Evan Jones
Timothy Wellons (Roanoke City Sheriff photo)
Roanoke’s Commonwealth’s Attorney says he expects to present new charges against Timothy Wellons when the city’s grand jury next meets July 1st. Investigators are working to determine if there are factors that can lead to stronger charges — and stiffer penalties — than the current DUI count Wellons faces. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Dozens of Roanoke area boys and girls are expected to compete Saturday in the region’s Soap Box Derby. The entrants range in age from seven to 17, and the winners move on to the international competition next month in Akron, Ohio. It starts at 9:00 am at Walrond Park in Roanoke County.
Click here for the Roanoke Soap Box Derby Facebook page.
A strong line of storms is moving across southwest Virginia this afternoon, disrupting power to thousands and bringing down trees that are blocking some streets and highways. WDBJ7 reports a wind gust of 56 miles per hour as the first wave rolled through. Salem Police report several streets are blocked by downed trees. The National Weather Service reports the storms are moving through at 50 to 55 mph. As of 4:15 pm, Appalachian Power reports almost 29,000 customers without power in Roanoke City and County; in the county alone, more than 35% of its customers are in the dark.
Those closely involved in DUI prevention efforts will let the courts determine guilt or innocence in Monday’s I-581 accident, but they say the expected charges alone demonstrate drunk driving may occur any time of day, not just late at night. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board appears ready to approve $3 million next week to help Roanoke prepare for the return of Amtrak service. It would be half the cost of a culvert needed to support a new track that would serve Roanoke’s passenger platform. Without outside help, Roanoke would have to pay all $6 million. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia are adding new contests this year in hopes of attracting new participants. They range from t-ball to strong-man to cornhole. Also new this year: events just for veterans, coordinated with Virginia’s Wounded Warrior Project. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia information.
Roanoke Police say a “suspicious device” that led to the closing of several blocks this morning was a series of batteries and wires taped together — but there was no detonating device that presented any danger. Until they knew for sure, traffic and pedestrians were kept away from the area around 8th and Campbell Southeast. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.)
A South Carolina developer says plans are still very much in place to build a Hampton Inn Hotel over the downtown Roanoke Market Garage parking ramp, even if a series of delays keeps pushing back the start. The Windsor Aughtry Company says final designs are due this week, and they hope to sign papers in August and begin work a short time later. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
There’s a three-way race now for Roanoke County Supervisor in the Hollins District. Brian Lang is the Democratic party candidate for the seat. Lang joins Republican nominee Al Bedrosian and Independent Gary Jarrell in the Hollins District race. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Summer road trip season is now upon us, and depending on where you go, what you pay for gas could vary by more than one dollar a gallon. Gasbuddy.com reports Chicago has the highest prices in the country right now, but some nearby states have some of the lowest pump prices east of the Mississippi. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.