Volunteers in Giles County will hit the New River this Saturday for one of the region’s most enduring cleanup traditions — and this year, the stakes feel higher than ever.

Appalachian Power (APCo) is warning community members about rising water levels downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams.

Appalachian Power Company is warning recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams that water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could start rapidly rising on Sunday.

Some local volunteers with Renew the New are making sure that the New River stays clean and healthy for generations to come.

Appalachian Power said recreational users of the New and Roanoke rivers could see water levels rise.

AEP wants boaters, kayakers, tubers, and other recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams to keep safety top of mind next week.

Appalachian Power is warning recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville damns to be aware of water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers, as they could rise rapidly starting Friday and continue to fluctuate throughout the weekend.

Appalachian Power is issuing a warning for those heading downstream of the Claytor and Leesville dams for recreational use.

Order’s up at Ursula’s Café in Roanoke.

As the weather gets nice and you hit the water with your family or friends, Appalachian Power wants you to keep safety top of mind.

Appalachian Power wants boaters, kayakers, tubers, and other recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams to know water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could rise rapidly starting Tuesday, May 31, and continue to fluctuate throughout the week.

Two new international studies show the immune protection from two doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine drops off after about two months.

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

Ashby is fully vaccinated, which means it has been at least two weeks since her final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She said she is planning to meet up with other friends who’ve been fully vaccinated too. Grandparents who’ve been fully vaccinated can now visit their kids and grandkids from a single household, as long as they’re low risk. That’s why the CDC said everyone, including fully vaccinated people, need to to be careful in public. Fully vaccinated individuals also do not need to quarantine or get tested after a known COVID-19 exposure as long as they are asymptomatic.

The Associated Press is now projecting that Joe Biden will be America’s next president. Biden’s path to 270 became complete with the AP and NBC News' projection of Pennsylvania and Nevada, which put him at 279, with the majority needed to win the presidency. While that’s the current projection, there is, of course, more to the story. The Trump campaign filed lawsuits in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan and asked for a recount in Wisconsin.

A new law would limit what offenses police officers could pull people over for. Law enforcement agencies and race and inequality experts have mixed reactions. The bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly stops law enforcement officers from stopping or searching anyone solely based upon the odor of marijuana. Law enforcement has no interest in doing something like that," said Ramsey. The governor has to sign the bill by Wednesday night or he can recommend changes and send it back to the General Assembly.

ROANOKE, Va. – Angels of Assisi has begun construction on its new Community Pet Hospital and Adoption Center. The shelter posted about the update on Facebook on Wednesday, writing:“It is an exciting day here at Angels of Assisi as excavation has begun on our new property! A big thank you to everyone that has helped get us to this point. We can’t wait to keep everyone updatedon the progress of the new Community Pet Hospital and Adoption Center. For more information on our new facility,visit https://www.canyouimagine.gives/ #Imagine #HelpIsHere”The new pet hospital and adoption shelter will be located near the intersection of Franklin Road and Elm Avenue in Roanoke across from Roanoke Fire-EMS Station #1.

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. – Two men charged in the kidnapping plot against Gov. Suspects Michael and William Null who are brothers have been spotted protesting against Whitmer next to Barry County Sheriff, Dar Leaf. William Null was seen on stage with the sheriff at a protest against the governor’s stay-at-home order in Grand Rapids this May. While being asked about the situation in an interview Leaf said, “It is just a charge, and they say a plot to kidnap and you got to remember that. So are they trying to arrest or was it a kidnap attempt?”The sheriff did say he feels for the governor and that no one should be threatened with violence.

Va. – The Ramos family was welcomed to their new home in Roanoke on Saturday. The family waited two years for the home to be built by the city of Roanoke and Habitat for Humanity. The new homeowners said it took a lot of meetings and hard work to make it all possible. The homeowners said they can’t wait to use the kitchen during the holidays so their mother can cook.