Wawa has been in Virginia for more than 25 years, with more than 135 of its convenience stores and fuel stations in the Commonwealth – but has only started to expand into the western part of the state. This morning they cut a ribbon on West Main Street in Salem, giving away free t-shirts and coffee. The Pennsylvania-based chain has plans to open 30 more Wawa’s in Western Virginia over the next five years. The opening this morning included a hoagie-building contests between local police and fire departments, and a donation made to Feeding Southwest Virginia. Wawa has plans for 60 stores in the I-81 market over the next 10 years, averaging more than 7.5 million dollars investment per location. Each store will employ around 35 associates on average. Kim Dowgielewicz is director of Wawa  store operations in Virginia:

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A Blacksburg non-profit has been named a finalist for the 2026 DOT-ORG Impact Awards.  The winner of the international award wins $50 thousand. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more on Hope to Walk.

Hope to Walk has been providing legs to amputees in developing countries since 2015. Founder Phil Johnson has invented a low-cost prosthetic leg which the organization gives to amputees at no cost.  In the past 11 years Hope to Walk has grown from three clinics to 7 clinics, several of which are in development. Reed Kennedy, Volunteer Executive Director says the legs are made in Blacksburg, bagged and then volunteers take them overseas to fit those in need.

“And they then use the components in the kit to customize the lead to the patient,” explained Kennedy. “They’ll grind the foot down to the right size, they cut the pylon off at the right length, and they build the socket.”

The clinics are in Honduras, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Tanzania.  Kennedy says Hope to Walk’s mission of helping amputees has coincided with an initiative of Lions Club international

“They have adopted diabetes as one of their focus areas and hope to walk,” said Kennedy. “We’re kind of the back end of diabetic treatment for those that get an amputation. We restore their ability to walk. And about 80%, Phil, estimates of the patients that he puts a leg on, they’re diabetics. They lost their leg due to diabetes.”

Kennedy says it costs $250 dollars to make each leg. As a finalist for the 2026 Dot-Org Impact Awards they are guaranteed to receive at least a 25-hundred-dollar prize.  Hope to Walk and 35 other finalists are vying for the $50,000 grand prize.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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A Blacksburg nonprofit is expanding and receiving international attention.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us Hope to Walk is meeting the need of more amputees in developing countries but the need for more prosthetics is increasing as well.

In its 11 years of providing free prosthetic legs to amputees Hope to Walk has grown from three clinics to clinics in Honduras, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Tanzania.  Reed Kennedy, Volunteer Executive Director says in 2025 the organization almost tripled the number of amputees who received legs the prior year, and this year they are tracking to double last year’s total. He says the need is growing.

“Last I heard, 72 million people are amputees that can’t afford a prosthetic leg,” said Kennedy. “And it’s growing because of the diabetes, which is raging not just here in the US, but in other countries as well.”

 As a finalist for the 2026 Dot-Org Impact Awards they are guaranteed to receive at least 25-hundred-dollar prize.  Hope to Walk and 35 other finalists are vying for the $50,000 grand prize. Kennedy says it costs $250 dollars to make each leg a small price to change someone’s life.

“He came in and Phil fitted up with a leg and he started walking there in the clinic and I looked in his face and tears are coming down his eyes,” remembered Kennedy. “His daughter and grandson are there. They start crying. Then I start crying. I was not expecting the emotion of getting a leg and what it means to these folks because it totally changes their life.”

Kennedy says these prosthetic legs breath new life into the individuals they fit. Adults can go back to work and the children they serve can once again play and go to school.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

Hope to Walk

Nicole Gray is a massage therapist by trade – but now she can call herself a muralist, after completing her first solo project, painting a Blue Ridge Mountain scene on the side of Ayres Hall at Roanoke College, at the corner of College Avenue and Clay Street in Salem. Gray studied drawing at Virginia Western Community College under Jon Murrill – a Roanoke College alum who has become a prolific mural painter in the Roanoke Valley.  One of those challenges was a stretch of rain showers between mid July and mid August that led to some downtime – but Gray completed the project just before Roanoke College students returned to campus. The mural is part of the school’s plan to reimagine campus Main Street corridor as a life-learn-work-play hub integrating the college with the City of Salem. The design came from the College, Gray was grateful they chose her for the mural project

Are you ready for some football? Roanoke College takes the field for game one of season two tomorrow night on the road. The school’s Director of Athletics, who helped hire the Maroon’s high-profile head coach, says he’s expecting the team to take it up a notch from 2025.  5 and 4 last year,  6-4 when including a forfeit at the season’s end by Averett. Director of Athletics Curtis Campbell thinks Roanoke College hit a home run when they hired NCAA Division 1 long time assistant and recruiting standout Bryan Stinespring as the Maroons head coach. Roanoke College fielded a club team in 2024 and won the four games it played against JV-level squads, before officially joining the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in 2025. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Brand new bicycles and safety training for 125 deserving youngsters in Salem City Schools. That could be the reality by the beginning of the new year, as part of the Salem Lions Club “Wheels of Hope,” initiative. Garry Lautenschlager is with the non-profit Salem Area Ministries, which was turned down for a grant the non-profit community organization has been awarded in the past on several occasions to establish school food pantries – then the Salem Lions Club came to the rescue, making a significant contribution towards the purchase of 125 bicycles that will go to children most in need at Salem elementary schools. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

Attending medical school – if you’re lucky enough to have the grades and are chosen from an application process where hundreds or thousands of other college graduates may be vying for the same slot – is daunting enough. Then there is paying for four years of Med School. Now money set aside in the state budget has led the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors to approve a sizable tuition rate cut for the medical school in Roanoke. It costs around $64,000 per year right now for each of the four years in-state students at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine will have to pay at some point – but now it will cost them $15,000 less each year after the announced tuition cut. Dr. Rebecca Pauley is a physician and Vice Dean at the School of Medicine. She says the med school receives about 6000 applications annually – the 2026 first year class is 64 students. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

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A historic rivalry will be rekindled when Virginia Tech takes the field for its first football game of this season.  VMI is coming to Blacksburg. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

It’s been more than 40 years since the Keydettes met the Hokies on the gridiron. The rivalry actually dates back to 1894.  Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Tech have the Corp of Cadets in common.  Over the years that fueled the rivalry and the camaraderie.

“Back in the late 50s, early 60s, and 70s that wasn’t just the game,” explained Commander Nate Brown. “It was a whole weekend of military activities to include balls and fun things, to kind of help bring the two schools together.”

That is Commander Nate Brown.  He is 2nd Battalion deputy commandant of Tech’s Corp of Cadets, and Virginia Tech Corp of Cadet Alum. The 1971 game was the last time the game was played on neutral territory…the former Victory Stadium in Roanoke. It was a Thanksgiving tradition and to the victor The Governor’s Sword.

“That was actually organized by the class of 1956 and it was both VMI seniors as well as Virginia Tech Corps Cadet seniors that got together and they decided that there needed to be some sort of trophy to kind of sweeten the deal for the winning team,” said Brown. “So it was the class of 1956 and the first time it was showcased was in 1955.”

The winner of the game takes possession of the sword.  Brown says it has changed several times over the decades but right now it’s in the hands of the Tech Corp of Cadets where Brown believes it will stay after the September 5th matchup.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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When Head Coach James Franklin’s Hokies take the field for the first time on September 5th, it will be to compete against one of Virginia Tech’s oldest rivals.  Tech has not played the VMI Keydettes in 42 years but as WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us that rivalry has a storied history.

The first time Virginia Military Institute and Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, Virginia Tech’s name at the time, met was in 1894. As a land grant school Virginia Tech needed to have a military component. Tech’s Corp of Cadets was formed with the school in 1872.  Over the years while they met to compete there was always an element of fun and that continues this year when VMI brings 800 of its Keydettes to Blacksburg.

“And we’ve got some activities planned between our cadets and their cadets, whether that be tug of war competitions or some athletically focused physical fitness activities, as well as, you know, just some camaraderie show, the key that some of our facilities here at Virginia Tech.”

That is Commander Nate Brown.  He is 2nd Battalion deputy commandant of Tech’s Corp of Cadets. Today’s Corp has about 1400 Cadets.  Brown says 75% of those will go into active service after graduating.  He’s heard stories from Cadet alumni about how they saw their counterparts from VMI while serving.

“Then later on in their service meet up with a Virginia Military Institute alum, whether that be in Vietnam or some of our more recent battles. And they were brothers and sisters. So even though there’s that rivalry during their time as college students, they go off and they’re fellow Virginians that are serving their country.”

In addition to building relationships Brown says rekindling this rivalry is a way to honor Coach Franklin’s first game.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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Roanoke’s newest venue is packing its schedule with entertainment and special events.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us its inaugural year has been a successful one.

Across the Way productions hit the ground running when it opened the exchange with Grace Potter on New Year’s Eve. That was just a taste of what’s to come.  In March the concerts started in earnest.  Now with just three months left in 2026 Sam Calhoun Chief Operating Officer of Across the Way productions says the rest of the year is packed with shows and private events, and they’ve started booking for 2027.  Floyd Fest fans will recognize The Futurebirds. That show is November 20th

“So we wanted to get them on that far out country tour that they’re on, managed to do so,” said Calhoun. “That also represents that tour is also going to the other established kind of music towns, Charlottesville, Richmond in Virginia. It’s another kind of tip in the cap to say, hey, we can do these shows too. We can do them in Roanoke. And that just means a lot to us.”

