LOCAL

On snow as in life, it’s important not to look like a bozo, and for new skiers, handling long, clunky boards is the original challenge. Ignore the hecklers—there’s more than one way to do it right.

Snow was perhaps the most common conversation topic in Southwest Virginia this week, and as adults we sometimes tend to focus on the roads, the power going out and how to get where we need to safely. But, in this weeks Feel Good Friday segment we want to highlight the good parts; the excitement from kids, the fun with have with our pets and the joyful moments.

VDOT crews are on 12-hour shifts to keep the roads clear.

Two people were found shot overnight at a home in the 800 block of Fenwick Drive in Roanoke County. Police say they were both taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Unleashed Dog Bakery & Boutique re-opened its doors Saturday in its new, improved storefront.

April is National Donate Life Month, a time to celebrate the generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, tissue, bone marrow donors and by making blood donations.

The Easter Bunny is hopping into town, and while kids may not be able to give him hugs or sit on his lap for a photo again this year, they are finding creative ways to make memories.Although this will mark the second year in a row we have spent the Easter holiday socially distanced, there is still a lot to celebrate. Families are making the most of it.

Agricultural groups like the Virginia Farm Bureau know farmers are essential workers, and they are supporting efforts to get them vaccinated against COVID-19. “Our nation’s food supply depends on farmers’ and frontline agricultural workers’ ability to work safely,” said Ben Rowe, national affairs coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Despite swift implementation of best practices and state and federal guidance in the fields and processing facilities, the agricultural workforce remains at heightened risk of infection, as do the frontline critical-risk workers.”AdFood and agriculture workers and veterinarians are eligible under the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b. Every health district in Virginia has moved into Phase 1b, which means these workers are eligible regardless of their home county. “We have all seen the significant toll that disruption of the agricultural food supply chain places on communities and families.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center wins favor of the court in a second lawsuit brought by neighboring property owners. The Circuit Court of Roanoke County again ruled in favor of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Wednesday in the lawsuit related to a Special Use Permit to build an aviary to rehabilitate large birds. Gilbert Law, PC, attorneys for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, made the announcement via Facebook Friday. The announcement states “although the pending case could be appealed, the Supreme Court of Virginia held on November 2, 2020 that the neighbors failed to prove standing in the first case and refused to hear the appeal.”In total, neighbors have filed three lawsuits against the SWVA Wildlife Center. Litigation has been ongoing since 2018.

SALEM – A local 10-year-old chose to give gifts instead of receiving them this year for his birthday. For his birthday he wanted to take up donations for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, and the community certainly showed up. A number of vehicles drove through his birthday parade and dropped off donations the center needed. 10-year-old Gabe asked for donations instead of presents for his birthday parade. AdThe wildlife warriors, a local group that supports the SWVA Wildlife Center also gave Gabe a gift of his own.

There is still CARES Act money available for businesses struggling to pay their employees, but many in southwest Virginia aren’t taking advantage of it. Forrester said interested business owners should contact their banks to find out if they are eligible. AdThe SBDC is doing a roadshow across the region to help business owners one-on-one apply. She says there is no way to track how many permanent closures have happened, but we will begin to see a comparative number as business owners renew business licenses in 2021. AdForrester said it’s crucial that business owners take advantage of all resources available to them in order to make it through this year.

As 2021 begins, business owners face a rapidly shifting landscape. But business is different, and the way many business owners operate is different too. We all know our small businesses need a lot of help to make it through the pandemic. AdThat’s why Patterson’s focus is supporting local entrepreneurs starting and building their businesses through the Gauntlet Business program and competition. “We have to put our money where our mouth is and support our local businesses,” Patterson said.

The state’s largest business competition program begins Tuesday night and there’s still time to sign up. 10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginia’s largest business competition, the Gauntlet. Applications are still open for the 7th Annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition online. The Gauntlet incorporates participants from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands, and Rockbridge County. State Farm is the lead sponsor for the 2021 season, donating $35,000 to the Gauntlet Business Competition.

ROANOKE, Va. – Due to Sunday’s wintry weather, dozens of churches have canceled or changed services. Continue to check back as this list will grow. Click here. We have discontinued our phone system and all status changes must be submitted online. Click here if you’re using the WSLS 10 app or having trouble seeing the list.

10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginia’s largest business competition, the Gauntlet. Started by the Advancement Foundation in Vinton, the Gauntlet helps entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. The Gauntlet provides a 10-week program that helps entrepreneurs create a business plan. The Gauntlet incorporates participants from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County. Applications are now open for the 7th Annual GAUNTLET Business Program and Competition online.

