Sports correspondent

RADFORD – Radford pro cyclist Scottie Weiss spent the weekend racing in the Blacksburg Cycling Classic, a series of three events with divisions for all ages and ability levels held this past weekend in Blacksburg (CRC Criterium), Christiansburg (Mudpike Time Trial), and Craig County (Maggie Valley Road Race). Weiss would start the weekend with a 3rd place finish in the Men’s Cat 1-3 criterium race.

That race would see an early break of two riders get a sizeable lead on the main field. Led by Weiss, the peloton would pull within 12 seconds of the break with three laps remaining, but that was as close as they would come.

Weiss would follow that up with a third place results in both the Mudpike Time Trial and Sunday’s Maggie Valley Road Race. His consistent high finishes would give him a 2nd place overall in points.

Even though disadvantaged by not having full his full complement of time trial equipment, Weiss was satisfied with his race results. He’ll be participating in a three-day stage race in Elk Grove, Illinois next weekend.

Weiss is an eight-year professional cycling veteran, and is currently racing a national schedule for Kenda Pro Cycling. This is his second year on the team, which is coached by Frankie Andreu, a nine-time finisher of the Tour of France and former captain of the US Postal Service team. Weiss is a longtime resident of Radford, where he and his wife Catrina enjoy being new parents of son Noah.

The regional team is made up of local first responders from multiple localities.

According to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, such teams receive funding and training from the state “in exchange for responding as a team to hazardous materials emergencies in a specific geographical area outside of their local jurisdiction.” The Radofrd-based team is one of 13 of state-contracted team. Four of them are along the Interstate 81 corridor.

The new team will be called the New River Valley Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team and will serve the cities of Radford and Galax, as well as Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Tazewell (north and east of Route 16) and Wythe counties. This area was previously covered by the Giles County Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.

According to a statement from the VDEM, the state is relocating the team “to improve service due to the growth in the area along Interstate 81, around colleges and universities, and near major rail lines.”

“Moving the region’s headquarters from Giles County to Radford will decrease response times for emergencies in the area, and it will cut travel time to southern areas of the state,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Also, the higher population surrounding the new headquarters will make it easier to recruit new team members.”

Members of the all-volunteer Giles County team, which served the area for 20 years, will continue be a part of the New River Valley team. VDEM will move some equipment to Radford, and keep some in Giles County.

“Maintaining hazmat equipment is no small task, and the Giles team members set a high standard that we’re sure the New River Valley team will continue,” said Wade Collins, deputy director for VDEM’s Technological Hazards Division and manager for Virginia’s regional hazmat teams. “Giles County Administrator Chris McClarney and Team Leader Billy McCrosky made the transition seamless, helping Radford City Manager David Ridpath and Radford City Fire Chief Lee Simpkins take on the responsibilities that they’ve held for so long.”

Vaught, Sr. is one of the 59 Radford men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in U.S. wars from World War I on. His name, along with Radford’s other war casualties, will be read as part of the solemn Memorial Day ceremony, set for Monday at 11 a.m. in Bisset Park.

Photos courtesy of E.J. Vaught, Jr. E.J. Vaught, Jr. recently retraced his father’s steps across France, ending on the hill where his father, Elmer J. Vaught, Sr. died in battle in War World II, seen here. Vaught, Jr., returns to Radford each Memorial Day to honor the memory of his father.

Like the children of many World War II veterans, the younger Vaught never got the chance to know his father, who died in battle in France when his son was just two years old. After years of wondering what his father’s last weeks, days and hours were like, E.J. Vaught, a 1960 graduate of Radford High School, tracked down details that led he and his wife, Linda Moore Vaught, on a trek across France following his father’s footsteps of battle. Vaught, Jr. got the chance to stand on the hallowed ground where his father fought has last battle.

“Like a lot of orphans of World War II, we are always searching for information on our fathers,” Vaught said Monday in an interview in Radford. “My search eventually led to me retracing my father’s steps across France this past April and I was able to stand on the mountain where it happened, where my father was killed.”

“It’s a healing process,” he added. “It’s closure. It’s a time of remembering.”

Vaught credits his mother, Ethel Duncan Vaught Viers, with helping him immensely with his search by keeping all the letters his father sent her while he was in France. While those letters were censored, Vaught said, they did mention enough towns in France that enabled Vaught to fill in some blanks. E also got the chance to speak with three of his father’s fellow soldiers from the 315^th regiment, Company C, of the 79^th division, who took part in the battle the night his father died.          

