Gene Marrano
Joe Cobb/WFIR photo Gene Marrano
Roanoke City Council candidate Joe Cobb was at a bus stop in northwest Roanoke today – rolling out a campaign plank regarding public transit and the Valley Metro bus system. Cobb called it “3 More Hours” and posted his message on Facebook. Cobb – running as a Democrat – said some without their own vehicle are having to pay more for other means of transportation to get to work, because Valley Metro buses do not run late enough.
Roanoke City’s proposed 292 million dollar budget includes money for a new emergency squad. City Manager Bob Cowell says the Fire-EMS department has been dealing increased calls for service in recent years:
What better day to protest the tax reform bill passed by Congress late last year – if you didn’t support it – than on tax deadline day? WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
Shawn Hunter/G Marrano photo WFIR
When Shawn Hunter stepped down as President of the Peacemakers citizen’s group in northwest Roanoke to run for City Council, the person chosen to succeed him may have raised some eyebrows. Dennis Muhammad has a long-time connection to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has made controversial statements over the years on different ethnic groups and religions. Speaking live in-studio this morning Hunter addressed the concerns some might have about the future of the Peacemakers. Dennis Muhammad was on a security detail with Louis Farrakhan for almost 4 decades.
Hear the full length in-studio conversation with Shawn Hunter about his run for City Council below:
Those who follow the NHL’s Washington Capitals are nervous – the Caps are down two games to nothing in the first round against Columbus. And Elliott Sadler races close to home at Richmond this weekend.
The State Water Control Board has opened the door for 30 days and will accept comments about whether there is adequate protection for the waterways that a natural gas pipelines will cross during construction. One very visible MVP opponent has her doubts as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The Keller Williams Realty Office in southwest Roanoke County is accepting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for Lynchburg area residents impacted by the suspected tornado yesterday. They can be dropped off until 5pm Wednesday at 2727 Electric Rd. Wayne Daniel is the team leader in Roanoke – although he lives in the Lynchburg area. There’s also a Go Fund Me Page – “KW_ Roanoke_ Tornado_ Relief”. Daniel says the suspected tornado just missed his home but devastated other parts of the Boonsboro area. Keller Williams has two real estate offices in Lynchburg.
Deschutes Brewery may be scaling back and delaying the production plant it committed to build in Roanoke by 20-21. That announcement was made today by the Oregon-based company. Assistant City manager Brian Townsend told City Council that Deschutes was “evaluating the craft beer market” – and asking for more time. City Council granted a 30-day extension so that Deschutes can purchase 49 acres for 3-point-2 million dollars in cash as a show of good faith – instead of financing it.
Didn’t qualify for today’s Boston Marathon? You may find a new local race near Covington an easier way to get there. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: