Evan Jones
The downtown Roanoke City Market is on the move next month — at least for one afternoon a week. The farmers market will set up outside the Kirk Family YMCA on Thursdays in June from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/05-03-City-Market-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=05-03 City Market Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading
An osprey couple at Smith Mountain Lake expects to hatch three chicks near the end of the month, and for the first time, you can look in on this nest from anywhere in the world. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
(Continue reading to see the live camera)
Roanoke Police say a suspect is in custody after a late-night robbery spree — three robberies involving a shotgun — and it all ended moments after an officer fired a shot at the suspect. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release)
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers
Roanoke Mayor David Bowers has won election to a fourth term overall and second in a row with 52% of yesterday’s vote., but yesterday’s victory did not come without a strong showing by political newcomer Mark Lucas. Bowers got 52% of the vote to Lucas’ 48%. The margin of victory was less than 400 votes. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
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It’s election day for several cities and towns in the region, including Roanoke, Salem and Vinton. Polls are open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. There is only one local contested race for mayor, and that is in the City of Roanoke. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Three Roanoke City Council seats are also contested. Incumbents Sherman Lea, Anita Price and Court Rosen face a challenge from Brandon Bushnell. Continue reading
Governor McDonnell says the voter ID passed this winter has both good points and drawbacks, and he is still deciding whether to sign it. The bill would require voters to present identification ranging from a driver’s license to utility bill or bank statement, and if they cannot do so, that vote is marked as provisional until the voter returns with ID. Appearing Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union“, McDonnell said it would help prevent voter fraud but also create an additional burden for some legitimate voters. He says he will meet with the State Board of Elections and Attorney General before deciding whether to sign it.
Roanoke voters go to the polls tomorrow to elect a mayor and three members of City Council. That means election workers are busy today with last-minute preparations. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
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Click here for the full the list of Roanoke voting sites. None have changed since November, but several have moved in the last year.
All four Virginia Republicans running for U.S. Senate are heading for Roanoke. They’ll take part in a party-sponsored debate Saturday in advance of the June 12th primary. It is one of few times former Governor and Senator George Allen, Bishop E.W. Jackson, Delegate Bob Marshall and Richmond Tea Party activist Jamie Radtke meet face to face, all seeking the GOP nomination to take on Democrat Tim Kaine in November. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
The debate is scheduled to begin 3:00 pm Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel just off Hershberger Road near I-581. The doors open at 2:15.
Sherman Lea
City Councilman Sherman Lea served five years on the Roanoke School Board, one of them as chair, and now eight years on City Council, some of those as Vice-Mayor. Lea says he brings experience and leadership to Council, one with a recent record of making progress toward key city goals, even amid tough economic times. WFIR’s Evan Jones has this election profile.
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Court Rosen
City Councilman Court Rosen grew up in Pennsylvania, went to college at Vanderbilt, worked first in northern Virginia and then came to Roanoke. He says that background and his relatively young age on City Council give him particular insight into what can bring more employers and young adults to the city. Rosen is best known for proposing the “Eat for Education” meals tax increase that expires in two months. WFIR’s Evan Jones has this campaign profile.
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