Daily
Roanoke
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kids Square will host its ‘Foam & Fun on the Farm’ event at Layman Family Farms on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—the free event suggests an $11 donation and will offer a foam cannon, waterslide, zip-line, and other activities while encouraging kids to wear bathing suits. WSLS 10
- ➤ Jefferson Street will be closed from Elm Avenue to Franklin Road on Wednesday and Thursday for a USA Cycling event at Elmwood Park. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes (to avoid delays) and plan ahead (for traffic congestion). WSLS 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County police reported that 42-year-old Garon Bowles from Franklin County was found down an embankment in the Glenvar area on July 7 at about 5:45 p.m. — he was likely hit by a vehicle and pronounced dead at a hospital. WSLS 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County police say a death investigation is underway after 42-year-old Garon Bowles from Franklin County was found unresponsive on an embankment on Peaceful Drive in the Glenvar area at 5:43 p.m. on July 7—preliminary findings show he was taken to a hospital, pronounced dead, and appears to have been hit by a vehicle with no danger to the public. ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ In May, Virginians wagered $595 million on sports as reported by the Virginia Lottery—sportsbooks kept $72.4 million and the state collected $10.2 million in taxes, marking a 17.7 percent rise over last year. The report noted a 12.17 percent hold rate—emphasizing the growing sports betting market in the Commonwealth. WFIR News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech led a study that showed citizen dog-handler teams—including one from Roanoke—can detect spotted lanternfly egg masses with 82% accuracy indoors and 61% outdoors. The research suggests that training pet dogs for scent work can help protect local agriculture and natural areas from the invasive pest. The Roanoke Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Christopher Todd Gilbert, appointed by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, was sworn in on Monday as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia—he will lead nearly 30 federal prosecutors as he works with law enforcement partners to keep the area safe for 2.2 million residents. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Medical staff from Carilion Clinic & other health professionals are set to support racers and spectators at the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in Roanoke this week by providing rapid emergency care for crashes and heat-related issues. WDBJ7
- ➤ The 2025 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships is underway in Roanoke Valley and has drawn over 2,200 athletes. Local businesses benefit as visitors spend in restaurants and shops—Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge estimates the boost may reach $2 million—fueling local trail system improvements. WSLS 10
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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.
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