🌱 County's 5-Year Strategic Plan + Cost Of Living Data

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know going on locally today.

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First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun; not as cool. High: 56 Low: 38.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement has developed a five-year strategic plan for Roanoke County detailing suggestions to increase the economy and pandemic recovery efforts. The report compiled data, held focus group discussions, and collected surveys to determine their suggestions. The County's medical services, vibrant outdoors, and strong school system were highlighted as assets for the region. (WDBJ7)
2. Roanoke's LewisGale Medical Center will begin offering a new treatment for those that suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The condition causes the patient's prostate to enlarge as they age. The new treatment will insert tiny implants into the pathway to elevate blocked urine. (WDBJ7)
3. According to a new report from doxoINSIGHTS, Roanoke residents have a 19.8 percent lower cost of living compared to the national average. The report says that the average Roanoke citizen spends $1,607 a month on the ten most common household bills. Click the link to see a breakdown of the statistics and to view the cost of living data from across the country. (The Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Children's Dance and Movement Classes At 16 West Marketplace (All Day)
• Paint Party "Bowl of Roses" At Well Hung Vineyard (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Virginia Zoo wishes Paris the female titi money a happy 18th birthday. (Instagram)
• Yesterday, the Roanoke FireEMS Department congratulated the graduates of the Virginia Fire Officer Academy. (Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc announced itsDowntown Roanoke Gift Card Giveaway celebrating Valentine's Day. Click to see how you can enter. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.