Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
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.
Major repairs to a local bridge could mean traffic troubles for commuters. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story:
Member One Federal Credit Union calls this its “Week of Giving,” – gifting TAP with $100,000 yesterday for early education programs – and $50,000 today for the Bradley Free Clinic, to support the dental services it provides to those without insurance. Dr. Randall Rhea is the Bradley Free Clinic board president – he also says the Clinic has recruited enough new volunteer dentists and support staff to offer those free dental services 5 days a week.
It’s all hands on deck for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke today – first at the Drumstick Dash 5K that raises money for the homeless shelter’s feeding programs, then for the annual Thanksgiving luncheon. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with the Mission’s CEO live in studio last week:
With cybercrimes on the rise, one university is offering tuition assistance to ensure that underrepresented groups are part of the solution. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story: