Erin Barnett is no stranger to the New River Valley, and in fact she grew up in Giles County. Following graduation from Giles High School in 2005, she continued working towards her dream as a journalist in the Mountain State. There she attended Concord University.
Prior to graduation at Concord, she interned at WVNS 59 News in Beckley, West Virginia. Following a short, two month internship, she took on a full time position as a reporter, all while finishing up her senior year of college. Erin graduated in 2009. She then took on another position at 59 news, the weekend anchor.
After spending more than five years in West Virginia, Erin couldn't be happier to be back in the NRV, closer to friends, family and the community she loves.
If you have any story ideas feel free to email Erin. Send her an email at ebarnett@wsls.com
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:01:17 GMT
WSLS teamed up with the American Red Cross this evening for a phone bank to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports disasters like the one in Oklahoma. Thanks to our generous viewers
WSLS teamed up with the American Red Cross this evening for a phone bank to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports disasters like the one in Oklahoma.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:32:13 GMT
Construction is in full swing at South Peak, located in South Roanoke Co., across from Tanglewood Mall. The first condominium building has been completed, and so far seven condos have been sold. Jeff
Construction is in full swing at South Peak, located in South Roanoke Co., across from Tanglewood Mall.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:09 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:09:37 GMT
A new business called, Better Building Works, has moved to downtown Roanoke. The energy and design consultant firm is located next to Blue 5 Restaurant, on the corner of Kirk Avenue. This is where Starlight
A new business called, Better Building Works, has moved to downtown Roanoke.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:18 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:18:29 GMT
After closing earlier this year, four local men decided to buy the Radford theater. They are investing thousands of dollars in renovations and expect to finish the project in mid-June.
After closing earlier this year, four local men decided to buy the Radford theater. They are investing thousands of dollars in renovations and expect to finish the project in mid-June.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:31 GMT
An investigation is underway in Rocky Mount involving the death of a three month old baby, according the Rocky Mount Police Chief, David Cundiff. Chief Cundiff said the three month old died Sunday and
The three month old died Sunday and appeared to have suffered trauma, though police are awaiting autopsy results
Monday, May 20 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:45:05 GMT
The former Eastlake Community Church in Moneta has been transformed into a multipurpose space. Jim McKelvey is in the process of renovating the building to serve as a conference and business center, also
Jim McKelvey is in the process of renovating the building to serve as a conference and business center, also a banquet hall
Monday, May 20 2013 3:20 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:20:50 GMT
After winning third place on America's Got Talent, Fighting Gravity is about to step back into the spotlight. Through the group's kick starter fundraiser, they have successfully raised more than $50,000
After winning third place on America's Got Talent, Fighting Gravity is about to step back into the spotlight.
Thursday, May 16 2013 4:09 PM EDT2013-05-16 20:09:47 GMT
If you drove by Towers Shopping Center Thursday, you likely noticed a car completely covered in post-it notes. It was parked in front of Fresh Market. We have since learned it was a friendly joke between
If you drove by Towers Shopping Center Thursday, you likely noticed a car completely covered in post-it notes.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:49:31 GMT
It is a busy time for the Science Museum of Western Virginia as they prepare for the grand re-opening of Center in the Square. WSLS toured the museum Wednesday, which includes a mix of former exhibits
It is a busy time for the Science Museum of Western Virginia as they prepare for the grand re-opening of Center in the Square.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:34 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:34:54 GMT
Workers with the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue say Shotgun is making significant progress and is now able to get up on his feet on his own. WSLS has been following the young colt's recovery. He was rescued
Workers with the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue say Shotgun is making significant progress and is now able to get up on his feet on his own.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-05-15 15:47:20 GMT
The Franklin County Humane Society is in the running for a national contest. Purina Cat Chow already donated $1000 to the shelter as part of its, "50 Years. 50 Shelters," program, and with your help the
Purina Cat Chow already donated $1,000 to the shelter as part of its, "50 Years. 50 Shelters," program, and with your help the Humane Society could win another $1000.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:13:58 GMT
Panera Bread made an $8,000 donation to the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement center. As part of National Autism Awareness month, the restaurant locations in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Roanoke and Lynchburg
Panera Bread made an $8,000 donation to the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement center.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-14 16:32:31 GMT
The leasing company for Towers Shopping Center found damage when they entered Growlers American Grill and Venue Monday morning, that's according to a spokesperson for The Rappaport Companies. The spokesperson
The Rappaport Companies said it is working on getting quotes for the damage before cleaning the space out.
Monday, May 13 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-13 19:10:28 GMT
Big Lots is set to open a new store in Roanoke, located in the former Food Lion building along Route 220. Toni Fink, a spokesperson for Big Lots, said the store will undergo renovations and is expected
Big Lots is set to open a new store in Roanoke, located in the former Food Lion building along Route 220.
Sunday, May 12 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-05-12 20:32:01 GMT
Growler's American Grill and Venue will close its doors for good on Monday, after management said they have financially struggled to keep the doors open. Longtime customers and employees gathered together
Growler's American Grill and Venue will close its doors for good on Monday.
Sunday, May 12 2013 3:57 PM EDT2013-05-12 19:57:56 GMT
Members of the Science Museum of Western Virginia got a sneak peek at the museum's new space inside Center in the Square. The much larger space is located on the fourth and fifth floors of the building.
Members of the Science Museum of Western Virginia got a sneak peek at the museum's new space inside Center in the Square.
