🌱 Illuminights Canceled Due To Damage + Thousands Still Without Power

And it's Monday, but it's the Monday after Christmas so maybe it won't be the dreaded one we're all used to. I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Christmas! Keep reading for what's going on around town. Today we'll cover these stories and more...

• NW Roanoke apartment shooting
• Botetourt County home fire
• Checking in one AOA beagle rescues

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cold.

High: 35 Low: 25.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Tickets for tonight's Illuminights event at Roanoke County's Explore Park are being refunded after heavy winds over the weekend damaged the displays. All activities at the park have been cancelled for today, but Roanoke County Marketing & Administrative Coordinator Alex North said, "Our staff have begun the process of repairs, and are working to hopefully open the Walk of Lights Trail on Tuesday, Dec. 27." Time slots are still available for the remaining days of the event here. (WSLS)
2. Thousands from the Roanoke area are still without power according to supplier Appalachian Power and some have return of service estimates as far away as Tuesday night at 11 p.m. In total the utility company had 36,000 power outages around the Southwest Virginia region and has worked steadily to decrease that number with current estimates being around 25,000. Roanoke City and County are both coordinating with various venues to open warming shelters where people can not only warm up, but also charge devices such as phones, e-readers, and tablets. Some area residents reported stores raising prices for warming needs such as propane. Dixie Caverns area resident Cody Carter said, "We usually pay $2.60 per gallon, but some stores have prices as high as $4." (Roanoke Times)
3. One person was shot at the Maple Grove Apartments Saturday night shortly before 8 p.m. Officers responding to the scene said the injuries appeared to be non-critical. The incident occured at the corner of Edgelawn Avenue and Pilot Street SW, a block away from Melrose Avenue. The incident is still under investigation and no arrests have been made. Police are asking for anyone with any information to please come forward. Texts and calls can be made anonymously. (WDBJ)
4. Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS were dispatched to Alpine Road area of Buchanan Friday evening after a fire spread from a wood stove to a chimney and ultimately to the walls of a residence. Area firefighters are telling people to be sure to check their smoke detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas as temperatures continue to be below freezing and to be sure all heating devices are functioning properly before using them. No injuries were reported at the house fire. (WFXR)
5. It's been five months since 100 beagles were removed from a breeding facility in the Richmond area and placed in Roanoke area homes by Angels of Assisi. Recent reports from AOA's Lisa O'Neil said all the pups are doing well in their new homes and leading lives much different from the ones they had just a short while ago. The pups were removed from a facility known as Envigo located west of Richmond in rural Cumberland County after authorities say the company violated multiple animal welfare laws. O'Neil said due to the living conditions in the facility adoptive families had to teach the beagles simple things such as going up and down steps and be very patient with them. (WFIR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (5:30 p.m.)
• Live Irish Music Session at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)

* Please check with venues before heading out due to the proximity of the holiday.

From my notebook:

• City of Roanoke Government: "The City of Roanoke Government is coordinating with the Central Church of the Brethren at 416 Church Ave. (next to swift print) for a warming shelter." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Hope everyone is having a great Christmas Eve! Rosie, our Eastern Box Turtle educational ambassador, sure has the spirit! Fun fact: the largest box turtles statewide are found here in Southwest Virginia in Floyd County." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "Roanoke residents please see the update from AEP below. Also, there is a warming shelter at the Kirk YMCA at 520 Church Ave., until 2:00pm today." (City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "What an awesome morning spending time giving back to others. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday and a prosperous new year." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Kibble reminded us today that there is no place like home for the holidays. We hope you're all enjoying the comforts of home with your beloved furry friends. 🎄🐾☃️" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right! Hopefully you're still at home relaxing and getting over all the holiday cheer. I'll see tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com