w-f-x-r's kristen eskow spent the day in bedford county. kristen - no confirmed tornado there - but you say - one family lost a lot in the storms that rolled through? that's right bill - strong winds tore through a farm county - causing a lot of damage and even tossing debris as far as a quarter mile away. now the owners of that farm are trying to figure out what lies ahead. :13-:18:30-:36:57-1:02 this is all that's left of a garage and barn at triple m farms in goodview. lesley morris was at her job - driving for the bedford county schools - when first found out what happened. lesley morris: "one of the and you know, the first thing, i was like, 'well, the back barn, are they ok?'"luckily - none of the horses were harmed during the storm. morris says she feared the worst for her horses - when she first lesley morris: "i don't, i don't want to think about that." david morris: "it's not really what it means to me, it's what it means to my wife. it really was her dream to own a farm and have horses on a place where she could ride and teach ki

in roanoke, kristen eskow, wfxr news. if you'd like to host a pillowcase project class at your organization - or if you know a family that needs a smoke detector installed - just head to virginia first dot com. w-f-x-r news has partnered up with the american red cross. we have a special ' fire prevention week' page - with resources to help you and your family. special ' fire we have a american red with the partnered up w-f-x-r first dot com. head to virginia installed - just needs a smoke family that or if you know a organization - project class at pillowcase like to host a if you'd if you'd like to host a pillowcase project class at your organization - or if you know a family that needs a smoke detector installed - just head to virginia first dot com. w-f-x-r news has partnered up with the american red cross. we have a special ' fire prevention week' page - with resources to help you and your family. after winter storms, industries of the valleys often see a decrease in donations. and thats the time they need donations t

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke with neighbors and landfill operators to get answers. ... first piedmont corporation's industrial landfill in ringgold has been open for decades - but people who live in the area - say it smells worse than ever."the odor has been really bad for the last, i'd say, eight months. it hinders you from even being able to eat."sallie rice lives near the landfill. she and other neighbors say - they can sometimes smell odors from the landfill - inside their homes."you just feel sick, frustrated, don't know what to do about it.""a week or more ago, i said, 'let's go outdoors. it smells so bad in here.' and they wouldn't open the door. it smelled bad outside. we didn't have anywhere to go."standup: "the company that runs the landfill blames the odor problem on a higher than usual amount of rainfall and says it may soon have a solution to the issue." "that causes a faster decomposition of the materials that you're disposing of, and as they decompose, therein lies your odors."tommy stump is the ceo of first piedmont corporation - which operates the landf

for good day virginia, i'm kristen eskow, wfxr news. and the candidates for mayor weren't the only ones talking about important issues in roanoke. nine city council candidates came together at the same event to discuss several issues, including regional partnerships. for all the latest election news across virginia first dot-com. in the new river valley this morning.researchers at virginia tech are starting to work on the zika virus.they'll use mosquitoes to try to answer the questions like how the virus overcomes a mosquitos' immune system in order to even be transmitted to humans. while researchers are working at virginia tech, a senate committee met in washington on thursday to discuss the zika virus. senators discussed president obama's 1-point- 8-billion dollar funding request and and a fast track to finding a cure.republicans say the c-d-c and national institue of health don't need additional funding, since there is a surplus from the fight against ebola. the investigation into a roanoke county house fire continues this morning. t

with the ag life report in salem, kristen eskow, wfxr news. salem officials say there are no breweries set to open in the downtown neighborhood just yet - but they have received interest from prospective owners. in roanoke-the non-profit group, local colors of western virginia, is hosting a special guest in may.the group is hosting "an evening with george takei: on inclusion and diversity."the event is open to the public- and promotes acceptance of immigrants and refugees in our community.mr. takei will speak about his japanese-american held in american internment camps with his family during world war ii. admission will be free, but tickets will be required. in november, takei challenged roanoke mayor david bowers over comments comparing the internment during world war two to todays crisis over passes east of us this morning. highpressure builds into the area from the southwest tonight...andstays saturday. a storm system moves well south of us saturday night into sunday. today...sunny. highs in the upper 30s. northwest winds 15 to20 mph. gust

reporting for good day virginia, i'm kristen eskow, wfxr news." the water problems in flint, michigan took center stage on capitol hill on wednesday as people who live there and officials took on the issue. virginia tech's professor, dr. marc edwards who led the team that identified the issues in flint's water also spoke before the house oversight committee.one flint resident done to fix the situation! "broken policies and procedures are smothering the outcry of an entire community suffering financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. i urge you to help restore some of the trust lost and protect all of the citizens in the united states by never allowing this to happen again." -michigan governor rick syder estimated it would cost more than 767 million dollars to replace the city's water system in a letter to president obama last month. that number does not take into account the cost of emergency water supplies, or paying the water bill for the people of flint. president obama made his *first* visit to a mosque in the united states as preside

