Evan Jones
Coca-Cola Bottling honored a long-time Roanoke-based customer today for buying tens of millions of bottles over 60 years — and giving them all away. It became a Grand Home Furnishings tradition in September of 1953 and has continued ever since. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke County begins seeking public participation tonight to help the county determine how to meet — and pay for — mandated changes to its storm water runoff system. The first Storm Water Advisory Committee meeting is at the South County Library from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The county must have a plan in place by July. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for full Roanoke County storm water management information.
Roanoke County does not yet have formal ownership of Explore Park, but it is already taking the first steps to develop a long-term plan. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will conduct a community meeting Thursday at 6:00 pm to hear ideas from area residents, business owners, and anyone else.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full meeting information.
The Virginia Department of Education lists Lincoln Terrace Elementary and William Fleming High schools among 37 statewide as low-performing “priority schools”, but Roanoke’s School Superintendent says the designation does neither one justice. Rita Bishop says when new numbers come out shortly, the progress made at both schools will be notable. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke Police are looking for drivers who are standing still — and blocking intersections in one of the city’s most congested corridors. Police were pulling drivers aside almost at will this morning along Elm Avenue near Interstate 581 and citing drivers for blocking access to and from side streets. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
These are just a few of the vehicles pulled over today at Elm Avenue and 4th Street SE. (WFIR photos)
Laura Bush
Taubman Museum of Art supporters hope a former first lady’s visit here in November will serve as both an effective fund-raiser and a way to boost the museum’s profile and attendance. Laura Bush will be the keynote speaker when the Taubman holds its 5th Anniversary fund-raising luncheon. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Laura Bush will speak November 12th at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. It begins with a reception at 11:30 a.m. followed by the program from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Ticket information is available by calling (540) 342-5760.
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op photo
The Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op says it is pleased with its first three months in downtown Roanoke, but it is still learning how customer demands differ from its main location of almost 40 years in Grandin Village. The Market Square store carries many of the grocery items found at its main store, but the selection is not as large. It does a big lunch business with grab and go meals. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke Police are inviting pastors from area churches to join them Saturday morning for a “Freedom Walk” through a neighborhood that was once a hotspot for drug dealing. Crime numbers in the Melrose-Rugby area are now much lower, and police want to keep it that way, engaging the faith-based community as a big part of the effort. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
NW 611
Plans to restart an iconic Roanoke-built steam locomotive by next spring may not occur as quickly as hoped, but organizers say they’re very happy with the response so far. The Virginia Museum of Transportation says donations to restore Norfolk and Western 611 have come in from 11 countries and 48 states. They’re still waiting to see whether the biggest potential grants and donors come through. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the Fire Up 611 web site.
Casey Kahne with Miss Sprint Cup
The President of Martinsville Speedway says Roanoke sends more fans to its races than any other metro area, so it was easy to decide where to hold a pep rally of sorts as the season nears its climax. Martinsville brought NASCAR driver Casey Kahne to Market Square yesterday to boost interest in the upcoming Chase for the Sprint Cup — including the race in Martinsville late next month. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.