ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Local jails, state agencies and others are sharing information today during the first Statewide re-entry conference in Williamsburg. Sessions will focus on proven, evidence-based programs for helping ex-offenders successfully re-enter their communities, including programs to address substance abuse and addiction, mental health issues and trauma, homelessness, family and relationships skills, and more. Although the state took steps to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism for ex-offenders leaving state prisons, sheriffs and operators of regional jails have not had help starting or operating effective re-entry programs. Many sheriffs and regional jails began their own programs, but each sheriff had to work independently without dedicated support or coordination, especially from the state level.
Virginia Tech students will protest this afternoon on Henderson Lawn. Students have been calling on the university to consider cutting ties with Nike. The group United Students Against Sweatshops delivered what it said was its third letter of the year in March to President Timothy Sands. In that letter, the group said Nike is refusing to let the Workers Rights Consortium into its factories to ensure fair and ethical conditions for workers. The student group said the Virginia tech athletic department's contract with Nike requires the company to allow the WRC in to inspect factories. Also under that contract, Nike pays Virginia Tech $1 million in equipment and apparel and $275,000 in cash.
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After months of preparation and planning, the Lynchburg Downtown Utility and Streetscape Project is moving into the construction phase. Work beings on Eight Street today. During the work in this section, Main and Church streets will remain open to all traffic.
Projects by students from North Cross School in Roanoke will be featured during Virginia Tech's "ICAT Day". The event showcases innovations in science, engineering, arts, and design. Other interactive demonstrations include a program that engages students in classrooms around the world, audio-based technology for children with autism, and applications to raise awareness of issues like sexual assault and post-traumatic stress disorder. ICAT Day runs from 9 a.m. To 9 p.m.
Check out a new restaurant during the Williamson Road Area Restaurant Week. It starts today and runs through Sunday. Mexican, BBQ, Chinese and Cuban food will all be available during lunch and dinner specials. Check out the list of all restaurants participating at www.wraba.org
There is a community meeting a Northside High School tonight at 7. It's a chance for parents to ask questions about recent threats made. Dominick McKee was recently named as the new principal at Northside, effective July 1. He previously served as assistant principal at Northside from 2009 to 2014 and is expected to be at tonight's meeting.
Today kicks off teacher appreciation week. A chance to say "thank you" to the hard working men and women in our schools. You can send a note online or pick up a Virginia Lottery postcard to say thanks tomorrow at the Kroger off Valley Gateway Boulevard in Roanoke.
Rescue teams will be competing this week... Rescuing people from the Mill Mountain Star, large animals stuck in the mud and more. The four day event brings teams from across the Commonwealth and beyond to compete in various courses. This year's challenge has ten different locations that promise to challenge the teams. The Opening Ceremonies are this morning.