Evan Jones
Virginia recently unveiled a new state web site with two primary goals in mind. One goal is job creation, and the other is to make access to state agencies easier for Virginia residents. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to see the website.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte, in his new and prominent Washington role, is criticizing the Obama administration for releasing illegal immigrants ahead of Friday’s sequester deadline. Goodlatte is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and in that capacity, he co-authored a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano questioning the release. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Rep. Morgan Griffith
Congressman Morgan Griffith says his 9th District constituents appear to be far more worried about proposed gun restrictions than federal budget cuts through sequestration. Griffith says while his office received more than 200 calls and e-mails about sequestration in the last 15 days, the number on gun control was more than double, topping 500. As for the sequestration cuts, Griffith does not expect the actual impact to match the widespread warnings heard in recent weeks. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Here are the numbers provided by Congressman Griffith’s office on calls and e-mails in the last 15 days of February:
“More than 500” contacts urging him to protect current gun owner rights. “Fewer than 25” urge stricter gun laws.
“More than 200” contacts urging him to avoid sequestration. “Less than 50” said let it happen.
Roanoke may now be on track to see passenger rail service return in 2016, but before it happens, the city may have to spend millions of dollars to prepare for its arrival. City officials say a large culvert that runs under the proposed passenger platform location must be strengthened to support the weight of train above, and that will cost about $6 million. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
WSET-TV photo
WSET-TV reports Jamey Singleton is communicating with them from his hospital bed in Roanoke, even texting a photo of himself to his colleagues. According to the station, the web producer and fill-in Meteorologist says he’s feeling better, and doctors are optimistic about the progress he’s made in the past week. Singleton reports he’s undergone several surgeries to repair broken bones. There is no indication given how long he may remain in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Singleton was seriously hurt last week in a Bedford County accident.
Angela Nolen
A Franklin County kindergarten teacher will remain jailed after twice being denied bond today in separate hearings. Angela Nolen is charged with trying to hire a hit man to kill her former husband. Her attorney said Nolen had a clean prior record, but both judges ruled she should remain behind bars to await further court action.
Norfolk Southern says the elimination of 140 Roanoke rail yard positions has nothing to do with the quality of the employees’ work. The railroad says the local yard is handling less traffic needing switching, and it is not among the railroad’s most efficient. Norfolk Southern says affected workers will be offered new positions in the company as they open up. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
WSET-TV reports meteorologist and web producer Jamey Singleton continues to improve — now out of intensive care but still listed in guarded condition. Singleton was injured in an accident last week when his car crossed the center line on Route 122 in Bedford County and into the path of an oncoming delivery truck.
(Continue reading for the full WSET-TV statement.)
Norfolk Southern announced today it is eliminating 140 Roanoke positions. The railroad says it is ending regional railcar classification at the Roanoke yard; that’s basically resorting railcars into new trains for various destinations. Norfolk Southern says most if not all affected workers will be offered other positions within the company in the coming year.
(Continue reading for the full Norfolk Southern news release.)
The City of Roanoke is making changes right now to downtown on-street parking. On some blocks, it means adding more spaces, and in others, it may lead to longer permitted parking times. City officials say they may experiment with meters in some of the highest-use areas to see if promotes a faster turnover. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.