Local Government, Civic Affairs and Education | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR

For more than two decades Dr. Robert “Bobby” Sandel was the President and driving force behind growth in programs and students at Virginia Western Community College. Dr. Sandel retired from that position earlier this year and after a nationwide search that involved 61 initial candidates was succeeded in July by Dr. Laura Treanor, who joined us live in studio this morning to talk about a professional journey that has landed her back in the area, and about the CCAP program that can cover tuition costs for qualified students who attend VWCC. Hear the complete conversation below; watch it on Facebook.

The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation held its annual meeting last night, also giving out “Kegley Preservation Awards.” The Grove on Patterson, the Aspen Hill/Peck-Figatt House in Fincastle and the Colony House Motel on Franklin Road – where the annual meeting was held – were recognized for being restored. Also recognized with Kegley Awards were Heritage Education efforts at Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke College and the Bent Mountain Center History Room. The annual Pub Crawl & History Scavenger Hunt fundraiser was also cited. Bob Clement is President of the Foundation:

After ‘some’ speculation, author Beth Macy has officially launched she calls the “worst kept secret in Roanoke.” That story from WFIR’s Clark Palmer

A military veteran is vying for another chance to challenge a Republican Congressman who represents parts of our area including Roanoke City. That story from WFIR’s Clark Palmer.

Thanksgiving is almost here and for the past 20 years that also means the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning, for runners and walkers just making room for dinner. Live in-studio is Lee Clark, CEO at the Rescue Mission of Roanoke joined is to talk about the Dash and the homeless situation in Roanoke. Hear the complete conversation below or watch it on Facebook.

Historic tax credits and American Rescue Plan funds will help Restoration Housing turn a fire-damaged late 1800’s house on Dale Avenue SE into one-bedroom apartments for two tenants that were previously homeless. Its the tenth project for non-profit Restoration Housing, and the second blighted home Restoration Housing has purchased from the Rescue Mission on Dale Avenue SE for rehabilitation. Executive director Isabel Thornton at a groundbreaking this morning said they’ll invest about $300,000 in the project but will recoup much of that from tax credits and grant funding.

The newest member of the Roanoke County School Board says he wants to build bridges that allow residents to have more input in school decisions. More from WFIR’s Clark Palmer:

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is working with Feeding Southwest Virginia and the Governor’s Virginia Cares Initiative to help feed people in our region. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Even before the shutdown Feeding Southwest Virginia was having a difficult time keeping shelves stocked.  Cost increases and the shutdown have only increased the need.  So, once again the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber is hosting a drive-through donation day.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce

611 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153

https://s-rcchamber.org/

Botetourt County is celebrating its volunteers by encouraging its residents to shoutout the community’s helpers.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us BOCOGrateful is in its fifth year.

Botetourt County’s annual social media campaign highlighting gratitude has taken on special meaning this year.  The focus is on the county’s volunteers who have been called on to do more during this difficult time.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Lawson, a real estate development firm out of Norfolk, is building a second affordable housing development in Roanoke. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports this next development will be in the Hollins area of Roanoke County.

A real estate firm specializing in the development, construction, and management of affordable housing has earmarked a Roanoke County site for its second affordable housing development in the Roanoke area. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.