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.
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.
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 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:03:30 GMT
Roanoke City Police are investigating a motorcycle crash that sent a man to the hospital on Tuesday evening.According to police department spokeswoman Aisha Johnson, officers were called at 6:49 p.m. to
Investigators believe the man was riding north on 13th Street, when the motorcycle hit a tree and a parked pick-up truck, then crashed
When Jodi Arias addresses the jury in her murder trial, the big question will be whether she pleads for mercy or repeats what she told a TV reporter minutes after her conviction: She would rather be executed than...
Jodi Arias begged jurors Tuesday to give her life in prison, saying she "lacked perspective" when she told a local reporter in an interview that she preferred execution to spending the rest of her days in jail.
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
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:04 PM EDT2013-05-15 22:04:45 GMT
Sheriff Kevin Hall says after 24-year old Ashley Rodriguez didn't show up for work Monday morning they did a welfare check and talked to her husband, Manuel Rodriguez a couple times.
Visitation and funeral for Ashley Kimberlin Rodriguez also set
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:47 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:47:29 GMT
An anniversary program with a moment of silence will be held tonight in Joplin, Missouri to mark the deadly EF-5 tornado there two years ago today. It will be held at 5:41 local time, the exact time the
Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:58 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:58:56 GMT
WSLS is working together with Southwest Virginia relief organizations to collect supplies for victims of the EF-4 tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma.Danville based God's Pit Crew will join WSLS and
Randy Johnson of GPC describes this as a massive relief effort, and a "Katrina moment."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:30:20 GMT
Hundreds of bikers will be in southwest Virginia Thursday during the annual Run for the Wall. They travel from all over the country on their way to Washington D.C.The Virginia Veterans Care Center puts
Hundreds of bikers will be in southwest Virginia Thursday during the annual Run for the Wall. They travel from all over the country on their way to Washington D.C. The Virginia Veterans Care Center
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:29 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:29:09 GMT
Angels of Assisi is collecting pet donations for people in Oklahoma. They are asking for staples like dog and cat food and kitty litter. Bones and toys are also welcome. Donations can be dropped at Angels
Angels of Assisi is collecting pet donations for people in Oklahoma. They are asking for staples like dog and cat food and kitty litter. Bones and toys are also welcome. Donations can be dropped
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:54 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:54:04 GMT
The Roanoke County Police Department is currently investigating a missing juvenile report. Alexandria Renee' Smauldon was last seen at her home in South County on Tuesday, May 21 around noon.
The Roanoke County Police Department is currently investigating a missing juvenile report. Alexandria Renee' Smauldon was last seen at her home in South County on Tuesday, May 21 around noon.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:40:19 GMT
Danville Police are investigating a home invasion that happened Tuesday, May 21 in the 700 block of Claiborne St. Police were called at about 11:38 PM for a report of an armed man forcing his way into
Danville Police are investigating a home invasion that happened Tuesday, May 21 in the 700 block of Claiborne St. Police were called at about 11:38 PM for a report of an armed man forcing his way into
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