Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local rescue squad received a surprise donation of $71,600 on Oct. 24 to fund a new ambulance that will improve its emergency response. The funds are expected to boost available resources for the service. WDBJ7
- ➤ Samaritan’s Purse will host its Annual Collection Week from November 17th to 24th in Roanoke and ask families to fill 15,000 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items and school supplies for children worldwide—local coordinator Katie Saunders said that last year over 13,000 boxes were collected. WFXR-TV
- ➤ A local nonprofit, TNR SWVA, cares for community cats by trapping, neutering, and returning them. Founder Stephanie Arrington spoke with 7@four about the group’s work—people can support the organization by checking their flyer for event details. WDBJ7
- ➤ Volunteers packed backpacks with essentials for foster children at the GFWC Regional Conference at Hotel Roanoke—replacing trash bags with care, and founder Rob Scheer said each case will reach a child within 24 hours. The Comfort Cases initiative supports more than 5,000 children in the state's foster care system. WSLS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke’s new Exchange Music Hall, located at 201 S. Jefferson Street, will launch with a New Year’s Eve performance by rock-and-roll star Grace Potter with support from Holy Roller—tickets are now on sale and the event is expected to boost the city's live music scene. WFIR News
- ➤ The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival will be held at Ferrum College today, drawing thousands to celebrate local heritage. The event includes an opening ceremony (at 9:30 a.m.) and a live auction to support the festival. WDBJ7
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools has named Dr. Jamie Soltis as its new superintendent to replace retiring Dr. Ken Nicely—he will take office on July 1. The longtime educator and district graduate said he will build on current safety measures—working closely with law enforcement and counselors to support students. WSLS 10
- ➤ W.E. Cundiff Elementary School opened a new administrative wing and cafeteria on Oct. 24, adding modern spaces for students and staff—school officials said the improvements will boost daily operations and support learning. WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research announced plans to launch GO TEC Career Connections Labs at Hidden Valley Middle School and William Byrd Middle School using nearly $1 million from GO Virginia funds plus over $500,000 from local sources. The labs will offer hands-on training in more than a dozen technology and engineering fields and will be operational by the end of 2025. WFXR-TV
- ➤ Roanoke County Public Schools completed renovations at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School this morning, adding a new administrative wing, cafeteria, and enclosed classrooms to replace the open pod-style design from the 70s. The final Phase 3 will turn the old cafeteria into additional classrooms + the project upgrades the school's facilities. WFIR News
- ➤ The Campbell County School Board voted Friday night to keep two Brookville High School football players off the field after the VHSL ruled them ineligible for transfer portal reasons; the players are stepsons of former NFL tight end Logan Thomas. The board said it made the decision reluctantly—further actions may follow as the case develops. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Virginia Tech has received up to $40 million to develop the BRAVE project—an air system designed to lower respiratory illnesses by 25 percent. The research team will test the new system in daycares and work to turn its sensor and risk model technology into commercial products. WDBJ7
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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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Crowder, Zach Williams & Matt Maher Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $19.00 to $123.75 — Experience a powerful night of soulful music with Crowder, Zach Williams, and Matt Maher.
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The Ultimate Elvis Tribute - Christmas
7:30-9 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the holidays with Graceland's Ultimate Elvis Champion and a spectacular tribute experience.
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
8-9:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing fusion of iconic rock anthems and classical music in a stunning candlelit setting.
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