🌱 Taxes To Go Up + Rising COVID Cases Create Staffing Shortage

Happy Wednesday, Roanoke! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started off right. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 49 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. 90% of Roanoke property owners will be seeing their taxes raised in 2022. The taxes will go into place on July 1st. This marks a 15-year high in Roanoke property taxes. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
2. Roanoke could see staffing shortages in many of the services within the city due to the spread of the Omicron variant. The rising cases mean that many employees will need to quarantine or isolate if they contract or are exposed to the virus. According to city manager Bob Cowell, close to three dozen city employees tested positive for COVID-19 last week and expect more this upcoming week. (WDBJ7)
3. A man was found shot in Roanoke on Monday afternoon, according to Roanoke Police. The body was found at the 500 block of Orange Avenue NE and has not been identified. No suspects have been arrested yet. (WDBJ7)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Children's Dance and Movement Classes At 16 West Marketplace (All Day)
• Palmyra At Martin's Downtown Bar and Grill (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is sending a "big thank you" to three generous guys who donated over $2,500 in items to the Mission, including food, clothing, a ping pong table, and more! (Facebook)
• Is your New Year's resolution to be more active? Then head over to Hustle/Haven in Downtown Roanoke! Hustle/Haven offers Yoga and Cycling, and they even have a Potions Bar! (Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre is seeking qualified Teaching Artists! Teaching Artists are needed to lead/direct a short musical play for outreach classes. TAs will be responsible for creating their own staging, choreography, and will be responsible for teaching students in 2nd-5th grade, middle school, or high school. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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.