News
Botetourt and Roanoke Counties and the Town of Vinton are working together on a comprehensive Safety Action Plan. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more on what it means for you.
The Federal High Administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Program seeks to prevent deaths and serious injuries on local roads. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us Botetourt and Roanoke Counties and the Town of Vinton are working together on a comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
Links to meeting schedules and survey
https://www.botetourtva.gov/874/Safe-Streets-and-Roads-For-All-SS4A
https://www.roanokecountyva.gov/3055/Safe-Streets-and-Roads-for-All-2024-Comm
https://www.vintonva.gov/536/Safe-Streets-4-All-SS4A-Comprehensive-Sa
Many Virginia Tech students were arrested last night and charged with trespassing after authorities broke up the Pro-Palestinian protest we told you about on Friday. Virginia Tech officials released a statement on situation which can be found below:
Virginia Tech’s statement on Pro-Palestinian protest on campus:
On Friday morning, protestors began to occupy the lawn of the Graduate Life Center. Virginia Tech officials informed the protestors that the gathering was in violation of University Policy 5000 (University Facilities Usage and Events). Virginia Tech values free speech and the protestors’ right to be heard, but only if the rights of others and public safety can be assured.
Through constant dialogue between university officials, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and protest organizers, we were able to maintain a safe and peaceful environment through much of the weekend.
As Sunday progressed, protestors continued to refuse to comply with policy and took further steps to occupy the lawn of the Graduate Life Center and outdoor spaces next to Squires Student Center. Given these actions by protesters, the university recognized that the situation had the increasing potential to become unsafe.
Those who gathered were advised by university officials to remove their possessions and to disperse voluntarily; those who failed to comply were then approached by Virginia Tech Police and were again asked to leave and advised that anyone who failed to comply would be charged with trespassing, in accordance with Virginia law.
At approximately 10:15 p.m., police approached protesters to ask them to disperse within five minutes. Those who remained were subject to arrest.
In the interest of public safety, the university issued a VT Alerts at approximately 10:15 p.m. asking members of the community to avoid the area.
For the safety and welfare of all students, faculty and staff, Virginia Tech requires that all members of its community comply with all university policies and the Code of Virginia.
Tickets are on sale now for the annual KIWANIS PANCAKE AND AUCTION DAY. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.
Celebrate May the Fourth be with you at the annual KIWANIS PANCAKE AND AUCTION DAY. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports up for auction is naming rights of the Mill Mountain Star.
Roanoke College – the smallish, liberal arts school based in Salem, looks to become a bigger player in the STEM arena. A groundbreaking last weekend signifies that intention, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Virginia Tech is the latest university to join the movement protesting the “widespread death and destruction and annihilation” of the Palestinian people. An Instagram post calls for all students to come out to the Graduate Life Center lawn immediately.
The Virginia Museum of Transportation is launching a new event for dog lovers, WFIR’s Alex Torres has details:
On April 24, 2024 at approximately 7:00 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified by the City of Roanoke E-911 Center of a report of shots fired in the 3800 block of Stratford Park Drive SW. Responding officers located two adult male victims, one with what appeared to be a critical gunshot wound and the other with what appeared to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the men to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Details about what led to this shooting are limited at this time. No suspects have been located and no arrests have been made regarding this incident. This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
A study of “most gambling-addicted” states shows improvement in Virginia from last year. WFIR’s Ian Price has more.