Franklin County leaders are working on plans to upgrade the county's emergency communications system.
Daryl Hatcher, director of Public Safety, said in some of the more rural areas of the county and in some buildings, the current system only works about 60 percent of the time, due to a weak signals.
"It does worry me," said Hatcher. "It's extremely important for officer and responder safety. It's a safety concern for the public."
Hatcher said county leaders and public safety are working with an engineering firm to evaluate the system and determine the best options for improving coverage.
"Our main goal is to improve coverage at least 95 percent," said Hatcher.
Hatcher said the county is still in the early phases of evaluating possible projects. Some options included adding more towers and new equipment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:46 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:46:27 GMT
Two days before the start of summer, some local natural gas customers are facing bills they would expect to pay in the winter. The bills came after Atmos Energy, which serves the New River Valley and
Two days before the start of summer, some local natural gas customers are facing bills they would expect to pay in the winter.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:31:33 GMT
Court records show a Carroll County substitute bus driver has been arrested and charged with DUI and reckless driving. Court papers claim Ricky Lee Phillips was on his way to pick up students from summer
Court records show a Carroll County substitute bus driver has been arrested and charged with DUI and reckless driving.
Federal authorities say they've raided 7-Eleven stores across Long Island and in Virginia as part of a probe into human smuggling, identity theft and money laundering.
Federal authorities say they've raided 7-Eleven stores across Long Island and in Virginia as part of a probe into human smuggling, identity theft and money laundering.
Thursday, June 6 2013 9:39 AM EDT2013-06-06 13:39:20 GMT
VMI is ready for its close up. This week, a major film called "Field of Lost Shoes" is shooting in Lexington.What began as a conversation with his business partner ultimately led screenwriter, producer,
VMI is ready for its close up. This week, a major film called "Field of Lost Shoes" is shooting in Lexington.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:36 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:36:21 GMT
Friday was a reunion that Roanoke County resident Mary Morris never thought could happen, and is certainly one she will never forget. The story starts twelve years ago when her and her husband of fifty
Friday was a reunion that Roanoke County resident Mary Morris never thought could happen, and is certainly one she will never forget. The story starts twelve years ago when her and her husband of fifty
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:20 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:20:02 GMT
Virginia Tech Ph.D. Student Amy Elliott will show her pure genius for the final time tonight in her bid to be America's next great engineer. We introduced you to Amy Elliott in May just before she made
Virginia Tech Ph.D. Student Amy Elliott will show her pure genius for the final time tonight in her bid to be America's next great engineer.
Marion police chief charged with drug distribution
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:23 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:23:49 GMT
A police chief in southwestern Virginia has been charged with drug distribution. Marion Police Chief Michael Dean Roberts was arrested Thursday morning on one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
A police chief in southwestern Virginia has been charged with drug distribution.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:53:10 GMT
The Internet and television are used to make art. An artist from Chicago, Jason Salavon, designed the installation for one of the Taubman Museum of Art's latest exhibits. Projections of social media,
The Internet and television are used to make art.
An artist from Chicago, Jason Salavon, designed the installation for one of the Taubman Museum of Art's latest exhibits.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:44:04 GMT
The Roanoke County Police Department has released a new video aimed at teaching local kids about calling 911. Dispatcher Beverly Orange took a big part in making the video a reality, and says it's something
The Roanoke County Police Department has released a new video aimed at teaching local kids about calling 911. Dispatcher Beverly Orange took a big part in making the video a reality, and says it's something
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:14:48 GMT
Although it's summer time, over two-thousand Roanoke City students are heading back to the classroom Its an enrichment program called RCPS+, a new initiative launched by Roanoke City Schools to bridge
Although it's summer time, over two-thousand Roanoke City students are heading back to the classroom Its an enrichment program called RCPS+, a new initiative launched by Roanoke City Schools to bridge
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:54:41 GMT
An old school in our area is getting a bit of a makeover and it's all thanks to a local group of volunteers in Buena Vista who decided to step up to the plate. Reverend Bryon LePere came up with the idea
An old school in our area is getting a bit of a makeover and it's all thanks to a local group of volunteers in Buena Vista who decided to step up to the plate.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:31:33 GMT
Court records show a Carroll County substitute bus driver has been arrested and charged with DUI and reckless driving. Court papers claim Ricky Lee Phillips was on his way to pick up students from summer
Court records show a Carroll County substitute bus driver has been arrested and charged with DUI and reckless driving.
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