for good day virginia, i'm kristen eskow, wfxr news. the friends of greenfield preston plantation asked the board of supervisors to make a decision on whether or not to move forward with the deal by midnight tonight. the second slave dwelling is scheduled to be moved thursday - weather permitting. wfxr news is your local election headquarters and it is three wins in a row for republican presidential candidate donald trump... this ... as the real estate mogul scores a big victory in the nevada caucuses tuesday night. the other g-o-p candidates are still holding out hope ahead of super tuesday as several states including virginia hold their primaries. but a new national poll will not boost their spirits.the latest has increased his lead since jeb bush withdrew from the race over the weekend. the poll of likely republican voters finds trump with 36 percent of the support.that is a 15 point lead over senator marco rubio, who gets 21 percent.senator ted cruz is in third place with 17%.jackie ibanez, has more from new york. :12-:19:22-:25:41-

we sent wfxr's kristen eskow in search of answers in thiswfxr news special report -- 73 1:00-1:051:34-1:392:16-2:22 2:24-2:29 if you're driving one of the thousands of vehicles that cruise down interstate 581 and route 220 every day -you've probably seen the signs - but not much else when it comes to progress on i-73 in virginia. blaine lewis - co-owner, fleet feet sportslewis: "we've heard very little about it."blaine lewis says he moved his athletic wear shop - fleet feet sports - to route 220 in roanoke county three and a half years businesses along the road - lewis says he believes a new interstate - could benefit all businesses in the roanoke area. lewis: "it just gives another corridor that connects roanoke to other locations, which businesses in a lot of ways and good for the valley." goodlatte: "it would make this area more attractive for more businesses to locate here." u.s. congressman bob goodlatte says discussions about the creation of interstate 73 began in the early 1990's. the interstate would run between michigan and myrtle beach, south carolina. goodlatte says he want

we sent wfxr's kristen eskow in search of answers in this wfxr news special report -- 73 questions! 1:00-1:051:34-1:392:16-2:22 2:24-2:29 if you're driving one of the thousands of vehicles that cruise down interstate 581 and route 220 every day -you've probably seen the signs - but not much else when it comes to progress on i-73 in virginia. blaine lewis - co-owner, fleet feet sportslewis: "we've heard very little about it."blaine lewis says he moved his athletic wear shop - fleet feet sports - to route 220 in roanoke county three and a half years ago. running one of the many businesses along the road - lewis says he believes a new interstate - could benefit all businesses in the roanoke area. lewis: "it just gives another corridor that connects roanoke to other locations, which could be good, you know, for businesses in a lot of ways and good for the valley." goodlatte: "it would make this area more attractive for more businesses to locate here." u.s. congressman bob goodlatte says discussions about the creation of interstate 73 began in the early 1990's. the interstate would run b

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow joins us live from franklin county - so kristen, will i-73 ever come to be in virginia? becky and travell - officials say i-73 is still many years away from becoming a reality here in southwest virginia. but lawmakers say they're still committed to the idea. as you can see behind me - route 220 is a very busy road with only 2 lanes going each way - with businesses and homes soetimes just feet away from speeding cars. say a new interstate - could change the way cars and trucks travel - between places like the star city and the 0:34-0:391:07-1:121:49-1:53 1:57-2:02 if you're driving one of the thousands of vehicles that cruise down interstate 581 and route 220 every day -you've probably seen the signs - but not much else when it comes to progress on i-73 in virginia. blaine lewis - co-owner, fleet feet sportslewis: "we've heard very little about it."blaine lewis says he moved his athletic wear shop - fleet feet sports - to route 220 in roanoke county three and a half years ago. running one of the many businesses along the road - lewis says he believes a new inter

live in the studio, kristen eskow, wfxr news. only one of the two slave homes was relocated today. the other building is scheduled to be moved thursday - weather permitting. developing right now in roanoke-police find a man's body and are trying to determine if he was killed. investigators found dead man inside a home in the 500 block of westwood boulevard-- just before 5 tonight.no arrests have been made, and the official cause of death is under investigation.the man's name has not been released. also in roanoke - officials try to figure out what sparked a deadly house fire early this morning.fire crews were called to a home in the 1600 block of wayne street shortly after midnight.when they arrived, the home.the identity of the person who died has not been released. mother nature keeps sending curveballs our way. last week we had to deal with snow and ice. this week it's heavy rain and flooding.the combination of this recent rain and last week's snow melt has saturated the ground. roanoke has already picked up the equivalent of four inches of rain this month when you include the m

