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VDOT-LogoFrom VDOT: As part of the continued work at the Valley View Interchange, a portion of Valley View Boulevard will be closed and a detour will be in place this week. Beginning in the early morning hours on Monday, October 31 at 12 a.m., through Friday night, November 4, at 11:59 p.m., westbound Valley View Boulevard will be closed for construction of the southbound on-ramp of the diverging diamond interchange. A detour will be in place directing all westbound traffic to use Hershberger Road for access to I-581. This portion of Valley View Boulevard will be closed 24 hours a day during this period of time. In addition, on Tuesday, November 1 through Thursday, November 3, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, a double right lane closure will be in place on southbound I-581 from Valley View Boulevard to the Liberty Street Bridge for sound wall installation. Drivers approaching these areas are encouraged to slow down and use caution through the work zones.

wfir-defaultFrom Virginia State Police: At 5:38 p.m., Sunday (Oct. 30), state and local law enforcement began receiving reports of pedestrians being struck in a parking lot outside the Martinsville Speedway in Henry County, Va. A total of 22 people were injured, with the majority treated at the scene for minor injuries. There were no fatalities. The incident occurred post-race in the handicapped parking area outside of Turn 2 of the speedway. The parking lot was congested with vehicles and pedestrians when a 2005 Chevrolet SSR convertible attempted to pass a Jeep Patriot. The Chevrolet struck the Jeep and then struck several nearby pedestrians.

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From Roanoke City Police: Earlier this week, some of our outstanding animal wardens worked together with Sergeant Lovell to save Baby! Only this Baby won’t fit in a crib, Baby is a 7-year-old horse who managed to get beyond her pasture earlier this week in the 1600 block of Imlay Avenue SE in the Garden City neighborhood. In Baby’s newfound freedom, it never crossed her mind that she might accidentally walk straight into her family’s swimming pool, but that’s exactly what happened. When Animal Warden Mitchell got there, one of Baby’s family members was literally holding her head above water so that she wouldn’t drown. Baby was tangled up in the pool cover. Animal Warden Mitchell immediately got to work cutting the pool cover and untangling Baby from this very dangerous situation. Sergeant Lovell then led Baby up to the shallow end of the pool. He walked her up the pool steps and out of danger. Baby’s vet came by to check on her and said she was fine! It was great teamwork by everybody on scene to help save Baby!

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Republican Donald Trump has pulled to within 7 points of Democrat Hillary Clinton in Virginia, according to a tracking survey released Friday by the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University. Clinton leads Trump among likely voters in Virginia, 46-39 percent. Her lead had been as high as 15 points earlier in the tracking series.

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Roanoke-PoliceUPDATED TUESDAY 3:30 pm –– Roanoke Police say the man who shot four workers today at Freight Car America, killing one of them before taking his own life, is a former employee there who was terminated in March of this year after failing to show up for three consecutive days. Police Chief Tim Jones says Freight Car America saw no signs of trouble between that time and today’s shootings. The gunman is identified as 53-year-old Getachew Fekede, who came to Roanoke in 2011 from Kenya as part of an immigrant refugee program. Chief Jones says Fekede arrived at the plant this morning by bicycle, but it is unclear how he was able to get through the workplace perimeter. Police says he fired ten rounds in all. Two of the three workers he wounded remain hospitalized, and a third has been released after treatment. Police are not yet releasing the names of any shooting victims.

From Roanoke City Police at 10:00 am: Here is what we know for sure and have verified about the incident at Freight Car America:

– We received the call at approximately 6:08 am.
– Two individuals were confirmed dead in the facility. One is believed to be the suspect.
– Three other individuals were transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries related to this incident.
– None of the responding officers fired their weapons.
– There is zero indication of any further threats to the public at this time.
– A large law enforcement presence remains on scene conducting the investigation and performing a protective sweep of the entire facility.

Thanks to all of our law enforcement and public safety partners who are assisting us with this incident, including the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke County Police Department, Virginia State Police, the Norfolk Southern Police Department, and Roanoke Fire-EMS.

wason-center-logoFrom Christopher Newport University:NEWPORT NEWS, Va.Republican Donald Trump rebounded slightly from his low point after the “Access Hollywood” tape disclosure, but Democrat Hillary Clinton still holds a double-digit lead in Virginia, according to a tracking survey released Friday by the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University. Clinton leads Trump among likely voters in Virginia, 45-33 percent.

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burglary-suspectsFrom Roanoke City Police: Roanoke, Va. On October 13, 2016 at 7:02 a.m. Roanoke Police were called to the 3100 block of Shenandoah Avenue NW, the Hilltop Restaurant, to investigate a burglary. Officers found evidence of forced entry into the business. Restaurant staff told officers that cash and at least one other item belonging to restaurant had been taken. Further investigation revealed that the burglary had taken place early on the morning of October 13th. Two suspects entered the business. Both are included in the pictures below.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the RPD tip line at 540-344-8500. Callers can choose to remain anonymous. Anonymous text messages can also be sent to 274637 [Crimes]. Please start any text message with the keyword “RoanokePD:” to ensure that it’s properly sent.

 

WFIR Health NewsFrom the Virginia Department of Health: (MONETA, Virginia) – The West Piedmont Health District (WPHD) will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special drive-thru clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Scruggs Fire, Rescue, and Dive Squad (2180 Bluewater Drive, Moneta, VA 24121). Only 300 doses of injectable vaccine will be available and will only be offered to adults 18 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to wear clothing that is loose around the arm so that a public health nurse can give you the flu shot in your upper arm, while you enjoy the comfort and convenience of your vehicle. Please do not have pets in the vehicle (controlled service animals are allowed).

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