Evan Jones
Construction is now underway for the newest section of the Roanoke Valley Greenway system, this one along Mason Creek in Salem. For starters, this greenway will cover a one-mile stretch between Roanoke Boulevard and Lynchburg Turnpike. Ground was broken this morning to mark the project, which is funded by a federal grant of close to $600,000. WFIR’s Evan Jones reports it is the first part of a much greater vision for Mason Creek.
Brandon Raub
A Charlottesville-based civil liberties organization says there are some important lessons to be learned from the case of a Marine veteran who was detained for psychiatric evaluation last week after posting anti-government messages on a private Facebook page. The Rutherford Institute says it shows that government and police are sometimes illegally spying on our on-line activity and attempting to detain people who have committed no crime. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation says the first work to widen Interstate 81 between Roanoke and Christiansburg could begin within four years. Sean Connaughton says the commonwealth will soon begin setting aside funds for the work, and it will spend about $500,000 for a required environmental impact study. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more on the possible start of construction.
Aneesh Chopra
A former Obama administration technology chief campaigns for the Democratic ticket today in Roanoke. Aneesh Chopra will meet with selected entrepreneurs this morning and deliver a campaign message that Obama administration policies are helping start-up businesses and creating new jobs. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Texas Tavern is auctioning five old signs and menus from the Roanoke restaurant, the proceeds going to Saint Francis Service Dogs. The items are all distinctly Texas Tavern, and they are being auctioned on e-Bay. They include two club breakfast menu signs, one main menu sign, one that reads, “Chile, you’ll like it” and another that touts the Tavern’s famous Hot Dog Chile.
Click here for more auction information.
(Continue reading for the full Texas Tavern news release.)
Rep. Paul Ryan
It has been a whirlwind week for the family that owns the Roanoke area Northwest True Value Hardware stores — and it has been an eye-opener as well. Store owners say the call came Sunday asking if they would host Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s visit, and they are taken by the size, speed, and attention to details the advance team has shown since arriving to prepare. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Delegate Chris Head
Roanoke Valley legislators say there haven’t been any discussions yet about finding new ways to permit area schools to continue opening before Labor Day, but that is likely to change when the next legislative session nears. The current waiver permitting the earlier starts is based on previous years’ snow days, and under present law, there haven’t been enough in recent years to permit an August start next year. WFIR’s Evan Jones spoke with Delegate Chris Head.
It’s back to school today in Roanoke and Craig Counties, and this is no ordinary opening day at Cave Spring Middle School. The brand-new $27 million school opens its doors to about 740 or students today. The first day’s schedule includes orientation and tours.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
It’s back to class today for students in Roanoke City schools, then tomorrow in Roanoke County. Both systems say the pre-Labor Day start is important, but barring a change in state law, this could be the last August start for a while. Both begin early under a waiver that accounts for snow days from previous years, but lately, there haven’t been enough such days to extend that waiver any further. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.