Gene Marrano
From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment.
Hotel Roanoke Facebook
More space for events and up to date amenities for guests – like pickleball – will move Hotel Roanoke from the design phase to construction after City Council passed a resolution for the bonds to fund that project yesterday. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
A group of panelists – from academia, regional partnerships, private development and public housing government agencies – met for a 90 minute “think tank,” session late last week, with affordable housing on the agenda. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs scored two late goals in the 3rd period on Friday night in a comeback 3-2 over the Quad City Storm to tie their SPHL first playoff round series at 1-1. The two teams will face off at the Berglund Center again on Saturday night in the deciding Round 1 game. The Dawgs came back twice to tie the score against the Storm on their way to a victory.
We are one week away from the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon weekend – “America’s Toughest Road Races.” Last year the races – a full marathon, a half marathon and 10k – were officially canceled about 80 minutes in, due to a brief thunderstorm period. Kait Pedigo (left in photo) with Roanoke Outside says next Saturday they’ll launch a new weather alert system. Hear the complete conversation below about race weekend:
The Freedom First Down by Downtown Music Festival is coming to Roanoke on Blue Ridge Marathon weekend, April 18-21. A popular local band is back on stage that weekend for the first time in several years – the front man for My Radio, JP Powell, also co-starred with his wife Shaleen Powell and local arts and culture luminaries in the award-winning music video “It’s Here.” Both were live in studio this morning. Hear the full length interview below:
Ferrum College has accepted an invitation to join Conference Carolinas effective July 1, 2025. The Conference Carolinas Board of Directors voted unanimously in favor of the addition of Ferrum College as the 16th member of the NCAA Division II conference.
“By transitioning to Division II, Ferrum College aligns itself with a conference whose motto of body, mind and soul aligns with Ferrum College’s beliefs and values. The transition also positions Ferrum College to join a family of institutions who share our vision for competitive athletics, academic rigor, and service. Furthermore, it offers Ferrum College the opportunity to open new avenues for growth and success on and off the field in a values-based culture.” – Dr. Mirta Martin, President, Ferrum College
“Together with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College, I stand here today to wholeheartedly support this historic milestone in the athletic journey of Ferrum College. The move to Division II athletics reflects Ferrum College’s dedication to ensuring a quality overall athletic experience for our students while maintaining our steadfast commitment to academic excellence and integrity,” – Mr. Scott Showalter, Chair, Ferrum College Board of Trustees