Evan Jones
Roger Maloof
The Republican candidate for Roanoke City Commissioner of the Revenue says most city homes are over-assessed, and as a result, those property owners are paying higher taxes than they should. Roger Maloof says even though most city properties have fallen in value since 2006, assessed values have risen, creating what he calls a “stealth tax”. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Public safety officers were on the run this morning — for a cause that’s important to law enforcement. They ran along Electric Road from Tanglewood Mall to Cave Spring Corners for the annual “Torch Run” in support of the Special Olympics. The state games are set to go this weekend. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke City Council will consider a task force recommendation to sharply reduce the number of city voting precincts — a recommendation stemming from the lengthy waits last November at several polling sites. There will be no action until a public hearing is held first. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more on the council decision.
Roanoke Co. photo
Roanoke County opens a new wetland trail system this week. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday will mark the official opening. The trail features a raised boardwalk through a wetland area. It is located near the South County Library and Penn Forest Elementary School, and county officials say it will offer many educational opportunities. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
After many years of planning and many delays, South Peak officially opens this weekend. The first 32-unit condominium building is virtually complete with eight units already under contract. Developers say units still for sale range in price from $199,000 to $616,000. South Peak offers guided tours Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 5:00. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the South Peak web site.
(Continue reading for photographs inside and outside the building.)
The Shenandoah Building in downtown Roanoke now has a new name as developers give it a new look and new purpose. The Blue Ridge Parkway was headquartered there from its founding until 1966, so the building will now be called “Parkway 301”. The first of its 89 apartments should be ready for move-in by late August. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full Parkway 301 information.
(Continue reading for current photos and renderings of the completed building.)
The Roanoke Times will soon be under new ownership for the first time since 1969. The Times reports Warren Buffett’s BH Media Group will purchase the paper tomorrow, ending more than 30 years of Landmark Media Enterprises ownership. BH Media group already owns several other Virginia newspapers, including ones in Richmond, Lynchburg and Danville. Times employees were told today of the sale. There is no indication yet how this may affect Roanoke Times staffing or editorial direction.
Click here to read the full Roanoke Times report.
Roanoke County Fire and Rescue crews used a concrete saw to break into a culvert this morning and rescue a dog that was stuck in a drainage pipe. Incident commanders tell us “Abby” was dehydrated but otherwise appeared okay. She had been missing since Tuesday night. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the full Roanoke County Fire & Rescue news release
(Photos courtesy Roanoke County Fire & Rescue)
Del. Onzlee Ware
Roanoke Delegate Onzlee Ware applauds Governor McDonnell’s move to more readily restore the rights of non-violent felons. Virginia is one of the few states that require those offenders to petition the governor for restoration of rights upon completion of their sentences. Governor McDonnell said yesterday he will automatically restore those rights on an individual basis during his final year. WFIR’ s Evan Jones has the story.
UPDATED: VDOT says an I-81 detour between Dixie Caverns and Christiansburg has now been lifted, after remaing in place during this morning’s commute. The 14-mile southbound stretch of interstate was shut down yesterday when construction crews discovered an “unstable rock slope”. VDOT says even the most thoroughly-planned highway construction project can bring such surprises. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.