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Good morning! We exist because you care. Thank you! We focused on three stories this week that track how public decisions shape daily life in Roanoke: who now helps steer city schools, how Roanoke County plans to remake the Hollins library, and what one pedestrian death on Campbell Avenue says about traffic violence in the city.

Be sure to check out our Happenings calendar of events, as well, from shows to community events.

Don't forget to read to the bottom for our recurring historical photo and ICYMI round-up of stories. Questions or comments? As always, just reply to this email, and we'll look forward to hearing from you.

City Council recently appointed Donna Littlepage and Derek Kaknes to the Roanoke City School Board, giving them seats on the body that helps oversee district priorities during a period of budget strain and program cuts. Roanoke County is also moving ahead with a major renovation of the Hollins Branch Library, an $11 million project that will temporarily relocate services to Green Ridge Recreation Center while construction proceeds. And in southeast Roanoke, Gary Wayne St. Clair died nine days after being hit while crossing Campbell Avenue, a case that has sparked debate about the city’s road corridors and the limits of infrastructure designed around cars across the Valley.

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New School Board Members for Roanoke City

Roanoke City’s newest school board appointments arrive at a consequential moment for the district. The board is navigating a significant shortfall and approved cuts as leaders debate how to manage overcrowding, staffing pressure, and core academic priorities. Regular school board meetings are held at the William B. Robertson Administration Building on Campbell Avenue SW, underscoring how close these governance decisions are to the center of city power.

The two new members can influence how money, staffing, and student priorities are framed over the next three years, especially as the district works through difficult financial choices.

Read the full story → Roanoke Rambler

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Hollins Library’s New Chapter

Roanoke County’s Hollins Branch Library is heading into a long-planned transformation, with construction beginning in June and a finished project expected in 2027. County leaders say the renovation will modernize one of the system’s busiest branches, bringing more natural light and substantially remaking the existing building rather than abandoning the site.

While the branch is closed, a temporary Hollins express location is operating at Green Ridge Recreation Center with a limited collection of books, supplies, and computers so the community keeps some access during construction.

Libraries are one of the few civic spaces that serve everyone, and this project shows where county government is still willing to spend real money on public infrastructure.

Read the full story → Roanoke Rambler

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A Missed Crosswalk. A Fast Car. A Death.

Police say Gary Wayne St. Clair, 63, was hit on the 600 block of Campbell Avenue SE on May 9 after stepping into the roadway outside a crosswalk, then died from his injuries on May 18. Police said the driver stayed at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and is not facing charges.

The case fits a pattern advocates have highlighted for years: major arterial roads, nighttime crossings, sparse pedestrian infrastructure, and people on foot left to make dangerous calculations after dark. Campbell Avenue is one of many corridors where the formal rule to “use the crosswalk” can collide with the physical reality of distance, lighting, and missing safe options.

This story is not only about one crash. It is about which residents are most exposed when a city’s streets prioritize vehicle flow over safe human movement. We also give you a breakdown of the places to be most careful when walking or driving.

Read the full story → Roanoke Rambler

By the numbers

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Here is what Campbell Ave. used to look like in our recurring historical photo:

And In Case You Missed It:

Hey, you! Yes, you. Each issue we highlight some of our most read stories in recent months. Here are a few:

👖 Thrifting in Roanoke? Don't Pass Up These Vintage Clothing

🤝 America Turns 250, and the Valley Celebrates

🗳️ Response to Tariffs Cited as Orvis Sells Roanoke Warehouse to Coca-Cola Affiliate

 The Roanoke Rambler