The class of 2012’s valedictorian talked about what a difference his time at Fishburne had made in his life.

As 52 young competitors raced down Main Street, supportive family members watched and cheered the children.

A fire broke out early Saturday morning in a house in the 200 block of 13th Street Southeast, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS spokeswoman Tiffany Bradbury.

Crews arrived on the scene at 2:39 a.m. to see heavy smoke and flames coming from the first floor, Bradbury said. No one was at home and there were no injuries, she said.

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More than 75 countries were represented at the annual festival, the featured country being Poland.

An annual downtown Roanoke favorite Saturday afternoon dished out culture, music and no shortage of food.

Mary Ellen Apgar, the daughter of a Roanoke judge, bottomed out as an alcoholic five years ago. She hasn't had a drink since. Today she graduates from Hollins University.

Cracking open her eyes, she saw the toilet first.