🌱 Plastic Bag Tax + New Parakeet Exhibit At Science Museum

Up and at 'em, Roanoke! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy with showers. High: 53 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Roanoke Fire Department responded to a vacant house fire yesterday afternoon. The fire occurred at a home on Highland Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. Fire crews found smoke billowing out of three sides of the structure with fire coming from the basement area. It took crews around fifteen minutes to get the flames under control. (WDBJ7)
2. City officials have shared details about Roanoke's plastic bag tax that has been in effect for about a month. The new tax started on Jan. 1 and is the first plastic bag tax in Virginia. Check out additional details you need to know when shopping in the City of Roanoke. (WSLS 10)
3. The Science Museum of Western Virginia is launching a new exhibit in February. The new Parakeet Garden exhibit will replace the Butterfly Habitat and will house over two hundred exotic Parakeets. The exhibit will enable Roanoke residents to experience the birds up close and personal starting Feb. 15. (The Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Wing Chun Kung Fu At The Roanoke City Public Library (3:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The City of Roanoke is notifying the community that it is offering free reusable bags at the City of Roanoke libraries while supplies last. (Facebook)
• The Roanoke Police Department is extending its condolences to the family and friends of Bridgewater College Police Officer John E. Painter and Bridgewater College Campus Safety Officer Vashon A. Jefferson who were shot and killed on campus. (Facebook)
• The Roanoke Fire-EMS Department shared moments of Assistant Fire Marshal Josh Hull's visit to Wasena Elementary for World Read Aloud Day! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.