reporting for good day virginia, i'm kristen eskow, wfxr news." michigan problems in the water the water problems in flint, michigan took center stage on capitol hill on wednesday as people who live there and officials took on the issue. virginia tech's professor, dr. marc edwards who led the team that identified the issues in flint's water also spoke before the house oversight committee.one flint resident says something needs to be done to fix the situation! "broken policies and procedures are smothering the outcry of an entire community suffering financially, physically, mentally and emotionally. i urge you to help restore some of the trust lost and protect all of the citizens in the united states by never allowing this to happen again." -michigan governor rick syder than 767 million dollars to replace the city's water system in a letter to president obama last month. that number does not take into account the cost of emergency water supplies, or paying the water bill for the people of flint. president obama made his *first* visit to a mosque in

with the ag life report in salem, kristen eskow, wfxr news. salem officials say there are no breweries set to open in the downtown neighborhood just yet - but they have received interest from prospective owners. inventory for cattle is up this year in virginia according to the u.s. department of agriculture. the virginia department of agriculture and consumer services announced statistics for live stock and grain inventory for the state. the calves as of january 1st 2016 is 1 point 48 million. sheep and lamb stayed the same but goat inventories increased. as for corn, soy bean and wheat stocks, they all increased in bushels, but oats decreased by 4 thousand bushels from 2014. coming up-raising money for a good cause.how a basketball tournament- can help students pay for college. so, let me get this straight -- a network that's built to give you coverage way out here where the other guys don't, and 6 gigs for only $40 a month. that's a lot less than verizon and at&t. so, why on earth would you ever go with one of those other guys? switch to u.s

in danville, kristen eskow, ters.so far - in the 2016 race for the white house, we've heard from the candidates, past presidents and celebrities. now, you can add lawyers to the growing list.as joel waldman reports- donald trump and ted cruz are in a legal fight over a campaign ad. :27 - :34 :42 - :59 1:19 - 1:21 "would president trump ban partial birth abortions?" trump says: "well, look, i'm very pro choice ..." ted cruz defending his campaign's new 30-second spot .... highlighting donald trump's past comments on abortion ... the commercial, airing in south carolina in the wake of supreme court justice antonin scalia's death, stresses the importance of the president's next appointee to the high court ... the ad ends with the narrator saying trump "cannot be trusted with these serious decisions". cruz says: "if you want to file a lawsuit challenging this ad ... claiming it is defamation, file the lawsuit ..." a trump campaign attorney sent the cruz campaign a cease and desist letter ...threatening a potential lawsuit, citing defamation. trump says: "cruz will say donald trump loves

live in the studio, kristen eskow, wfxr news. in campbell county - crews are still keeping a close eye on an old plant - that has been smoldering for 24 hours. there's little left of the former dan river plant in brookneal. it took more than 12 hours to get the fire under control. volunteer firefighters say it took at least half a million gallons of water to control the blaze. two school buses from campbell county school system - were used - to give firefighters a break from the cold.one witness told wfxr news - that the fire was started by a worker - cutting steel - which led to sparks landing on nearby trash. investigators have not yet released an in montgomery county - we're getting our first look at video - of the duo charged with nicole lovell's abduction and murder. c-n-n obtained video from the montgomery county sheriff's office. it shows david eisenhaur and natalie keepers- being booked seperately. both virginia tech engineering students are locked up - without bond - waiting for their next court appearance. in roanoke co

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow is here - with how nicole is being remembered. bill - people in the new river valley say it's a rivalry match-up every sports season - when christiansburg and blacksburg compete.but tonight's game was different - as people from both sides rallied together - around a single cause. :15-:19:28-:33 :49-:54:54-:581:04-1:09 1:13-1:171:22-1:27 it's a longstanding rivalryknown affectionately as the battle of the burgs which people here at christiansburg high school say - is one of the biggest season."it is a huge year. it's nice to see these two and support their teams as of blue ribbons - were worn on both sides - to remember different. it's so much more intense, a lot more people here. we're all just basically coming together for her and being a part, so community toghether. cause that's what we are. we're all right next to each other."the christiansburg high school chapter of help save the next girl organized the show of support - after members say a blacksburg high school boys player - suggested honoring nicole at the game. group memb

