Todd Jackson - The Roanoke Rambler

Municipal Munching Now Part of Roanoke's Landscaping Toolbox

The first city project of its kind is using goats and sheep to clear a section of Valley Park.

'Unacceptable': Roanoke City Leaders Say Change Is Needed in Youth Recreation Programs

Some Roanoke leaders say they are frustrated by canceled football games and a critical audit of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

Neighborhoods

Washington Park Cottage Fails To Clinch State Heritage Grant, Stalling Restoration Efforts

The question now is: What's next?

Legal

Roanoke Councilwoman Settles Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Against Downtown Restaurant

The lawsuit says Vivian Sanchez-Jones injured herself seriously when she slipped on a wet floor one evening in May 2022.

City Hall

Roanoke City Manager Eyes Future of Berglund Center's Name — and Operations Overall

City Manager Valmarie Turner said the city's continued subsidy is one reason why she’s taking a thorough look at the facility’s operations.

City Hall

New Roanoke Council Members Eye Rehashing an Old Issue: City's Evans Spring Master Plan

The 150 acres of privately-owned woodlands across from Valley View Mall is the last tract of undeveloped land of its size in the city.

Legal

Roanoke's Habitat for Humanity Sued for $12 Million Over Volunteer's Second-Floor Fall

The Roanoke Habitat for Humanity chapter is negligent because it did not provide proper training or safety measures, the lawsuit alleges.

Legal

Jury Finds Brandon Bell, Former Roanoke Valley State Senator, Defamed Daughter's Ex-Girlfriend in 2022 Letter

A Roanoke County jury this week awarded $1 million to a former Cave Spring High School student whom Bell accused on state Senate letterhead of sexually assaulting his daughter.

Education

With Malfeasance Issue Closed, Task Force to Dive into Future Roanoke School Funding Matters

The situation was prompted by pointed letters between the city manager and school superintendent in April.

Education

Phone Ban: Will Roanoke Valley Students Have Withdrawals?

Teachers will be on the frontline to enforce a state-mandated cell phone ban that includes high schools.

Business

Roanoke County Tried to Axe Retirement Home's Tax Exemption. A Judge Said No.

The county promptly asked the judge to reconsider the decision involving Friendship Retirement.

Politics

Roanoke Sheriff Candidate Quietly Retires from Agency, on Road to Loud Campaign

Republican James Creasy has criticized a new inmate center located in the home of GOP Councilman Nick Hagen, who has not endorsed him.

Environment

Potential Botetourt Data Center Could Be Google's Thirstiest in Virginia, Prompting Water Wars

With the chance of a major data center, the Roanoke region faces one of the most territorial tests over water since Roanoke and Roanoke County formed the water authority in 2004.

Climate

40 Years After The Flood: A Question Now of When, Not If

The city of Roanoke is seeking stories and pictures from the epic flood while preparations continue in wait of the next.

City Hall

Roanoke Sheriff Finds Home for Inmate Center — in Building Where Councilman Hagen Lives

Res Ipsa Properties, which includes Nick Hagen and his parents, is renting a part of the building for $3,125 a month.

Arts

After Blunt Letter, City Warms to Solution for Jefferson Center

City Council members said the Jefferson Center is too important to lose.

Neighborhoods

Gainsboro Changes: Major Road Redo Starts, Park Planned

Millions in pandemic relief money will bring new development to an area where much has been discussed over the years.

Housing

Newest Roanoke Council Members Agree to Reassess Controversial Zoning Reforms

The council may act before a scheduled August court hearing on related lawsuits.