Roanoke Standoff Ends in Arrest, Poage Farm Meeting Draws Crowds, and a Southwest Virginia Town Could Leave Its County

In today’s WFIR News Express, a standoff in Roanoke City ended with the arrest of 38-year-old Kevin Stefanik, who faces charges including two counts of attempted malicious wounding. The incident also caused a lockdown at Patrick Henry High School as police responded to a well-being check. Clark Palmer reports on the historic Forest Level Baptist Church in Bedford County, where the congregation is planning to rebuild after a gas explosion severely damaged the 151-year-old structure earlier this week. In Roanoke County, a packed meeting at South County Library saw over 100 residents voice concerns about a proposed development at the historic Poage Farm property. While the developer emphasized efforts to address traffic and preserve parts of the land, neighbors remain worried about school overcrowding and the loss of the nearly 200-year-old farmhouse. Alex Rios, a Salem man, has been convicted of a double homicide involving brutal shootings and stabbings in a Roanoke apartment last summer. Tonight’s Star City Sustainability Series event will explore the effects of everyday chemicals on the environment and aquatic life, with research presented by Virginia Tech neuroscience instructor April Foo. In Giles County, residents of Glen Lyn voted to dissolve their town charter, paving the way for significant changes as the town transitions to an unincorporated community. Roanoke Police are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from delivery vans at George’s Flowers, a crime that took under eight minutes to complete. Roanoke City School Board member Natasha Saunders-Cotton announced her resignation to focus on her family, reflecting on her time on the board as a rewarding experience. Catch these stories and more on WFIR News Express.