Roanoke names new city manager, produce prescription program expands, and Five Points nears fundraising goal

In today’s WFIR News Express, Roanoke City Council has introduced Valmarie Turner as the city’s new manager. Turner, formerly the deputy city manager in Fairfax, will take office next month, prioritizing affordable housing and crime prevention. Outgoing Mayor Sherman Lea said Turner was the unanimous choice of the council. The Produce Prescription program, which began as a small pilot in Roanoke, is expanding to additional localities thanks to a $480,000 grant. Medicaid patients in Roanoke, Floyd, Franklin County, and Radford with diabetes or high blood pressure will receive nutrition classes and weekly prescriptions for fresh produce. Radford University will track the program’s outcomes over three years. The Five Points Music Sanctuary is nearing the end of its three-year capital campaign, with $140,000 raised toward purchasing its building. The organization hopes to raise another $100,000 by year’s end to close on the property in January. Founder Tyler Godsey said the sanctuary continues to combine live music with community-focused initiatives. In other news, health officials confirm three cases of rabies in area wildlife, comedian Nate Bargatze announces a Roanoke stop on his tour, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin receives Christmas trees to decorate the Executive Mansion from the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association. Tune in for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.