Gene Marrano
Another independent film crew is about to descend on Roanoke…any profits from distribution will go to the “Straight Street,” program. Executive Producer Barry Armstrong – also the president of Live the Life Partners – says the new movie that will be shot over the next few weeks, “Crossing Streets,” could be a model for future projects – created specifically as fundraisers for a particular non-profit. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Roanoke Railhouse debuted in 2009…now there’s Parkway Brewing in Salem, Sunken City at Smith Mountain Lake and since last September Flying Mouse Brewery in Troutville. Frank Moeller is a mechanical engineer turned brewmeister at his Flying Mouse Brewery. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
There were more inquiries received by the Roanoke Regional Partnership in 2013 about locating businesses here than executive director Beth Doughty can ever recall. Doughty told Roanoke City Council yesterday that The Partnership tracked more than 122-million dollars in new investment and 300 new jobs last year. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
The Roanoke County Stormwater Advisory Committee, will hold a series of public input sessions how the county handles stormwater run-off. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more:
Meeting Schedule: 2/3 South County Library; 2/4 Glenvar Library; 2/5 Green Ridge Rec. Center; 2/6 Vinton War Memorial; 2/7 County Admin. Bldg. (all times 6-8pm)
Richmond (AP) Gov. Terry McAuliffe wants to scrap Virginia’s letter grading system of the state’s public schools. The new Democratic governor said Thursday during a radio interview that giving a failing grade for a school can have devastating impact on property values of nearby houses. He said an “F” rating of can also stigmatize a school. McAuliffe made the comments during his first “Ask the Governor” segment on WRVA in Richmond. The Virginia Board of Education announced last November it was going to begin a new A-through-F school grading system. Grades are based on the percentage of student proficiency, academic growth and college and career readiness. The BOE said it would announce grades at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year
The kids driving you crazy because they’re stuck indoors with all of the cold weather? The annual “Tons of Fun” at Tanglewood Mall tomorrow is one solution…from 10am to 4pm families can enjoy rides, inflatable games, crafts and face painting. This is the 15th year that Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has put on the event. There’s also puppet shows, laser tag, an agility course and a balloon artist on tap at tomorrow’s Tons of Fun. Wendi Schultz is the coordinator: (story, sound from WFIR’s Gene Marrano)
Parts of Northwest Roanoke City could be revitalized in the future. That’s because Roanoke was one of 17 localities nationwide to receive a “Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant.” It could also mean big changes for the Lansdowne Park and Melrose Towers public housing projects. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more: