Fatal Franklin County Crash, Poages Mill Project Paused, and Roanoke PAC Pushes for Greenway Expansion

In today’s WFIR News Express, a 27-year-old Franklin County woman, Heather Thurman, has died in a crash on Truevine Road near Pig River Road. Authorities say she was not wearing a seatbelt when her vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. A-Boone Real Estate has withdrawn its rezoning request for the Poages Mill property in Roanoke County. Developer Alexander Boone says the plan for a mixed-use community is being reevaluated after residents raised concerns about commercial and retail spaces. Reports suggest Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott may challenge Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Concerns among Virginia Democrats include Spanberger’s ability to connect with Black voters, an issue highlighted during the recent election. The Valley Outdoor Infrastructure Committee (VOICe) is calling for community support in urging Roanoke City Council to increase the budget for outdoor amenities. The PAC aims to see the Roanoke River Greenway completed and the Roanoke Mountain campground reopened. A house fire in the Catawba area of Roanoke County displaced one person and four dogs. The accidental fire caused by an energized ground wire led to $100,000 in damages. Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child by packing shoeboxes for children in over 100 countries. While the deadline for physical boxes has passed, there’s still time to build and send a shoebox online. Members of Forest Level Baptist Church gathered for their first service since an explosion destroyed their 151-year-old building. Pastor Marcin Wilson says the congregation remains resilient in their faith as they prepare to rebuild. Stay informed with these stories and more on WFIR News Express.