Evan Jones
Civil liberties activists are supporting a bill before state lawmakers to regulate how state and local police would use drone aircraft. Their use is viewed as increasingly likely as the prices head steadily lower, and some police chiefs say drones could be useful for monitoring traffic in high-volume areas. But critics say they pose threats to personal liberties and create the possibility of a surveillance state. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Appalachian Power has outside crews in from as far away as Florida to help restore service in Virginia — 1,500 additional line workers in all. They have plenty of work today after more than 100,000 Virginia customers lost power overnight, mostly the result of trees and limbs falling onto power lines. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for Appalachian Power service outage information.
The region’s wells and water supplies are in much better shape now than when the week began, but experts say we could still use a lot more rain into March. The winter months are key to replenishing water supplies each year, including the underground water table that water wells depend on. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke City officials say snowplows will hit the main streets first, crews will turn their attention next to Valley Metro routes, and after that, they’ll work the residential side streets. Residents are asked to park off-street whenever possible because that helps plows do a much better job of clearing the snow away. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke City Schools have spent more than $1 million in recent years to upgrade school safety. A lot of that money came from grants, but those funds are now hard to come by. Superintendent Rita Bishop says that means finding money in each year’s budget, money for a purpose that doesn’t really have a price tag. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
A nationally-known school security expert is in Roanoke for a review of security systems and procedures implemented after his first time here more four years ago. Kenneth Trump says Roanoke schools have made good use of technology to improve student safety — and to the human component to any good security plan: staff and student training and following established safety procedures. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke Valley home sales increased last year: up almost 7% over 2011. The average price rose as well: up about 2.3%. The Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors expects the trend to continue this year, but foreclosures and short sales could still dampen home sale prices in some neighborhoods. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Year 2012 2011
Roanoke Valley housing units sold: 3,666 3,432
Average sales price: $186,302 $176,197
Source: Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors
Rep. Bob Goodlatte
The 113th Congress began its first floor business today with a reading of the entire U.S. Constitution, led by Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte. He says lawmakers need to remember the Constitution as the foundation for any laws considered in Congress. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Area pharmacies report some Tamiflu suppliers are having trouble keeping up with demand — the result of the nationwide flu epidemic. Valley Apothecary in Salem reports several suppliers are out of the children’s version, but the pharmacy still has enough on hand right now to meet customers’ needs. Pharmacists are also able to use adult capsules to create a liquid version in children’s doses. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Virginia abortion providers are preparing to meet the requirements of a law passed two years ago — rules expected to become final later this year — requiring them to meet strict hospital standards. The changes will be expensive, but Planned Parenthood on Peters Creek Road says they won’t affect service and won’t shut them down. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story
Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge operates centers in Roanoke, Blacksburg and Charlottesville.