Clark Palmer
A Virginia Tech finance professor encourages the present, and any future winners of big lottery jackpots to plan carefully for their future. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has more.
Photo: Corey Stewart Facebook
Former Republican Senate and Gubernatorial Candidate Corey Stewart will head a conservative super PAC to help President Trump and candidates who support him in 2020 elections. Stewart says “The Keeping America Great Again Super Pac” will raise money for Mr Trump’s re-election campaign and campaigns of conservative state and federal candidates.
The City of Roanoke has been ranked one of the Top 100 Places to Live in 2019. The list by Livability dot com ranked Roanoke at number 85 saying the sense of community is outstanding and is an outdoor lover’s paradise with McAfee’s Knob and Dragon’s Tooth. Roanoke also received praise for education and infrastructure. Click on the link below to see the rest of the list.
https://livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live/2019/va/roanoke
One person is dead following a vehicle crash on Bent Mountain. Authorities say 45-year-old Daniel Zebrasky was killed yesterday after being pinned underneath his car after it overturned in the 8100 Block of Bent Mountain Road. Investigators say speed was a factor in the accident.
Statement from Roanoke Police Chief Tim Jones: During the February 19th Public Safety briefing with Roanoke City Council, I responded to questions from members of Council regarding the increased reports of rape and sexual assault. Regrettably, my explanation has sparked dismay within our community. I was attempting to convey information gained from our investigations as to how citizens might best protect themselves. I believe it is now clear that I failed to convey this information to the public in a manner that was sensitive to victims of rape and sexual assault. For this, I offer my sincere apology. My hope is that we can collectively focus our efforts toward empowering all people within our community to keep themselves safe. The offenses of rape and sexual assault are offender based and should never happen to women in our society. My response to council concerning the increased instances of rape were not intended to hurt or lay blame towards any victim. As Chief of Police, I am committed to the safety of our City. I want to assure each of you that the collective body of police officers here at the Roanoke Police Department are committed to putting the best interest of this City and the safety of its citizens first, as we continue to serve and protect all within our City.
Martha Hooker
( Courtesy of Roanoke County Board of Supervisors)
Martha Hooker has announced that she’ll seek reelection to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. The Vice-Chair plans to make a formal announcement two weeks from today. She was elected to the board in 2015.
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is defending himself against sexual assault allegations. In a statement released today on Twitter, Fairfax’s office says an online publication released false and unsubstantiated allegations against the Lieutenant Governor. The statement says the Washington Post had previously investigated the claims and denied to publish the story due to inconsistent statements. Fairfax says the allegations are part of “sad, and dark politics,” and he plans to take legal action. Click the link below to read the full statement.
Joshua Wisener
From Henry County Sheriff’s Office: On January 25, 2019 at approximately 2:23pm, the Martinsville-Henry County Emergency 911 Center received a call that an individual had been shot in the parking lot of BG’s Express located at 16380 A. L. Philpott Hwy., Martinsville, VA. Deputies arrived at BG’s Express and located a 17 year old-male victim lying behind the store.The juvenile victim was subsequently air lifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Jody Mullins (Left) Roger Anderson ( Right)
From Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: On 1/3/2019, Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation in to the illegal distribution of narcotics in the 3000 block of Retreat Rd. A search warrant was executed at that location which led to the seizure of Heroin and Methamphetamine as well as the arrests of both Anderson and Mullins. Anderson was arrested for possession with intent to distribute Schedule 1 narcotics and Mullins was picked up on outstanding contempt of court warrants. Both Anderson and Mullins are currently being held in the Western Virginia Regional Jail without bond. The case is currently under investigation and additional charges may be pending.
If you are looking to make 2019 a bit greener, the City of Roanoke has a way you can do just that. Officials are encouraging residents to sign the ” Citizens for Clean & Green” Campaign Pledge, which provides tips to help cut down on your energy bill and reduce Roanoke’s carbon footprint. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer: