Good morning, Roanoke.

Roanoke students will receive free back-to-school haircuts at First Impressions Barbershop at 2523 Melrose Ave NW on Sunday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.+ parents must register ahead so that every child is served smoothly.

Local volunteer Michael Ruth, known as The Shoe Doctor, has maintained a stretch of Electric Road medians in southwest Roanoke County for 14 years and drivers now wave and offer water as they pass; he says his work boosts curb appeal and serves as mental health time—he values the quiet reflection on his day.

A house fire on Saturday in the 4100 block of Vermont Avenue NW displaced a family of six—two adults and four children—with firefighters reporting no injuries and the Red Cross assisting the family as the cause remains under investigation.

Botetourt County Schools reopened today under new leadership as Dr. Janet Womack took over as superintendent.

She plans to boost computer science lessons for young students and update the strategic plan through 2027 — focusing on student success and safety.

Roanoke officials have considered imposing a $20,000 fee on vape shops to cover regulatory costs — the proposal is under review and will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

Verizon reached a confidential settlement with Charley and Joan Gattuso after their basement on Robyn Road was flooded with sewage twice in early 2025—damage from a crushed sewer line in 2021 resulted in nearly $30,000 in repair costs.

The elderly couple signed a nondisclosure agreement as part of the resolution.

Roanoke City Council is weighing a $20,000 annual fee for shops that mainly sell vaping products as a measure to reduce youth vaping—Councilman Phazhon Nash introduced the proposal today and council members will review a draft ordinance while some local owners worry the fee might hurt small businesses.

Roanoke Comedy Fest: Rich Vos Live

6:30-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience the comedic brilliance of Rich Vos, a stand-up legend with decades of laughter to share.

The Concert - A Tribute to ABBA

6-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Ticket prices may vary — Relive the golden days of pop with one of the best ABBA tribute acts in the world.

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience a captivating laser and light show set to the iconic music of Pink Floyd.

2nd Annual Safe Community Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Berglund Center — Registration fee required — Celebrate community spirit with music, food, and fun activities for all ages.

Train & Edwin McCain Concert

3:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring the hits of Train and Edwin McCain.

Mackenzie Carpenter Live

7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Sidewinders — Ticketed event — Experience soulful country melodies from rising star Mackenzie Carpenter.

Icons of Country Tribute Night

7-11 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Admission details on event website — Celebrate the best of country music with tributes to Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, and Miranda Lambert.

Tyler Hubbard Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Elmwood Park — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with national artist Tyler Hubbard as part of the Budweiser Summer Series.

Chase Rice Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges — Tickets required — Enjoy the energetic country sounds of Chase Rice live in Roanoke.

Southern Culture On The Skids Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Grandin Theatre — Tickets required — Experience an energetic evening with the legendary Southern Culture On The Skids, a band with Roanoke roots, delivering their signature rock and roll sounds.