Evan Jones
Roanoke City Public Schools are using a new summer enrichment program to deal with a drop in reading SOL results — and the biggest reason believed responsible for that decline. School officials say it’s clear that students familiar with using computers at home did far better than those who who are not. So the six-week “RCPS+” program includes plenty of computer use. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The RCPS+ program is under way at nine Roanoke City Public Schools. These WFIR photos were taken at Fallon Park Elementary.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board today passed it latest Six-Year Improvement Plan, one that includes $3 million to help build an Amtrak passenger platform in Roanoke. The statewide plan provides $17 billion worth of transportation improvements statewide, including $3 million for plans to add a new downtown track and passenger platform to handle Roanoke Amtrak service. That first requires construction of a $6 million culvert to support the track. It looked at first like the city might have to pay it all, but the plan approved today reduces Roanoke’s direct cost in half. Amtrak service remains scheduled to return to Roanoke in 2016 or 2017.
Industry leaders say it’s a big challenge, and so does Virginia Tech: bringing minorities into natural resources careers. Tech is hosting a national conference this week on the challenge of raising awareness of the many opportunities in natural resources — and their importance in providing for the needs of a changing and growing country. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Sherman Lea
Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea has changed course on council member pay raises, apparently dooming the proposed 28.5% hike. Up until now, Lea had supported raising City Council members’ pay from $15,560 dollars a year to $20,000 and the mayor’s from $20,000 to $23,000, effective July of next year. But in an e-mailed statement Tuesday, Lea says he now supports an 8% increase — meaning there is no longer a four-vote majority for the higher amount. Lea also calls upon Council to put a more transparent process in place in considering future pay hikes for its members. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(Continue reading for Lea’s full statement.)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte is playing a prominent role as Washington lawmakers consider new immigration legislation. Goodlatte is Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and in that role, he is steering several immigration bills through, one at issue at a time — not the Senate’s one big measure. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch until 6:00 pm for most of the region, including the Roanoke Valley, Franklin and Bedford Counties. The weather service says another one to three inches of rain are likely in many areas today, and any areas with sustained heavy downpours may be subject to flash flooding.
Click here for the full National Weather Service flash flood watch statement.
A live camera at Smith Mountain Lake offers an unusual opportunity to see pair of ospreys raise their young. The camera is positioned on a specially-built nesting platform that’s out on the water. Three chicks hatched last month, and you can watch the family on line.
Click here to see the live camera. This is a UStream site that shows commercials at times.
L to R: DeAnthony Jackson, Steven Perez, Percy Johnson IV (Salem Police photos)
UPDATED: Salem Police say all suspects are now in custody.
Salem Police say they stopped a residential burglary in progress, arresting two people inside, but they are still looking for two more. Police were called around 5:00 am yesterday to a home on McCauley Drive, not far from Longwood Park, where an occupant inside reported a burglary in progress. Officers say they captured 20-year-old Steven Perez of Floyd County and a 16-year-old female, but two others ran out. Police are looking for 19-year-old DeAnthony Jackson and 20-year-old Percy Johnson IV, both of Roanoke.
(Continue reading for the full Salem Police news release.)
The Better Business Bureau is urging anyone with storm damage at home to avoid signing up with out-of-town contractors promising worry-free repairs if you just sign up on the spot. The BBB calls them “storm chasers” and urges you to work instead with local companies who will still be here if you run into later problems with the work.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the full Better Business Bureau “storm chaser” advisory.
Another June, another big storm cleanup. Public works crews have some busy days ahead removing all the debris from last week’s powerful storm. Roanoke City and County both say normal collections are likely to be delayed, but they promise any debris will be picked up if it is promptly left out for collection. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.