in roanoke, kristen eskow, wfxr news. if you'd like to host a pillowcase project class at know a family that needs a smoke detector installed - just head to virginia first dot com. w-f-x-r news has partnered up with the american red cross. we have a special ' fire prevention week' page - with resources to help you and your family. after more than two decades on the air, we will soon see homer simpson in a new way.we will tell you what surprise, the people of springfield have for us when good day virginia homer simpson is going live from springfield later this year. fox says the iconic animated dad will star in a live segment at the conclusion of the may 15th episode of "the simpsons". homer will appear for about three minutes, discussing the news of the day and possibly answering social media questions.so how will this happen?producer al jean says the actor who voices dan castellaneta, will act out the character in real time using motion capture technology.that means whatever motions castellaneta does, homer will do the s

in roanoke, kristen eskow, wfxr news. if you'd like to host a pillowcase project class at your organization - or if you know a family that needs a smoke detector installed - just head to virginia first dot com. w-f-x-r news has partnered up with the american red cross. we have a special ' fire prevention week' page - with resources to help you and your family. we are your local election headquarters. and we're taking the candidates. roanoke mayoral candidate sherman lea - won the democratic firehouse primary - over the weekend. it was a record turnout at the berglund center. sherman lea - is set to make a special appearance tomorrow morning - during the 7 o'clock hour of good day virginia. if you want to ask lea questions - about roanoke's economy, safety or future-- share your question- on our wfxr news facebook page. you can't buy it in stores. coming up - we'll show you how people are getting their hands most milk must be pasturized - before it can make it to your refrigerator. some farmers - and families - have found

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow spoke with downtown galax business owners to find out if they are worried about similar crimes happening again. :34-:39:40-:451:06-1:11 following the break-in and vandalism of a furniture plant just blocks from downtown businesses - shop owners say - they're surprised a crime like this - would happen in their neighborhood."my husband works there, and when he came home today, i was very shocked hair salon owner donna higgins says her husband is one of the unable to work because of the vandalism - which company officials estimate is at least 100 thousand dollars worth of damage to equipment. she and others who work downtown say - happen in galax."i've never had any trouble as long as years. i think our police department does a great job in they've always backed us up if if we need any help with anything.""we rarely have anybody have any vandalism or break-ins. i've been down here since 1999, and we haven't had any problems at all."sharon ritchie owns chapters book shop and the wine cellar at chapters. she says she is not worried about vandalism happening at her bus

in danville, kristen eskow, wfxr news. new at ten - lights in the sky over the roanoke valley - causing quite a stir. we've received reports - of planes flying in formation. officials in the control tower at roanoke blacksburg regional airport tell us - everything is fine., there were 7 military aircraft - on a training mission around in blacksburg - friends and family are planning several events - to honor nicole lovell. the 13-year-old was laid to rest - earlier this week. boys and girls basketball games - at christiansburg high school - will be played in nicole's memory tomorrow night. help save the next girl - will be there - sharing information about awareness and safety. a candlelight vigil is also being organized for next week. in salem - one man is locked up - after sparking a police chase this morning. officers say - they received a call about shoplifting - near west main street in salem. police were able to track down the suspect - but he refused to stop for officers. authorities say - the pursuit ended when the

we sent wfxr's kristen eskow in search of answers in this wfxr news special report -- 73 questions! 1:00-1:051:34-1:392:16-2:22 2:24-2:29 if you're driving one of the thousands of vehicles that cruise down interstate 581 and route 220 every day -you've probably seen the signs - but not much else when it comes to progress on i-73 in virginia. blaine sportslewis: "we've heard very little about it."blaine lewis says he moved his athletic wear shop - fleet feet sports county three and a half years ago. running one of the many lewis says he believes a new interstate - could benefit all businesses in the roanoke area. lewis: "it just gives another corridor that connects roanoke to other locations, which could be good, you know, for businesses in a lot of ways and good for the valley." goodlatte: "it would make this area more attractive for more businesses to locate here." u.s. congressman bob goodlatte says discussions about the creation of interstate 73 began in the early 1990's. the interstate would run between michigan and myrtle beach, south carolina. goodlatte says he wanted to bring

with the ag life report in salem, kristen eskow, wfxr news. salem officials say there are no breweries set to open in the downtown neighborhood just yet - but they have received interest from prospective owners. in roanoke-the non-profit group, local colors of western guest in may.the group is hosting "an evening with george takei: on inclusion and diversity." the event is open to the public- and promotes acceptance of immigrants and refugees in our community.mr. takei will speak about his personal experience, as a japanese-american held in american internment camps with his family during world war ii. admission will be free, but tickets will be required. in november, takei challenged roanoke mayor david bowers over comments comparing the internment during world war two to todays crisis over if you misplace your discover card, you can use freeze it to prevent new purchases on your account in seconds. and once you find it, you can switch it right on again. you're back! freeze it, only from discover. passes east of us this morning. highpressure

wfxr's kristen eskow is in danville- where god's pit crew is mobilizing to help get people much needed supplies. chief meteorologist john carroll has details on those appomattox county schools are closed again tomorrow as people tornado there had a massive damage path.but it wasn't the only one in our area.chief meteorologist john carroll is in the pinpoint weather center to show us the two twisters- john? .overnight...mostly cloudy. isolated rain and snow showers thisscattered flurries. lows in the mid 20s. northwestwinds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. chance ofprecipitation 20 percent..friday...mostly sunny. scattered flurries in the morning. highsin the upper 30s. northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts 40 mph. wind chill values as low as 9 above in the morning..friday night...partly cloudy. lows in the mid 20s. northwestwinds 10 to 15 mph. gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.. highs in the winds around 10 mphwith gusts up to 20 mph. we now know the name of a missing man who was found dead after yesterday's the appomattox county sheriff's 78-year-old edward harris evergreen las

live in roanoke, kristen eskow, wfxr news. thanks kristen. we'll keep you updated on this race - and all the races important to you. look for your local election headquarters - on virginia first dot com. in pittsylvania county - we now know the name of a man - who was hit and killed by a police tell us - 69-year-old walter davis was walking over a crossing on north side drive - around 9 this morning - when he was struck.officers tell us - the norfolk southern locomotive sounded it's horn - and the warning lights and gates at the crossing - were working. we're told - this is a busy pedestrian crossing - and police may never know what davis - did not get out of the way in time. in roanoke county - police are trying to figure if drugs or alcohol played a role - in a deadly crash. the head-on collision happened around 9 last night - on hardy road - near vinton. police tell us - the car kayla simmons was driving - crossed the center line and hit an oncoming vehicle. the 19-year-old died. the other driver - christopher hash of hardy - was rushed to

eskow spoke to god's pit crew from danviile...she tells us how they're lending a helping hand. :00-:05:21-:26:53-:58 kristen intro: "members of god's pit crew have visited three different areas in virginia affected by the tornadoes to assess the damage. the next step is delivering assistance to the victims."as virginia's tornado victims try to begin the process of picking up the pieces and rebuilding - members of god's pit crew are figuring out what they can do to help.cline: "once they decide this is where we're going, then we have to decide what equipment and we start loading trucks with skid johnson: "most everywhere we've ever been to respond to tornadoes, we hear one repeating thing over and over: happen here.' a little scary when it gets really close to says the group plans to go to appomattox county and tapohannock to assist tornado victims. they'll start by bringing products like water and toiletries to those in need - and also help with cleanup - clearing downed trees and other debris. johnson: "right now, we'll be sending out three tractor trailers to tapohannock. most of t

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke to member of god's pit crew to find out how they're lending a helping hand. :00-:05:21-:26:53-:58 kristen intro: "members of god's pit crew have visited three different areas in virginia affected by the tornadoes to assess the damage. the next step is delivering assistance to the victims."as virginia's tornado victims try to begin the process of picking up the pieces and rebuilding - members of god's pit crew are figuring out what they can do to help.cline: "once they decide this is where we're going, then we have to decide what equipment and we start loading trucks with skid steers and with product." johnson: "most everywhere we've ever been to respond to tornadoes, we hear one repeating thing over and over: 'we never thought it would happen here.' a little scary when it gets really close to home."director randy johnson says the group plans to go to appomattox county and tapohannock to assist tornado victims. they'll start by bringing products like water and toiletries to those in need - and also help with cleanup - clearing downed trees and other debris. j

eskow spoke to god's pit crew from danviile...she tells us how they're lending a helping hand. :00-:05:21-:26:53-:58 kristen intro: "members of god's pit crew have visited three different areas in virginia affected by the tornadoes to assess the damage. the next step is delivering assistance to the victims."as virginia's tornado victims try to begin the process of picking up the pieces and rebuilding - members of god's pit crew are figuring out what they can do to help.cline: "once they decide this is where we're going, then we have to decide what equipment and we start loading trucks with skid steers and with product." johnson: "most everywhere we've ever been to respond to disasters, especially tornadoes, we hear one repeating thing over and over: 'we never thought it would happen here.' a little scary when it gets really close to home."director randy johnson says the group plans to go to appomattox county and tapohannock to assist tornado victims. they'll start by bringing products like water and toiletries to those in need - and also help with cleanup - clearing downed trees and

wfxr's kristen eskow was at the event and has more. :00-:051:07-1:121:20-1:25 kristen intro: that mayoral candidates forum was hosted by the roanoke regional chamber inside center in the square. both candidates - vice mayor dave trinkle and city councilman sherman lea - discussed a variety of issues - with less than 48 hours to go before their democratic firehouse primary.vo:a major issue discussed was the economy. the candidates each called for stronger communication with businesses here in the city - councilman lea emphasized monthly meetings with businesses, while vice mayor trinkle talked about making actions like permit applications easier for businesses and offering more incentives to businesses.transportation was also a big issue discussed here. both candidates discussed street improvements, especially lea, who advocated for overall street and infrastructure improvements in the city. trinkle discussed 10th street improvements as well as calling for an increased focus on multi- modal transportation in the city.but one of the most interesting moments came when the candidates were ask

