Henri Gendreau - The Roanoke Rambler (Page 8)

Roanoke City Lags Region, Virginia in Early Voting As Residents Look To Election

The city’s relative lag in early voting could be a troublesome sign for Democrats, though other theories could explain the low rate.

Policing

'We Will Reduce Crime': New Roanoke Police Chief Vows To Turn Tide of Gun Violence

Scott Booth was sworn in as Roanoke suffers from high rates of gun violence and a department hampered by low morale.

City Hall

Roanoke Can Evict Boxing Gym From City-Owned Building After Lease Expired, Judge Rules

When the lease ended, the city had sought proposals for the former fire station, which is in need of significant repairs.

Neighborhoods

Claytor Family Makes New Bid For City To Buy Gainsboro Clinic Property, Which Council Rejects

The rejection marks an about-face by Roanoke city officials, who in 2021 began negotiating with Claytor family about buying the property.

Politics

Senate Candidate White-Boyd Rejects Transphobia Claim After Roanoke Brewery Cancels Event

The campaign said White-Boyd's invocation of “parental rights” may have led to some confusion.

Development

Carilion Clinic Moves Planned Cancer Care Center Closer To Biomedical Research Labs

Carilion did not make a public announcement about the move, but made it clear in planning documents filed this month with the city.

City Hall

Amid Construction Projects, Roanoke City Realizes Crossing Railroad Tracks Will Cost It

The city intends to pay to cross railroad tracks on which rail enthusiasts hope to run a tourist-attracting excursion train.

Gun violence

After Audit, Roanoke City Council Scrutinizes Gun Violence Panel Membership

The mayor says he wants to see more citizens with a law enforcement background serve on the commission.

Education

Late Buses, Driver Shortages Persist As Roanoke School District Eyes New Contract

Hundreds of Roanoke school children still aren’t getting to class on time because of Durham School Services staff shortages, district says.

Business

Hotel Roanoke Explores Expanding Conference Center, Including Possible Rooftop Bar

The latest expansion exploration comes after several major renovations, and as the hotel is preparing for additional investments.

City Hall

New Roanoke City Law May Impact Panhandling. Just Don’t Call It Panhandling.

“I have ran out of patience with these people loitering and what they’re doing,” Mayor Sherman Lea said about those in street medians.

Policing

Roanoke Police Department Has Suffered From Many Vacancies, Leadership Discord, Report Says

Report says police department must address why "some employees may be leaving the agency to escape a toxic work environment."

Policing

Despite Expanded Summer Youth Curfew, Roanoke Police Issued No Citations, Chief Says

Council advocated for an expanded curfew this summer to prevent youth from being the victims or offenders of gun violence.

Development

Goodwill Buys Roanoke Properties Around Burgeoning Melrose Plaza

Goodwill sees expansion potential in the properties that abut Melrose Plaza, but has not identified a specific use for the properties yet.

Neighborhoods

Roanoke City Struggles To Retain Neighborhood Liaison, With Fourth Hire in Five Years

Some who served in the position felt their advocacy for neighborhoods and residents conflicted with the city’s position on issues.

Education

Roanoke Schools Switch Up Bus Routes As Issues with Contractor Durham Persist

A driver for Durham said the school district’s routes “look perfect” on paper, but they don’t account for traffic, stop lights or other realities of the road.

Policing

Why Danville Police Chief Scott Booth Wants To Become Roanoke's Next Top Cop

Booth is a finalist for the position vacant since former chief Sam Roman became an assistant city manager in July.

Letter

Letter From the Editor: We're Hiring a Director of Revenue As We Celebrate Our Second Birthday

Google News Initiative has committed upwards of $80,000 so we can attract a candidate eager to help us achieve financial self-sufficiency.