Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
A sign to recognize Virginia Western’s historical significance as the first community college in a new system formed in response to massive resistance against desegregation in the mid 1900s. WFIR’s Alex Torres has more:
RAM House has finally found a new home, as the homeless day shelter on Campbell Avenue looks for more room to expand its services. 410 Elm Avenue SW will be its new home once renovations are completed; Roanoke Area Ministries will provide more details next Friday. The Jain Center will be named after the couple that are donating the building. Prabhat Jain is the CEO of Virginia Transformer Corporation
A person long-involved with a local non-profit was recognized for her time spent helping people achieve economic and personal independence. WFIR’s Ian Price has more.
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- Annette Lewis – TAP
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- Annette Lewis and David Moore-TAP/ Ian Price photo
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- Annette Lewis (L) with United Way’s Abby Hamilton
Wanna buy a box of thin mints? Your chance to support young female entrepreneurs is coming sooner than you may think. WFIR’s Alex Torres has more:
January 11, 2024 – The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County today voted to approve the appointment of Tammy E. Shepherd to fill the vacancy in the Vinton Magisterial District. Mrs. Shepherd will hold office until a special election November 5, 2024. The person elected at the special election will serve the remainder of Jason Peters’s term, as a result of his election to Roanoke County Commissioner of the Revenue. Mr. Peters’s term expires December 31, 2025.
“Tammy has prior experience in serving Roanoke County while on the Board of Equalization and is familiar with departments and staff,” expressed the Board of Supervisors. “A life-long resident of Vinton, coupled with expertise in business operations, finance and management, positions her as an outstanding representative for the Vinton District.” “I am deeply grateful and privileged to be chosen as the representative of the Vinton Magisterial District during this interim phase,” said newly appointed Supervisor Tammy Shepherd. “I’ve earned a living working in Vinton, and now I have an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me.”
A proud graduate of William Byrd High School, Mrs. Shepherd, 54, attended Virginia Western Community College and has worked in the field of real estate for more than 35 years. She holds a Virginia Real Estate Broker License and Virginia Real Estate Salesperson License. Mrs. Shepherd has owned Shepherd Realty Group since 2017 where she manages the day-to-day operations and is an active salesperson. Prior to becoming a small business owner, she was
Shepherd was the business manager for 14 years at LT McGhee and Company where she was responsible for managing more than 150 properties and gained extensive experience in real estate, finance, accounting, and management. She also worked for 16 years in real estate sales with LT McGhee and Company. Mrs. Shepherd was selected to serve on Roanoke County’s Board of Equalization in 2022 and has served on multiple HOA boards. Mrs. Shepherd also has served as president of the William Byrd Football Booster Club and treasurer of the William Byrd Booster Club.
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Rupert Cutler (L) with Mayor Sherman Lea Sr. FB photo
It was a surprise announcement made at a public meeting several weeks ago – former Roanoke City Councilman and lifelong environmentalist Rupert Cutler, who also worked in the Jimmy Carter White House, was named Roanoke’s 2023 Citizen of the Year. Cutler then sat down with WFIR senior reporter and anchor Gene Marrano, to talk about his long career and how he came to Roanoke, for this “Longer Listen” segment:
During a work session yesterday afternoon, members of the Roanoke County School Board discussed the possibility of providing solar energy to Cave Spring High School. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.
Roanoke County Public Schools is entertaining solar power as a way to save on electricity. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more on the possible “Power Purchase Agreement.”
