Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Many Arboretum visitors mistakenly assume that taxpayers cover the attraction’s upkeep. Until now, proceeds from popular plant sales and membership fees to the Friends of the Arboretum program mostly covered the attraction’s day-to-day expenses. Updating several aging areas of the Arboretum will require additional funding sources. WFIR’s Rob Ruthenberg has more
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Photo: Roanoke County
The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard L. Caywood, P.E. as its new County Administrator. At its meeting on December 14, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an employment agreement with Mr. Caywood. The Board conducted a national search for the new County Administrator, assisted by The Berkley Group, of Bridgewater, Virginia. Board Chair Jason Peters said, “While we conducted a national search, we were delighted to find the right person for this position within the County organization. Richard has been an important part of many significant initiatives, both completed and currently underway. He has proven himself time and again and we believe that he will provide continuity and stability during this important time for Roanoke County and the region.
The Board looks forward to working with Richard to further improve the county organization and its services.”Mr. Caywood has served as Roanoke County’s Assistant County Administrator since March 2013with management responsibilities over a wide range of County operations, including public safety, social services, community planning and development, libraries, and parks, recreation, and tourism. “It is my privilege to continue my service to the residents of Roanoke County as their next administrator,” said Mr. Caywood. “I share the Board’s vision to drive responsible growth and prosperity while preserving the outstanding natural assets.”
(Photo from Angels of Assisi)
(Angels of Assisi release) Roanoke, VA – Come find your next best friend at the MEGA Pet Adoption Event and Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, December 11th (today) , from 12 pm to 4 pm at the Berglund Center. Admission to the event and parking are free. There will also be adoption fee specials.
This spectacular event will bring various shelters, rescues, and volunteers together to adopt numerous animals in just 4 hours. Not only are there just cats and dogs available for adoption, but there are other critters available too. Staff and volunteers will be on hand from each rescue to answer your questions and provide information on each animal. This event is for the whole family, so we hope to see you there!
The Regional Center of Animal Care and Protection will also be handing out FREE pet food at the event. Some of the rescues participating in the event are Angels of Assisi, Roanoke Valley SPCA, Twin County Humane Society, Martinsville Henry County SPCA, Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection, and Galax-Carroll-Grayson Animal Shelter. If you have any questions about the MEGA Pet Adoption Event, please contact Dayna Reynolds at dreynolds@angelsofassisi.org.
Joe Cobb live in studio, June 2019 – Ian Price photo
Misdemeanor charges and fines for the homeless sleeping on downtown sidewalks isn’t the answer says Roanoke City Councilman Joe Cobb – that’s one reason he did not support the “no camping” ordinance that passed anyway on Monday. He spoke with WFIR’s Gene Marrano yesterday:
Norris and Wendy – By Peter Means
December 7, 2021 — The largest ever gift by a Virginia Tech alumnus will advance a long-awaited project to replace an aging engineering building with what will be the largest building on the university’s Blacksburg campus. Norris Mitchell ’58 and his wife, Wendy, have committed $35 million to the Virginia Tech College of Engineering. The gift will go toward construction as well as activities and programming for a showcase building for the college, which will replace the more than 60-year-old Randolph Hall.
Per approval of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, the new building will be known as Wendy and Norris E. Mitchell ’58 Hall. Plans are for Mitchell Hall to be 284,000 square feet and contain classrooms, instructional labs, space for student team projects, research labs, and office spaces for faculty, staff, and students. Significant space is also earmarked for student advising and a variety of collaborative uses by students and faculty. Norris Mitchell’s personal story began in Virginia’s Carroll County, where he grew up without running water or electricity in his home. He entered college on scholarship and worked his way through Virginia Tech in a co-op program. Mitchell earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in 1958.
“My mother was a schoolteacher and principal, and the value of education has been clear to me ever since I was a boy,” said Norris Mitchell, who was an aerospace executive with several leading firms before transitioning careers to found companies in real estate and banking. “Virginia Tech equipped me with the knowledge and skillset to have an extremely fulfilling career across several industries. I appreciate the university’s key role in my life. Wendy and I are happy to be able to make this gift to help Virginia Tech prepare tomorrow’s engineers.”
Schuyler Van Montfrans-VWCC photo
Its often difficult for high school students heading to community college – and then to 4-year school or a career a few years later. That’s why Virginia Western Community College employs “success coaches.” WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more on that, “In Depth.”