ROANOKE, Va. – Due to Sunday’s wintry weather, dozens of churches have canceled or changed services. Continue to check back as this list will grow. Click here. We have discontinued our phone system and all status changes must be submitted online. Click here if you’re using the WSLS 10 app or having trouble seeing the list.

SALEM – More than $40,000 from more than 400 people has been raised to help C.J. Before Samantha was transferred, she began receiving renal dialysis to filter toxins from her blood due to her renal disease. In Charlottesville, renal specialist continued with a battery of tests and the continuation of renal dialysis to help stabilize and potentially restart Samantha’s kidneys. could be home with baby Anderson and care for him like any new parent should. They remain steadfast in their faith and take happiness in their time together with baby Anderson.

Hundreds of people pulled up chairs and participated in a worship service on Market Square. Its so important that our city hears the voice of peace, hears the voice of Jesus coming in the midst of chaos, Henderson said. Were bringing togetherness; thats our mission.This was the second Sunday in a row Hendersons event occupied Market Square. We want to know that the city of Roanoke wants to gather and worship Jesus appropriately, McClure said. Let us leave this event today saying I have to be better, added Pastor Michael Anderson of New Generation Church.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Denver Riggleman is no longer hiding his concerns about his own party and the congressman said he may leave the Republican Party if the situation does not change. In an interview with 10 News on Wednesday, Virginia’s 5th District congressman criticized fellow Virginia GOP members as moving too far to the political right. “Republicans have always been about a big tent party, centered on individual liberty, and I think we’ve lost our way,” Riggleman said. “What if there was a governor who cares about the people of Virginia rather than just a party platform of moving on up?” Riggleman said. “If they can have a message of hope and a message that is not completely extremist, I think that’s the person that is going to win.”

Radford University students started moving back to campus Saturday morning, as the university prepares for in-person classes. School resumes August 12, but the university spread out the on-campus move-in schedule across the first two weeks of the month for social distancing reasons. Many Radford students such as Emily Godwin had been away from campus since March due to remote learning. Tom Santa, the parent of a Radford sophomore, said he believes his daughter will be safe on campus. “In my home county, Carroll County, we have a population of 6,000 people and have about 300 cases,” Godwin said.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Carvins Cove Nature Reserve has been free throughout the advent of COVID-19, but time is running out to enjoy the water without opening your wallet. Dozens of visitors came out to enjoy Carvins Cove’s last free weekend. Some visitors such as Mark and Maureen Rimer say they will keep coming to the cove, regardless of the cost. “Every time we have come over, we wonder if we have to pay or if we don’t, it’s not really an issue,” Maureen Rimer said. “We figure when it is time to pay, we’ve been here so many times for free that we really owe it to them.”You have to bring your own boat to the reservoir; Carvins Cove has stopped its boat rentals because of COVID-19.

The Virginia Commonwealth Games wrapped up with events such as baseball, softball, and sand volleyball. Its awesome playing these teams and meeting teams from all around, said Aaron Crummett, whose team traveled from Harrisonburg to play in the Commonwealth Games. Many of the Commonwealth Games athletes are in high school, and the Virginia High School League is on the verge of deciding how their school seasons will play out. Crummett and Jones said their kids are recovering from already losing a high school season because of the pandemic. Jones hopes the VHSL makes a decision that will allow Commonwealth Games athletes to step back on the field.

CHRISTIANSBURG Families are still preparing for the start of school, but an annual tradition helped get school supplies for kids in need. United Way of the New River Valleys Stuff the Bus donation site set up shop on Main Street in Christiansburg. The program to donate money and school supplies launched at the beginning of the month. Executive Director Sara Bohn said a fair share of people stopped at the bus to give what they had. The kids...we need to get them off to a great start for their life, with anything we can do to make that happen, Bohn said.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. Franklin Countys adoptable dogs and cats officially moved in to more comfortable surroundings this weekend. The new Franklin County Animal Shelter opened Saturday after more than a year of construction. The new shelter is three times as large as its replacement. Shelter manager Cindy Brooks said the old shelter lacked handicap access, did not have air conditioning, and was in an inconvenient location for many in the county. I feel were going to have a lot more people come visit us in this location compared to the other one, Brooks said.

