Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new solar microgrids will power Roanoke’s high schools during outages

You won't want to miss Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Roanoke Patch calendar

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Hey there, Roanoke! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new solar microgrids will power Roanoke's high schools during outages
  • How Roanoke Fire-EMS is responding after a deadly neighborhood blaze
  • What Roanoke taxpayers could owe to keep the Berglund Center open

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 92, low: 69.
  • Friday: Not as warm with a t-storm, with a high of 81 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Roanoke schools use $2.55 million in outside funding for Virginia's first K-12 solar microgrids (asumag.com) — Roanoke City Public Schools is adding battery storage to existing solar panels at Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools, creating Virginia's first K-12 solar microgrids and strengthening local emergency shelters. Funded entirely by state grants and private investment, the project aims to cut long-term energy and roof costs while keeping school-based shelters operating during power outages.
   

2. Updates provided on Roanoke fire that left two people dead (wsls.com) — A deadly house fire on Greenbriar Avenue Southwest in Roanoke left two people dead and triggered a second-alarm response, but investigators currently believe the blaze was accidental. As the Fire Marshal continues the investigation, Roanoke Fire-EMS will soon canvass the neighborhood to check smoke alarms, hand out detectors, and educate residents on preventing similar tragedies.
   

3. $30 million maintenance bill looms over Roanoke's aging entertainment venue (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke officials are wrestling with at least $30 million in needed repairs to the aging Berglund Center, with more than a dozen individual fixes each topping $1 million. As talk continues about an entertainment district or possible casino, there's still no clear plan, leaving Roanoke taxpayers facing a growing maintenance bill to keep the 50-year-old venue operating.
   

4. Record Investment in Education & Career Development (nrvnews.com) — Roanoke County students are set to benefit from a new Career and Technology Center opening in January 2027, highlighted during Governor Abigail Spanberger's recent visit. The trip underscored record statewide education funding, including major boosts for school construction, teacher pay, and career and technical education that aim to strengthen both local classrooms and the regional workforce pipeline.
   

5. What is the income of a household in Roanoke city, VA? (usafacts.org) — Households in Roanoke City had a median income of about $52,700 between 2019 and 2023, significantly below both Virginia and national levels. The data show more local households clustered under $50,000 and fewer in top brackets, highlighting economic disparities and how family type and regional job markets shape earning power for Roanoke residents.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • What do you guys recommend me doing for my daughter birthday, it is Friday?
    She is turning 9- I don't have many friends nor family that would show up to a birthday party. I just want to do something with just us - what is… (Nextdoor South Washington Heights)
  • Looking to get some quotes on pouring a concrete pad in my backyard.
    I believe something in the 12' x 14'. May wait til spring to do the work but just trying to figure out if I am looking at hundreds or thousands… (Nextdoor Brentwood)
  • County of Roanoke VA posted a job opening for Senior Library Assistant - Glenvar Library in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Security Officer Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$47/Hr in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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