Daily
Roanoke
Sunday, August 17th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 17th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority has launched 'It Takes A Village'—a violence prevention initiative funded by a $300,000 grant from the Va. Dept. of Criminal Justice Services—to offer art classes, tutoring, gardening and trade training for families at Hunt Manor and Villages at Lincoln. The program will run during the academic year as part of local efforts to reduce gun violence. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ On July 31, the Roanoke Police Department’s RESET Team opened the Champions of Change Boxing Program as a safe space for youth to work out and avoid dangerous street situations—mentors guide participants and plan weekend sessions to expand the program. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is hosting the 2nd Annual SAFE Community Fair at Berglund Center’s parking lot on Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—all proceeds benefit Project Lifesaver which helps track and rescue people with cognitive conditions. WSLS 10
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Three people were displaced when a house fire broke out in a kitchen on the 2500 block of Denniston Avenue SW Saturday evening—fire crews arrived at 5:39 p.m. and contained the flames by 5:51 p.m., with the Red Cross assisting residents while authorities investigated the cause. WSLS 10
- ➤ Three people were displaced after a house fire on the 2500 block of Denniston Ave SW Saturday, August 16—firefighters responded at 5:39 p.m., contained the flames to the kitchen with no injuries, and the Red Cross is assisting the residents. WDBJ7
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On August 8th and 9th, the 1970 graduates from Lucy Addison and William Fleming gathered at the Holiday Inn-Airport for a 55-year reunion—reconnecting over meals, door prizes, music and shared memories that included personal accounts of integration challenges. The graduates celebrated long-held friendships and honored those who have passed while recalling both hard times and successes from their school days. The Roanoke Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday morning, families gathered at William Fleming High School for a Back-to-School Extravaganza where Roanoke City Public Schools provided free school supplies and immunizations to help students be ready for classes starting August 19th. The event built on the successful Load the Bus effort — which helped families get needed items—and aimed to ensure every student started the year prepared. WSLS 10
- ➤ Wesley Williams is the Executive Director of Technology for Roanoke City Public Schools and he talked about his life from growing up in Atlanta and Gwinnett County to studying Computer Information Systems at Valdosta State University. He leads a team that plans new tech for the schools—he works hard for his wife, two boys and the community. The Roanoke Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jayden Johnson, a Roanoke teen and standout at Roanoke Catholic, earned MVP honors last season—averaging 25 points per game—and was chosen among 20 players to join the AND1 Ballin’ HBCU Premier Showcase in Richmond. He said the event—where guest speakers highlighted historical black colleges—showed him what it takes to succeed while his family remains a steady support system for his basketball journey. The Roanoke Tribune
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mackenzie Carpenter Live
7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Sidewinders — Ticketed event — Experience soulful country melodies from rising star Mackenzie Carpenter.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Roanoke Valley Brick Convention
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $15 online, $20 day of — Discover the ultimate LEGO experience with massive displays and hands-on activities.
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Crash The Cove Paddle Race
8 AM – 2 PM — Carvins Cove Natural Reserve — Registration required — Compete in the inaugural paddle race featuring a 2 mile sprint and a 5 mile distance challenge.
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