Quang Tran (photo from Roanoke Police)

Roanoke Police are asking for help in find a man reported missing two weeks ago today. 45-year-old Quang Tran disappeared from the retirement home where he lives. Police say there are no signs of foul play, but he does have health problems and family members have been unable to contact him.

(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.)

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Roanoke County Police report the lockdowns have been lifted at William Byrd Middle and High Schools. They were put into place this morning to ensure student and teacher safety after an armed robbery at a nearby business. At last word, police were still looking for the robbery suspect.

(Continue reading for the full Roanoke County news release.)

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Roanoke Police hope surveillance photos will help them find the two men who robbed a drug store of prescription medications. It happened shortly before 6:00 this morning at the CVS near Towers Shopping Center. Police say one of the suspects was armed with a baseball bat.

(Continue reading for the surveillance photos and the full Roanoke Police news release.)

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Groundbreaking ceremonies this morning will mark the start a planned $100 million development that may dramatically expand downtown Roanoke’s footprint. Developers and city leaders say it could extend the city’s downtown all the way to the Carilion complex. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Dewayne Barger (Salem Police photo)

A former Salem girls’ volleyball coach faces additional charges of covertly videotaping players changing clothes — this time at a church. Dewayne Barger was already charged with secretly videotaping girls in his apartment bathroom. Now a grand jury charges him with videotaping girls with his travel volleyball club changing clothes last October without their consent at a Salem church. Police do not name the church, but they say Barger had permission to use it for team functions. Barger turned himself in this morning and was then released under his existing $50,000  bond.

(Continue reading for the full Salem Police news release.)

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Advance Auto Parts reports first quarter earnings dropped almost 8% from last year, and the Roanoke-based company calls the outlook for the rest of the year “guarded”. The company cites prolonged winter weather this year, the payroll tax increase that took effect in January and continued high unemployment as major reasons. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Click here for the full Advance Auto news release.

Roanoke Emergency Management officials are planning a disaster response exercise today — for pets. It is mandated under a federal law passed after Hurricane Katrina, one requiring communities to have plans in place to shelter and care for domestic pets after natural disasters. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Gov. Bob McDonnell

Governor Bob McDonnell is under investigation over financial statements he has filed — a probe initiated by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The Richmond Times Dispatch says the process started last November but has just become public. Cuccinelli appointed  a special prosecutor to examine the governor’s statements. Under Virginia law, elected officials are required to account for all gifts of more than $50. The investigation follows disclosures surrounding the governor and first lady Maureen McDonnell’s relationship with Jonnie Williams Sr.  He is the CEO of Richmond area dietary supplement maker Star Scientific.

Click here for the full Richmond Times-Dispatch story

A high-ranking Norfolk Southern executive says the railroad’s recent closing of the Roanoke hump yard is already producing the desired financial results. A railroad senior vice-president told an investors conference the move has resulted in “solid cost savings” with no disruptions to service. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Virginians are quickly responding and mobilizing to help tornado victims in Oklahoma. One of the most active organizations is Danville-based God’s Pit Crew, which is sending trucks filled with water, Gatorade and personal hygiene products. They work with local faith-based organizations to distribute their “Blessing Buckets”. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.

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Click here for the God’s Pit Crew website.

There is a collection site today and tomorrow at the Bonsack Walmart.