Daily
Roanoke
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Women across Roanoke are working on Women Build 2025 to help build a new home for the Kimbrough family; volunteers have built nearly 40 walls so far. The Kimbroughs, who applied four times for the program, will have the foundation poured tomorrow and the home finished by spring for their family of seven — an effort that teaches local women practical building skills. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Hallowheels is hosting a trick-or-treating event for children of all abilities — the event will offer safe treats and inclusive activities for Halloween celebrations. WDBJ7
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ An art-themed cafe opened in Forest on October 15 to offer healthy treats and coffee inspired by Vincent van Gogh—owner Jordan Weisz started the cafe to honor his late grandmother and share her love of art. The cafe serves specialty drinks and food made with carefully sourced ingredients from nearby farms and opens Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.—with extra hours on Thursday night for local artists. ABC 13
- ➤ The Burg Box offers curated gift boxes — featuring local artisans and their work — that give customers a fresh way to support neighborhood talent. The company said the boxes are available now and plans to add more selections soon. WDBJ7
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Botetourt County family said their autistic son Oscar was mocked and allegedly attacked at a high school football game after a Snapchat video captured the incident, and they reported it to police and schools while urging Botetourt County Schools to strengthen anti-bullying policies—calling for clearer consequences for such behavior. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke's annual GO Fest is now underway and will run through October 19—marking its 15th anniversary—at two sites on the Blue Ridge with outdoor activities, live music, athlete demos, gear shows, and films; a free shuttle will link the downtown park and Explore Park to give visitors a full experience. WFIR News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday the City of Roanoke announced it is exploring a casino at the Berglund Center to boost revenue for local projects. Former mayors David Bowers and Sherman Lea offered mixed opinions—Bowers questioned the market's size while Lea urged further study on its potential benefits. WDBJ7
- ➤ The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced round six of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, offering $50 million in grants and $35 million in loans for flood mitigation projects — plus $25 million for coastal storm risk management projects with Army Corps construction authorization. Communities across Virginia will have until December 1 to apply through the WebGrants Portal. WSLS 10
- ➤ City officials say the broken connector bridge on the Lick Run Greenway in Northwest Roanoke was damaged during a flash flood on August 22 and has been closed for over two months, forcing residents to take long detours — repairs are planned in the coming weeks. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Cleveland Clinic study found that bariatric surgery gives patients better long-term health benefits for weight loss than GLP-1 medications. Dr Aminian’s research tracked nearly 4,000 patients over 10 years to show that surgery lowered the risk of death + major heart problems. WSLS 10
- ➤ Today marks National Mammography Day during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding women to get screened early with a mammogram and to start self-checks at age 25. Experts say beginning yearly mammograms at age 40 for those at average risk can help catch breast cancer early—potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatments. WSLS 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Roanoke Inc. announced that the historic First National Exchange Bank building at 201 S Jefferson Street will be transformed into the Promissory Hotel — designed to blend hospitality, music and cuisine. The future hotel will include a 1,000-seat concert hall and a Spanish-inspired restaurant led by local restaurateur JP Powell. WSLS 10
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Matt Mathews Performance
5:00 – 6:30 PM — Berglund Center — Tickets starting at $27 — Enjoy a night of theatrical entertainment with Matt Mathews in Roanoke.
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Turnpike Troubadours Concert
5-8:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $49.50 — Experience the Wild America Tour 2025 with Turnpike Troubadours and Dawes.
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Randy Travis Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the legendary Randy Travis as he performs his timeless hits.
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Chili Cook-Off at Center in the Square
12-4 p.m. — Center In The Square — $15 for chili tasting — Celebrate Roanoke's tradition with vibrant flavors and a chance to win prizes.
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John Fogerty: The Legacy Tour
7-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets starting at $53.50 — Experience classic rock legend John Fogerty performing for the first time in Salem.
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Petals & Potions Workshop
6-8 p.m. — Well Hung Vineyard — $90 per person — Create an autumn floral centerpiece while enjoying a curated wine tasting experience.
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Greensky Bluegrass Concert
7-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost Info TBD — Enjoy an evening of electrifying bluegrass music from Greensky Bluegrass.
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TobyMac Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets from $25 — Experience an electrifying evening with TobyMac's inspiring music live in Roanoke.
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Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures
1-2:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Family-friendly fun — Embark on a magical journey with Mickey Mouse and friends through iconic Disney destinations.
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Shwayze Live
6:30-11:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience Shwayze’s feel-good vibes with supporting acts The Quasi Kings and Twin Fin.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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