ROANOKE, Va. The city of Roanoke has released a statement after the Robert E. Lee memorial was found toppled over Thursday morning. An officer was reportedly driving near Lee Plaza in downtown just before midnight on Wednesday when he noticed the monument lying on its side and broken in two pieces. Police say that evidence suggests that the monument was intentionally damaged. It is an unfortunate incident, but this will not deter us from going through the legal process to remove the monument, said Mayor Sherman Lea. No arrests have been made and police say this is an ongoing investigation.

AMHERST, Va. – A peaceful protest for civil rights popped up in Amherst Saturday evening. “No lives matter if Black lives can’t matter, and we have to say Black lives,” said Amherst NAACP President Gloria Witt. “They don’t think about us as a young voice. Some say, ‘oh, you’re so young, you don’t need to be heard.’”Before the march, county leaders explained what steps they have taken for equality. “As young people, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you can’t do,” Watkins said.

ROANOKE, Va. Downtown Roanoke received a splash of color this month, thanks to two street murals. This is something that has really ignited this city, Roanoke mayor Sherman Lea said. Both Lea and Muir believe public art like this is an essential part of making Roanoke an ideal city. The idea of different colors and love and inviting people to come and enjoy where they live.Its important to me that we come together as a city, Lea said. We want to make everyone in this city proud of whats going on.

Richmond Dr. Oliver White Hill Jr, the son of the legendary civil rights lawyer Oliver Hill who grew up and practiced law in Roanoke, has died. Hills father was an attorney who was involved in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case. A historical marker now sits outside the Oliver Hill House in Roanoke, ensuring Oliver Hills legacy will live on. 10 News interviewed Hill in 2018 when he was in Roanoke for the dedication of his fathers home. A memorial service will be held at Scotts Funeral Chapel, 116 East Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA. A live stream of the service can be found here.

ROANOKE – Hundreds of people in Roanoke’s Elmwood Park put a new spin on social justice marches Sunday afternoon. The Rolling for Reform demonstration featured skateboarders, roller skaters, cyclists, and everyone in between using their wheels for justice. The group rolled out from Elmwood Park and went through downtown Roanoke, including Market Street. “The cause that we’re standing together for, against systemic racism, is a cause where we need everybody on board,” Preston said. “We want to do things where we’re consistently bringing in people from different demographics and groups.”

Dozens of artists painted the message “End Racism Now” on the 200 block of Campbell Avenue, which is overlooked by the historic Municipal Building. The mural, which was planned by Roanoke’s Urban Arts Project, received approval from city leaders before artists started painting. “We are all working together to end racism now,” said Eboni Harrington of the Urban Arts Project. “In art, it’s up to you,” said Aly Jones of the Urban Arts Project. After the phrase, artists painted several names of people killed by police violence.

ROANOKE, Va – One of Roanoke’s largest annual events has moved online due to social distancing. Last year’s Jehovah’s Witness convention drew more than 4,000 people to the Berglund Center. However, spokesperson Robert Hendriks says the faith decided to hold a virtual convention this weekend for its millions of members. However, he said the adversity of COVID-19 is a reason to remain faithful and connected, even through a computer screen. “Joy is a quality of the heart.”Jehovah’s Witnesses have not ruled out returning to the Berglund Center for an in-person convention in 2021.

ROANOKE, Va. The Science Museum of Western Virginia cleaned out its closet and gave away educational materials in Market Square Saturday morning, but the items did not last long. Executive director Rachel Hopkins said their surplus ran out within half an hour. She said about a hundred kids and their parents came to their sidewalk social, and some lined up an hour before the event started. I think theres a demand for such items.The items included books, board games, and other assorted materials to help elementary-age children learn. The Science Museum of Western Virginia is still closed to the general public, although it is offering summer camps for children.

Roanoke An animal that went missing after a break-in at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center has been found. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke shared an update on their Facebook page on Thursday night. The juvenile squirrel went missing after someone vandalized its outdoor cage, among others. (SWVA Wildlife Center of Roanoke)Good news! Were pretty positive weve recovered the patient that went missing after last weeks break in.

ROANOKE/LYNCHBURG, Va. If the Fourth of July celebrated the red, white and blue, the Fifth of July focused on black and blue thanks to two opposing events. A Back the Blue rally in support of police congregated at Roanokes Veterans Memorial Sunday afternoon. Its not okay.The rallies were extreme opposites when it comes to the issue of police reform. Attendees at the Back the Blue rally, including recently retired Roanoke Police Chief Tim Jones, strongly opposed any decrease in police budgets. It was repulsive and disgusting.That officer as an individual, he brought shame on the blue, Arrington said.

