VT Board of Visitors to again take up tuition
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will hold a special meeting later this week to consider tuition and fees for the next school year. The Visitors postponed action last month, indicating they would like to see in-state rates hold steady, but there is no indication yet whether that will actually occur. The board meets in Arlington Thursday.
(Continue reading for the full Virginia Tech news release)
Next step today in Bedford plans to revert from city to town
Bedford’s plan to revert from a city to a town within Bedford County takes the next step forward today when a state commission meets. The State Commission on Local Government has five members, all with past local government experience. Its review is part of the state-mandated process for reversion from a city to a town. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for Bedford City’s web page on the planned reversion to town status.
First lady to VT grads: invent your own futures
First Lady Michelle Obama says the Virginia Tech community is setting an example for the country on how to deal with adversity. Speaking at Tech’s commencement ceremony today, she cited the university’s own motto — “Invent the Future” — in saying the new graduates can define who they are as adults by inventing their own futures. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Steam engine to pull weekend train rides at transportation museum
New Hope Valley 17
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is bringing in a working steam locomotive this weekend to kick off its 50th anniversary celebration. The New Hope Valley #17 steam engine will carrying passengers for the Roanoke Rail Fest. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
Click here for full Roanoke Rail Fest information.
First Lady at VT today; traffic, parking & security impacts expected
It’s spring commencement day at Virginia Tech, always a busy day and even more so than usual today. First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the graduation speakers, and that means more people, more traffic, and more security. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The commencement ceremonies at Lane Stadium begin at noon. Click here for full Virginia Tech commencement information.
Things literally looking up on Market Building’s top floor
Charter Hall - Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce photo
The Roanoke City Market Building may still be working on the best use for its main floor, but it is a different story two floors up. Interest in and bookings for the updated and renovated Charter Hall are running well ahead of expectations. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full Charter Hall information
Bolling: not thinking about McDonnell VP possibility
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling says he’s not really thinking about the chance of being elevated to Governor if Bob McDonnell becomes a winning Vice-Presidential candidate. If that would occur, Bolling would become Governor in the year he seeks his party’s nomination for the office. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Franklin County company expands, will add jobs
A Franklin County company is expanding, and that will mean more jobs. McAirlaid’s makes absorptive materials found in hyigenic products and food packaging. The company today unveiled its 75,000 square foot expansion near Rocky Mount and says it expects to hire about 40 more workers in the near future. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
VT gets $450k federal grant for nuclear power lab
The U.S. Department of Energy is awarding Virginia Tech a $450,000 grant to establish a laboratory in Blacksburg for nuclear energy research and education. Federal energy officials say with no new U.S. nuclear plants coming on line in recent decades, the workforce running them has aged, and with new nuclear plants now on the way, the need for trained engineers to safely run them increases even more. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Shenandoah CEO: company will grow again, future staff growth not yet clear
It’s a new day in more ways the one for Shenandoah Life Insurance. After three years and three months under state receivership, the company has resumed normal operations under new owners. What isn’t changing is the company name or its Roanoke headquarters. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
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