Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Skills training, certifications and job searches are services that Goodwill Industries of the Valleys are well known for at its physical locations in Roanoke, Lynchburg and elsewhere. Now those career development offerings are online, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports.
Bob Cowell in studio (L) I Price photo
We were once again joined live in studio this morning by Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell, for an update on what’s been happening in the Star City recently. Housing, Evans Spring and a proposed curfew were among the issues discussed. Hear the complete conversation below or watch it on Facebook.
The Town of Vinton says the July 2nd fire that destroyed D R Music has claimed more buildings. Since the fire, nearby buildings have been looked at to see if they are sound. Today, town officials say it has been determined that four additional buildings are a total loss and must be torn down. Officials say throughout the last eight-plus months, the Town has been providing assistance to the owners where possible with resources for relocation, design services for a future rebuild, and debris disposal services.
The TSA is hiring at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. TSA officials will be at the Williamson Road Library from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Thursday to help accelerate the hiring process for women and men in preparation for the busy spring and summer travel seasons. Both full and part-time employment is being offered. All new hires will receive a thousand-dollar bonus.
G Marrano photos
He didn’t have much to say as a long tribute got underway but Valley Metro bus driver Charles Saunders was honored today for being on the job for 50 years. Its estimated that since he joined Roanoke’s transit company in 1973 that Saunders has given rides to more than 2 million passengers. A key to the City of Roanoke was presented this afternoon to Saunders – who has driven a bus for Valley Metro since March 1973. Mayor Sherman Lea made the presentation. Valley Metro General manager Kevin Price spoke at the new 3rd Street depot still under construction:
A regional project is nearing completion — one engineer says its impact on public safety can’t be overstated. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more on the project to extend the Roanoke River Greenway:
Current Roanoke City Councilman Luke Priddy yesterday announced he plans to run for State Senator John Edward’s 4th district seat. Priddy has been Edward’s long time chief of staff. In a Facebook statement, Priddy says this has been one of the easiest decisions of his life and this campaign needs a candidate who is hungry, young, and has the energy and experience to deliver policies that will improve people’s lives and protect their rights and interests.This is in response to Senator Edward’s decision not to seek re-election.
You can read Priddy’s full statement below:
