Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why are Roanoke’s lawmakers lining up against a Berglund Center casino?
And on the Roanoke Patch calendar - Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Good morning Roanoke! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why are Roanoke’s lawmakers lining up against a Berglund Center casino?
- See how a Melrose Avenue center is lifting Ashton Heights kids
- Could your family have a hidden claim in this Roanoke County property?
Also on today's calendar: Heirloom - Silver and Brass Restoration Services: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4 and 8 more events.
Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Not as cold, becoming windy, with a high of 45 and low of 30 degrees.
- Thursday: Cold; breezy in the morning, temps: high: 39, low: 29.
- Friday: Afternoon snow showers; cold, with a high of 37 and low of 31 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Local legislators, some residents opposed to Roanoke casino idea (wdbj7.com) — Roanoke leaders are weighing a possible casino and entertainment district near the Berglund Center, but local legislators from both parties and many residents are pushing back. Because council left casino approval off its 2026 legislative priorities, there won’t be a General Assembly vote next year. Any project would still need state approval and a majority of Roanoke voters in a future referendum. 
2. Small Blessings Children's Outreach Center offers resources to the Ashton Heights community (wdbj7.com) — Families in Northwest Roanoke now have a new after-school resource at Small Blessings Children’s Outreach Center on Melrose Avenue, serving kids from Ashton Heights and Westside Elementary. Founder CaSandra Williams offers homework help, meals, life-skills lessons, and even computer access for adults, and she’s seeking community support and donations to keep expanding services for Roanoke youth.
3. Order of Publication Commonwealth of Virginia VA Code§§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317,20-104 (newcastlerecord.com) — Roanoke County is moving forward with a tax-lien case on a specific property, and anyone who may have an interest in the land must appear in court by January 1, 2026 to protect their rights. The order will run four weeks in the Salem Times Register and is also posted at the Roanoke County courthouse, with local attorney Mark Kidd representing the county.
4. Roanoke Zoning Debate Isn't Over -- and Could Seep into 2026 Council Race (roanokerambler.com) — Roanoke residents face ongoing uncertainty as city leaders work to revise a sweeping 2024 zoning overhaul that could reshape housing options and influence the 2026 council race. Staff will gather public feedback across all four city quadrants early next year before council considers revisions in April, while a South Roanoke apartment project remains a flashpoint in the debate.
5. FCC Issues Warning To Stations In Light Of Recent Hacking Incidents. (insideradio.com) — A recent cyberattack briefly hijacked backup audio for WVTF’s Radio IQ signal, which serves Roanoke listeners, prompting a broader FCC warning to broadcasters about tightening security. Hackers exploited poorly secured Barix equipment to inject offensive audio, leading federal regulators to urge stations to update firmware, strengthen passwords, and monitor systems closely to prevent future incidents.
📸 Around Roanoke
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Martin's Downtown, 413 1st St SW, Roanoke
4:30 pm
Saturday December 13
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Heirloom - Silver and Brass Restoration Services: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10-4
1915 Commonwealth Dr , Charlottesville
10:00 am - 2025 Chamber Christmas Party
Hotel Roanoke - 1882 Bar , 110 Shenandoah Ave NE , Roanoke
4:00 pm - Architectural Review Board Committee
Roanoke, VA Calendar , 215 Church Ave. SW , Roanoke
5:00 pm - Dickens of a Christmas
Downtown Roanoke Streets - Roanoke VA 24011 - Dickens of a Christmas - Christmas Parade
Downtown Roanoke Streets - Roanoke VA 24011 - City Council Public Hearings
Roanoke, VA Calendar , 215 Church Ave. SW , Roanoke
7:00 pm - Gun Violence Prevention Commission
Roanoke, VA Calendar Roanoke, VA 24011 - Ribbon Cutting - Hermitage Roanoke
Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce , 1009 Old Country Club Rd NW , Roanoke
10:30 am - Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Taubman Museum of Art 110 Salem Avenue Southeast Roanoke, Virginia 24011
6:30 pm - Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
Taubman Museum of Art , 110 Salem Ave SE , Roanoke
8:45 pm
Wednesday December 10
Thursday December 11
Friday December 12
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 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
- Community Development Committee Meeting
Vinton, VA Calendar , 227 S Pollard , Vinton
9:00 am - Garst Mill Park – Roanoke
Garst Mill Park , 2699 Willowlawn St , Cave Spring
9:00 am - CSHS Choir Winter Concert
Cave Spring High School
6:30 pm - Holiday Open House
Vinton Chamber of Commerce , 118 E Lee Ave , Vinton
5:00 pm
Wednesday December 10
Thursday December 11
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
🪧 Patch Classifieds
- F150 Pickup
1987 Ford F150 pickup in good condition text me at 540-312-9970 for more information (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- My package delivered today on Davis Rd.
At 2pm is gone! Could've been on side of road in snow. Please return. Its Christmas gifts from eBay. I've searched on Davis. Fish ornaments, nothing… (Nextdoor Deer Haven) - My cat Winston is missing.
Please contact me if you find him. He has been found! (Nextdoor Read Mountain)
- MTM, Inc. posted a job opening for Manager, Transportation in Roanoke. Apply here.
- Bimbo Bakeries USA posted a job opening for Sanitation Associate 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 come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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