Community stories in Roanoke–Lynchburg

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)- The Roanoke First Church of God is celebrating 100 years in the Roanoke Valley with a "Spring Fling" on Saturday, April 25. The event will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. at the church located at 5008 Hildebrand Road NW. Admission and parking are free. Attendees will need

WFXR's George Noleff encourages outdoor enthusiasts to share their photos and videos of large fish caught in local waters. The submissions will be featured on air every Friday, promoting community engagement and outdoor activities.

A Virginia Tech student seeks advice on using campus 3D printers to create a miniature figure for her husband's DnD character. She is considering purchasing a digital file from HeroForge and is weighing the quality of the print against ordering a physical model.

A house fire on Valley View Drive was effectively contained to the second floor thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Hillsville and Galax Fire Departments. The incident occurred on April 23 at 11:14 a.m.

The Lynchburg Fire Department successfully rescued nine individuals trapped in an apartment elevator for two and a half hours. The incident occurred late Thursday night after the elevator stalled near the third floor.

Lynchburg is unveiling its new outdoor concert venue today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a free performance by Bigfoot County. The Lynchburg Amphitheatre, located in Riverfront Park, aims to enhance the city's downtown entertainment scene.

The Historic Garden Week Tour, hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia, returns to Salem for the first time since 2011, featuring five historic homes and their gardens. This annual event not only showcases beautiful landscapes but also supports the restoration of public gardens across the Commonwealth.

Residents express frustration over perceived waste of city funds related to Grandin Avenue improvements. A Reddit post highlights ongoing issues.

The Danville Model Railroad Club, a hidden gem in Virginia, has been fostering a love for model railroading for almost 50 years. With over 500 feet of track and a commitment to inclusivity, the club is evolving to welcome new members and share its passion for railroads.

Access to the quarry is strictly prohibited without written permission from the property owner, as multiple injuries and fatalities have occurred there. A stronger police presence will be implemented to enforce these rules and ensure public safety.

A new app called 'Valley Vibin' has been developed to assist residents in the Roanoke area in discovering local events and activities. The app aims to streamline the process of finding things to do by consolidating information from various sources into one easy-to-use platform.

The Roanoker Magazine invites the public to participate in the 40th Annual Readers’ Choice Dining Awards by submitting nominations for their favorite local restaurants. The voting process includes two rounds, with the first round open until June 3, 2026.

A traveler is seeking advice on the safety of arriving in Roanoke by train at night, particularly for older individuals. Additionally, there are questions about the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft at that hour.

A house fire in Roanoke early this morning resulted in one occupant being hospitalized. Fire crews responded to the scene and encountered heavy flames upon arrival.

Around 50 Liberty University students participated in the Virginia March for Life in Richmond, advocating for pro-life values amidst ongoing debates over abortion legislation. The event featured speeches from prominent pro-life leaders, emphasizing the importance of protecting the unborn.

A significant police presence has been observed in the Garden City area, with officers going door to door to engage with residents. This initiative aims to foster community relations and ensure public safety.

A fire was reported at a recycling facility in Roanoke on Thursday morning. First responders arrived to find smoke emanating from a pile of recyclables.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA is requesting community assistance to replace noisy metal locks on cat kennels with quieter alternatives. The total cost for the new locks and custom kennel covers is estimated at $5,600.

Art Project Roanoke is a new community art space that hosts events and encourages collaboration among local artists and residents. The initiative aims to unify the community through art, with upcoming events like the Daisy Art Parade.

Lakeside Amusement Park, a beloved summer spot in the Roanoke Valley for over 60 years, began as a massive swimming pool in 1920. The park evolved to include various rides and attractions, becoming a cherished memory for many locals.

Volunteer firefighters faced challenging conditions while responding to an attic fire at a home on Sunburst Rd. in Campbell County. The Forest Volunteer Fire Department deployed Engine 51 and Tower Ladder 5 to combat the flames.

Beneath downtown Roanoke lies a network of century-old tunnels that once concealed the troublesome Trout Run creek. These tunnels, now rarely accessed, reveal the city's historical struggle with flooding and disease.

Sarah Blum's latest kitchen renovation in Old Southwest captures the essence of her beloved blue kitchen from a previous home. The design features sky-blue cabinetry and warm metallic accents, blending nostalgia with modern functionality.

The Roanoke Arts Commission has launched a series of community projects inspired by Annie Dillard's book, including an art exhibit and various events. These initiatives aim to explore themes of mindfulness and the natural world, culminating in the creation of murals along Tinker Creek.

The iconic band Violent Femmes will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a concert in Elmwood Park on September 22. This event promises to attract fans and music lovers from across the region.

A recent post on social media showcases a moment captured off the greenway in Roanoke, emphasizing local community interactions. The image reflects the vibrant atmosphere of the area and encourages residents to appreciate their surroundings.

A discussion has emerged among Lynchburg residents on social media, focusing on their favorite fast food spots in the area. The community is eager to share and discover the best quick dining options available.

A Lynchburg resident is on the lookout for a cheap bike to commute to a new job. With a limited budget of $40 to $50, they are reaching out to the community for assistance.

A resident of Lynchburg is looking for casual vocal lessons to improve their singing skills. The request highlights a community interest in accessible music education.