🌱Unattended Candle Causes Fire + Canned Food Drive Exceeds Goal

Happy Friday, neighbors! 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:

Occasional afternoon rain. High: 68 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. A home in Roanoke County caught fire Wednesday night after officials say a lit candle was left unattended. According to the Roanoke County Fire Marshal's Office, firefighters were called to a home on Pedigo Lane. They determined the unattended candle that set the home on fire led to damages estimated at $35,000. (WDBJ7)
2. Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority exceeded its goal for the November canned food drive. Over the last two weeks, RRHA has been distributing those canned goods to its more than 1,000 residents. RRHA set a goal of 6,000 canned goods to give residents a variety of items and ended up having around 6,500 donations. (WDBJ7)
3. The Virginia Department of Health says there have been almost 1,000 new coronavirus cases confirmed in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts in the last week. Many people expected there to be an increase in cases during the holiday season due to family gatherings. (WFXR)

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Today's Roanoke Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Roanoke!

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free Yoga For The People At The Main Library At Children's Mezzanine (7:30 a.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke announced The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of the first wildlife protection laws in the United States, has been fully restored. (Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is in need of cookies and table favors for a Christmas Feast! Bake at home and bring them into the Rescue Mission main reception desk starting Monday, Dec. 20 - Dec. 24 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (Facebook)
• Skate with your friends from the North Pole in Downtown Roanoke this Sunday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.! (Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll see you around.

— 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.