Gene Marrano
After a delay caused in large part by an old Boones Mill ordinance, Franklin County Distilleries opens its doors to the public tonight. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Ray Ferris
Ray Ferris made it official this afternoon – he will run for a third term on Roanoke City Council in May. It will be as an independent candidate again – Ferris (pictured) says there is no room for partisan politics in local government. Ferris first ran as a Democrat in 2010. The attorney-by-trade cites the progress Roanoke has made and says the city “is on the right path.”
Virginia Tech beat Boston College” 85-80 last night in overtime on the road. Meanwhile the number two-ranked UVA Cavaliers rolled to a 13th straight win with a 74-64 triumph over Louisville last night:
Grover Price-FB photo
One of the Roanoke City Council candidates taking the “SNAP Challenge” – living on $4.50 a day maximum, what those receiving help to pay for food would qualify for – is independent candidate Grover Price. His family already qualifies for “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program” benefits – but it has shown him how difficult it can be to purchase groceries without adequate transportation. Price also runs the Hope Center on 11th Street Northwest. The SNAP Challenge ends on Sunday.
An awareness campaign about the dangers of opioid abuse will start showing up in schools, public venues and online. More about “Be in the Picture” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
More beer in Franklin County! Chaos Mountain Brewing will create 5 new jobs and invest $250,000 to meet the demand for its products. The state has issued an $8000 grant for that expansion and Franklin County will match it.
(news release from Governor Northam’s office) The company will add new production capacity and packaging equipment to meet demand for its product. Chaos Mountain has also committed to sourcing nearly half of its agriculture purchases from Virginia farms over the next three years. “Chaos Mountain’s continued growth and investment in Franklin County is great news for Virginia’s booming craft beer industry and for our economy overall,” said Governor Northam. “Investments like these create jobs, open new markets for Virginia’s farmers, and support tourism in Virginia’s rural economy. Working together, we can continue our progress growing and diversifying Virginia’s economy.”
“By committing to sourcing hops, honey and fruits from Virginia, Chaos Mountain is continuing to support local farms and creating beer that highlights Virginia’s terroir,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring.
Construction is underway in Roanoke at the new Three Notched Brewing Company location – downtown where the Cornerstone Bar and Grill was located. The Brewmaster was in town last night and WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with him:
Bree Nidds VBR Sports/G. Marrano photo WFIR
Attracting major amateur sports tournaments is very competitive and is all about building relationships. That’s a major reason Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge has launched the VBR Sports brand, which had its public debut at the Countryside Sportsplex today. Bree Nidds was hired as the director of development last September. An advisory board consisting of representatives from all the local governments in Virginia’s Blue Ridge will work with Nidds. The amateur sports market is now worth more than 11 billion dollars nationally in direct spending according to an Ohio University survey.
Hollins University is rolling out a new master’s program for educators who want to learn new skills – and its directed by a familiar face in Roanoke County, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: