Daily
Roanoke
Saturday, November 15th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 15th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A food drive in Salem supported families in Southwest Virginia affected by the government shutdown on Nov. 14. Local volunteers collected groceries to help meet the growing need for meals. WDBJ7
- ➤ Shareholders approved an $85 billion merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific as a local railroad historian explained that the company’s roots as Norfolk and Western helped build jobs and commerce in Roanoke—its legacy lives on in preserved artifacts and historic sites like the O. Winston Link Museum. WDBJ7
- ➤ Mary Hinmon was crowned Honorary State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler at Acorn Assembly — a top honor given by her organization that recognizes her community work; SGLLR Gloria Carmichael from Richmond visited the assembly to present the Gold Crown and Collar that marks the achievement. The Roanoke Tribune
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire started last Wednesday at Bald Mountain in the Jefferson National Forest and spread to nearly 3,000 acres by late Sunday — it is still burning in Botetourt and Craig counties. The Roanoke Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Virginia’s first adult high school, The Excel Center, opened a few months ago at Melrose Plaza in Roanoke to give adults a full high school experience beyond GED tests (with free childcare and transportation help). The program’s 60-student class works with teachers and local partners like Goodwill to boost job opportunities and break cycles of poverty. The Roanoke Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews worked to contain the Bald Mountain and Lignite wildfires that burned 4,374 and 180 acres, reaching 71% and 95% containment in Botetourt and Craig counties. Smoke was still visible in Oriskany, New Castle, and nearby communities – several roads remain closed as firefighters will continue to monitor conditions. WDBJ7
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Virginia SNAP recipients are receiving their full November benefits today—those who applied after Oct.29 received payments today while households that used state-funded VENA will get their full allotment by Tuesday. Federal funding now extends through September 2026 to help keep the program stable. Cardinal News
- ➤ Salem VA Medical Center will host a Veteran Job Fair on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium—local employers will recruit veteran talent and share employment opportunities. WSLS 10
- ➤ The city of Roanoke is studying parking in downtown and another area to plan for future needs and is asking residents, workers, and visitors for their feedback. High school senior Sarah Peel and other locals said parking is limited and costly—if the survey shows similar concerns, the city may add more garages and reduce fees. WDBJ7
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local blood centers provided free A1C screenings to donors on November 14—helping check their blood sugar levels as part of a new health initiative. WDBJ7
- ➤ New Horizons Healthcare celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 8 with an awards ceremony at the Berglund Center’s Bella Vista Room—honoring ten local health leaders and the late Dr. Frank Guilfoyle. Top executives and featured speakers stressed the center’s service of over 10,000 patients each year—marking a milestone in community health. The Roanoke Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jamarion 'Chucky' Henderson won the Virginia Silver Gloves State Championship on November 9 after a three-round bout for the Junior 138-pound title—he had secured his first win on November 8 with a third-round stoppage—and he will advance to the Regional Silver Gloves Championship in Jacksonville, North Carolina in January. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ William Fleming High Wrestling is set to make history this season under head coach D’Angelo Reynolds who has stressed hard work and discipline since he was named coach in 2023. The team will play its first home match at Hidden Valley on Dec. 10 — with senior night and a community celebration planned afterward. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Auburn High School’s football team clinched a playoff spot on November 14th after restarting its program following a one-year break — the team performed strongly this season and will compete in postseason games. WDBJ7
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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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Paint Your Pet 15
2-4 p.m. — Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC — Ticket required — Unleash your inner artist while painting your furry friend in a fun-filled atmosphere.
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Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center — Ticket prices apply — Experience a spectacular holiday tradition featuring an international cast and enchanting puppetry.
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Champions of Magic - Holiday Spectacular
7-8:30 p.m. — Berglund Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting evening of dazzling illusions and festive surprises for the whole family.
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The Rescue Mission Drumstick Dash
5 AM – 11 PM — Elmwood Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run and family walk to support the Rescue Mission's meal services.
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Phat Laces Concert
8-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost not specified — Celebrate a post-Thanksgiving night with a vibrant hip-hop tribute featuring rap and funk influences.
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The Darkside Experience - Pink Floyd Tribute
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Cost Info Not Provided — Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a heartfelt tribute performance.
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Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.
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