Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What a secretive Berglund Center casino deal could mean for Roanoke

And check out Grandparents' Day at the Museum of Transportation on the Roanoke Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Good day Roanoke! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What a secretive Berglund Center casino deal could mean for Roanoke
  • How Roanoke's Williamson Road makeover slashed crashes without slowing traffic
  • How low is Spring Hollow Reservoir, and what it means for you

Also on today's calendar: Grandparents' Day at the Museum of Transportation and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Fog in the a.m.; mostly sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Humid with heavy t-storms, temps: high: 85, low: 68.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 73 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Roanoke City Council Confronts Berglund Center Casino Proposal as Developer Identity Remains Concealed by NDA (sccgmanagement.com) — Roanoke officials are weighing a proposal to turn the city-owned Berglund Center into a casino and entertainment district, with an unnamed developer offering a $300 million investment and covering more than $31 million in critical repairs. The plan could bring 800–1,000 jobs and up to $25 million in annual local gaming taxes, but secrecy around the developer's identity and terms is raising transparency concerns. State approval is still required before any casino can move forward.
   

2. Williamson Road lane redesign cuts traffic crashes by 38% in Roanoke (wfirnews.com) — Roanoke's redesign of Williamson Road has cut crashes by 38% while keeping travel times steady and avoiding traffic spillover into nearby neighborhoods. City officials now plan to make the safer lane layout permanent, add better signals, sidewalks, and lighting, and coordinate bus stops and green lights to keep this busy corridor moving smoothly for drivers, pedestrians, and emergency crews.
   

3. What impact does the drought have on Spring Hollow Reservoir? (wsls.com) — Roanoke-area residents are being told that Spring Hollow Reservoir now sits nearly 17 feet below full pond, with Carvins Cove at a similar deficit, even though recent rains have helped slightly. Western Virginia Water Authority officials explain how pumps on the Roanoke River and multiple reservoir sources are helping protect Roanoke County and Franklin County customers from more severe drought impacts. The region remains under "moderate" drought conditions.
   

4. The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross' Unfinished Season (wliw.org) — Roanoke gets a warm shout-out in this Bob Ross–style painting episode, as host Nicholas Hankins paints spring redbud trees inspired by photos from a friend in Roanoke and imagines a hike through Southwest Virginia. The show walks viewers step-by-step through creating a misty Shenandoah Valley landscape, weaving in references to Roanoke, Radford, and Salem while demonstrating practical brush and color techniques.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Roanoke Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Now that I can finally afford it, I want to try again getting life insurance.
    I know it's going to be expensive since I am 64 but I don't have anyone that is dependent on me so I shouldn't need a policy like the one I had years… (Nextdoor Garden City)
  • Turning onto and out from the intersection of Halevan and Garst Mill Road is still quite difficult!
    The landscaping trees along the front of the new construction homes on Garst Mill still block the view of oncoming traffic on the curve and the lot… (Nextdoor Green Valley)
  • Virginia Lutheran Homes/Brandon Oaks posted a job opening for Housekeepers, full time in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Driveline posted a job opening for Flex Merchandiser 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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