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke with neighbors and landfill operators to get answers. ... first piedmont corporation's industrial landfill in ringgold has been open for decades - but people who live in the area - say it smells worse than ever."the odor has been really bad for the last, i'd say, eight months. it hinders you from even being able to eat."sallie rice lives near the landfill. she and other neighbors say - they can sometimes smell odors from the landfill - inside their homes."you just feel sick, frustrated, don't know what to do about it.""a week outdoors. it smells so bad in here.' and they wouldn't open the door. it smelled bad outside. we didn't have anywhere to go."standup: "the company that runs the landfill blames the odor problem on a higher than usual amount of rainfall and says it may soon have a solution to the issue." "that causes a faster decomposition of the materials that you're disposing of, and as they decompose, therein lies your odors."tommy stump is the ceo of first piedmont corporation - which operates the landfill. he says some odors reporte

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke to both protestors and county leaders.. about this hot button issue :13-:18:23-:281:07-1:12 as crews move one of the historic slave dwellings to a new location at the botetourt center at greenfield...those who want the houses to be kept where they are - are making their voices heard to the county board of supervisors. coon: "i sat there in my car and i cried. i absolutely cried to see that the slave dwelling had been moved." clinton: "we set aside an approrpriate area and an appropriate standoff distance from the industrial building, the shell building, and they can share the same site." stephen clinton is a former botetourt county supervisor. representing the friends of greenfield preston plantation and arguing for a stop work order, he has proposed a deal to the board - that would include a payment to the county of 40 thousand dollars raised by the group. that would go towards moving the buildings back to their original location - and redesigning construction plans to accommodate the buildings. then, over a three-week per

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke with officials - who say- adding more staff- won't come out of the taxpayers pocket. 00-0530-35 the danville city council has approved the addition of four new officers to the danville police department - and officials say more officers can always help fight crime.right now the police force is budgeted to have 131 officers - but only has 125 on staff due to a high level of turnover - as some officers leave the department. now - the police department can have up to 135 officers on staff.officials say after several city jobs were cut several years ago due to budgeting issues, this addition of officers - comes as welcome news."double the amount of officers would be great. of course that's not going to happen, so any addition would be good. any additional officer we can get patrolling would be better. more eyes out there.officials say the added positions will be paid for - with the police department's personnel fund. that fund collects money from unfilled positions in the police department - that would have been used to pay those employees. officials say right now

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke to both protestors and county leaders.. about this hot button issue :13-:18:23-:281:07-1:12 as crews move one of the historic slave dwellings to a new location at the botetourt center at greenfield...those who want the houses to be kept where they are - are making their voices heard to the coon: "i sat there in my car and i cried. i absolutely cried to see that the slave dwelling had been moved." clinton: "we set aside an approrpriate area and an appropriate standoff distance from the industrial building, the shell building, and they can share the same site." stephen clinton is a former botetourt county supervisor. representing the friends of greenfield preston plantation and arguing for a stop work order, he has proposed a deal to the board - that would include a payment to the county of 40 thousand dollars raised by the group. that would go towards moving the buildings back to their original location - and redesigning construction plans to accommodate the buildings. then, over a three-week period - clinton says a collabor

eskow was at the event and has more. :00-:051:07-1:121:20-1:25 kristen intro: that mayoral candidates forum was hosted by the roanoke regional chamber inside center in the square. both candidates - vice mayor dave trinkle and city councilman sherman lea - discussed a variety of issues - with less than 48 hours to go before their democratic firehouse primary.vo:a major issue discussed was the economy. the candidates each called for stronger communication with businesses here in the city - councilman lea emphasized monthly meetings with businesses, while vice mayor trinkle talked about making actions like permit applications easier for businesses and offering more incentives to businesses.transportation was also a big issue discussed here. both candidates discussed street improvements, especially lea, who advocated for overall street and infrastructure improvements in the city. trinkle discussed 10th street improvements as well as calling for an increased focus on multi-modal transportation in the city.but one of the most interesting moments came when the candidates were asked what thei

