Google's Data Center Divides Botetourt, Vinton Opens a New Park, and Roanoke Crime Drops

Full Transcript

Intro

Alex: Welcome to The Roanoke Weekly. I’m Alex.

Morgan: And I’m Morgan.

Alex: It’s Monday, April 6th, 2026 — here’s your week in the Star City. Every Monday, we cover the biggest local news and then run down what’s happening around town this week. Just a reminder — this show is locally curated and AI-narrated. We pull from great local sources like the Roanoke Times, WDBJ, WSLS, and Cardinal News, and we encourage you to support them.

Morgan: This week — the community pushes back on Google’s data center, Vinton opens a new park, Smith Mountain Lake is dealing with a lot right now, and a Pulitzer Prize winner is coming to Virginia Tech.

Alex: Let’s get into it.

The Lead: Google’s Data Center Divides the Community

Alex: Last week we told you about Google’s $3 billion data center planned for Botetourt County. This week, the community is weighing in.

With the non-disclosure agreement lifted, county officials are speaking openly. County Administrator Gary Larowe told WSLS this is a major milestone. “This is how you build schools,” he said.

But not everyone’s celebrating. A group called the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance has formed to push back. Organizer Ben Verschoor told WDBJ that Google’s announcement was too vague on the details that matter most — especially water. “They keep saying they’re going to be paying for the new water source,” he said. “But the contracts state that Botetourt County is on the hook for so much of the costs.”

Morgan: And another member told WSLS flatly: “There should not be a hyperscale data center in our region of the Blue Ridge Mountains at all.” Some residents are also questioning why this wasn’t put to a public vote.

Alex: The water question has new urgency. As we mentioned last week, Google’s operation could require up to eight million gallons a day from Carvins Cove. Right now, Carvins Cove levels are low. WDBJ reported that drought conditions have Smith Mountain Lake about two feet below full pond, and the same drought is affecting the valley’s water supply. Google says they’ll pay for infrastructure and explore efficient cooling, but the Transparency Alliance points out there’s nothing in writing.

Morgan: Cardinal News published a detailed breakdown of the project this week. Google purchased 312 acres at Greenfield for $14 million. Three data centers, each 300,000 square feet, plus substations and supporting infrastructure. That takes up most of the remaining land at the park.

Alex: The Army Corps of Engineers is soliciting public comment. And the Transparency Alliance says they’re more motivated now, not less.

The Rundown: News & Notes

Alex: Alright, let’s run through the rest of what happened this week.

Alex: Vinton cut the ribbon Thursday on the new War Memorial Park, and families showed up immediately. The park replaces the municipal pool that closed in 2015 — in its place, there’s a playground, a skatepark, pickleball courts, a picnic pavilion, and a walking path. The town invested $1.6 million with help from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and local sponsors.

Morgan: If you haven’t been to Vinton lately, this is a reason to go.

Alex: Smith Mountain Lake is dealing with a few things at once. WDBJ reports the lake is about two feet below full pond due to drought — the lowest some residents say they’ve ever seen. Boaters are being warned to stay in marked channels as rocks that are normally underwater are now exposed.

Morgan: And that’s not the only concern. The Roanoke Times reports cyanobacteria levels are trending up — detected in 43 percent of samples last year compared to 31 percent the year before. No harmful algal blooms, but the trend is concerning.

Alex: And WSLS reports a debate over how to handle hydrilla, an invasive plant. Officials want to bring back grass-eating carp, but fishermen remember the last time that happened in 2013 and say the carp wiped out the good vegetation along with the bad.

Alex: Rising costs are hitting Southwest Virginia farmers hard. WDBJ spoke with local farmers who say diesel is up about 60 percent from last month and fertilizer has jumped roughly 50 percent, driven partly by the conflict in Iran disrupting exports. One farmer said he spent $400 filling up a single tractor.

Morgan: $400 for one tractor.

Alex: A Virginia Tech ag economist said fertilizer is actually the bigger hit. Farmers in the region have a tradition of absorbing losses rather than raising prices, but some say they’re reaching a breaking point.

Alex: Carilion Clinic is investing $1.25 million over five years into medical instruction at Roanoke County’s new Career and Technology Center. The Roanoke Times reports the partnership will fund two teachers and support scholarships for students pursuing health care careers. The new center opens in early 2027.

Morgan: That’s a nice pipeline — train students locally, hire them locally.

Alex: And some good numbers from Roanoke Police. Overall crime in the city dropped 23 percent in the first quarter compared to last year. Violent crime is down 28 percent. In northwest Roanoke, violent crime dropped 54 percent.

Morgan: And police say no one under 21 has been involved in a gun-related incident this year. No suspects and no victims.

Alex: Homicides are steady, but all suspects have been identified. Chief Booth credited the department’s real-time crime center and community engagement, while noting budget cuts could make things harder ahead.

The Week Ahead: Events

Alex: That’s the news. Let’s talk about what’s happening this week.

Morgan: Good week. Let’s run through it.

Morgan: Tuesday night, if you don’t mind the drive to Blacksburg — National Geographic Live is bringing Muhammed Muheisen to the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. He’s a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist. His talk is called “Beauty Beyond the Frontlines,” documenting resilience in conflict zones and refugee communities. 7:30, and it’s his first time at the venue.

Alex: A two-time Pulitzer winner in Blacksburg. That’s a pretty special Tuesday night.

Morgan: Tuesday, the RidgeYaks host the Wilson Warbirds at Carilion Clinic Field. It’s Bark in the Park — bring your dog with a five-dollar dog ticket — and it’s also 2-for-1 Tuesday, so you can get two-for-one tickets online. First pitch at 6:35. They’ve actually got a full homestand this week, games Tuesday through Sunday, so you’ve got options.

Morgan: Wednesday, two good ones. Kids Square downtown is doing Lights, Camera, Play from 5 to 6:30. It’s free. Kids play in the interactive exhibits while photographers capture the fun, and they’re providing Chick-fil-A nuggets and fruit. You do need to register ahead of time.

Alex: Free admission and they feed your kids dinner.

Morgan: Also Wednesday, the Salem Civic Center has the Senior Fun and Health Fair from 10 to 2.

Morgan: And Friday night, two very different options. The O. Winston Link Museum downtown is doing their After Hours Makers Series on dendrochronology — that’s tree ring dating. You learn how it works, then make your own tree-ring stamped art print. Wine and snacks included. 5:30 to 7:30, 25 bucks.

Alex: Science, art, and wine downtown. That’s a solid Friday.

Morgan: And if you want comedy, Ali Siddiq is at the Berglund Center at 7. He’s on his Custom Fit Tour. Vulture called him stand-up’s most prolific storyteller. Fair warning — it’s a phone-free show. They lock your phone up in a Yondr pouch when you walk in.

The Closer

Alex: We’ll leave you with this. Last week, more than 50 volunteers got together for a baking marathon and made over 10,000 homemade shortcakes. Real butter, locally milled flour, fresh Homestead Creamery milk. All for Community School’s 46th Annual Strawberry Festival, coming up May 1st and 2nd at Elmwood Park.

If you want early dessert tickets, they’ve got a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal at StrawberryFestivalRoanoke.org. Ten thousand shortcakes. Forty-six years running. Some things in this valley just keep getting sweeter.

Close

Alex: That’s your Roanoke Weekly. Google’s data center is sparking real debate in Botetourt, Vinton’s got a brand new park, crime is down across the city, and the Strawberry Festival is on its way.

Morgan: If any of that was useful, share this with someone in the valley.

Alex: See you next Monday.