Good morning, Roanoke.

Frances P. Lee, a local farmer & store clerk and longtime church member, died Aug.

16 surrounded by family; services will be Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Simpson Funeral Home in Roanoke with the chapel service following immediately.

Beloved Beaver Dam Farm will host its 11th Sunflower Festival Sept.

11-20 (at a family-owned farm in Botetourt County), showcasing 700,000 sunflowers, hayrides, photo ops, and over 115 vendors. The event is expected to draw thousands and boost local impact.

Roanoke County Schools may continue funding its elementary school resource officer program after state cuts.

The school board will vote on a revised budget prioritizing the program on Thursday.

Excel Center in Roanoke is expanding its student capacity and hiring new staff in its second year—aiming to serve more local students and create job opportunities.

Thousands of freshmen arrived at Virginia Tech Monday to settle into dorms in Blacksburg while the school continues its search for a president and adjusts athletic programs (a new football coach was hired last fall and a new athletic director was appointed in June).

Spring Hollow Reservoir is 16.8 feet below full due to ongoing drought, so water managers pump from the Roanoke River to support supplies for Roanoke and Franklin County.

Recent rains have been average, but a 9-inch deficit since January 1 continues to stress the water system — evidence of drought conditions.

A pilot lane redesign on Williamson Road reduced traffic crashes by 38% & maintained steady travel times and neighborhood safety, officials reported Monday at City Council.

City crews will make the layout permanent when repaving begins in late summer using VDOT funds.

Roanoke’s Entertainment District Focus Group wrapped up its meetings on the Berglund Center’s future (no consensus emerged on the casino option) as city leaders face decisions to address $10 million in urgent repairs, with council set to review findings next month.

A local doctor discussed birth control options today at a health session, explaining different methods and answering common patient questions to help residents make informed decisions.

The CDC and FDA have linked a Cyclospora outbreak to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, and several Roanoke restaurants report no illness (tests confirm safety).

Health officials are monitoring the situation to ensure local dining remains safe.