wfxr's kristen eskow has more. ... first piedmont corporation's industrial landfill in ringgold has been open for decades - but people who live in the area - say it smells worse than ever."the the last, i'd say, eight months. it hinders you from even being able to eat."sallie rice lives near the landfill. she and other neighbors say - they can sometimes smell odors from the landfill - inside their homes."you just feel sick, frustrated, don't know what to do about it.""a week or more ago, i said, 'let's go outdoors. it smells so bad in here.' and they wouldn't open the door. it smelled bad outside. we didn't have anywhere to go."standup: "the company that runs the landfill blames the odor problem on a higher than usual amount of rainfall and says it may soon have a solution to the issue." "that causes a faster decomposition of the materials that you're disposing of, and as they decompose, therein lies your odors."tommy stump is the ceo of first piedmont corporation - which operates the landfill. he says some odors repor

wfxr's kristen eskow shows us how pillowcases are helping children in particular deal :09-:14 getting children ready for an emergency situation is one responsibility of many american red cross volunteers - but for bridget powell - it's also personal.powell: "ironically enough, i grew up in new orleans, and my parents were unfortunately part of katrina. and that is something that we have always been taught, as a little child, to be prepared."powell is a regional instructor for the pillowcase project - which the red cross started two years ago. it's a one-time class that teaches children - usually between the ages of 8 and 12 - what kinds of items they should have handy in case of an emergency."an emergency radio, something to kind of spend the times if they're out of power, like today, maybe a flashlight." standup: "before child is given his or her own powell: "they get to be excited about it and have, things. and actually it calms children use those pillowcases - to prepare and hold their own emergency preparedness kit at home - which they can use emergency - if they can access it saf

we sent wfxr's kristen eskow in search of answers in this. wfxr news special report -- 73 questions! 1:00-1:051:34-1:392:16-2:22 2:24-2:29 kristen intro: "officials say i-73 is still many years away from becoming a reality here in southwest virginia. but lawmakers say they're still committed to the idea. as you can see behind me - route 220 is a very busy road with only 2 lanes going each way - with businesses and homes soetimes just feet away from speeding cars.officials say a new interstate - could change the way cars and trucks travel - between places like the star city and the carolinas." if you're driving one of the thousands of vehicles that cruise down interstate 581 and route 220 every day -you've probably seen the signs - but not much else when it comes to progress on i-73 in virginia. blaine lewis - co-owner, fleet feet sportslewis: "we've heard very little about it."blaine lewis says he moved his athletic wear shop - fleet feet sports - to route 220 in roanoke county three and a half years ago. running one of the many businesses al

wfxr's kristen eskow spoke with officials - who say- adding more staff- won't come out of the taxpayers pocket. 00-0530-35 the danville city council has approved the addition of four new officers to the danville police department - and officials say more officers can always help fight crime.right now the police force is budgeted to have 131 officers - but only has 125 on staff due to a high level of turnover - as some officers leave the department. now - the police department can have up to 135 officers on staff.officials say after several city jobs were cut several years ago due to budgeting issues, this addition of officers - comes as welcome news."double the amount of officers would be going to happen, so any new this morning:roanoke city officials have named an acting police chief to replace retiring chief chris perkins. current deputy chief tim jones will fill this role starting march 1st.jones has served on the city's police force since 1981, and currently commands the uniform operations division.a national search will be conducted for perkins' replacement. concealed guns in the c

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow spoke owners to find out if they are worried about similar crimes happening again. :34-:39:40-:451:06-1:11 following the break-in and vandalism of a furniture plant just blocks from downtown businesses - shop owners say - they're surprised a crime like this - would happen in their neighborhood."my husband works there, and when he came home today, i was very shocked before i left to come to work." hair salon owner donna higgins says her husband is one of the factory employees - who is now unable to work because of the vandalism - which company officials estimate is at least 100 thousand dollars worth of damage to equipment. she and others who work downtown say - things like this don't often happen in galax."i've never had any trouble as long as i've been here for about 38 years. i think our police department does a great job in they've always backed us up if if we need any help with anything.""we rarely have anybody have any vandalism or break-ins. i've been down here since 1999, and we haven't had any problems at all."sharon ritchie owns chapters book shop and the

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow shows us how craft beer is catching on - and what breweries may bring to the downtown neighborhood. :27-:32:33-:38:45-:50 parkway brewing company in salem has grown quickly since opening in 2012. managers say the brewery has doubled the size of its retail space and production facility - selling its beer all over virginia."we go through about 20 kegs at this bar in a three-day weekend."retail manager maddy chitwood says craft beer has grown increasingly popular. she says her brewery sees both local customers from salem - of the state. "people will come in from richmond. people will come in from nova, and say, 'oh, i drink your beer all the time. that's why we're here.'"standup: "city officials say craft beer may soon be brewed right in downtown salem, which city leaders say is one component of the downtown revitalization plan.""as breweries have become more popular and parkway has grown, and there's interest in breweries in general, we decided to go ahead and add that as a use in our code."salem city planner benjamin tripp says the city has been working on its

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow spoke with the landfill's operators - to get answers. :13-:17:32-:37:39-:44:46-:51 first piedmont corporation's industrial landfill in ringgold has been open for decades - but people who live in the area - say it smells worse than ever."the odor has been really bad for the last, i'd say, eight months. it hinders you from even being able to eat."sallie rice lives near the landfill. she and sometimes smell odors from the landfill - inside their homes. "you just feel sick, frustrated, don't know what to do about it.""a week or more ago, i said, 'let's go outdoors. it smells so bad in here.' and they wouldn't open the door. it smelled bad outside. we didn't have anywhere to go."standup: "the company that runs the landfill blames the odor problem on a higher than usual amount of rainfall and says it may soon have a solution to the issue." "that causes a faster decomposition of the materials that you're disposing of, and as they decompose, therein lies your odors."tommy stump is the ceo of first piedmont corporation - which operates the landfill. he says some odors re

eskow was at the event tonight- and she joins us live in downtown roanoke. becky - that mayoral candidates forum - which was hosted by the roanoke regional chamber - just wrapped up a short time ago inside center in the square. both candidates - vice mayor dave trinkle and city councilman sherman lea - discussed a variety of issues - with less than 48 hours to go before their democratic a major issue discussed tonight was the economy. the candidates each called for stronger communication with councilman lea emphasized businesses, while vice mayor trinkle talked about making actions like permit businesses and offering more incentives to businesses. transportation was also a big issue discussed here tonight. both candidates discussed street improvements, especially lea, who advocated for overall street and infrastructure improvements in the city. trinkle discussed 10th street improvements as well as calling for an increased focus on multi-modal transportation in the city.but one of the most interesting moments candidates were asked what their three most import

live in roanoke county - kristen eskow, wfxr news. kristen thanks. taylor - you're saying we should have a jacket or umbrella ready in henry county - one man is locked up - another on the run - after a shooting.deputies say - a 43-year-old man drove himself to the hospital - after he was shot in the leg this morning. it's unclear exactly where this shooting went down. the henry county sheriff's office up tonight - charged with attempted malicious wounding... using a of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. the man on the right - danny henley - is still on the run - wanted on similar charges. if you know where henley is - call the number on your screen. in roanoke - train lovers made their way to the virginia museum of transportation today - for train lovers day. there was one particular train that stood out the most --the norfolk and western train number 21-56. built in 1942... it's the last of its kind left anywhere in the world. people also enjoyed model trains and locomotives, as well as trai

w-f-x-r's kristen eskow - shows us how the plan - will serve as a big step forward - for the county. 00-0522-2745-50 "officials here in amherst county say with the expected closure of the central virginia training center buy 2020, developing an economic development strategic plan is as important as ever. and business owners here say it's something they're looking forward to."the old 97 restaurant opened in madison heights two and a half years ago. co-owner tracy sprouse says he has lived in amherst "i own a couple of businesses here in the county, so really i want to see the county just flourish and grow."sprouse also serves on the steering committee for the economic development authority of amherst county - which has just started developing its new economic development strategic plan. officials say this is the first time the county is using an outside consulting firm to help with the plan.hanson: "this is the first of its kind where they have 122 thousand dollars in grant funds to take the very first really thorough, comprehensive look at amherst county."victoria hanson of the econo

eskow has more. :13-:18:23-:281:07-1:12 as crews move one of the historic slave dwellings to a new center at greenfield...those who want the houses to be kept their voices heard to the county board of supervisors. the friends of greenfield decision on whether or not to move forward with the deal by midnight tonight. the second slave dwelling is scheduled to be moved thursday - weather permitting. we all know distracted driving puts motorists at greater risk of getting in an accident, but can strong emotions do the same? wfxr's taylor kanost joins us live in the studio with more on how virginia tech researchers hope to use this information to reduce your risks.. while you drive. about five years ago, the virginia tech transportation institute studied the driving habits of more than 3,500 volunteers across the united states to see if they could determine what is most likely to cause a car accident. not surprisingly, researchers found the chances a driver gets into accident more than double when they are distracted by a cell phone, using a touch screen menu on a vehicle instrument, or by rea