Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is in full force for the holiday season. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports that means more officers on the road looking for impaired drivers.
Thirty-six percent of Christmas Day traffic fataliities in the United States involve driving under the influence. On New Year’s that number jumps to 40-percent. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports Virginia’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is working to make holiday roads safer.
For more information ActLikeIt.org
(from Roanoke City) After thoughtful consideration, Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. has made the decision not to seek re-election in the upcoming election. In a heartfelt message to the community, Mayor Lea expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the City. “This journey has been one of profound honor, with each election—an affirmation of our shared vision for Roanoke,” Mayor Lea said.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of our City’s many successes.” Throughout his almost 20-year tenure serving on Roanoke City Council, Mayor Lea has been a part of a number of important activities and initiatives.
“I want to assure the residents of Roanoke that, although I have decided not to seek re-election, my commitment and dedication to serving you remains steadfast until the conclusion of my term on December 31, 2024,” Mayor Lea added.
Mayor Lea’s full message to the residents of Roanoke: To the wonderful residents of Roanoke, After two decades of serving on the City Council, coupled with five cherished years on the School Board, I have decided not to seek re-election as your Mayor. This journey has been one of profound honor, with each election—an affirmation of our shared vision for Roanoke. As I reflect on a career
marked by the unwavering trust and support of the community I have served, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of our City’s successes. As I prepare to pass the baton, I am confident that Roanoke will continue to thrive, championing the
values we hold dear. My commitment to our city remains steadfast and I look forward to the ways I can continue to contribute to the community that has given me so much. Thank you for entrusting me with your voice, your hopes, and your dreams. Together we have built a legacy of progress and unity that will endure for generations to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr
Lee Clark in studio. C Palmer file photo
Once again we were joined this morning live in studio by Lee Clark, CEO for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, to talk about the ongoing Christmas Campaign “Light the Way,” and the increased demand for services the Rescue Mission on 4th Street SE saw this year.
Your opinion about how to improve a historic recreation center can be heard thanks to a survey by the City of Roanoke, but it won’t be open for much longer. WFIR’s Alex Torres has details:
US Cellular has donated one thousand dollars worth of musical instruments and accessories to Girls Rock! Roanoke, an organization that encourages more young girls to pursue music. Among the items donated today by US Cellular were guitar straps and an electronic drum kit. Katherine Backus is a Girls Rock! Roanoke board member:
A ‘green light’ rating for free speech was given to one nearby university, WFIR’s Alex Torres has details:
Roanoke Valley Libraries is upping its game with a new app making library resources more accessible, WFIR’s Alex Torres has more:
Discussing increased police funding, and mental health were the agenda for a Roanoke City Council meeting held yesterday to review legislative priorities, WFIR’s Alex Torres has details:
A program new to Virginia Western Community College is helping students that have been in foster care get support for their acclimation to higher education, WFIR’s Alex Torres has details: