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People & Family

Guns ‘n’ Hoses: A Growing Tradition

In 2004, Gary Hostetter had an idea: Buy game jerseys for Roanoke Express hockey players and then auction them off right after the game, to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Chicken Chronicles: How Little Jerry Took Over the Run

It took awhile for it to become clear that Little Jerry – rooster to five hens – is a lover, not a fighter; especially since he bites off the heads of snakes and chases human males out of the yard.

My Dad, The Chief

Although he has been fire chief for only three years, my dad has been working his whole life to serve and protect his hometown.

New Year’s Resolution

Need a visual to get your New Year’s resolution firmly in mind and off to a great start? If so, you might not do better than Kevin McGarry and Stephanie Willoughby.

Running (or not) The Fab 5K

The family dynamics are all about age-group competitiveness and . . . what if Mom beats us!

Natasha Ryan: Cuddlebugs and A Simple Goal

“They’re my cuddlebugs,” WDBJ news anchor Natasha Ryan says of her cat and dog.

Mark Finkler: Helper to Giant Snakes, Gimpy Quail and Problem Puppies

Roanoke Animal Hospital Veterinarian Mark Finkler, platinum winner for Best Veterinarian in this year’s Best of Roanoke reader’s poll, has seen his share of interesting cases in his nearly 30 years in The Roanoke Valley.

My Dad, The Chief

Although he has been fire chief for only three years, my dad has been working his whole life to serve and protect his hometown. Starting as a volunteer, he has worked his way up the ranks, proving that he has truly found his calling in

Moving Emotions: A Heart Opens in Roanoke

Out of hot, muggy Florida and into… well, into a towed car, zebra slime and GPS misadventures at first. Could Roanoke really turn out to be the right place to live for a mom-and-daughter pair?

Rayna Dubose: Full Grip Without Hands

Her arms and legs are gone, but her reach has never been greater

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Guns ‘n’ Hoses: A Growing Tradition

Guns ‘n’ Hoses: A Growing Tradition

In 2004, Gary Hostetter had an idea: Buy game jerseys for Roanoke Express hockey players and then auction them off right after the game, to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Little Jerry has a strong sense of domain over the hens, including aggressively crowing at any male who is not his owner.

The Chicken Chronicles: How Little Jerry Took Over the Run

It took awhile for it to become clear that Little Jerry – rooster to five hens – is a lover, not a fighter; especially since he bites off the heads of snakes and chases human males out of the yard.

My Dad, The Chief

Although he has been fire chief for only three years, my dad has been working his whole life to serve and protect his hometown.

New Year’s Resolution

Need a visual to get your New Year’s resolution firmly in mind and off to a great start? If so, you might not do better than Kevin McGarry and Stephanie Willoughby.
Best prize ever! Anna Paden, 16, shows off her hard-earned concrete foot.

Running (or not) The Fab 5K

The family dynamics are all about age-group competitiveness and . . . what if Mom beats us!
Natasha Ryan with Sophie

Natasha Ryan: Cuddlebugs and A Simple Goal

“They’re my cuddlebugs,” WDBJ news anchor Natasha Ryan says of her cat and dog.
9b424f7c-dae3-11e1-ae40-1231394043be-Finkler-thumb

Mark Finkler: Helper to Giant Snakes, Gimpy Quail and Problem Puppies

Roanoke Animal Hospital Veterinarian Mark Finkler, platinum winner for Best Veterinarian in this year’s Best of Roanoke reader’s poll, has seen his share of interesting cases in his nearly 30 years in The Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke City Fire Chief David Hoback with daughter Samantha at the ribbon-cutting.

My Dad, The Chief

Although he has been fire chief for only three years, my dad has been working his whole life to serve and protect his hometown. Starting as a volunteer, he has worked his way up the ranks, proving that he has truly found his calling in life...
Sheila Mobley and daughter Nicole have found new lives in Roanoke and at Hollins.

Moving Emotions: A Heart Opens in Roanoke

Out of hot, muggy Florida and into… well, into a towed car, zebra slime and GPS misadventures at first. Could Roanoke really turn out to be the right place to live for a mom-and-daughter pair?
A vibrant athlete who endured a tragic disease, Rayna DuBose has used that same competitive spirit she had on a basketball court to become a top motivational speaker. She is in demand across the country for her message of hope and perseverance, and also serves as a spokesperson for Novartis and the pharmaceutical company’s meningococcal vaccine.

Rayna Dubose: Full Grip Without Hands

Her arms and legs are gone, but her reach has never been greater
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Departments
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On the Rise

The renovations to create new living spaces continue unabated.

September 10, 2015
The Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival attracts about 20,000 visitors annually — a boon to the local economy.
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Bloom Town

Flower farms are finding new ways to keep our community beautiful.

May 1, 2023