Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Its an outdoor fundraising event that has grown numbers-wise every year. The fourth annual Hike for Hospice at Explore Park is less than two weeks away. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more details:
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is warning a rural school district that its plan to arm teachers is unlawful. Herring’s office released an opinion Tuesday saying the school board in Lee County should not proceed with its plan to let an undisclosed number of teachers and staff members carry guns in school. The board voted in July to arm teachers, saying it’s a cost-effective way to protect against school shootings. The board wants school employees who carry guns to be designated as “special conservators of the peace” to try and exempt them from state law prohibiting guns in schools. But Herring, a Democrat, said this board’s plan is still prohibited by law and arming teachers would make schools less safe.
Goodwill dedication/G Marrano photo WFIR
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys celebrated the opening of its newly renovated and expanded “Discovery Services Area” today. Services offered include a day program where those with significant challenges can improve life skills and spend time out in the community while their caregivers work or take time off. An anonymous donation helped fund the Discovery Services Center renovation and expansion at the Goodwill jobs campus on Melrose Avenue. Stephanie Hoer is Goodwill’s senior director of program services:
A popular Youtube channel welcomed a Virginia Tech shooting survivor for an episode to speak with children about her experiences. WFIR’s Lillian Boyd with more:
The State of Roanoke City is “good.” That was the word this morning from Mayor Sherman Lea and several others at the annual Regional Chamber breakfast. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
An exhibition softball game pitting local “celebrities” versus veterans on Saturday is also a fundraiser for local organizations assisting those who have served in the military. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
Its all about life-long learning. Roanoke College is currently registering those typically 55 and older for its latest “Elderscholar” session. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
The Local Area On Aging will begin a new program tomorrow. The organization will begin a new Food Box Delivery program. Details from WFIR’s Bob Clark:
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has scheduled a special session of the General Assembly so lawmakers can comply with a court order to redraw the state’s legislative map. The governor announced Monday that he had signed a proclamation calling lawmakers back to Richmond on Aug. 30. The special session will come after a federal court in June found that 11 House of Delegates districts were unconstitutionally gerrymandered and ordered lawmakers to redraw the state map by Oct. 30. Virginia Republicans have appealed that ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. GOP House Speaker Kirk Cox said in a statement Monday that the chamber would convene as constitutionally required, though he said the appeal effort would continue. Northam says it’s “in the public interest” to finalize constitutional maps as soon as possible.
Traffic may be unusually heavy at times today on Colonial Avenue around Virginia Western Community College. It’s first day of classes there — with a brand-new traffic pattern. Two roundabouts were put into place just last Friday. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more: