a children’s bookstore, with weekly book readings including popcorn. The grand opening will be on November 1st and the group is fundraising to support its mission.

The Rescue Mission is hosting its largest matching fundraiser in July to raise $600,000 to support emergency homeless services as demand grows from summer heat and rising costs.

For every dollar donated, Skolrood Law Firm + Gentle Shepherd Hospice will match contributions up to $300,000 as the center marks its 77th anniversary.

Appalachian Power said it plans to use bonds worth nearly $1.38 billion over 20 years to pay for storm repairs and coal plant costs — a move that could save an estimated $176 million and lower the average monthly bill by $6.66 if regulators approve.

The plan will add the cost as a separate line on bills instead of raising base rates.

Roanoke Police issued an arrest warrant for 24 year old Jamonte Lamar Williams who is charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony after he shot a woman on July 10 at the 2300 block of Orange Ave NW, leaving her with a minor graze wound—investigators said the victim and suspect were involved in a romantic relationship.

Virginia’s first adult high school, the Excel Center, will open on August 25 in Roanoke and is backed by Goodwill Industries and the General Assembly to help adults earn a standard high school diploma using the K2 curriculum and state SOL assessments.

In partnership with Virginia Western and local workforce agencies, the school will offer trade certificates, free on-site childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years plus transportation assistance and guidance from life coaches.

The Roanoke branch of Farm Credit of the Virginias paid nearly $1 million in cash dividends to customer-owners through its patronage refund program—returning over 80% of net profits to help local agricultural producers and rural homeowners manage economic challenges.

The Virginia DMV has launched Blue Envelopes to help drivers on the autism spectrum communicate with police during traffic stops—offering a storage space for key documents like a driver’s license and registration.

Officials say the envelopes, now available at DMV Customer Service Centers, will ease stressful encounters during stops.

Roanoke is set to host the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships next week—over 2,200 competitors will take part in races at Hollins and other venues around town.

The events are expected to boost local business and start with a 30-mile marathon at Hollins at 7 a.m. on July 14.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nat Myers Live at FloydFest

8 p.m. — FloydFest — Ticket information available — Experience the soulful sounds of Nat Myers in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

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.

Shallow Side Live at Sidewinders

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Sidewinders — $15 — Experience an electrifying night of rock music with Shallow Side brought to you by The Rock Channel.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore Concert

7-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fantastic evening of music with national artists Billy Currington and Kip Moore at the Budweiser Summer Series.

Breakthrough Basketball Attack & Counter Camp

July 29-31 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Rapidly enhance your basketball skills while building character and confidence.