Evan Jones
Sen. Mark Warner
Sen. Tim Kaine
Virginia’s U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, are criticizing Republicans for blocking budget talks. They are calling on Republican leaders to allow budget negotiations to begin with the House. Both are Budget Committee members, and as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, both took to the Senate floor Wednesday.
Chief Chris Perkins
The ten newest members of the Roanoke Police force graduated from the city’s Police Academy last night. Two are black, two are female, and one of the women is Hispanic. Police Chief Chris Perkins says it is part of a continuing effort to provide as much diversity as possible on the force, something essential in efforts to make community engagement work. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
A project to bring more public art to Roanoke — and more vibrancy to some of its buildings and neighborhoods — is spreading into more parts of the city. Roanoke dedicated a colorful outdoor mural today that decorates the front of the Garden City Recreation Center. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more on the Roanoke Art Mural Project.
(Continue reading to see how the mural changed the building’s appearance.)
Yesterday’s accident on Interstate 81 was the latest of many over the years just north of Buchanan in the Arcadia area, but VDOT says it has no funds to even consider significant changes along that stretch. VDOT has made pavement improvements and installed warning devices on a nearby curve that has proven especially accident-prone, but there is no money available to study or start more substantial improvements. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Jonathan Agee
Jennifer Agee
It’s turning into an emotional and day-long sentencing hearing for former Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Agee, who was previously convicted of fatally shooting his former wife Jennifer Agee then shooting a state trooper in the resulting pursuit on Memorial Day 2011. The hearing is likely to last well into late afternoon. WDBJ7 reports events leading up to the shooting included a rekindled affair between the remarried Agee and his former wife, the exchange of naked video photos between the two and a blackmail attempt.
The Roanoke Railhouse Brewery now has a new way to sell its most popular product, thanks to a mobile canning operation that pulled in yesterday for the first time. The cannery is self-contained in a truck , and yesterday, it filled more than 6,000 16-ounce cans of Track One lager. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Kim Martinez (Salem Schools photo)
The varsity volleyball coach at Salem High School volleyball coach has resigned. Salem City Spokesperson Mike Stevens says Kim Martinez submitted her resignation Friday and informed the team today. It comes amid an investigation into a former volunteer assistant coach, Dewayne Barger, who is charged with secretly recording videos of underage girls bathing and changing clothes in his apartment. According to Stevens, Martinez was named an assistant coach at Salem High School in 2006 and Head Coach in 2009.
A new Washington Post poll finds Governor McDonnell receiving very high marks for his job performance and personal ethics among Virginia voters. 64% of those questions say they approve McDonnell’s performance — as high as at any point in his tenure. A majority of both Democrats and Republicans say he is doing a good job.
Click here to read the full Washington Post story.
Click here for full poll results and methodology.
Roanoke Police say a body was found inside a burning vehicle overnight. There is no indication yet how the person died or any word on his or her identity. Firefighters were called to the 400 block of Allison Avenue between Franklin Road and Highland park shortly before 4:00 am. The body was found inside the car once the fire was put out.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.) Continue reading
The Transitional Living Center in Roanoke is ready to once again accept applications for new residents after receiving word that full federal funding would not be interrupted. The center receives two thirds of its funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.