Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education
Carter Turner/FB photo
The Democratic candidate for Delegate in the 8th District says tolls and additional taxes must at least be considered — if either is what it takes to widen Interstate 81 through the Roanoke Valley. Carter Turner says there are too many lengthy delays, and too many serious accidents to postpone action any further. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
Turner appeared live this morning on The Roanoke Valley’s Morning News. Here is the full conversation:
Republican Joe McNamara will join us live next week.
Saturday is “Veteran’s Renovation Day.” Around the country volunteers and organizations will be pitching in to make life a little bit easier for those who served. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
A spokesperson for the Dumas Hotel Legacy confirms the group has filed a lawsuit against TAP for breach of contract – after Total Action for Progress said they had pulled the historic Dumas property off the market. DHL says they had already started the process of assembling the funds needed to purchase the Dumas. The spokesperson says additional information will be made public soon. The suit was filed in Roanoke Circuit Court
Four-term 9th district Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith is facing a second challenge from Democrat Anthony Flaccavento next month. Tax cuts were an issue when they debated the issues in Bluefield last night, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The Holiday shopping spree is coming and one favorite to kickoff the season returns in a few weeks to the Berglund Center. More on the annual “Stocked Market” from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
DePaul Community Resources is looking to close a gap in care choices for adults with developmental issues – as several residential group training centers statewide are being shut down. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
The first group of students hoping to pursue a career as a cook – or even a chef – have graduated from the Community Solutions Center on Melrose Avenue. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:Total Action for Progress President & CEO Annette Lewis says in a statement released today that the Dumas Hotel Legacy group that wanted to purchase the iconic Henry Street property from TAP for use as a community center “was unable to meet conditions to closing by the date expressly set out in the contract.” Lewis says the DHL was given another chance to satisfy terms of the agreement at a later date but could not do so then either. TAP has now pulled the Dumas property off the market.
(From TAP statement): As per the date of the September 29, 2018 press release, TAP neither has a contract on the Dumas nor is presently negotiating with anyone concerning the sale of the Dumas. TAP continues to be the sole owner and operator and will continue to evaluate all of its options. If TAP decides to sell the Dumas in the future, TAP will welcome discussions with all interested parties. TAP will continue to rent and lease space to the community at large, which includes the Roanoke Valley and beyond. We will continue to be a good neighbor and maintain a quality facility that honors the rich history of the historic property.
Steve Fitzhugh-FB photo
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is bringing in another former football player for its “Fields of Faith” event on Sunday night. This motivational speaker has an interesting story for the youth that will attend, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
One somewhat overlooked aspect of state accreditation standards for public schools involves graduation rates. They have improved locally and statewide in recent years, but continuing that trend presents increasing challenges, as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports.