Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Photo: David Bowers Facebook
Former Roanoke Mayor David Bowers wants to be the next Roanoke mayor. Bowers announced today he will seek a fifth term in the office. He said he has always led by first listening, something he says current City Council members have not done:
Bowers wants Roanoke to create a task force on homelessness, he calls for creation of a tourism summit and he wants to see more utility lines in the city go underground. He has previously served two consecutive terms as mayor on two separate occasions, first from 1992 to 2000, then again from 2008 to 2016.
Students from Salem High School and North Cross got to check out robotic surgery equipment like the type used at LewisGale Medical Center this afternoon at the Salem Civic Center. LewisGale uses several versions of robotic surgery equipment at the medical center in Salem. The outing was geared towards students in STEM and robotics classes – including Salem High School junior Stone Chasen:
The Ronald McDonald House on South Jefferson had a ribbon cutting today for two newly renovated bedrooms. Ronald McDonald Houses give families a place to stay when they have a child who is receiving medical treatment at nearby facilities. Skanska is a construction and development company that played a large part in making the upgrades by providing materials and labor. The 35 year old home sees approximately 700 families a year and the house may be expanded in the future if demand increases. Anna Semonco is Roanoke’s Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities:
The Docs for Morgan basketball game that pits Virginia-Tech School of Medicine students against Carilion Clinic doctors and residents has raised more than $400,000 since 2012 for student scholarships. Its back at Patrick Henry High School tomorrow night, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
author Gary Keel
A long time retired federal employee who has written an historical-political thriller – one that relates to current “hot button” issues – will talk about his book and what freedom really means at several events this week. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano: