Aaron Martin is new to Southwest Virginia but is excited to discover all it has to offer. He joined the WSLS news team in October 2011 as a reporter, then was named morning anchor alongside Dawn Jefferies in early 2013. Before making his way south, Aaron spent the last two years working for WLUC-TV6 as the Iron Mountain Bureau Reporter in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He'll have to get used to a lot of changes like not having seven months of winter!
Aaron graduated from Kent State University in May 2009 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science. He also spent a semester studying politics in Northern Ireland.
As a native of Pittsburgh, Aaron spends a lot of his free time rooting for the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. He also likes politics, sports, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
If you have a story idea or would just like to say hello, you can e-mail him at amartin@wsls.com.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:57:19 GMT
Vendors at the Farmers Market in Downtown Roanoke are hoping for a strong summer after some difficult years. The two year construction project revamping Center in the Square proved costly for these vendors
Two years of construction on Center in the Square proved difficult for farmers market vendors.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:57:10 GMT
With Center in the Square now open to the public, Roanoke's economic development team wants to use it as a centerpiece to attract new businesses. Economic Development Director Wayne Bowers said he sells
Economic Development Director Wayne Bowers is marketing to Roanoke to new businesses by selling the downtown area.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:28:09 GMT
One group hoping to get a chunk of the $28 million in federal money the Roanoke Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization will distribute Thursday is the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission.
The Roanoke Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization will distribute $28 million in federal money over six years.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:17 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:17:27 GMT
Virginia is giving shoppers another reason to head to your local farmers market. The Department of Agriculture is now offering punch cards to reward people for buying local. You'll get a punch for every
The goal is to get more people to buy locally grown food.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:13 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:13:29 GMT
Local hotels are seeing a big boom in business and it's helping convince the Star City that more options are needed downtown. Last weekend hotels across the Roanoke Valley were 90 percent full, a 7 percent
The city says the demand is there from both tourists and business travelers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:38 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:38:00 GMT
When you think of a good place to eat lunch chances are the Crossroads Mall area doesn't come to mind. But within the last six months that stretch of Hershberger Road has added two popular chains, Cookout
With the help of national chains like Cookout and Steak'n Shake, the Crossroads Mall area is getting popular again.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:11 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:11:05 GMT
After deciding to hold off on voting itself a pay raise, Roanoke City Council is asking for your opinion during a public hearing tonight. WSLS 10 is taking a closer look at the raise city council is asking
Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss council pay raises.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:06 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:06:27 GMT
Glenvar High School will hold a superhero the med 5K on Saturday to honor its own hero. The Glenvar Avenger will be run to remember student Michael Sandridge who died from cancer in January. Organizers
All the money raised will go towards a scholarship in Sandridge's name and cancer research.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:01:19 GMT
VDOT has released its six year draft for Southwest Virginia and thanks to the transportation bill some new projects are getting much needed funding. Here are some of the highlights of the plan: VDOT
The plan is still considered a draft and needs state approval before taking effect.
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:48 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:48:21 GMT
The Star City is looking to grow its economy by finding you a job. Today the Roanoke Civic Center will play host the Career, Lifestyle, and Financial Fitness Fair. There will be around 100 vendors at
Around 100 vendors will be setting up for the event.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-05-16 10:13:26 GMT
It's only hours before Steak'n Shake opens its first restaurant in Southwest Virginia and nobody may be happier than manager Grey Young, whose commute just got a lot shorter. "Going from 250 miles down
Steak'n Shake will open its doors at 10 a.m. today.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 3:46 PM EDT2013-05-15 19:46:15 GMT
Carr Boyd has resigned as Botetourt County Emergency Services Coordinator. His resignation is effective May 31. According to Botetourt County Administrator Kathleen Guzi, he submitted his resignation
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-05-15 15:47:57 GMT
If you're prepping that resume for a summer job you may be in luck. The Workforce Development Office at Virginia Western says there are more seasonal jobs available this summer in the Roanoke Valley than
The website SnagAJob lists nearly 500 openings within 20 miles of downtown Roanoke.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:35 AM EDT2013-05-14 12:35:17 GMT
Since Robert Gump graduated from Franklin County High School last spring, he's been working toward one goal. "I want to be a chiropractor," Gump said. Finding the best and most cost effective way to
Virginia Western estimates it will grow enrollment by 3,000 students over the next 10 years.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:10 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:10:05 GMT
The late start of spring is proving to be trying for businesses at Smith Mountain Lake. But sunny skies are helping shift the focus from spring to summer, which means fishing tournaments are getting underway. Smith
Bassmaster Magazine ranked Smith Mountain Lake 25th nationwide for bass fishing.
