🌱 Patch AM: Roanoke’s homicides are down—but why is the city still ranked high?

Greetings Roanoke! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Roanoke’s homicides are down—but why is the city still ranked high?
• How Hip Hop Santa turned Roanoke’s generosity into 100 free bikes

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 48 and low of 34 degrees.
• Tuesday: Cloudy and warmer, temps: high: 60, low: 47.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 63 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Roanoke homicides decrease, city still remains among most affected in VA (wsls.com) — Roanoke has cut gun-related homicides by 28% in recent years, yet the city still ranks among Virginia’s highest for homicide rates. Local leaders credit policing and community programs, but warn funding and police vacancies remain big challenges. A new crime center with gunshot detection is coming as officials push broader efforts to reduce youth risk and violence.
   

• Hip Hop Santa spreads holiday cheer across Roanoke (wdbj7.com) — Hip Hop Santa, also known as Melvin Ward, is marking a decade of giving back in Roanoke by leading a citywide holiday effort for families in need. With help from volunteers and nonprofits like The Dream Team, the group distributed clothes, toys, snack bags, and 100 bicycles to homeless residents and others seeking a brighter season.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

📣 Roanoke Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Monday December 22

• Senior Programs Mexican Train Dominos
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  10:00 am
• Monday Music Jam for Seniors
  Charles R. Hill Community Center , 820 E Washington Ave , Vinton
  2:00 pm
• Senior Programs Monday Music Jam
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  2:00 pm
• Girls Basketball vs Northside (JV 5:30PM/Var. 7:00PM)
  Salem High School , 400 Spartan Dr , Salem
  5:30 pm
• Boys Basketball @ Northside (JV 5:30PM/Var. 7:00PM)
  Northside High School , 6758 Northside High School Rd , Roanoke
  5:30 pm
• Girls Basketball vs LCA & Northside (JV 5:30PM/Var. 7:00PM)
  Salem High School , 400 Spartan Dr , Salem
  5:30 pm
• Trivia at A Few Old Goats in Buchanan
  Botetourt County, VA Calendar Daleville, VA 24083
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Senior Fitness at Buchanan Resource Center
  Botetourt County, VA Calendar Daleville, VA 24083
  10:00 am
• A Hike With a View
  FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Roanoke, VA 24018
  10:00 am
• Senior Programs Beginner Line Dancing
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  11:30 am
• Mobility Matters
  Botetourt County, VA Calendar , 57 S. Center Drive , Daleville
  6:30 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Holiday - Half Day
  Vinton, VA Calendar Vinton, VA 24179
  12:00 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

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Triie was LOST on December 17, 2025 in Roanoke, VA 24015 near Main Street and Winona Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Mountain View)
• Posting for my sister and friend.
  Is there anyone living at the riverside apartments there off electric and apperson in salem. Today between 1130 & 230 pm see any suspicious kids… (Nextdoor Greater Raleigh Court)

• American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. posted a job opening for Aerie - Stock Associate - Early Morning (Off-Hours) in Roanoke. Apply here.
• Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

🗞 Nearby News

Vinton

• Valley Church of God leader remembers Cam Thepsimuong's impact (wsls.com)

Salem

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 feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook