News for WSLS 10

A news anchor bikes to work.

Fri, 16 May 2008 23:45:00 EDT

Riding your bike to work is easy. It’s the hair that’s hard. A news anchor tries to go green.

Head On Crash Sends Three People To Hospitals

Fri, 16 May 2008 22:27:00 EDT

Three people are taken to area hospitals after a car crash in Montgomery Co. Friday night.

When is it going to warm up for good?

Fri, 16 May 2008 22:20:00 EDT

I keep planning to keep the jackets in the closet but…

A local family in need gets a generous gift

Fri, 16 May 2008 22:16:00 EDT

Anthony Rickman and his two kids lost everything, including their wife and mother, in a house fire back in April.

Community reacts to drug bust

Fri, 16 May 2008 22:12:00 EDT

It’s a sad day at Amherst County High School according to the school’s athletic director after seven current and former students are busted for allegedly dealing drugs.

Roanoke police arrest door-to-door saleswoman for having no business license

Fri, 16 May 2008 20:39:00 EDT

Roanoke police arrested a woman in the Crystal Springs neighborhood for selling magazines door-to-door without a business license.

Feds charge man with fleecing local company out of $18,000

Fri, 16 May 2008 20:27:00 EDT

The Secret Service charged Derek Shane Goodson with using a stolen social security number to fraud a Salem candy company.

Click It or Ticket campaign begins in earnest next week

Fri, 16 May 2008 20:18:00 EDT

Officers at the scene of an accident near Patrick Henry High School said it was a perfect example of why seat belts save lives.

McCain calls Obama “reckless” to want Iran meetings

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:38:00 EDT

Republican presidential nominee-to-be Sen. John McCain attacks likely Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama, calling his desire to have talks with dictators like Iran’s leader ‘reckless.’

Community News: Buena Vista curbside recycling begins week of June 16th

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:32:00 EDT

Buena Vista residents will soon receive a blue recycling tote for the new city-wide curbside recycling program. The 18 gallon totes will be delivered to every home the week of June 9th and the first pickup take place the week of June 16th.

Man found dead on side of road in Gretna identified; apparent shooting victim

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:25:01 EDT

A man found dead Wednesday night on Rockford School Road appears to be a shooting victim

Customers could make costly mistakes at the gas pumps

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:19:00 EDT

When you pull into the gas station, make sure you read the labels.

Fundraiser to benefit Corporal Eric Sutphin memorial scholarship

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:56:00 EDT

A fundraiser is being held this weekend in honor of a fallen police officer

Burglar caught in the act in Patrick County

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:55:00 EDT

Patrick County deputies catch a burglar in the act and it’s all thanks to a phone call

Montgomery Co. police officer memorial

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:49:00 EDT

Local law enforcement officers spend their afternoon honoring some who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Animal Advocates question handling of Horton’s case

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:35:00 EDT

Junior Horton was allowed to keep some of his dogs while he waited for his trial. Something animal advocates have questioned because they say it gave him the opportunity to re-offend. In this ten on your side investigation, reporter Mollie Halpern talks to the prosecutor in the case to try to get some answers.

Undercover investigation leads to student drug arrests

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:13:00 EDT

Virginia Tech and former Amherst coach comment on charges against Amherst quarterback, State Group AA, and FridayFootball.com player of the year, Peter Rose.

Defense Secretary addresses VMI graduates

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:13:00 EDT

The class of 2008 at VMI graduated today. They made it, but not before hearing from Defense Secretary Robert Gates who joked, “And just when you thought you were at that finish line, one more hurdle pops up. That would be my speech.”

Vinton hit and run arrest

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:09:00 EDT

Vinton Police arrest a man they say hit a Valley Metro bus, and drove off from the accident scene.

Numbers of animal control officers at crisis level in Virginia

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:09:00 EDT

A 10 On Your Side investigation reveals an animal control officer shortage. As reporter Mollie Halpern explains, the shortage means animal welfare can fall through the cracks. This comes on the day when Junior Horton, who is accused of running the largest puppy mill in the United States, goes to trial on animal abuse and neglect charges.

Congressman Goodlatte praises ending oil shipments to strategic reserve

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:03:00 EDT

Read what Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R) has to say about the Department of Energy’s decision to stop oil shipments to the strategic petroleum reserve.

River Ridge Mall getting new movie theater

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:02:00 EDT

Value City, a discount retailer and one of the mall’s anchors, will close. In its place will be built the “Regal River Ridge Stadium 14,” a 56,000 square-foot theater with 2,400 seats.

Puppy Mill trial: Junior Horton found guilty on all charges, but no jail time

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:50:00 EDT

Horton will have to pay restitution to the veterinarians that came in to help during the puppy rescue operation back in November.

Crash flips SUV, blocks Grandin Road near Patrick Henry High School

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:43:00 EDT

An SUV flips this morning, blocking traffic near Patrick Henry High School on Grandin Road

Obama criticizes McCain, President Bush over attacks

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:33:00 EDT

Barack Obama criticized Republican rival John McCain and President Bush for ‘dishonest and divisive’ attacks in hinting that the Democratic presidential candidate would appease terrorists.

Douglas Wilder will not run for 2nd term as Richmond Mayor

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:13:00 EDT

Wilder’s announcement came the day after Police Chief Rodney Monroe, hired three years ago by the mayor, will leave Richmond to be chief of police in Charlotte, N.C. Superintendent of Schools Deborah Jewell-Sherman announced in April that she would leave before her contract expires in June 2009.

Myrtle Beach won’t drop web ad despite sandstorm from Virginia Beach

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:12:00 EDT

Myrtle Beach won’t drop a Web ad trying to steer tourists to the South Carolina resort instead of Virginia Beach, at least for now.

Virginia Air National Guard to fly F-22 for first time

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:08:00 EDT

The Virginia Air National Guard is set to make history when one of its units takes to the skies this weekend

Alabama sheriffs feed inmates on $1.75 a day

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:35:01 EDT

How could anyone turn a profit feeding men and women for an entire day on less than the price of a Coke and a bag of Fritos? Sheriffs practice Depression-style frugality and rely on such things as day-old bread, cut-rate vegetables and cheap inmate labor.

Gov. Kaine won’t force intermodal facility on Elliston

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:35:00 EDT

Gov. Kaine says he has never done an economic development project without the full support of the community

Radford Police charge driver in deadly car-bicycle crash

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:18:00 EDT

The crash happened back on April 23rd, and killed Radford University Professor Forrest “Fess” Green

Ride Solutions reports an increase in membership

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:11:00 EDT

As gas prices rise, so does the number of people looking for other commuting options.

Lynchburg area middle schoolers to compete in national Odyssey of the Mind competition

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:17:00 EDT

The team of seven boys spent months designing and painstakingly building a bridge-like structure that was both lightweight and strong

Buchanan County man arrested on child porn charge

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:52:00 EDT

Adam Stewart Young of Oakwood was arrested after Wal-Mart employees alerted authorities about images on film Young had brought in to be developed.

“Click It or Ticket” special enforcement starts Monday

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:50:00 EDT

Virginia State Police say they will be on the lookout for seat belt scofflaws from Monday through June 1.

Crisis Line overwhelmed with calls for help for food in Southside

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:21:00 EDT

Overwhelmed with callers dealing with unexpected financial crunches, the Crisis Line of Danville-Pittsylvania County is tweaking its mission and offering more than sound advice and referrals. The first direct assistance program, HOPE (Helping Our People Eat), sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, is providing tangible resources for people who have exhausted all other options.

Housing woes hit upscale Bedford Co. subdivision

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:18:00 EDT

A 32-parcel subdivision once under construction in Forest is in foreclosure and slated for auction May 28

Groups raise nearly $1 million for Virginia tornado victims

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:16:00 EDT

Many groups now are trying to determine how the money can best meet victims’ long-term needs

Myanmar cyclone death toll nearly 78,000

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:56:00 EDT

The cyclone’s official death toll has nearly doubled to almost 78,000 and another 56,000 people remain missing two weeks after the devastating storm, state television reported Friday.

Store owner confronts intruders; police say men are on active duty

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:15:00 EDT

Just after 3 a.m. Thursday, Thompson heard breaking glass and woke to see a man standing in the store. “I got my pistol and told him to go to the ground. He complied and laid flat,” Thompson said.

Fla., Mich. cannot save Clinton

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:08:01 EDT

Interviews with those considering how to handle the two states’ banished convention delegates found little interest in the former first lady’s best-case scenario. Her position, part of a formidable comeback challenge, is that all the delegates be seated in accordance with their disputed primaries.

Obama warns GOP about critical ads

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT

In recent contests in Louisiana and Mississippi, Republicans or their allies ran TV ads linking the Democratic House nominees to Obama, warning that a vote for them was a tacit endorsement of Obama’s agenda, which the ads described as very liberal.

Gay marriage opponents vow to fight Calif. ruling

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:25:01 EDT

With a stroke of a pen Thursday, the Republican-dominated court swept away decades of tradition and said there was no legally justifiable reason why the state should withhold the institution of marriage because of a couple’s sexual orientation.

Senate votes to roll back media ownership rule

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:24:00 EDT

The unusual “resolution of disapproval,” sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and 26 other senators, was approved by a voice vote. The measures sponsors include both Democratic candidates for president, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois.

Spotsylvania County woman extradited after fleeing with child

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:18:00 EDT

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office says 36-year-old Nicole Delattre was the last person seen with her daughter on April 25, right before the girl went missing.

Man found dead in Gretna has Lynchburg ties

Fri, 16 May 2008 07:48:01 EDT

Man found dead identified

Secretary of Defense to speak at VMI

Fri, 16 May 2008 07:46:01 EDT

Robert Gates to deliver commencement address to 250 VMI cadets

Cold case arrest

Fri, 16 May 2008 07:45:00 EDT

Albemarle County police arrest 1 in old murder

Free child safety seat check in Madison Heights Saturday

Fri, 16 May 2008 02:02:00 EDT

The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office and Safe Kids of Central Virginia will hold a free child safety seat check at the Madison Heights Lowe’s in conjunction with the Amherst County Public Safety Day on Saturday May 17th

Democrats accuse McCain of hypocrisy on Hamas

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:04:00 EDT

former Clinton State Department official James Rubin said McCain is “guilty of hypocrisy” and accused him of “smearing” Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama. On Thursday, McCain suggested that Obama was naive and inexperienced for expressing a willingness to meet with rogue leaders like Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Supporting Officer Bryan Lawrence

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:06:00 EDT

WSLS learned today that Roanoke City Police Office Bryan Lawrence is paralyzed from a brutal attack this past weekend. Many of you may want to show support for Officer Lawrence and his family, so we’re on your side with information.

Officer Bryan Lawrence remembered at service held for fallen police officers

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:19:00 EDT

The Explorer Post students are making it their duty to keep the memories of fallen officers alive.

Live video games and terrible language

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:15:00 EDT

Forget the violence! The real concern is what the other players are saying.

Charges to go forward in construction worker killed case

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:09:00 EDT

A Roanoke County judge found Tracie Nininger and Jeffrey Dupree guilty of DUI, and certified involuntary manslaughter charges to a grand jury

Community News: Girls Scouts make Relay For Life SWAPS

Thu, 15 May 2008 18:02:00 EDT

During the month of April two local Girl Scouts Laiken Rakes and her younger sister Idara Rakes made SWAPS in their spare time to hand out at the Relay for Life event to be held at Christiansburg High School this Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, 2008.

Jerry Falwell’s office opens for tours at Liberty University

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:56:00 EDT

Jerry Falwell passed away in his office one year ago. Today, it’s exactly the way he left it. Now the family is opening the doors to the public.

Officer Bryan Lawrence paralyzed

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:51:00 EDT

Police confirm today that an officer hurt while making an arrest over the weekend is paralyzed.

Virginia Western Community College tests sirens

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:45:00 EDT

Virginia Western tested out alarms on Thursday.

Feds formally indict Pittsylvania County man on weapons charges

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:45:00 EDT

A federal indictment alleges fourteen counts against accused illegal weapons dealer Jack Randolph Scott.

