Gene Marrano

(from Carilion Clinic) today we learned the tragic news that Dr. Gary Swank, interventional cardiologist, medical director of Carilion Clinic’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab and an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was found murdered, along with his local tour guide, in Belize yesterday. We are heartbroken at his loss. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.

Roanoke County supervisors and staffers take a tour – G Marrano photo

The former All-State Building in southwest Roanoke County on Electric Road held its formal Grand Reopening this morning. Metis Plaza is owned by Metis Holdings, which offers insurance and risk management services. They occupy about 63,000 square feet in the building, with 5 other tenants also leasing space. About 50,000 square feet is still available for lease in the 180,000 square foot facility, which All-State opened in 1970. On site is a fitness studio open to the public and a health-food cafe that is available to all tenants. Metis spent around nine million dollars to purchase and renovate the hilltop building. Jill Loope is director of economic development for Roanoke County:

A unique way to raise money for the Prevention Council of Roanoke County’s efforts to combat substance abuse: on Sunday wedding dresses – many that have been stored for decades in a warehouse – will be sold “as is” during an event at Black Dog Salvage’s “Stone House” from 2 to 6-pm. Melissa Palmer with Chocolate Paper is one of the organizers: The $5 dollar on Sunday comes with wedding cake samples and yes, chocolate. You can watch Melissa Palmer open one of those storage boxes featuring a vintage wedding dress that will be for sale by visiting the WFIR News Facebook page.

 

Stan Seymour

A third candidate has entered the race to represent Cave Spring on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. Stan Seymour joins Republican Paul Mahoney, and Democrat Brian Powell in vying for the seat. Seymour owns local Bojangle’s franchises. He’s now involved in a zoning dispute with his residential neighbor – the Wildlife Center of Southwest Virginia – and with Roanoke County. Seymour, who will run as an independent in November, says he wants to be an advocate for responsive and transparent local government.  He also ran as an independent unsuccessfully 8 years ago.