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House Democratic Minority Leader Ward Armstrong claims that Appalachian Power’s president is encouraging American Electric Power shareholders to vote against him in a key legislative race. W-F-I-R’s Velvet Hall has the story:
Downtown Roanoke Saturday will host the second annual “Virginia’s Veterans Parade.” Organizers say the parade is to pay tribute to veterans of all services and all conflicts. It starts Saturday at 11 o’clock with a fly-over from an Air Force C-130, and features more than 16 hundred participants and 75 units.
The Buena Vista campus of Southern Virginia University is no longer on lockdown after a late night bomb threat. WFIR’s Velvet Hall has more:
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James Edward Porter
An undercover Bedford County investigator posing as an underage girl helped authorities catch an alleged sexual predator. Authorities say James Edward Porter is 31 years old and from Ranger, West Virginia. Investigators tracked him to Farmville, where he was arrested. Continue reading
One person is dead and 12 others are homeless after an overnight apartment fire in Southwest Roanoke. The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire, which started around 12:45 a.m. at The Ridge on Brandon Avenue. There were about 30 people in the building at the time of the fire. Roanoke Fire-EMS estimates damages at $200,000.
Photo from Roanoke Co. Police
Roanoke County police are asking for the public’s help in finding a coin thief. He broke into a home just off Challenger Avenue in the Bonsack area Tuesday afternoon and made of with a large jar containing nearly $300 in coins. The man took the money to a change counter at a nearby Kroger, where he exchanged the coins for $270 in bills. He also got his picture taken on surveillance video. Roanoke County police are asking you to call Officer A. Morris at 562-3265 if you recognize the man.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office says a body was found this afternoon in a ravine near Moose’s Hollow Road, north of Troutville. There are no other details at this time. Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle says they cannot confirm the name of the victim. Sprinkle is awaiting notice of identification from the Medical Examiner as the investigation continues.
James Edward Walker, Jr.
UPDATED 3:55 pm: Botetourt County officials say they have suspended the search. They ask Troutville area residents to remain vigilant.
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State and local emergency crews in Botetourt County searched the Mooses Hollow Road area north of Troutville much of Tuesday for a missing man. James Edward Walker, Junior hasn’t been since he left his home late Saturday night. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
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For most, September 11th will be a solemn occasion–marking the tenth anniversary of the terror attacks on this country. But for those born on that day in 2001, it is also a day to celebrate. Roger and Brenda Barnett, whose grandson was born September 11, organized a first birthday party for those kids in 2002. They’re now trying to get the word out about a tenth birthday party they’re planning for September 3rd at a park in Salem. Local children who’ll turn ten on September 11th are invited, along with their families. The Barnetts would like to hear from those who plan to attend. They can be reached via e-mail at rbarnett59@verizon.net or by calling 540-389-0629, 540-519-3913 or 540-519-3912.
The Roanoke Police Department has a new tool that allows people to see major felonies in their neighborhood. Anyone can log onto the department’s Safer City Roanoke Facebook page and see crimes like murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, arson and more. Continue reading