Roanoke County teacher wins “Super Teacher” award from lottery

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:23:00 EDT

Martha Kelly won $2,000 in cash and didn’t even have to buy a ticket.

Accident blocking Rt. 24 in Vinton

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:04:00 EDT

Vinton Police say an accident is blocking Route 24 near the Weaving Mill.

VDOT closes Carroll Co. road for bridge repairs, frustrates community members

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT

A road in Carroll County is shut down temporarily so VDOT can fix a bridge, but it’s causing big problems for those who live nearby or use the road as a cut-through

House rejects bill funding Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:57:01 EDT

The Democratic-led House on Thursday rejected more funds to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as many Republicans, angry over the majority party’s tactics, sat out the vote.

VMI cadet first to receive Marshall Scholarship

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:54:00 EDT

Will Flathers is just beginning his learning. After a distinguished tenure at VMI he received the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. It’s named for the great George Marshall, a VMI alum.

Community News: Arts Council of the Blue Ridge names high school art winners

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:53:00 EDT

This juried exhibition is presented by The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge and is sponsored by the Roanoke Arts Commission with additional support from the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum. The exhibition is open to all high school students in The Arts Council’s service area. This year, the Arts Council received more than 800 entries from 19 area high schools.

Study finds Cox and Comcast blocked some internet subscribers’ connections

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:43:00 EDT

Comcast Corp.’s interference with Internet traffic has prompted a federal investigation and is at the center of calls for “Net Neutrality” laws, but another U.S. cable company appears to be doing the same thing without drawing scrutiny. A study released Thursday found conclusive signs that file-sharing attempts by subscribers of Cox Communications were blocked, along with customers at Comcast and Singapore’s StarHub.

Congress on taxes: House committee votes to extend child credit, energy tax breaks

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:37:00 EDT

The House’s tax-writing committee on Thursday approved a multifaceted tax package it said would save people almost $10 billion through expansion of the child tax credit and creation of a new deduction for property taxes.

IRS says 350,000 didn’t get child credit in tax rebate

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:23:00 EDT

The tax agency says human error and computer glitches were responsible for the problem

Luckie likes our new floors

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:09:00 EDT

We had hardwood floors installed at the house and wondered if our little dog would love them or hate them… looks like he loves them.

Virginia Beach vs. Myrtle Beach

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:59:00 EDT

A web ad is touting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as a cheaper, more relaxing and yet more thrilling alternative to Virginia Beach, its fellow resort up the Atlantic coast. That has Virginia Beach tourism officials crying dirty pool.

Farm Bill has money for Chesapeake Bay cleanup

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:57:01 EDT

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation says the money could reduce as much as 40 million pounds of nitrogen pollution annually.

I-64 shooting suspect waives preliminary hearing

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:54:01 EDT

Slade Allen Woodson, 19, made a brief appearance in Albemarle County General District Court in handcuffs and chains and donning an orange Middle River Regional Jail jumpsuit.

Community News: Northside High School team wins national energy program honor

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:26:00 EDT

The team was selected “Senior Level School of the Year in Virginia” in the energy education programs of the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project

University of Richmond seeks to improve intruder alerts

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:17:00 EDT

The school looked at its response to the May 6th gun scare on campus and determined it could do better

Woman indicted in MySpace suicide case

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:14:00 EDT

A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted a Missouri woman for her alleged role in perpetrating a hoax on the online social network MySpace against a 13-year-old neighbor girl who then committed suicide.

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:29:00 EDT

In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation’s biggest state to tie the knot.

China quake deaths could rise to 50,000

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:25:00 EDT

More than 72 hours after the quake rattled central China, rescuers appeared to shift from poring through downed buildings for survivors to the grim duty of searching for bodies - with 10 million directly affected by Monday’s temblor.

Man takes flight with jet-powered wings

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:00 EDT

A 48-year-old extreme sports enthusiast has taken human flight to a new level by strapping on a pair of jet-powered wings and performing figure eights above the Swiss Alps. He plans to cross the English Channel later this year.

