Lynchburg, Roanoke named best places to live in America
(WFXR)- Four Virginia cities were highlighted in Livability.com‘s 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. list. According to the website, proprietary data on more than 2,000 cities across America was used to compile the list. It was done in partnership with Applied Geographic Solutions, centered on accessibility and affordability. Cities with median […]
Historic Daleville cemetery near site of proposed apartment complex raises concerns
BOTETOURT CO., Va. – Construction activity near a historic cemetery in Botetourt County is raising concerns from some families as officials review plans for a nearby apartment development. Heavy equipment has been clearing and grading land adjacent to the Daleville Cemetery, a site residents say holds generations of local...
Roanoke considers change in use of federal housing funds
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The city of Roanoke is considering changing how it uses federal housing dollars as it looks to complete projects in one neighborhood and start them in another. Roanoke receives Emergency Shelter Grants and Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development...
Botetourt County schools seek 45 percent funding increase as county faces deficit
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Botetourt County’s school system is asking for a 45 percent increase in school funding for next year. The school says some of the funding is meant for building improvements. Nine of the school system’s 12 schools are 50 years old or older. “Many...
Winston-Salem launches “City of Arts in Bloom” sculpture project
Winston-Salem is launching a new public art project called "City of Arts in Bloom," inspired by the symbolism of the dandelion: renewal, persistence, and beauty. This year, the city and several community partners will build on the theme with hands-on programs and workshops. That includes a series of dandelion-inspired sculptures...
Roanoke recycling paused until April 20 amid workforce drought
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – An accelerating need for commercial drivers across the nation is creating pressure back at home as Roanoke’s Solid Waste Management team reportedly faces workforce challenges. Recycling services were temporarily adjusted in the beginning of the week as crews prioritized operational resources, Roanoke officials said. The target date to resume regular recycling […]
Montgomery County considers property tax rate increase
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Montgomery County residents could soon see higher property taxes. The Board of Supervisors is considering an increase to the county’s advertised property tax rates. The biggest proposed change is the real estate tax rate, which would rise from 76 cents to 81 cents per...
APCo proposes route for 18-mile line revamp project in New River Valley
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Appalachian Power Company (APCo) set out its proposed route for a rebuilding operation that plans to replace 18 miles of electrical line in the New River Valley. The Claytor-Floyd Transmission Line Rebuild Project aims to refurbish 1940s-era 138-kilovolt electrical line in Pulaski, Montgomery and Floyd counties. APCo’s route proposal, stretching […]
Roanoke City Public Schools’ Community Builders Program to be permanently funded and expanded across...
ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Governor Spanberger signed a plethora of bills into law ahead of her April 13 deadline. Several are focused on education, in an effort to make Virginia schools safer. One of them focuses on reducing youth violence by expanding the Community Builders Program established in Roanoke City Public Schools.
Fire crews tackle a burning home blaze in Bedford County leaving three pets dead
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – Just before 3 p.m. on April 9, volunteers with the Forest Fire Department (FFD) responded to Clair Ct for a residential structure fire. FFD says Deputy Chief Coleman saw smoke showing from the eaves on all four sides upon arrival. Neighbors made it known to the chief that someone was […]
