Evan Jones
A state-ordered study of uranium in Southside Virginia concludes the region would receive substantial benefits. Opponents say the study is inconclusive — especially on health and environmental impacts — and concerns over those possible impacts extend as far as Roanoke. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/12-01-Uranium-Wrap2-WEB.mp3|titles=12-01 Uranium Wrap2-WEB] Continue reading
Governor McDonnell will propose eliminating two state agencies and nine boards and commissions to streamline Virginia state government. The governor also proposes merging many agencies, boards and commissions. McDonnell says his restructuring plan would save taxpayers at least $2 million a year. He will ask legislators to approve the plan next winter. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
(Continue reading for the governor’s full news release and complete list of proposed eliminations and mergers.)
There are home tours and holiday home tours and historic home tours, but you rarely get a tour offering all at once. Franklin County is giving it a try for the first time this year, and it requires you to sign up in advance. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for more Yuletide Civil War Home Tour information and registration. Continue reading
Sales of natural Christmas trees are off to a good start in the region — thanks to very un-Christmas like weather. At Joe’s Trees in Craig County, the weekend after Thanksgiving can be a big one for families to come out and choose and cut their own tree. Owner Sue Bostic says winter weather can hinder sales, but warm conditions are a big boost. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Handbags from Clare V.
Today is “Cyber-Monday”, the day on-line retailers liken to “Black Friday” in stores. But for one Roanoke-based on-line retailer or handbags and related accessories, the spike in cyber-orders after Thanksgiving is not limited to a single day, and the promotional name may be somewhat misleading. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-28-Cyber-Monday_WEB.mp3|titles=11-28 Cyber Monday_WEB]
“Black Friday” was a real good day for Northwest True Value Hardware, and that was a day before the 2nd annual “Small Business Saturday” last weekend. The company owner says his stores remain able to compete with the big box stores. Bob Clark has the story.
"Bud" Robertson Virginia Tech Photo
One of the country’s best-known Civil War historians says the current divisions in Congress are alarmingly similar to those that preceded our country’s most difficult time. Virginia Tech History Professor “Bud” Robertson says compromise needs to return to Washington, and he fears for the country if it does not.WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-25-Robertson-Wrap2-WEB.mp3|titles=11-25 Robertson Wrap2-WEB]Here are Robertson’s full, unedited comments:
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/10-21-Robertson-Comments-WEB.mp3|titles=10-21 Robertson Comments-WEB]This morning’s newspaper is always as thick as you’ll see it all year, loaded with ads hoping to lure shoppers. But in this digital age, newspapers like the Roanoke Times are increasingly turning to the Internet as a revenue source. So on this coming “Cyber Monday”, the Times is trying out a new cyber-event for the first time. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Roanoke air travelers are still awaiting word on future non-stop service between Roanoke and New York service. There seems little question it will continue, but as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports many other questions remain.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-23-Airport-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=11-23 Airport Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading
Roanoke has two election days next year: the first one is in May for races that include Mayor and three members of City Council. Mayor David Bowers says he’s made his decision on whether to seek re-election — but isn’t quite ready to announce what it is. But as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, there seems to be little question what direction he will take.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/11-23-Bowers-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=11-23 Bowers Wrap1-WEB]
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