What's up Roanoke! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Heartland Marimba Quartet Concert and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Roanoke Gets $2.9 Million to Stop Violence Before It Starts (roanokerambler.com) — Roanoke has secured nearly $3 million in state Safer Communities funding to expand teen apprenticeships, free gun lock distribution, and neighborhood outreach aimed at reducing gun violence. After an internal audit flagged problems with a different grant, officials say this round will be closely watched, and residents can still get involved through the Gun Lock Ambassador and RESET-linked youth programs.
2. 'Newly competitive': Why Roanoke shoppers are ditching grocery stores for local farms (wsls.com) — With grocery and fuel prices climbing, some Roanoke families are finding that meat and produce from local farms can now compete with big grocery chains. A price comparison between the LEAP Grandin Village Farmers Market and the Kroger at Towers shows mixed results, but suggests farm stands may offer better value on some items while keeping quality high for Roanoke shoppers.
3. Tanglewood Crossing announces first retailers for March 2027 opening (wfxrtv.com) — A major new shopping center, Tanglewood Crossing near Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County, has announced its first wave of restaurants and retailers ahead of a March 2027 opening. Local leaders say Biscuit Belly, Bubbakoo's Burritos, Dave's Hot Chicken, European Wax Center and Mattress Warehouse will anchor a mixed-use project bringing new shops, housing and activity to the Route 419 corridor.
4. Virginia Tech completes $14 million purchase of Hotel Roanoke Conference Center (wsls.com) — Virginia Tech has bought the city-owned Hotel Roanoke Conference Center for $14 million, giving the university full control of the landmark Roanoke property and simplifying any future sale to a new owner. City and university leaders say the move won't end their partnership, pointing to ongoing medical school and research expansions that they say will keep investment and collaboration growing in Roanoke.
5. Roanoke Trinket Trade Box creator steps back after second vandalism (wsls.com) — In Grandin Village, the creator of the Roanoke Trinket Trade Box says she'll no longer pay for or repair the popular community exchange after it was vandalized twice and locks were stolen within a day. The box outside Show Pony will stay in place, but she's urging Roanoke neighbors to take responsibility for stocking and respecting it if they want it to survive.
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Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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