Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
A Grand Jury in Roanoke has indicted Roanoke City Councilman Robert Jeffrey Jr. on two felony counts of obtaining money by false pretense from the Economic Development Authority for the City of Roanoke. The dates of the alleged offenses took place in November and December of 2020. Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell said in a statement today he does not consider Jeffrey to be a flight risk and will allow Jeffrey to turn himself in for processing. Caldwell is also recommending a $15,000 personal recognizance bond for Jeffrey, who also publishes the Colors Virginia magazine. Jeffrey is already indicted on two counts of embezzlement from the Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization while he had a relationship with the group.
Michael Hemphill on location
Calling radio another platform on which to showcase the good work of non-profits in the region, the creator of the BUZZ TV show that airs on Blue Ridge PBS is launching a radio program Saturdays at 4-pm – on WFIR. Gene Marrano has more on “Buzz 4 Good.”
Raucous school board meetings in localities like Franklin and Bedford Counties have drawn media attention – even on national platforms in places like Loudon County. Several hot button issues have motivated new candidates to seek elected school board positions. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more on several such races in Botetourt County this November 2, “In Depth.”
The third party candidate running for Virginia Governor is lashing out after she was not invited to participate in last night debate. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has more.
“Hope to Walk” in Blacksburg has now fitted people in some of the world’s poorest countries with free, low-tech prosthetic legs over the past few years. That takes funds and now Hope to Walk will hold a second annual 5k between this Friday and Sunday, hoping to raise $100,000. The 5K signup is free through Sunday – but Kristen Staples with Hope to Walk says the idea is for participants to make donations or secure sponsorships for their run, walk or even a bike ride.
Register for Hope to Walk 5K here
A three-year grant from the Virginia Department of Education totaling more than 2 million dollars will allow Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia to add more sites to its afterschool and summer camp program. The new afterschool programs start October 4th. Boys & Girls is looking to fill 64 full and part time positions. Michelle Davis is the CEO; Davis says they’ve hiked the pay rate and offer sign-on bonuses as well.
The 21st CCLC grant is a three-year grant with annual continuation awards. The grant period for the first-year award is July 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022. With these funds, BGCSWVA will open new after-school and summer camp programs on-site at the following locations: Andrew Lewis Middle School, East Salem Elementary School, G.W. Carver Elementary School, Burlington Elementary School, and Vinton Baptist Church serving Herman L. Horn Elementary and W.E. Cundiff Elementary.
Rebekah Meadows, BGCSWVA’s Director of Programs said, “School shutdowns during COVID necessitated strong partnerships with our local school districts like Roanoke County to get kids back to school and parents back to work. We are proud to continue our partnership with Roanoke County, and form a new collaboration with Salem City Schools, to provide accessible after-school and summer care for more kids in our region.”
In a recent email, Dr. Kenneth Nicely, Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools, stated “We are very grateful to Boys & Girls Clubs for finding a solution to meet the after-school needs of students and families served by these three elementary schools. These new programs will make a real difference in the lives of these students and families and support their academic and social-emotional learning.”
Dr. Curtis Hicks, Assistant Superintendent of Salem City Schools said, “The Salem City School Division is excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia to create an active after-school learning environment for more of our students. This free program will support academic, physical, social, and emotional growth and development for students and support families by providing after-school care and meals. We have no doubt that this program will help our school division ensure higher levels of growth and achievement for our students while providing a service to our community.”
New programs are scheduled to begin the week of October 4th. Boys & Girls Clubs of SWVA is currently hiring for over 64 full and part-time positions, including hiring current school teachers at each school to work as tutors. Additional needs include part-time and full-time youth development staff at each location.
Michael Maxey
Sept. 23, 2021 – Michael C. Maxey, 11th president of Roanoke College, today announced that he will retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. Maxey has served as president since 2007, after holding several leadership roles at Roanoke College, beginning in 1985. His nearly four decades of service is the longest of any Roanoke College president. The College will work to identify and hire his replacement by July 31, 2022.
“Having served Roanoke College through four decades, the decision has been most difficult, but it is right for Terri [Maxey] and me, and for Roanoke College.” Maxey shared today with the College community. “I am convinced that the close of this academic year is an optimal moment to retire. … I will always treasure the opportunity to have served Roanoke College as President. Throughout my time in office, the support and effort of thousands of Maroons made the work satisfying and productive.”
“We accomplished a great deal together,” he said. “I appreciated standing on the shoulders of giants before our time who allowed us to achieve at a high level. I am immensely proud to be associated with our community which centers on providing outstanding and life-changing experiences for students.”
The Board of Trustees will begin the search for Maxey’s successor immediately and will name a search committee to identify and recommend candidates. Details about the search process, the search committee — which will include members of the College community — and the search timeline will be communicated throughout the process.
Governor Ralph Northam today announced that as of this week, all of Virginia’s 132 school divisions are now open for full-time, in-person learning. The announcement comes as First Lady Pamela Northam concludes her annual Back to School Tour, during which she has visited 28 schools, 26 school divisions, and all eight superintendent regions. The Northam administration has prioritized safe in-person instruction for the Commonwealth’s 1.2 million public school students.
Shelly Jobst VT photo
A non-credit, 26 week virtual “Cyber Boot Camp” being offered by Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education initiative will work to help fill thousands of IT jobs in the region. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
See link below for more information:
Rendering from City of Roanoke
The City of Roanoke and Valley Metro have announced that MB Contractors has been given the notice to start construction on the new Transit Facility, which will be located at the 300 block of Salem Avenue. This project is estimated to take 24 months of construction. Some businesses and residents in the area near the Virginia Museum of Transportation opposed the new facility, which will replace Campbell Court.