Wythe Co. School Board approves salary increases

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:20:00 EDT

The Wythe County School Board approved across-the-board salary increases for school system personnel during its meeting Tuesday morning, but the action left some of its members saying the boost still fell short of providing ideal raises

Falwell’s family preserving his office at Carter Glass mansion

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:11:00 EDT

A year ago today, the Rev. Jerry Falwell stepped into his office at Liberty University following a breakfast meeting and soon drew his last breath

Roanoke extends deadline for Market Building proposals

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:02:00 EDT

The original deadline was June 2nd. The new deadline is five days later, July 7th.

DMV leaders urge motorcycle safety after 126 deaths

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:57:00 EDT

The top three reasons for the crashes were failure to maintain control, following too closely and speeding.

Grayson Co. bank robber suspect linked to Georgia robbery

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:47:00 EDT

Grayson County deputies say surveillance pictures show a man with a long gray beard robbing the Grayson National Bank in Whitetop, back on May 6th

Strip-club owner defends child porn charge, says ‘minor’ was married

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:28:00 EDT

A Richmond strip-club owner says he can’t be prosecuted for producing child pornography for filming sex with a 17-year-old girl for a simple reason: She isn’t a child. She’s a married woman.

National Weather Service confirms May 8 tornado in Nelson County

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:12:00 EDT

The twister touched down for 20 seconds around 10:40 p.m., was on the ground for roughly a quarter mile and reached a max wind speed of 75 mph

I-81 accident causes long traffic back-up

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:22:01 EDT

Traffic Alert: VDOT says an accident this morning has traffic backed up about four miles on I-81 South near Elliston.

Firefighters get upper hand on Florida wildfire

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:06:00 EDT

Schools that had been closed for two days reopened Thursday, electricity was being restored and many residents had already returned to the area where about 20 homes were destroyed and 140 structures damaged.

McCain outlines vision of Iraq victory, reduced partisanship

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:01:00 EDT

The Republican presidential contender also envisions April’s annual angst replaced by a simpler flat tax, illegal immigrants living humanely under a temporary worker program, and political partisanship stemmed by weekly news conferences and British-style question periods with joint meetings of Congress.

Body found on side of road in Gretna

Thu, 15 May 2008 08:55:00 EDT

At around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, deputies received a call reporting a body on Rockford School Road.

13-year-old boy arrested for armed robbery

Thu, 15 May 2008 07:59:00 EDT

Police say teen holds up gas station with rifle

Lynchburg planners give Liberty University expansion plans OK

Thu, 15 May 2008 07:51:00 EDT

Plans for LU expansion narrowly approved

Chatham battles water troubles

Thu, 15 May 2008 07:49:00 EDT

Dirt and contamination in water coming into Chatham’s water plant

Parents protest proposed special education changes

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:35:00 EDT

Parents and educators were given copies of the 315 page draft of special education regulations.

Mother hears from daughter in China

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:28:01 EDT

It was a close one for Colette Fu. She left the area hit hard by the earthquake just the day before.

‘Bear’ essentials to avoid the animals

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:20:00 EDT

Conservation Police Officers told neighbors what do if they come in contact with a bear and how to keep them away to start with.

Grocery Store Etiquette

Wed, 14 May 2008 21:58:00 EDT

Is there such a thing as grocery store etiquette? If so when are you really being rude?

Obama, Clinton sign deal to raise money for Democratic White House “Victory Fund”

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:27:00 EDT

Democratic presidential rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton can agree on one thing - they want their party to have more money, no matter who is the nominee.

A personality test for your cat

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:02:01 EDT

The Feline-ality program wasdeveloped by behaviorist Dr. Emily Weiss of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Wal-Mart will not build in Clearbrook

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:45:00 EDT

10 On Your Side spoke with the company this morning. Wal-Mart listed problems with land sellers as their main reason for deciding not to build a new supercenter in Clearbrook.

Produce farmers cheer farm bill

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:43:00 EDT

Fruit and vegetable farmers would reap a bonanza of new money in a giant farm bill passed by the House on Wednesday that for the first time includes significant expenditures for produce growers.