Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s really happening with Roanoke’s secretive Wood Haven data center deal?

Spotted on the Roanoke calendar: John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell

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Good morning to you Roanoke! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's really happening with Roanoke's secretive Wood Haven data center deal?
  • How drought could change Roanoke's fall colors this year
  • Why Roanoke homeowners should service their heat before the first freeze

Also on today's calendar: Jefferson Center Presents John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell Ella, Joe & Oscar and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Rain, with a high of 69 and low of 63 degrees.
  • Monday: Warmer; a shower in the a.m., temps: high: 78, low: 57.
  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 83 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Why did regional authority that owns Wood Haven pull out of data center NDA? Transparency, it says (cardinalnews.org) — Roanoke and Roanoke County leaders are under scrutiny after a regional authority selling Wood Haven land for a data center canceled its nondisclosure agreement, citing transparency concerns. Local advocates and some Roanoke officials are pressing for more details on the project's impacts, while the authority says more information about the data center should be public within about 120 days.
   

2. Local experts say fall foliage in the Roanoke Valley might look different this year (wfxrtv.com) — If you're planning fall color drives around Roanoke, expect a slightly later, possibly less-vibrant leaf season because of ongoing drought conditions. Local tourism and weather experts say recent and expected October rain could still rescue much of the Roanoke Valley's foliage, with the best viewing window likely from late October into early November.
   

3. Technician recommends early maintenance as heating costs rise (wdbj7.com) — A Roanoke heating technician is urging homeowners to schedule furnace and heat pump checkups now, before cold snaps make repair waits long and costly. With equipment prices rising after the pandemic and last year's ice storm still fresh in memory, he says simple steps like changing filters and planning ahead can prevent breakdowns when temperatures plunge.
   

4. Fall tourism boosts Southwest Virginia economy as visitors flock to local events (wsls.com) — Fall tourism is pumping money into communities around Roanoke as visitors flock to foliage, outdoor adventures, and big draws like the Vinton Fall Festival, which can be the busiest day of the year for some businesses. With Blue Ridge Parkway construction in the Roanoke area finished and hotel demand still strong, regional tourism leaders are optimistic about another record-breaking season.
   

5. Debra Scaggs Harris (pcpatriot.com) — A woman born in Roanoke in 1954, Debra Scaggs Harris, has passed away at age 72, with funeral services set for Tuesday in Pulaski County. Family and friends from the Roanoke area can attend the morning service or visitation an hour beforehand, and may also share memories through the funeral home's online guestbook.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hey neighbors!
    I'm somewhat new to the area, and wanted to introduce myself! I just recently moved to the area, but have been building in the NRV for the last 12… (Nextdoor Green Valley)
  • Hello!
    We are missing our cat Simon since last night, we believe he slipped out at some point around 10pm. He would have gotten out on Elbert Dr. Roanoke Va… (Nextdoor Oak Grove)
  • Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Full-Time Customer Service Team Member - Opening Shift in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • LongHorn Steakhouse posted a job opening for Server 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: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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