“They said it was the fiercest fire fight they were involved in during the war,” Vaught said of the January 14, 1945 battle. “It was quite a battle.”

Vaught will be on-hand for this Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Bisset Park in Radford.

Highlighting the 12^th annual service will be a new “Field of Crosses” to honor the 59 men who lost their lives in past wars.

“Arrayed like those at Arlington and other military cemeteries, the crosses will bear the names of those fallen heroes,” writes Bob Thomas, chair of he volunteer committee that organizes the event.

The service begins at 11 a.m. Monday, May 31, at the Gazebo in Bisset Park, with posting of the colors by the area’s Vietnam Veterans, to the bugle of Gary Jackson, LTC, US Army Retired, playing “To the Colors.”

The event will include Piper Andrew Meeks performing “Amazing Grace,” the traditional 21-gun salute, featured speaker Lt. Col. Andy Munera, Commander of the Radford Arsenal, Virginia Delegate Dave Nutter, the Radford High School Band in a medley of patriotic and military service songs, and a reading of the names of those past heroes of the military. The service also honors all veterans and those currently serving our nation in all branches of service.

For the first time, the entire program will be aired live on WRAD, AM 1460, especially for those unable to attend in person.

The white three-foot tall crosses have been handcrafted by VFW Commander Gary Harris, with materials costs underwritten by ATK Ammunition and Energetics at the Arsenal, and lettering provided by Sign Systems of Radford.

Dana Jackson, U.S. Navy Ret., and Commander of American Legion Post 30, will read the 59 names of those who died in service in World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.

Music by the Radford High School band, including the National Anthem, will be directed by Daniel Frankenberger. A 21-gun salute by members of VFW Post 776, and “Taps” will conclude the service.      

Radford Mayor Thomas Starnes will welcome the assembly, with the invocation by Rev. Karen Lane, Pastor of Grove United Methodist Church, Radford.

The weekend begins with the placing of hundreds of American flags at the city end of Memorial Bridge on Friday evening. It is an annual fund-raising project of Dublin-Radford Ruritan, with each flag representing a person being honored by family or friends. The display will remain on view until May 31. Those wishing to place a flag should contact Tereba Bott at 674-6389 evenings.

Attendees will receive miniature flags from Woodmen of the World, Lodges 14.  ATK Ammunition and Energetics, in association with the Commander’s office at the Arsenal, provides the printed program for the ceremonies.      

Major sponsors for the annual activities are VFW Post 776, American Legion Post 30, Radford News Journal, WRAD 1460 AM, Vietnam Veterans, Ruritan, and the Citizen Memorial Day Committee. EmCee for the program is Bob Thomas, retired media professional from Radford.

Those assisting with the event include Radford Parks and Recreation, City of Radford, the RHS Music Department, NRV Detachment of the Marine Corps League, and Mullins Funeral Home.

The service is open and free to the public.  For more information, contact Thomas at 540-633-0081.

The members were also treated to some words of appreciation by LTC Antonio Munera, the commander of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.

“It’s an honor, truly an honor, to meet you all,” Munera said. “Too often we forget to thank our veterans for the hard work you’ve done to protect our country. I thank you for what you did while in uniform and what you continue to do.”

Commander Gary Harris was re-elected commander and re-installed to his office during the ceremony. Other officers installed at e ceremony include: Senior Vice Commander Mike Conklin; Junior Vice Commander John Aker; Post Adjutant Barry Cox; Quarter Master Mike Ross; Chaplain Charlie Burton; Surgeon Russell Quesenberry; and Trustees Avery Simpkins, David Reed and Buck Austin.

VFW member Calvin Hawkins led the installation ceremony. Harris said he is proud to be elected commander of the post again and thanked all the men who serve with him, who he said, “are like a family.”

According to announcements Tuesday by the City of Radford and the office of Governor Bob McDonnell, Virginia Castings Industries, LLC (VCI) “will invest $9.1 million to establish a ductile iron components manufacturing operation in the City of Radford.”

“VCI anticipates it will fill 91 employment positions in the first year of operation, growing to 300 within three year,” reads the city’s announcement. Average wages are projected at $39,300 excluding related benefits. 

City representatives have been working closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in locating a new business for the vacant facility over the last six months, and officials are welcoming the news.

“Not only is this great news for the local economy its wonderful news for the 300 families that it will help” said the City’s Economic Development Director, Basil Edwards. “The last several years have been really tough on our community. The foundry had been providing living wage jobs in this area for decades and its closing in December of last year was an immeasurable blow.  We are very grateful to VCI and their management for their faith in our workforce and for their willingness to invest in Radford.  Being able to reopen this facility so quickly is great news for the New River Valley and we are excited to welcome Virginia Casting Industries to our industrial community. ”

Radford City Manager, David Ridpath, said “he was pleased that Virginia Casting has chosen to locate and invest in Radford.”

“Cadillac Castings has an excellent record of quality and safety and is a well established industry leader, we wish them much success,” Ridpath added.

Support for this project has come from the Governor’s office, the Virginia Economic

Governor McDonnell called it a win for the region.

 “After a significant loss in jobs caused by the closing of Intermet’s Radford facilities, first in 2003 and then this past December, this is a major win for the New River Valley,” he said. “Intermet made cast-metal components for automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers, so the facility is fully equipped to meet Virginia Casting Industries’ current needs and allow room for expansion. Not only will this project bring 300 jobs, many of the employees displaced by Intermet’s closing will again be employed.”

VCI’s leadership said the company is happy to be part of a positive story for a place “with great people.”

“We are extremely excited with our latest investment in Virginia,” said Dan Minor, President & CEO, Virginia Casting Industries. “We were amazed at the support and cooperation of everyone, including the Governor’s staff, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency. “There is no doubt, the state of Virginia is committed to attracting investment and is why the state has been named ‘Best State for Business’ for the past four years. We were overwhelmed with support from everyone from the City, State and Federal Government.”

“This is a great facility, with great people,” Minor continued. “The facility and the City has gone through many hardships over the past 10 years, concluding with the plant closure this past December. We are honored to be part of a positive story that we believe these people, city and state so much deserve.”

Minor also thanked environmental agencies for their assistance as well.

“We thank both DEQ and the Environmental Protection Agency for their help in obtaining the $250,000 stimulus grant for a Targeted Brownfields Assessment at Radford,” he said. “ Brownfields personnel at Virginia DEQ spent 10 months convincing EPA that the grant would help enhance the marketability of the Radford property.  EPA’s grant made a real difference in our decision to purchase the foundry.”

Wachovia Bank at 1040 E Main Street was robbed at gunpoint by a man on Thursday morning. According to Radford Department of Police Det. Sgt. Chris Caldwell, a man “walked into the bank, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the tellers” at 10:28 a.m. on Thursday.

The suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.  No one was injured in the incident.

According toRadford Det. Sgt. Andy Wilburn, a reward of up to $5000 is being offered by Wachovia Bank. The reward will be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the robbery of the bank.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6′0″ in height, medium build, mid 20’s in age, wearing all black clothing and sunglasses.  He is described as “having long black hair in a ponytail, possibly a wig, and a fake black moustache.”

According to Wilburn, “investigators now believe the suspect was on foot in the area near Third Avenue and Grove Avenue prior to the robbery.”

“He may have a vehicle in the municipal parking lot behind Taylor Office Supply or The Virginia Employment Commission,” Wilburn said in a statement. “The suspect was seen by witnesses in this area wearing what appeared to be a wig with a pony tail, facial hair and glasses.”

 His clothing is described as black pants and a black long sleeve shirt with black shoes that has a white stripe or marking on them.

Wilburn said the suspect “crossed the street in front of Wachovia after the robbery and headed East in the Alley behind Sturgill’s Jewelry and The Pet Center.” He may have changed into blue colored shorts with a white T-shirt or tank top after the robbery.

Anyone that was in this area that may have seen the suspect is urged to call the Radford Police Department Crime Line at (540) 731-3627.

On Saturday at approximately 5:30 pm, officers responded to 1500 Staples Street “in regards to information that a possible clandestine methamphetamine lab may be present,” according to a statement by Radford Department of Police Lt. Scott Schwarzer. “City police obtained a search warrant and located the “meth lab” in Lot 82.”

Radford officers were assisted by members of the Claytor Lake Drug Task Force and the Virginia State Police.

“Evidence seized indicated that the occupants were actively producing Methamphetamine in the residence,” the statement reads. Darrin Wilson and Amanda Richardson were both arrested at the scene and charged with manufacturing methamphetamine; possessing two or more precursors to manufacture methamphetamine; possessing methamphetamine; and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Both are being held at the New River Valley Regional Jail on no bond.

Radford Fire and EMS personnel also responded and assisted with evacuating several nearby trailers.

According to Radford Department of Police Det. Sgt. Chris Caldwell, a man “walked into the bank, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the tellers” at 10:28 a.m. on Thursday.

The suspect fled the scene on foot in the direction of Tyler Avenue with an undisclosed amount of money.  No one was injured in the incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6′0″ in height, medium build, mid 20’s in age, wearing all black clothing and sunglasses.  He is described as “having long black hair in a ponytail, possibly a wig, and a fake black moustache.”

According to Caldwell, city police were assisted in the search for the suspect by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and their bloodhound along with the Radford University Police Department. 

“City Schools were asked to lock down until the suspect’s direction of travel had been determined,” Caldwell added.

Any person with information that may assist the police in solving this incident are encouraged to contact the Radford Police Department Tip Line at (540) 731-3627.

RADFORD – The 17^th Annual Radford Fire Department David “Pud” Pannell Memorial Car Show is set for Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the Danaher/Kollmorgen parking lot on West Main Street next to the city Police building.

The show promises a mass display of cars, hot rods, fire apparatus, model cars, motorcycles and pedal vehicles, vying for prizes and for viewing by those attending this major RFD fundraiser. The show is free to the public, and will be held rain or shine.

Photo by Bob Thomas

The RFD show is co-sponsored by New River Nissan, plus a large number of local businesses that make the event possible.

Major sponsored trophies are given for Best in Show, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior, Longest Distance Traveled, Best Fire Truck and Peoples Choice. The Fire Chief’s Choice, and the Tommy Long Memorial Trophy top the list of trophies. Each of these awards is sponsored by community-minded companies in the region.

The first 100 entrants receive a dash plaque to commemorate the show. Vehicles can enter the competition until noon on the day of the event. There is an entry fee of just $15. Awards will be made at 2 p.m.

The show is a way for the department to raise money to subsidize the budget and purchase needed items like turnout gear, trailers, boats and small equipment not available in the city’s budget allocation, according to Fire Chief Lee Simpkins. The organization also hosts a popular barbeque in the fall.

Simpkins said the RFD is grateful for the support of the trophy sponsors: Mullins Funeral Home, Dean’s Body Shop, Agee’s Used Parts, Bondurant Realty, New River Glass, New River Heating and Air, First 1 Bank of Virginia, K&J Properties, Davis & Davis Attorneys, and Northside Chevron. Greg Ridpath, Nationwide Insurance, sponsors the dash plaques.

Several dozens of other sponsors help with various costs of the show.

There are door prizes, music and food throughout the day. Appropriate vendors are welcomed at $25 for a space, no food vendors, please. Food will be sold by West End Dawgs of Radford.

For entry rules and applications, and vendor space, contact the department at 731-3618.

According to Radford Department of Police Detective Sgt. Chris Caldwell, Radford police officers “responded to reports of gunshots being fired in the area of Second Street and Forest Avenue in the City of Radford” Tuesday  at 10:42 p.m.

Upon arrival, officers found a male victim who had been assaulted.

“This victim reported that during the assault shots had been fired at him,” Caldwell said in a statement. “The victim was treated for minor injuries including a grazing gun shot wound and later released from the hospital.”

Police are seeking two male suspects in the incident and a female suspect who remained in a vehicle during the assault and shooting. The male suspects have been described as a black male approximately 18-21 years-old, 5′9″ – 5′10″ with short hair or shaved head wearing a hoodie; and a white male 6′4″ – 6′5″ wearing a big jacket and jeans.

The suspects were possibly driving a silver or grey four door sedan.

Caldwell said Tuesday evening’s shooting is not believed to be related to last week’s shooting. Last Wednesday, David Bradley Menefee, 27, of Collinsville was arrested and is being held without bond on attempted murder charges after shooting at two people in Radford on last Tuesday night.

In that incident, a male and a female victim were shot at while walking on Jeffries Drive. Neither victim was injured in the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident on Second Street and Forest Avenue are asked to contact Sergeant Chris Caldwell at 540-267-3190.