FOREST, Va. – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, one of Central Virginia’s strongest ties to the founding fathers, welcomed Independence Day visitors in a different way this year because of covid-19. Poplar Forest guests could still tour the Third President’s former home, but tours were limited to ten people at a time. Everyone at Poplar Forest had to wear a mask, and the museum organized several outdoor activities to keep people at a distance. “A couple of weeks ago, we were very worried that we wouldn’t be able to do anything,” Massie said. However, the house did not open to the public until Independence Day 1986.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Lynchburg’s Black Lives Matter chapter did not take a day off for the Fourth of July. Instead, it invited people to Miller Park for a discussion about Black independence. About a hundred people came to the rally, many of whom wore black in solidarity with the cause. “We possess so much strength, wisdom and knowledge,” said Glover-Tucker, while quoting a fellow Black Lives Matter Lynchburg member who recently passed away. “In our community, it’s time to start owning some stuff.”Hobson said home ownership is especially important because renting leaves communities at risk of displacement.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Faith can be a powerful feeling, especially when others are around to embrace the spirit alongside you. We are open to that today.As a black man, I have a responsibility to stand and speak, added Younger. As a believer, I have a responsibility to pray.The outdoor Sunday service featured songs, scripture readings, and even a handful of on-the-spot baptisms. Dupin hopes the prayer service inspires attendees to turn the prayer into action. I dont want to rename Lynchburg, I want to redefine it, Younger said.

ROANOKE, Va. The time since George Floyd's death has been a time for many Americans to reflect on how race and privilege shapes the nation. Two Roanoke-area museums helped parents explain how to bring those conversations to their kids on Sunday. The Harrison Museum of African American History and Culture and the Salem Museum partnered for 'Children Are the Bridge to Our Future.' The live streamed event passed along advice the panelists learned from raising their own kids. The earlier for me to prepare your kids for that conversation and how to handle it is best.

ROANOKE, Va. – A Black Lives Matter demonstration marched through the heart of Grandin Village Saturday afternoon, but this protest focused on families first. “This is about the whole family structure coming out in unison with black lives and being able to do that peacefully on a beautiful morning,” said Roanoke activist Jordan Bell, who helped lead Roanoke’s first Black Lives Matter march after George Floyd’s death. “As hard as it can be to have these discussions with the kids, we need to do our part to open their eyes,” Shires said. “This is just a small step in that process.”Bell says the Black Lives Matter movement has come a long way since the initial march at the end of May, and demonstrations like this are signs progress is still being made. “A lot of conversations are happening, but we hope those conversations turn into action and substance,” Bell said.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – A group of protesters rallied Saturday afternoon where a teenager was shot and killed by Roanoke County police officers four years ago. 18-year-old Kionte Spencer died near the intersection of Electric Road and Brambleton Avenue in February 2016. “George Floyd, he brought more light to Kionte’s case, which is a good thing,” said Carl Spencer, Kionte’s older brother. A petition asking the Roanoke County Police Department to release the video collected nearly 20,000 signatures at the time of the vigil. “We’ll never know what happened until they release the raw, unedited video footage,” Carl Spencer said.

ROANOKE, Va. The sun finally shined on Roanoke Saturday morning after days of rain, and car enthusiasts took advantage of the clear skies with a drive. Star City Motor Madness organized a car cruise from Roanoke to Botetourt County. Dozens of vintage vehicles filled the Valley View Grand Home Furnishings parking lot before their journey to the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Buchanan. Some, including Gunther Hoyt, said they could not wait to get out of the house to reunite with their friends. We found out last week, and everybody shined up the cars, got them gassed up, and got ready to go.The car enthusiasts also used the cruise to raise money for the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

ROANOKE, Va. The flash flooding which put parts of Southwest Virginia at a standstill Wednesday is fading away, and it likely has not left much of a lasting impact on the areas major roads. Virginia Department of Transportation spokesperson Jason Bond believes the flooding did not cause any major damage on any highways. He said the biggest challenge is repairing roads severely damaged by Mays rainstorm, particularly Route 116 in Franklin County and Route 460 in Giles County. The Route 116 repairs are estimated to cost $2 million, while the Route 460 repairs have an estimated price tag of $1 million. It has pulled resources off of those repair jobs onto other flooded routes.Bond projects the Route 116 repairs could finish around Labor Day.

