Gene Marrano
Tory Calfee – RoCo PD photo
Roanoke County police have issued warrants for 18 year old Tory Nason Calfee, whom they call a suspect in those southwest Roanoke County break-ins that now totals more than 3 dozen unlocked cars. Police say he is not the only suspect they are seeking. One of the items stolen from an unlocked car was a handgun. See a photo of Calfee (left)
Several media outlets report that FreightCar America in Roanoke will close its manufacturing plant on Campbell Avenue by November – putting more than 200 out of work. An H-R executive with FreightCar America says the layoffs should be considered permanent.They should begin in September. Market conditions were cited as a reason for the closure.
(From company release) “The closure of our Roanoke facility is another next step in our ‘Back to Basics’ strategy as we continue to streamline our manufacturing footprint and match it to our future product offering,” said Jim Meyer, President and Chief Executive Officer of FreightCar America. “Reducing our fixed costs and achieving world-class output from our much larger Shoals facility have always been core pillars of our turnaround strategy.”
Meyer added, “We have spent the last two years building our talent, processes and overall capabilities at Shoals and the plant is now in a position to accept the Roanoke models and volume. This action, when complete in the first half of 2020, is expected to save approximately $5 million per year.”
Meyer concluded, “Our people at Roanoke have consistently performed above all expectations. We are extremely thankful for everything they have given the Company.”
Nanda Davis (L) and Abby Steketee/Mom Expo – G Marrano photo
Did you know that expectant mothers have the right to listen to the music of their choice as they go through labor and then give birth at a hospital? Its just one of many topics that will be covered at the Southwest Virginia “Mom Expo” on Saturday at the South Roanoke County Library. Saturday’s Mom Expo from 10 to 4 is FREE but reserve a space at eventbrite.com. Hear a complete in-studio conversation below – watch it on Facebook. Virginia Tech phD student Abby Steketee is one of the organizers.
Melrose Library – G Marrano photos
It’s the largest branch in the Roanoke Public Library system outside of the main library downtown. Today they cut the ribbon for the new 4-million dollar Melrose library, which is located on the Goodwill Industries Melrose Avenue Jobs campus. At 15,000 square feet its more than twice the size of the old Melrose branch – with upgraded computer stations, a “STEM” and arts dedicated lab, and community meeting rooms. Sheila Umberger is the library system’s director: