Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How ready is Roanoke for a harsher winter on the streets?

Coming up: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Roanoke on the Roanoke Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Roanoke! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How ready is Roanoke for a harsher winter on the streets?
  • How did $880,000 in Roanoke city card charges go unapproved?
  • Roanoke crime is down—so why are 33 police jobs still open?

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Roanoke and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Melanie G.!

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Occasional rain and drizzle, with a high of 67 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Friday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., temps: high: 43, low: 42.
  • Saturday: Clouds giving way to some sun, with a high of 65 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Roanoke homeless service providers prepare for the coldest months (wvtf.org) — Roanoke service providers are bracing for January and February, when freezing temperatures make homelessness a life-or-death risk and strain shelters, warming buses, and day programs. Leaders describe rising mental health and substance use needs, sharply higher local rents, and an aging homeless population, while a new RAM facility and the city’s Hope and Home Task Force work toward longer-term housing solutions.
   

2. Audit of Roanoke's municipal purchasing cards finds lack of approvals for more than $880,000 in charges (cardinalnews.org) — Roanoke’s municipal auditor says more than $880,000 in city purchasing-card charges from late 2024 to mid-2025 still lack required approvals, raising concerns about oversight and potential waste. Officials blame staffing shortages and a rocky rollout of new Oracle financial software, while promising updated policies on items like gift cards and food delivery by early February.
   

3. Roanoke Police Department discuss recruitment efforts (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke Police say deadly shootings have been cut in half over four years and non-fatal shootings are down nearly 60%, but the department still has 33 open positions to fill. Recruiter Investigator Nicholas Comas explains ongoing hiring efforts, three academies a year, and how applicants can quickly move into pre-academy roles tailored to their goals.
   

4. UGA linebacker gives back to his hometown during the holidays (wrdw.com) — A University of Georgia linebacker is back in the Roanoke Valley using his holiday break to support local kids through the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office “shop with a deputy” event. Salem native Chris Cole talks about giving back to the community that raised him and balancing that with preparations for Georgia’s upcoming playoff game against Ole Miss.
   

5. How Roanoke families keep Christmas spirit alive through traditions and kindness (wsls.com) — Roanoke families are sharing how they’ll celebrate Christmas this year, from longtime hot dog stand meetups and neighborhood light runs to making sandwich bags for unhoused neighbors. Locals and visiting relatives describe low-key gatherings, gift games, and simple traditions that keep memories alive and emphasize kindness and time together in Roanoke.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

Feedback image
📸 With colder temperatures, please don't forget that not all birds fly south, like this little bluebird. Give them a little extra help and put some seed out or put up a birdhouse they can nest in. —Melanie G. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

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🗓 Events Nearby

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Roanoke PatchAM possible:

  • techtronics world — (540) 529-5829
    I sell electronics on line
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    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I was in Towers Mall today in the area where Randstad, Christy's and Wildflour is and their Christmas decorations especially the trees are beautiful.
    I don't know who does the decorating but you did a wonderful job and I just wanted to say Thank You! Merry Christmas! (Nextdoor Waterfall Lake)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    FOUND on December 23, 2025 in Vinton, VA 24179 near Vinton Greenway Trail Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Hollins Rd)
  • American Eagle Outfitters posted a job opening for AE - Stock Associate - Evening (Off-Hours) in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Material Handler B in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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