ROANOKE, Va. – A protest on May 30 at the Roanoke Police Department served as a catalyst for change in the wake of George Floyd’s death. More than two weeks after the original protest, demonstrators such as Tatiana Druant are still proclaiming the message “Black Lives Matter” outside of Roanoke’s police headquarters. “It feels like the only move to make,” said Druant, who is with the group No Justice No Peace Roanoke. The second goal is for the Roanoke Police Department to recognize Kionte Spencer, an 18-year-old killed by the Roanoke County Police Department in 2016. “We make sure they hear Kionte’s name so they know they also have the power to call for justice," Druant said."

Challenger Bob Good knocked off incumbent 5th District Rep. Denver Riggleman in the district’s convention on Saturday. Good told his supporters shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday that he defeated Riggleman 58 percent to 42 percent. “We look forward to making the 5th District bright red again, as this is a strong conservative district,” Good told supporters in his victory speech. Good’s nomination was decided by a delegate system, in which more than 3,500 representatives from across the district cast ballots for their home areas. — Denver Riggleman (@Denver4VA) June 14, 2020Good dismissed Riggleman’s allegations in his victory speech.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Fifth Congressional District will likely know its Republican nominee on November’s ballot by the end of the weekend. Delegates chose between incumbent Rep. Denver Riggleman and former Campbell County Supervisor Bob Good during a drive-through convention at Tree of Life Ministries on Saturday. The conventions are normally conducted in person, but the district switched to a drive-through model due to COVID-19. However, Fifth Congressional District Republican Chairman Marvin Adams believes the party will unite no matter which candidate wins. 10 News attempted to contact Rep. Riggleman, but has not received a response.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanokes Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial became the starting point for a social justice march in memory of George Floyd on Sunday. Approximately a hundred people gathered at Kings statue, many of whom held signs that said, Black Lives Matter. The group marched from the memorial directly to the Roanoke Police Department. Protesters have demonstrated against police brutality in front of the Roanoke Police Department daily for more than a week. Demonstration organizer Tatiana Druant said the march aims to encourage city leaders to budget less money for police and more money for education. We can all sweat and scream, but nothing is going to change unless we take direct control of our system, the system that is supposed to be here for us, Druant said.

ROANOKE, Va. Masks have become an important item in Virginia to stop the spread of COVID-19. Thats why dozens of volunteers made sure people in need had the necessary tools to protect themselves. The group, led by the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps and Delegate Sam Rasoul, handed out safety kits in Roanoke's public housing complexes Friday morning. The kits included masks, as well as hand sanitizer and water. The masks came from a larger shipment of 20,000 masks recently delivered by the Virginia Department of Healths Health Equity Work Group to the city of Roanoke.

ROANOKE, Va. Roanoke is slowly reopening amid the coronavirus crisis, and that includes city government. City leaders announced in a Zoom press conference Wednesday that the Noel Taylor Municipal Building will open again to the public on June 8. The municipal building will feature services from the commissioner of revenue and the city treasurer when it re-opens; however, Department of Motor Vehicles services will not resume until July 1. Additionally, City Administrator Bob Cowell said some city employees will start working from the municipal building again starting June 15. Cowell said the timeline for reopening library buildings depends on Gov.

CLAYTOR LAKE, Va. – Claytor Lake State Park usually experiences a Memorial Day Weekend rush of people longing for their first taste of summer. Some people decided to make the trek to Claytor Lake, despite social distancing. “We do typically come down to the lake on Memorial Day Weekend," Williams said. They expected the typical Memorial Day Weekend crowd, but were proven wrong when they arrived. Cicadas have started to emerge at the park, and torrential rain from the week filled Claytor Lake with murky water and driftwood.

AMHERST, Va. – COVID-19 and social distancing meant Amherst County High School had to get creative with its graduation plans. The solution played out on Saturday: A formal commencement, but every graduate stayed in a car with their loved ones. "We’ll do anything for our kids.”Senior class president Zamire Andrews said he worried about how his high school days would end after COVID-19 cut Amherst County’s school year short. While the graduates spent most of the ceremony in cars, they did physically walk across the stage. “I’m still a kid from Amherst, and right here, this is just us coming together as a whole family," Andrews said.

ROANOKE, Va. – Saturday marked the end of the road for North Cross School’s Class of 2020. However, instead of celebrating the conventional way, graduates rolled through the finish line in their cars. The small band of graduates drove a lap around the school’s parking lot with teachers and loved ones cheering them on. School officials say the idea for a drive-thru celebration came from senior Isaiah Harris, who is North Cross’ student body president. “This right here is fine with me.”North Cross School is still planning an in-person commencement later in the summer.