🌱 Missing Teenager + Snow Expected + Andy Parker Announces Run

Good morning, people of Roanoke! Nicole Fallon-Peek here with a brand-new issue of the Roanoke Daily.

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First, today's weather:

A little afternoon snow. High: 42 Low: 21.

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Here are the top three stories in Roanoke today:

1. A missing person report has been filed for a teenage girl from Roanoke. Alexis "Lexi" Amber Melton, 17, was last seen at 1o p.m. on Jan. 23. It is believed she left her home during the night. She has red hair and green eyes and requires daily medications she doesn't have with her. (WDBJ7)
2. Governor Youngkin has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a winter storm today. The light snow is expected to hit the Roanoke and New River Valley by this afternoon and will continue on and off throughout the night. (WDBJ7) (Roanoke Times)
3. Longtime VA gun-control advocate Andy Parker announced yesterday that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for Virginia's 5th Congressional District. Parker's daughter was journalist Alison Parker with Roanoke's WDBJ who was shot and killed seven years ago during a live TV news broadcast. (The Washington Post)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Roanoke Restaurant Week (Cont.) - Roanoker

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA is thanking the Rail Yard Dawgs and Black Dog Salvage for featuring one of its dogs as the Pup of the Game for every hockey game! "This is wonderful exposure for pups in need like Rubble here who is looking for his new home!" (Facebook)
• Due to input from the public and the local artist community, the City of Roanoke has decided to cancel the Battle of the DJs event this weekend. (Facebook)
• This week is the last chance to skate at Elmwood on Ice for the 2021 to 2022 season. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you tomorrow morning for your next 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.