Evan Jones
The Hotel Roanoke railroad webcam is proving to have a loyal worldwide audience. The camera sends live video of the busy Norfolk Southern tracks that run through town, and when it recently went down, calls and e-mails started coming in from around the world. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to view the Roanoke Rail Cam.
Roanoke residents who live near the Huff Lane school property hold a community meeting tonight in opposition to proposals for two hotels and a restaurant at the site. They think more time is needed to consider other options. The school closed two years ago and sits on potentially valuable commercial property along Valley View Boulevard across from the mall. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for the Dorchester Court neighborhood web site in opposition to the proposal.
Click here to see the full rezoning application.
The holidays can be painful times for people dealing with the loss of a loved one, and a special tree comes with the hope of helping their healing. The “Love Light Tree” was lit this morning at Tanglewood Mall’s upper level. Each “love light” ornament placed on the tree remembers a lost loved one — and helps Good Samaritan Hospice provide services to those with end-of-life illnesses. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for more information from Good Samaritan Hospice.
Rob Bell
The party candidates appear set in next year’s race for governor, but there is still competition for Attorney General. Charlottesville Delegate Rob Bell points to his background as a former prosecutor and his 11 years in the General Assembly as he seeks the Republican nomination at next May’s GOP convention. He spoke with WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Click here for Rob Bell’s campaign web site.
Winter does not arrive on the calendar until December 21st, but meteorologists start measuring their winters on December 1st, so from their perspective, the season is already here. The three-month winter outlook calls for temperatures and precipitation within normal ranges, and a normal winter in Roanoke brings about 20 inches of snowfall. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Mark Obenshain
As the governor’s race appears to take shape, there is still competition for Attorney General next year. Harrisonburg State Senator Mark Obenshain is the latest to announce he will seek the Republican Party nomination.He spoke with WFIR’s Evan Jones.
We will speak with the other announced candidates for Attorney General in coming days.
Click here for Mark Obenshain’s campaign website.
Mayor David Bowers
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers continues one of his annual seasonal traditions this afternoon in the Mayor’s Holiday Open House. You are invited to visit with the mayor and even site in his chair if you’d like. Bowers says these open houses are important to him, both as a means to be visible and accessible and as a reminder to everyone that the mayor works for Roanoke citizens. You can raise a concern or just say hello for the holidays. The Open House is from 4:00 to 6:00 this afternoon inside the mayor’s office at the Roanoke Municipal Building.
Tickets for the Zac Brown Band are now on sale at the Roanoke Civic Center, the third top-name country music act set to perform here in coming months. Civic Center officials says more performers and promoters are willing to consider Roanoke, and more such acts are likely as long as attendance continues to meet promoters’ expectations. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Mayor David Bowers
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers meets with Democratic Party officials in the Martinsville area Friday as he considers whether to run for Lieutenant Governor. Bowers says some party officials have asked him to consider running after winning a fourth term earlier this year, making him one of the longest-serving elected Democrats in this part of the state.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
A 30-foot Christmas tree along Electric Road is being decorated with messages to loved ones serving in the military. It is the project of our sister station 94.9 Star Country. The goal is to cover the entire tree with support messages by Christmas. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for more information and to learn how to send your own message.
(Continue reading for more Troop Tree photographs)