Local News

Wet weather could impact our area with potential Tropical Cyclone 16 heading this way. WFIR’s Ian Price has some tips for driving in dangerous warm weather.

MGN

Early voting is now underway in Virginia, and if Roanoke County is any indication, there will be plenty of people marking their ballots well ahead of election day. The number of absentee ballots already mailed out is around 3,500 — well above the figure when early voting began in the last two years. In addition, initial in-person voting was well above recent years.  More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:

The House and US Senate have a week from tomorrow to pass the spending bills agreed to in June for the new fiscal year. If not – or unless a short-term continuing resolution is passed to pay the bills – the Federal government could partially shutdown. What Virginia’s US Senators are saying, from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Virginia State Parks has something to offer this weekend – free parking for starters at all 41 state parks. WFIR’s Alex Torres has details:

G Marrano photos

Forward Mac Jansen has been added to the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs training camp roster for the upcoming season. The team captain helped Roanoke to its first President’s Cup SPHL title last season. Dawgs head coach Dan Bremner said today they look forward to raising the championship banner at the Berglund Center on October 20. Hear more in this extended conversation:

Huddle Up Moms – the local non-profit support group for new and expectant mothers – is looking for more volunteer teams to take part in “Roanoke Diaper Duty 2023.” The goal is to recruit 10 teams that will collect 10,000  diapers and 50,000 baby wipes by October 14.  Huddle Up Moms has extended the team signup deadline through September 29 on their website. The diapers and wipes collected will be distributed from the “HUM” support shop at The Haven on 5th Street SW. 1 in 12 U.S. families struggles to provide enough diapers. Whitney Good is with Huddle Up Moms:

A discount sale for kids clothing and items is being held this week at the Berglund Center now through Sunday

Alice Kassens Roanoke College photo

For the first time, the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College has issued the “Virginia Trust Index Report,” based on three questions its been asking since 2017 when it also gauges Consumer Sentiment. The Trust Index results can be tied to economic factors as well. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

As the Crystal Spring tower at Carilion Clinic gets closer to completion, young patients and families at Carilion Children’s Tanglewood Center spent some time today painting designs on a large steel beam that will be added to one of the top floors of the new addition. The Carilion’s Healing Arts program also includes an annual employee art show and local school children who paint designs on ceiling panels that are then installed in the children’s hospital wing.

The new Crystal Spring tower at Carilion Clinic is scheduled for completion in early 2025. Carli Holtzhauer is a childhood life specialist at Carilion Children’s Hospital – she works with the health system’s Healing Arts Program:

A U.S. Congressman who represents our area took to the floor to talk about New Mexico. WFIR’s Ian Price has more.

From the WFIR News room this is your Culture Calendar – With a look at some of the local events coming up this weekend and in the near future. Sponsored by the Roanoke Cultural Endowment.

Lynda McNutt Foster submitted photo

Cortex Leadership Consulting and The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber have joined forces to strengthen area business leaders. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports the program has the potential to help area leaders become a global force.

April Jones

While working in the fashion industry in New York City, April Jones watched a plane crash into the south World Trade Center Tower on September 11th, 2001. That tragedy led her back home to Virginia and now after several stops in between, the recent Gauntlet competition participant has launched a business focused on seniors. The story from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Cyrus Pace-Jeff Center pic.

Jefferson Center Executive Director Cyrus Pace says the Center is needs 6-million dollars worth of repairs and renovations. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports Pace told city council yesterday there is an immediate need for $250-thousand dollars worth of work.

Stacey Porter submitted photo

Is repainting the house or replacing kitchen cabinets really the best move to make before selling a home? Its time sellers had more information at hand says a local Realtor, who will offer a “Selling Smart” workshop over the next month. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Workshop schedule

Wednesday 9/27/2023 Williamson Road Library  6:30-7:30 pm

3837 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24012

Thursday 10/5/2023 Hollins Library  6:30-7:30 pm

6624 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019

Thursday 10/12/2023  Glenvar Library  6:30-7:30 pm

3917 Daugherty Rd, Salem, VA 24153

Monday 10/16/2023  South County Library  6:30-7:30 pm

6303 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018

Pre-registration is required at Equitybuildersworkshop.com or interested participants can email [email protected]