Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
For those who can deduct charitable giving in non-profits from their itemized tax returns, there’s one last chance before midnight New Year’s Eve to double their donations – and to help those who go hungry at times. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has that story:
Lee Clark (left) from Rescue Mission. C Palmer photograph
As the New Year rolls around, the Rescue Mission of Roanoke reflects on homelessness metrics for this year – are we making progress?. With the story, WFIR’s Caroline Moore. Also hear the complete interview with Rescue Mission CEO Lee Clark below as well:
Hear the complete in-studio conversation with Rescue Mission CEO Lee Clark below
A state financial institution has been given the greenlight for a new alternative to a traditional 401K. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has details:
On Christmas Day, the Rescue Mission will prepare to serve hundreds of individuals and families a full Christmas feast (from 11am-1pm). This meal will include ham, sides, dessert and more. This annual tradition at the Rescue Mission has been going on for years, serving thousands of families since it’s beginning, and changing lives into the future.
The Rescue Mission provides this meal because we know that many of those we serve don’t have a home to cook a meal at on Christmas Day. We know that the guests we serve are looking to share a meal on Christmas with others, and we are committed to providing a special meal for them.
Avoiding the DMV to dodge the lines? Their newest service should help with that. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with details:
The GO Virginia State Board has approved new Region 2 projects aimed at growing the regional economy. One of those projects to receive funding is the Botetourt Technical Education Center (BTEC) and Botetourt County Schools, which will help grow the capacity to train and prepare welders. The GO Virginia funding will help support the installation of new welding booths at the Education Center campus in Fincastle. The expansion is projected to deliver 45 new welders to the regional workforce over the initial three-year project term. The GO Virginia board approved almost $167,000 in state funds for the project, which is also leveraging more than $88,000 in non-state sources. Mike Ketron is the Supervisor of Career and Technical Education:
Ian price photos
US Cellular surprised the Rescue Mission of Roanoke this morning by pulling up with a truck packed with $5000 worth of food, kitchen equipment and paper products to help refill the shelter’s pantry. Some of the items donated to the Rescue Mission by US Cellular today include big-ticket items like a natural gas floor fryer and a countertop gas griddle. Nakeita Stewart is the Mid-Atlantic sales manager for US Cellular – but Roanoke is her home town:
The local chapter of a national prison exchange program recently celebrated its fourth graduation. It’s organizer hopes to grow the program to impact more students in the future. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more:
A Grand Jury empaneled at the request of Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares found that the Loudon County School Board was deficient in its handling of – and reaction to – the sexual assault of a student at Broad Run High School by an alleged assailant, who was accused of a similar previous assault when attending Stone Bridge High School. The grand jury report released today criticized school and district authorities, noting also that it would have considered an indictment against the Loudon County Public School Division counsel – if state statutes existed to allow charges. A-G Miyares said in a statement that he hopes for positive change in all Virginia school districts to further protect children.