Good morning, Roanoke.

The Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection is running its Home for the Holiday program today at 1510 Baldwin Ave NE, where locals can pick up a foster dog from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and return it Jan.

2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Supplies are provided.

Ivies Inc. awarded Noah-Christian Academy the 2025 Community Grant to help buy essential supplies that enhance its learning environment.

Representatives from both groups celebrated the check presentation on Dec. 8 (in the Roanoke Valley).

Roanoke gas prices fell 3.8 cents per gallon on Monday, Dec.

22, averaging $2.65. The rates are now 15.1 cents lower than a month ago & 19.3 cents below last year while national prices also declined.

Floyd and Franklin counties addressed issues with green box trash sites after reports of bears and unsafe disposal.

Floyd upgraded a site while Franklin plans a switch to staffed compactors + the change is expected to save up to $150,000 annually.

Residents and city officials in Roanoke worry that vehicles parked in bike lanes may endanger cyclists.

The city plans to review enforcement measures to clear bike lanes and improve safety on local roads.

Roanoke County has updated holiday trash collection schedules.

During Christmas week, Monday, Dec. 22 collects Monday/Tuesday routes, Tuesday, Dec. 23 collects Wednesday routes, and Wednesday, Dec. 24 collects Thursday routes with offices closed Dec. 24–26; during New Year week, collection resumes Monday, Dec. 29 with offices closed Jan. 1–2.

Local cyclist David Hoops raised concerns last week about cars parked in bike lanes and on greenways, prompting city leaders to consider stricter enforcement of parking rules.

Roanoke Police advise residents to call the non-emergency number to report any violations.

A ceremony of life was held in Vinton yesterday to honor a teen who lost the battle with cancer — close family and friends gathered to celebrate the young person's life and legacy.

Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame will induct five new members including Jackie Bradley, Jr., Drew Bailey, Allen Lawrence, Wes McMillan + Donald Minnick at its 34th hot stove banquet at the Salem Civic Center on Sunday, Feb.

1. Roy Lower will also receive a community service award.

Brothers Tre and Brody Dawyot led Glenvar High to a historic football season with 14 wins and record-setting performances — despite a championship loss on Dec.

13. Brody will join UNC Charlotte in the fall while Tre has received several scholarship offers.

Roanoke Rampage announced Xavier Drakeford as head coach, saying he will blend his love for football with community service while leading a team of police and firefighters in four planned 2026 charity events — including a kickoff game and a recognition night.

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.

Speakeasy Jazz Nights

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke — $40 ticket — Experience the charm of a pre-Prohibition jazz club featuring T-FOX & the Fox City Band.

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the excitement of a circus under the Big Top for the first time in Roanoke!

Winter Majesty: A Cozy Paint & Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Well Hung Vineyard - Restaurant — Check ticket price — Dive into a cozy painting session with splashes of winter colors.

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Do Portugal Circus for the first time in Roanoke under the Big Top!

Do Portugal Circus

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Valley View Mall — Tickets available — Experience the magic of the circus in Roanoke for the first time under the Big Top.