Daily
Roanoke
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers dedicated a new home for Hurricane Helene survivor Emily Phipps on July 15, marking the final one of 91 houses rebuilt since last September's floods in Damascus and Taylor’s Valley. Phipps said she feels relief from her loss + looks forward to hosting family gatherings in her new home. WVTF
- ➤ Roanoke is set for a busy week of events from today until July 23 with sports, live music and community socials scheduled at venues like Elmwood Park and local breweries—details include times and locations across the city. The Roanoke Rambler
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters responded to an early Monday fire in the 1100 block of 15th Street Southeast where, at 2:50 a.m., smoke was seen from the front door and a family of five with three cats was displaced—officials said the blaze started in the basement dryer and no injuries were reported. WFXR-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ County officials announced on June 24 that Helio Capital LLC, acting for Google, signed a deal to build one or more data centers with at least a $1 billion investment per center and sold 312 acres for $14 million — funds that will support community projects and create at least 50 full-time jobs at a median salary of $86,000. The deal states construction will begin next year and the first center will be finished in 2028 — a step that may change the region’s business landscape. The Roanoke Rambler
- ➤ Today, Noke Van Co. cut the ribbon on its new location at 1009 Industry Circle SE in Roanoke after losing its previous storefront to a fire in April. Owners say the team is grateful for community support & the new start will help the business grow & add to the local scene. WSLS 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ After a man pleaded guilty to murder on July 14, the victims' family spoke out about their loss—sentencing will be set soon. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Scientists recently surveyed a secluded wetland in Floyd County along the Blue Ridge for the federally endangered Mitchell’s satyr butterfly and recorded 32 individuals — far fewer than the 400 noted 20 years ago. They say trimming large alder trees and preserving native grasses is needed to keep the butterfly’s habitat intact. WVTF
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County is reviewing three options to extend the Roanoke River Greenway from the east side to a spot near Blue Ridge Parkway. County planners will take public feedback until August 1 and explained that one route uses Norfolk Southern tracks with an 800-foot bridge, another crosses the river three times, and a merged option would cost nearly $52 million — with plans to connect parks across the area. WVTF
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Virginia’s Blue Ridge will host the 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships this weekend with races scheduled at Carvins Cove, Elmwood Park, and Explore Park. The event is expected to benefit Explore Park—boosting local trail access and community recreation. WFIR News
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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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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.
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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.
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Breakthrough Basketball Attack & Counter Camp
July 29-31 — Performance Sportsplex — $97 for observing coaches — Rapidly enhance your basketball skills while building character and confidence.
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Cocktails and Creators
7-11:59 p.m. — Six and Sky Rooftop Grille — $30 — Mingle with comic creators while enjoying a cocktail and scenic views in an exclusive meet and greet.
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Big Lick Comic Con: Summer Celebration
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Berglund Center — Cost information not provided — Celebrate summer with unique backgrounds and fandom at this local comic con.
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
When you make peace with uncertainty, you find peace.
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