Good morning, Roanoke.

Nelson Harris, Reverend Edward T.

Burton, and Dr. Cynda Johnson share how Roanoke is evolving, with Harris recalling growth from Big Lick and Burton and Johnson highlighting strides in civil rights and healthcare + new partnerships that promise steady progress today.

A report from Wednesday, Dec.

17 showed that Roanoke is growing as an outdoor destination as new parks + extended trails opened in several neighborhoods. Locals and visitors now have more opportunities for active recreation.

Henry County deputies found an eight-year-old missing child safe on Tuesday along Serenity Drive using Project Lifesaver+equipment; they deployed a drone and conducted a wooded search over a half-mile to locate the child, who was heard singing a Christmas song.

Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority faces high demand with more than 4,000 families on the Section 9 waitlist and is working on units at a purchased property (near the intersection of Shenandoah Avenue and Peters Creek Road) though plans need community support.

Mill Mountain Zoo now offers sloth encounters for visitors + the zoo will be closed on Dec.

24 and Dec. 25.

Illuminights Winter Walk of Lights will run for about two more weeks, featuring final night activities as shared by Alex North from Roanoke County Parks (Rec and Tourism).

The final installment of the 'In Our Hometowns' series spotlights Roanoke with local WDBJ7 reporters showcasing hometown stories from segments on Lynchburg, Danville and Blacksburg; the video was released on Dec.

17.

Roanoke gas prices dropped nearly 7¢ per gallon and averaged $2.69 on Dec.

17, with the decline hinting at lower fuel costs for drivers today.

Roanoke is exploring a new high school as officials review proposals and evaluate potential sites; plans to finalize details are expected in the coming months.

VDOT is lifting many temporary lane closures on major interstates from noon on Wed, Dec.

24 to noon on Fri, Dec. 26 and from noon on Wed, Dec. 31 to noon on Fri, Jan. 2 to ease holiday travel + motorists should check advisories for any remaining work zones.

Roanoke County will update its holiday schedule for the week of Dec.

22-26; administrative offices will close (Dec. 24-Dec. 26) and reopen Dec. 29, with adjusted hours for trash collection, libraries, parks, and CORTRAN services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grace Potter Live at The Exchange Music Hall

8 PM – 12 AM — The Exchange Music Hall — Ticket prices TBD — Celebrate the opening of Roanoke's premier venue with an unforgettable New Year's Eve performance by Grace Potter.

K-Pop Glow Party and Laser Show

6-8 p.m. — Science Museum of Western Virginia — Family-friendly event — Experience an electrifying glow party with a mesmerizing laser light show set to K-Pop music.