Evan Jones
Roanoke police quadrupled the number of motorcycle traffic enforcement units this month, from one to four. The intent is to reduce accidents — and to fight crime as well. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
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Congressman Bob Goodlatte says direct air service will continue between Roanoke and New York City if Delta and US Airways get federal approval to trade flight slots at New York and Washington. Goodlatte says Delta has informed him it intends to provide the direct service here if US Airways gives it up. Roanoke Regional Airport officials say “direct” will continue to mean “non-stop”, and if Delta does indeed take it over, the service will be provided in regional jets.
State insurance regulators have approved the acquisition of Shenandoah Life Insurance to a Texas-based company, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of Shenandoah’s policy holders. Shenandoah has been under state receivership for almost three years, ever since stock losses tied to falling home prices left the company unable to continue. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
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The first-ever “Roanoke Outdoor Circus” opens its gates at 5:00 pm today and runs through Sunday — but this one is nothing like the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, which is also in Roanoke this weekend. Organizers say it’s more of an outdoor sports festival offering camping, music, and all sorts of outdoor-related events at River’s Edge Sports Complex.
The intent is to promote awareness of the region’s many outdoor recreation opportunities. The event is made possible through plenty of funding and other help from Anthem and other corporate sponsors.
Click here for full Roanoke Outdoor Circus information
A new Franklin County manufacturer is celebrating its grand opening today, offering the promise of another 60 jobs over the next three years. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/10-21-Solution-Matrix-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=10-21 Solution Matrix Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading
It’s Norwegian day next to the Roanoke City Market Building. Actually, it’s the final “Taste of Culture” event of the year, and today, they’re celebrating Norwegian culture and food. It includes entertainment and exhibits free of charge, and for $5.00, authentic Norwegian food. The event runs from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Wall Street, directly alongside the City Market Building.
Click here for full “Taste of Culture” information on today’s event.
Store surveillance photo
Roanoke Police say two men held up the One Stop Market this afternoon Williamson Road — walking in, assaulting the clerk, then taking items from the store. The clerk required hospital treatment, but there is no immediate word on his identity or condition. Anyone with information regarding this or other crimes should call the Roanoke Police Department at 853-5959 or Crime Line at 344-8500. (Continue reading for a larger picture from the store surveillance video.)
She was elected as a Democrat and is now running for a second term as an Independent. Roanoke County Supervisor Charlotte Moore faces two opponents next month in the Cave Spring District and says her background and record answer their challenges. And as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, Moore says two of her votes in particular demonstrate her approach to county government.
A recent report finds there are more than 300,000 vacant homes and apartments across Virginia, and rural areas may have it the worst. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/10-19-Vacant-Homes-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=10-19 Vacant Homes Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading
The natural food co-op that wants to operate an “urban farm” on part of the former Countryside Golf Course property says neighbors’ concerns about chickens are mainly the result of misconceptions. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more.
[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/10-19-Egg-Farms-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=10-19 Egg Farms Wrap1-WEB] Continue reading