Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Roanoke clubs helped launch Morgan Wade’s rising music career

And check out CHAD NICKELL & THE LOOSE CHANGE Live @ Martin's Downtown on the Roanoke Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Good morning Roanoke! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Roanoke clubs helped launch Morgan Wade’s rising music career
  • What a warning email predicted before Jeremy Hall’s fatal attack
  • How a multistate trafficking suspect ended up jailed in Roanoke

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Roanoke and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 44 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Saturday: Clouds giving way to some sun, temps: high: 65, low: 41.
  • Sunday: Cooler with low clouds, with a high of 51 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Morgan Wade reflects on her Floyd County roots (wdbj7.com) — Country artist Morgan Wade is reconnecting with Southwest Virginia roots, recalling early days studying in Roanoke and playing at Martin’s, Fork in the Market, and other local clubs while she built her career. During a hometown show in Floyd, she reflected on how those Roanoke years, personal struggles, and eight years of sobriety shaped the songs on her latest album. She’ll pause touring in 2026 after hundreds of shows.
   

2. Corrections officer warned leaders of 'unsafe' conditions months before colleague was killed (fredericksburg.com) — Roanoke streets hosted a police motorcade escorting fallen corrections officer Jeremy Hall after his autopsy at the city’s medical examiner’s office. New reporting reveals a River North lieutenant warned DOC leaders months earlier about unsafe staffing and conditions, raising questions about whether the deadly attack that killed Hall might have been preventable.
   

3. Human trafficking suspect arrested in Roanoke (wfxrtv.com) — A man wanted on human trafficking-related charges from Florida was arrested in Roanoke and is being held at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center on a fugitive warrant. Authorities say he’s accused of coercing a woman into commercial sex across multiple states and is expected to be extradited back to Florida, highlighting how an interstate investigation led to his capture here.
   

4. UGA linebacker gives back to his hometown during the holidays (wrdw.com) — A University of Georgia linebacker with local roots spent his holiday break in the Roanoke Valley, volunteering at the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Deputy event for local kids. He spoke about giving back to the community that raised him before heading into a major New Year’s Day playoff game.
   

5. Forensic audit of Martinsville's spending is complete, mayor says (cardinalnews.org) — A Martinsville forensic audit that involved Roanoke-based accounting firm Brown Edwards is now complete, but city leaders say they’ve seen little communication about the process. Martinsville’s mayor is pressing the firm to quickly release findings to city council, amid months of community tension over former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides’ spending and subsequent firing. Roanoke’s role is limited to housing one of the firm’s offices.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

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📣 Roanoke Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday December 26
  • Aspen Black
    Woodland Hills Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Community , 3365 Ogden Rd , Roanoke
    2:00 pm
  • "Try Before You Buy" Wine Tasting
    SML Fine Wines , 12925 Booker T Washington Hwy #102 , Hardy
    4:00 pm
  • Phat Pocket Band
    Rosie's Gaming Emporium , 1135 Vinyard Rd , Vinton
    8:00 pm
    • Saturday December 27
  • Happy Hearts Dance
    Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E Washington Ave , Vinton
    7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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

  • techtronics world — (540) 529-5829
    I sell electronics on line
  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Merry Christmas everybody!
    We hope you all stay healthy and safe! Thank you all for being good neighbors! (Nextdoor Winterberry)
  • Friendly reminder to all!
    Please consider breaking down all cardboard and going to a recycling area to recycle. There are many places around town and, if you are able to keep… (Nextdoor Waterfall Lake)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • Public Storage posted a job opening for Customer Service - Self Storage Manager 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 out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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