Evan Jones
MacCollum in Iraq
A retired Marine who served in Iraq is now on another mission, and he is walking 500 miles to accomplish it — a mission taking him through Roanoke. Mac McCollum is walking from Knoxville, Tennessee to Washington D.C. to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps treat war veterans for their physical and psychological wounds. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/05-16-Marching-Marine-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-16 Marching Marine Wrap1-WEB]Click here for McCollum’s web site, which includes links to the Wounded Warrior Project and the opportunity to make a donation.
A Roanoke River Greenway ribbon-cutting today will serve as both a celebration and campaign kickoff to build the greenway’s missing link. The “Bridge the Gap” campaign hopes to raise $7 million to complete the four-mile stretch from the Memorial Bridge area to Rotary Park in Salem. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
One of the country’s leading trackers of gasoline prices says we’re at one of those times when you might save at least a little by holding off on your next fill-up. Gasbuddy.com expects national averages to fall another 20 to 30 cents a gallon by July 4th. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors will hold a special meeting later this week to consider tuition and fees for the next school year. The Visitors postponed action last month, indicating they would like to see in-state rates hold steady, but there is no indication yet whether that will actually occur. The board meets in Arlington Thursday.
(Continue reading for the full Virginia Tech news release)
Bedford’s plan to revert from a city to a town within Bedford County takes the next step forward today when a state commission meets. The State Commission on Local Government has five members, all with past local government experience. Its review is part of the state-mandated process for reversion from a city to a town. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for Bedford City’s web page on the planned reversion to town status.
First Lady Michelle Obama says the Virginia Tech community is setting an example for the country on how to deal with adversity. Speaking at Tech’s commencement ceremony today, she cited the university’s own motto — “Invent the Future” — in saying the new graduates can define who they are as adults by inventing their own futures. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
New Hope Valley 17
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is bringing in a working steam locomotive this weekend to kick off its 50th anniversary celebration. The New Hope Valley #17 steam engine will carrying passengers for the Roanoke Rail Fest. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/05-11-Steam-Rides-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-11 Steam Rides Wrap1-WEB]Click here for full Roanoke Rail Fest information.
It’s spring commencement day at Virginia Tech, always a busy day and even more so than usual today. First Lady Michelle Obama is one of the graduation speakers, and that means more people, more traffic, and more security. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
The commencement ceremonies at Lane Stadium begin at noon. Click here for full Virginia Tech commencement information.
Charter Hall - Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce photo
The Roanoke City Market Building may still be working on the best use for its main floor, but it is a different story two floors up. Interest in and bookings for the updated and renovated Charter Hall are running well ahead of expectations. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/05-10-Charter-Hall-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-10 Charter Hall Wrap1-WEB]Click here for full Charter Hall information
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling says he’s not really thinking about the chance of being elevated to Governor if Bob McDonnell becomes a winning Vice-Presidential candidate. If that would occur, Bolling would become Governor in the year he seeks his party’s nomination for the office. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.