Web Staff
The four people hospitalized from an unknown, isolated illness that killed two individuals are now out of the hospital. The Virginia Department of Health reports that they were discharged on Sunday. Officials say there is still no indication of person-to-person transmission and no indication of any public health risk. They believe it is an isolated incident with a single-source exposure and have secured the private property locations where the exposure might have occurred.
(Virginia Department of Health news releases follow)
From Roanoke Police: The Roanoke Police Department is releasing a portion of a security video involving the shooting and robbery at Schewels in the 3600 block of Ferncliff Avenue NW at 10:08 a.m. on April 24, 2014. While it may be apparent that the suspect’s face is not identifiable in the video, the purpose of this release is to get the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect by allowing citizens to see the suspect’s clothing, maneuverability, and the way the suspect strides while running. The video plays full speed for approximately 14 seconds, then is slowed down to allow a better look at the suspect. Three still pieces of video of the suspect follow. Anyone with information can call the Roanoke Valley Crime Line at 540-344-8500.
Click here to see the video.
From the National D-Day Memorial Foundation: The foundation is moving forward after news that the National Park Service will not be taking over the monument. After four years of study, research, and conversations with numerous Park Service officials, the determination has been made that the Memorial does not meet NPS criteria.
“This does not come as a surprise to us,” stated April Cheek-Messier with the National D-Day Memorial Foundation. “Over the past several years, we came to the conclusion that this was not necessarily the best fit for the Memorial as funding for the park service has become increasingly restricted and they have numerous sites to maintain. We quickly became aware that a take-over by the park service would have resulted in a significant decrease in the number of educational initiatives currently offered, seasonal visitation, and other changes that we felt would not be beneficial to the visitor. The board of directors, staff and volunteers at the monument agree that the best decision has been reached and we will continue to press ahead and seek new ways to sustain the monument,” stated Cheek-Messier in a statement regarding the decision.
(Continue reading for the rest of the news release.)
From Roanoke City Police: On April 24, 2014 at 10:09 a.m. Roanoke Police responded to the 3200 block of Hershberger Road NW to investigate a report of a shooting. Once on scene, officers discovered the victim lying in the parking lot of Schewels. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. Officers determined the victim was a Schewels employee who exited the side of the business carrying a bank bag and got behind the wheel of a pick-up truck in order to drive away. The investigation has determined the suspect approached the pick up truck from the passenger side, tried to open the passenger side door but found it locked, and then fired multiple rounds into the vehicle. The victim then either fell or rolled out of the vehicle onto the pavement of the parking lot.
(Continue reading for the rest of the news release.)
A poll released Thursday finds a majority of Virginians now opposed to Medicaid expansion, but also strongly in favor of lawmakers and the governor working together to solve the budget impasse. The statewide poll was conducted by the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University. The poll found voters ready to blame lawmakers from both parties and the governor if the budget impasse leads to a state government shutdown in July.
From the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport – Airport Commission chair, Cynthia Lawrence, announced that Roanoke‐Blacksburg Regional Airport Executive Director Jacqueline Shuck has informed the members of the Airport Commission of her desire to retire at the end of 2014. Shuck, who is the first and only airport director to serve under the Airport Commission which was formed in 1987, has worked in this capacity for 25 years, following more than five years in a similar position in Cleveland, Ohio. During her tenure, ROA’s first low cost carrier, Allegiant Air, began service, regional jets became commonplace, and the airport saw the construction of a new air traffic control tower, a completely rehabilitated airfield, numerous infrastructure projects and most recently the renovation of the airport terminal which was newly opened the week before she began her employment with the Commission. Shuck has indicated that she will remain on the job while the Commission conducts a nationwide search to find the most qualified candidate to fill this position.
From the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office: Investigators have identified the deceased hiker found at the Matt Creek Shelter yesterday morning as Rodney Montgomery, age 59, Otis Orchard, Washington. Investigators contacted a brother in Washington late yesterday. The brother advised that he had two brothers hiking together on the Appalachian Trial. Investigators contacted the second brother, by cell phone, and learned he was in Troutville. He told investigators that they were hiking to Georgia and last week his brother not sick. The two of them stayed at the Matt Creek Shelter for a couple of days. On Friday, April 18, 2014, he left his brother and they agreed to meet in Troutville to continue their trip. Investigators have spoken to several hikers, who all corroborate the facts.
(Continue reading for the initial sheriff’s office news release.)
From the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: Franklin County, VA — On April 21, 2014 at 11:46 AM the Office of the Sheriff received a 911 call in reference to a shooting on Double Oaks Lane in the Burnt Chimney community of Franklin County. Deputies arrived on the scene a few minutes later and found a seven year old male, with a gunshot wound, lying on the floor of the residence. The juvenile was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Update: The preliminary investigation indicates that the seven year old was playing at a neighbor’s residence with his twelve year old brother. The twelve year old found a handgun and accidentally discharged the firearm, striking and instantly killing the seven year old. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved in this time of tragedy.
