Daily
Roanoke
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Roanoke. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Vinton residents gathered Thursday for a festive parade honoring Camden (Cam) Thepsimuong, a local fighting rare bone cancer. The event featured holiday floats, Christmas trees and a Grinch appearance to show support for his family. WDBJ7
- ➤ This afternoon, Huddle Up Moms cuts the ribbon and hosts an open house at its new home on Marshall Avenue downtown. The nonprofit support group for new and expectant mothers—founded over five years ago—is expanding its community services. WFIR News
- ➤ Local farmer Darin Greear of Windy Hills Farm was honored on Thursday for donating over one million pounds of produce to help more than 400,000 people through food agencies across the region. The Society of St. Andrew celebrated his work with volunteers since 2009. WDBJ7
- ➤ Thursday night, the Vinton Christmas Parade brightened the holiday season in Vinton with festive floats and local performers - the event honored Camden Thepsimuong, a William Byrd High School student battling a rare form of bone cancer, as grand marshal. WSLS 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Elbit Systems of America announced a $30M expansion of its Roanoke County facility, expected to add nearly 300 jobs and boost production of night vision devices. The plan builds on a 66-year legacy in the Hollins area — a key hub for military supply and innovation. WVTF
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tonight, 7:30 p.m., WSLS broadcasts BUZZ with Angels of Assisi, a nonprofit pet clinic and adoption center in Roanoke that helps pets find care and homes (creator Michael Hemphill discussed the show on a local morning segment). WSLS 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Officials at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport stated plans for over $75 million in investments will move forward if the region attracts enough passengers, paving the way for future growth. The Roanoke Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke local Rev. Dr. Amy Christine Hodge was inducted into Virginia Union University's 40 Over 40 Alumni Recognition Campaign on Nov. 8, honoring her decades of leadership at Mount Zion AME Church & community outreach. Her daughter also earned the honor, marking a family legacy of service. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Kaicey Manns, a math teacher at James Breckinridge Middle School, was named Teacher of the Year by Roanoke City Public Schools on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. She will now compete for Virginia’s Region 6 Teacher of the Year after 11 years of service. The Roanoke Tribune
- ➤ Roanoke school districts set snow day plans based on updated forecasts and safety guidelines. Parents will receive final announcements on any delays or cancellations as the weather evolves (school officials advise checking updates frequently). WDBJ7
- ➤ Roanoke College released its political poll results on Thursday, Dec. 4, showing local opinions among students and faculty. The findings may prompt campus discussions as the community reviews the insights. WDBJ7
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Roanoke County is gearing up for an early-morning winter storm, urging residents to stock up on essentials and check road updates as temperatures drop. County crews are preparing to keep roads safe and clear as the storm approaches. WSLS 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Veterans from western Virginia met with local lawmakers Thursday night at American Legion Post #3 in Salem, sharing proposals to expand benefits, aid suicide prevention, and restrict predatory companies. Lawmakers could consider the ideas when the General Assembly session begins Wednesday, Jan. 14. WDBJ7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Liberty Christian Academy was named team of the week in the Friday Football Extra report released on Dec. 4, following its strong game performance+ the school earned local praise for its competitive effort. WDBJ7
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Peen: A Tribute to Ween
8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.
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Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.
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Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.
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The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet
3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.
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Handel's Messiah Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA — Ticket info available — Experience the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah through choral and orchestral performance.
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Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.
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The Santa Cares Experience
1 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Free entry — Enjoy seasonal songs with Santa and capture the holiday magic with Cloud Bobby.
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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet Celebration
5-8 p.m. — The Regency Room — $56 adults, $28 children under 12 — Indulge in a festive buffet dinner in a historic setting this holiday season.
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Illuminights Festival
Half-mile of stunning lights — Explore Park — Ticket details upcoming — Experience the magic of over 650,000 lights and festive activities for families.
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Sicard Hollow Live Performance
6:30-10 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event site for cost — Experience fearless improv and psychedelic punk-grass rock as Sicard Hollow lights up the holidays.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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