🌱 Roanoke Schools Mask-Optional + Grammer At Dr. Pepper Park

Happy Saturday, Roanoke! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Winds subsiding, quite cold. High: 28 Low: 18.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. In a 4-1 vote on Thursday night, the Roanoke County School Board has agreed to make masks optional beginning Feb. 14. The public comment period lasted close to five hours, with nearly 70 speakers giving emotional responses on both sides of the debate. The School Board believes the later start date will help Roanoke County Public Schools better prepare for the change. (WDBJ7)
2. Singer-songwriter Andy Grammar will soon take the stage at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges. Grammer, best known for his quadruple-platinum hit "Honey, I'm Good," will be headed to Roanoke for a Jun. 18 performance. General admission tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 4 starting at $30. (WSLS 10)
3. A Roanoke man has been arrested for robbing a South Jefferson Street business on Tuesday. 44-year-old Leonard D. Childress reportedly approached employees of the business and demanded they give him money, then left on foot with cash. Childress was identified as the suspect and arrested on Friday; he is being held at the Roanoke City Jail. (WDBJ7)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free 3 Vs. 3 Basketball Tournament At Berglund Center (12:00 PM)
• George Colligan Trio At Jefferson Center (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke shouted out their amazing volunteers who provide love, compassion, and understanding alongside delicious food. (Facebook)
• A Roanoke-area organization has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists. Virginia's Blue Ridge recently received the Bicycle Friendly Business Award for the league's Fall 2021 rounds.(WSLS 10)
• Roanoke City Public Schools congratulated the girls' basketball teams at Patrick Henry and William Fleming for playing two great games. Keep working hard, Patriots and Colonels! (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. 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.