The Lettuce Cook Tour is October first and Maggie Rose is on stage October 8th.  See the rest of the events schedule at TheExchange.com.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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The Exchange, Roanoke newest venue, is filling your calendar with great concerts and fun events this fall. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

Across the Way Productions is using its years of Floyd Fest connections to bring amazing music to the Exchange.  The Lettuce Cook Tour is October first.  Floyd Fest Fans will remember Maggie Rose.  That concert is October 8th.  Here’s Across the Way Productions Chief Operating Officer, Sam Calhoun…

“She played 24-25 Floyd Fest and was probably one of the shining stars of both of those festivals,” remembered Calhoun. “And so it was a no-brainer to bring her back to the exchange. And she’s excited. Those tickets are selling very well. So I do encourage people to jump on those fast. We don’t want to sell out on people. Yeah, we’re excited to have her play here.”

September 10th through the 12 is the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Chapter 2—four Poe stories paired with four brand-new cocktails. November features the Futurebirds and two nights with Greensky Bluegrass.  Learn more and get your tickets at theexchange.com.  Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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The Salem VA Health Care System is inviting all area veterans to come out Saturday for the VetFest Veteran Enrollment Fair.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

The Salem V-A wants to make it easy for veterans to get the healthcare and benefits they have earned through their service to the country.  So, Evan Hinkley, Salem VA Public Affairs Officer, says they’ve created a one stop shop.

“Veterans who are looking to enroll should bring their DD214, a valid photo ID, and any pertinent insurance information along and that will help us with the enrollment process,” continued Hinkley.

Hinkley encourages all veterans to come even if they are missing some of that documentation.  He says there are other ways to determine their eligibility, it just may take a little longer.

In addition to enrolling, Hinkley says some services will also be provided.

“The goal of this event and having it on a Saturday, though, is to really be accessible to a lot of veterans who maybe work the 9 to 5 or are busy throughout the day. And also in terms of a one-stop shop, that it won’t just be enrollment, but also the same day appointment, the benefit, and a number of other services, which include a toxic exposure screening for veterans who are enrolled, one-on-one private mental health care, homeless care teams, suicide prevention, women’s health.”

Hinkley says the Veterans Benefits Administration will also be on hand to handle claims and answer questions.  VetFest Veteran Enrollment Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Salem VA Medical Center. Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

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The Salem V-A Medical Center wants to make is easy for veterans in Southwest Virginia to enroll for healthcare and other benefits.  So it is hosting The VetFest Enrollment Fair.  Denise Allen Membreno reports.

This Saturday veterans can enroll in V-A health care and then that day they can receive an initial Primary Care appointment with a V-A Doctor. Veterans should bring their DD-214, a valid photo ID, and any insurance information.  There will also be toxic exposure screenings, one-on-one private mental health support, Women’s Health, Homeless care, Suicide Prevention, and Caregiver Support.

“The goal of this is to truly be a one-stop shop to connect veterans across the Roanoke Valley, across Southwest Virginia to the VA care and benefits that they’ve earned for serving and to have these services offered all in one day in one convenient location.”

Hinkley says if you have been denied before come apply again as the requirements have changed and you may be eligible. The Veterans Benefits Administration will also be on hand to handle claims and answer questions. Hinkley adds they are always looking for help.

“One important booth at the event will be a volunteering booth where anyone in the community is open and welcome to sign up and learn more about volunteering opportunities at the VA,” said Hinkley. We always need more people to help veterans with various items that are here at the VA, whether they’re inpatient, outpatient, or maybe even drivers who can help drive veterans to and from appointments.”

There will be summer picnic food and snacks. VetFest Veteran Enrollment Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Salem VA Medical Center. Denise Allen Membreno WFIR News.

Registration Form

The tributes and reflections on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton keep pouring in, from local journalists who interviewed her in the past and fellow musicians – even from Paul McCartney, who first met Dolly more than 50 years ago as she was beginning to break out as a star. Academics are weighing in as well.  11 Grammy Awards, 10 Country Music Association Awards, and a 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She also wrote thousands of songs, some became hit songs for other performers. Dolly Parton was a force of nature who early on took control of her own career after getting a start with Porter Waggoner on his TV show. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

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“Adjusting to the passage of time I think, is a key to success and to life – just being able to roll with the punches.” One of the many pearls of wisdom and humorous anecdotes uttered by the late Dolly Parton – who often poked fun at herself, her looks, her wigs – and her journey to legendary icon. WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with a professor of musicology who has studied Parton’s legacy: