Good morning, Roanoke.

A Franklin County veteran is having his home rewired to fix fire hazards with a $20,000 grant from Habitat for Humanity—crews are installing new outlets, switches and smoke detectors; the work is set to finish by Friday, helping him feel safe at home.

Pam Irvine has fed local families for 45 years through Feeding Southwest Virginia and will share her personal story on 'Heart of Our Hometowns' tonight.

She will retire in December but continue volunteering, reflecting a lifelong dedication to community service (45 years of service).

Oakey’s Funeral Service marks 160 years serving Roanoke Valley families.

Founded in 1866 by a woodworker and now operating six locations, the business has focused on personalized memorial services and a rising cremation rate, according to Sammy Oakey III.

Melrose Library welcomed acclaimed novelist Hannah Sawyerr on Aug.

10 to share her journey from a struggling student to an award-winning author. She signed books, answered questions, and engaged with locals as she emphasized that challenges do not define us.

Roanoke City Public Schools marked Superintendent Dr. Verletta White’s final first day on Tuesday, Aug.

11 at Wasena Elementary School where she met with finalist Principal Marina Seal as students began class. The event highlighted wins in academics and discipline as the division kept its focus on each student’s growth.

Roanoke native Robert Mason, founder of The Common Black College Application, died at 66; his death was confirmed by his brother, Todd Mason.

His work helped hundreds of thousands of students apply to HBCUs and left a lasting impact on higher education.

Roanoke County Schools welcomed students back today as renovations finished at Glen Cove Elementary and upgrades continue at W.E.

Cundiff, while a new 125,000 sqft Career and Technology Center will open in early 2027 on Peters Creek Road (designed to boost career training).

A red-shouldered hawk flew at Morningside Park after two months of care at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center (rescued on May 29 in Grayson County).

The bird’s first flight signals a successful recovery before it returns to its natural habitat.

The Western Virginia Water Authority will host an open house on Aug.

25 for the public to review planned water supply expansion that addresses growing demands in the Roanoke Valley (including concerns over proposed data centers). The authority said current supplies will suffice until at least 2060.

Roanoke City Sheriff said yesterday that detention centers need improved mental health services for inmates—his remarks call for coordinated action among local agencies.

Roanoke College Football builds on a successful first year as the team plans to improve training & strategy this fall.

Local supporters can expect updates from campus as the program refines its approach for upcoming games.

Local professional climber and filmmaker Chad Heddleston scaled the 88-foot Mill Mountain Star last Thursday morning with special city permission that normally bans such climbs, and he will discuss his film project on the Climbing Gold podcast on Friday, Aug.

21.