What's News Today: May 15, 2017

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today

Meredith Woo becomes the 13th president of Sweet Briar College today.  Woo served as dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University Virginia.  She takes over from Phillip Stone who is retiring.  Stone became president in 2015 in an effort to save the college after it was announced that it would shut down. 

Today is Peace Officers Memorial Day.  President Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962, designating May 15 as the day to honor fallen officers.  The Lynchburg Police Department will hold a memorial service this morning at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

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Mission BBQ pays tribute to members of the military.  Each day this week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., leading up to Armed Forces Day, the restaurant chain will offer a free sandwich to all Veterans and Active Duty Personnel.  Today, the discount is for members of the Army. 

Starting today, Downtown Roanoke, Inc., will increase the size of its matching funds for those using SNAP benefits.  Those using the program can purchase tokens to receive a dollar for dollar match, up to $20 per person a day, which is an increase from $10.  To purchase the tokens, you can stop by the DRI office.

New Officers will take their commissioning oaths this morning at Virginia Military Institute.  After the oath ceremony, the Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC will conduct "pin on" ceremonies.  This afternoon, The Corps of Cadets will holds a wreath laing and a parade in memory of the ten cadets who died during the Battle at New Market in 1864.

Students who have completed the first Emergency Medical Technician class at the Burton Center for the Arts and Technology will be recognized today.  The program started last fall.  Students completed lab and practical exercises and worked with Carilion's LifeGuard service and Roanoke County Fire and EMS.  The 35 students will be eligible to take the EMT certification test, allowing them to serve as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician.

The Grace Street Fire Station in Lynchburg will close for three weeks starting today.  Minor repairs and upgrades will be made.  Staff at the station will be temporarily assigned to other stations.  Response times are not expected to increase.

The Riverwalk Trail boardwalk will be closed today through Thursday.  Danville crews will make repairs.  The Riverwalk can be accessed downstream at the Biscuitville or Union Street Overlook or upstream at the Sandy Creek Trailhead.

You may soon start paying for trash collection if you live in the city of Roanoke.  City council will vote today on implementing the fee.  Single family homes will pay $96 per year for trash service.  The new fee is part of the city's $283 million budget plan, which it is expected to pass as well.