Evan Jones
Chief Howard Hall (Roanoke Co. photo)
Roanoke County’s new police chief says departments are now able to make better use of something they’ve always had — but couldn’t always effectively put to work. Chief Howard Hall was sworn into his new position this morning before a courtroom filled with family, county officials and many area law enforcement officers. Hall spoke with WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte and Democrat Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb agree on the need to waive or reduce current federal ethanol mandates for gasoline. The severe drought this year has reduced corn supplies used to make ethanol, resulting in higher corn prices and, in turn, higher food prices for everyone. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
08-13 Ethanol Mandate Wrap2-WEB
Salem fire investigators have identified the man killed in yesterday’s fatal house fire at 1727 Victoria Street as 61-year-old Robert Arthur Barnes. There is no word yet on the cause, but officials say in response to widespread speculation that began with reports of an explosion, they have determined it was not the result of any meth lab activity. The dollar loss as estimated at $30,000.
(Continue reading for the full Salem Fire/EMS news release)
Students head back to Virginia public college campuses in the next few weeks, and while tuition has increased once again, it is the lowest hike in a decade, averaging just over 4.1%. Governor McDonnell credits state lawmakers with increasing state support by $230 million over the next two years and says it comes with expectations of the colleges and universities in return. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Close to 60 fire, rescue and police personnel from several states are in training this week in the Roanoke Valley to serve on their departmental honor guards, something especially important during funerals for colleagues who die in the line of duty. They are learning many of the procedures and protocols used at such times — and to be ready and prepared if called upon to perform them. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke city crews will need an extra day on the streets this week in efforts to keep up with all the windstorm debris still coming out to curbside. They’re planning an all-out blitz Friday, using more than 30 pieces of city equipment. Roanoke city crews have collected almost 4.5 million pounds of debris since the storm hit in late June. The latest from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
Roanoke County Police say they have made progress reducing teen accidents over the years, but a new video shares their frustration that despite all the education efforts, the numbers are still disproportionately high. The video is on the department’s web site and Facebook page. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here to see the video
It’s been five and a half weeks since the big windstorm, and Roanoke County crews are still having trouble keeping up with scheduled brush removal. As WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the county is not prepared to make promises on when the pickups might return to normal schedules.