Vinton Voice

Vinton Voice The Vinton Voice is a local, Vinton & Roanoke VA news blog covering Vinton & Roanoke, VA (And Beyond) . We’re community-driven, non sponsor-controlled.

Just real stories and updates from people who live here. Notice: Some Images May Be AI Generated.

06/06/2026

🏊‍♂️ With temperatures near 90 degrees today (Friday June 5th 2026), Fallon Park Pool was packed with swimmers looking to beat the heat.

While the Roanoke Valley still has a few places to cool off, many longtime Vinton residents remember when local options included Bush Valley, Aqua Net, Lake Drive Swim Club, and the old Vinton Pool.

Today, those pools are memories, leaving fewer summertime swimming choices for local families.

💬 Where do you plan to swim this summer?

What pool, lake, river, or swimming hole do you recommend?

👇 Let us know in the comments!

📚 NEW PRINCIPAL NAMED FOR READ MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 📚Botetourt County, Va. — Botetourt County Public Schools has annou...
06/05/2026

📚 NEW PRINCIPAL NAMED FOR READ MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 📚

Botetourt County, Va. — Botetourt County Public Schools has announced that Kara Halsey will become the new principal of Read Mountain Middle School, effective July 1.

Halsey currently serves as principal of Eagle Rock Elementary School, where district officials say she helped lead significant improvements in literacy, student achievement, staff development, and overall school culture. Under her leadership, Eagle Rock Elementary earned consecutive Virginia Department of Education Highest Achievement Awards.

According to the school division, Halsey brings years of experience within Botetourt County Schools. Before becoming principal at Eagle Rock Elementary, she taught English at Read Mountain Middle School, served on the school's leadership team, and also taught at Salem High School.

Botetourt County Superintendent Dr. Janet Womack praised Halsey’s commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and building strong relationships with students, families, staff, and the community.

Halsey holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hollins University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Radford University. She is also currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education.

In a statement, Halsey said she is honored and excited to return to Read Mountain Middle School in a leadership role and looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and the community to continue building on the school's success.

Please join us in congratulating Kara Halsey on her new role at Read Mountain Middle School!

🔹 LYNCHBURG JUDGE ORDERS VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TO HALT PRIVATE GUN SALE BACKGROUND CHECKS 🔹LYNCHBURG, Va. — A Lynchburg ...
06/05/2026

🔹 LYNCHBURG JUDGE ORDERS VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TO HALT PRIVATE GUN SALE BACKGROUND CHECKS 🔹

LYNCHBURG, Va. — A Lynchburg Circuit Court judge has ordered the Virginia State Police to stop conducting criminal history background checks for private firearm sales while an ongoing legal challenge continues through the court system.

The ruling, issued by Judge Patrick Yeatts, states that a previously issued injunction remains in effect, preventing Virginia State Police from processing background checks related to private firearm transactions.

The legal dispute centers on Virginia’s universal background check law and subsequent legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly during the 2026 session. Virginia State Police had recently resumed processing private-sale background checks following the enactment of the new law.

However, the court determined that the existing injunction remains in place while attorneys continue to argue how the newly enacted legislation impacts the case.

Following the ruling, Virginia State Police updated information on its fi****ms services website to reflect that private-sale firearm background checks are currently unavailable due to the court order.

The case remains active, and additional court proceedings are expected as both sides continue to present arguments regarding the legality and enforcement of the state’s firearm background check requirements.

This is a developing legal matter, and future court rulings could impact how private firearm sales are handled across Virginia.

⚖️ Do you agree with the judge’s ruling?

👍 Yes
😡 No

Tell us in the comments.

🚨 Search Warrant: Truck Driver 'Dozed Off' Before Fatal I-81 Crash That Killed Three People**ROANOKE COUNTY, Va.** — New...
06/05/2026

🚨 Search Warrant: Truck Driver 'Dozed Off' Before Fatal I-81 Crash That Killed Three People

**ROANOKE COUNTY, Va.** — Newly revealed court documents indicate investigators believe a truck driver may have **"dozed off"** moments before a devastating Interstate 81 crash that killed three people, including a 2-year-old child.

According to a search warrant obtained during the investigation, dashcam footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows 58-year-old **El Hadji Karamoko Ouattara** appearing to have **dozed off** prior to the December 22, 2025 collision.

Authorities say the tractor-trailer left the roadway and struck a minivan carrying multiple occupants. Three people lost their lives in the crash:

• Lorraine Renee Williams, 65
• Ebony Latasha Williams, 49
• Shazziyah Lesley, 2

Three additional occupants survived with injuries.

The newly disclosed dashcam evidence provides one of the clearest indications yet of what may have led to the deadly crash. Ouattara now faces **three counts of involuntary manslaughter** in connection with the incident.

The case has also renewed concerns about driver fatigue and commercial vehicle safety on Virginia highways. Federal regulations governing commercial truck drivers generally require:

• 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving
• A maximum of 11 hours of driving time following the required rest period
• A 14-hour on-duty limit before a new rest period is required
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving

Investigators have not publicly stated whether Ouattara was in compliance with federal hours-of-service requirements at the time of the crash.

The case remains under investigation as it moves through the court system.

💬 Do you believe driver fatigue is one of the biggest safety concerns facing motorists on Interstate 81?

🥤 LOCAL ROANOKE AREA DEBATE TIME 🥤A friend from out of town is visiting Roanoke for the very first time.You can only tak...
06/05/2026

🥤 LOCAL ROANOKE AREA DEBATE TIME 🥤

A friend from out of town is visiting Roanoke for the very first time.

You can only take them to ONE local restaurant to show off the Roanoke Valley.

Where are you taking them?

👇 Drop your answer in the comments and tell us why!

Bonus Question: What dish are they ordering when they get there?

ROANOKE VINTON SALEM ALL FAIR GAME!

Three Rescued From Separate Vehicle Crashes in FincastleFINCASTLE, Va. — Firefighters with the Fincastle Volunteer Fire ...
06/04/2026

Three Rescued From Separate Vehicle Crashes in Fincastle

FINCASTLE, Va. — Firefighters with the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department rescued three people from two separate vehicle accidents Wednesday afternoon, including two incidents involving vehicles that went over steep embankments.

According to the department, crews first responded to the 900 block of Botetourt Road, where a pickup truck had reportedly left the roadway and traveled approximately 50 feet down a steep embankment. Firefighters deployed a rope rescue system to safely reach and remove the driver. Due to the difficult terrain and limited access, a heavy-duty rotator was later brought in to recover the vehicle.

A short time later, crews were dispatched to the 900 block of Springwood Road for another single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, firefighters found a vehicle resting on its side after going over an embankment, with two occupants trapped inside.

Rescuers worked to free the occupants by removing the roof of the vehicle before safely extricating both individuals.

The Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department praised the dedication and training of its volunteer members following the challenging rescues.

“These incidents demonstrate the value of a highly trained volunteer fire department. Whether responding to structure fires, medical emergencies, or complex vehicle rescues, our members stand ready to serve the community when called upon,” the department said.

No information on the extent of injuries has been released.

📍 Have you ever witnessed a vehicle go over an embankment on one of our area's rural roads? Let us know in the comments.

Vehicle Crashes Into Power Pole at Bedford County Subaru Dealership, One InjuredBedford County, Va. — Emergency crews re...
06/03/2026

Vehicle Crashes Into Power Pole at Bedford County Subaru Dealership, One Injured

Bedford County, Va. — Emergency crews responded to a serious two-vehicle crash Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Terry Subaru dealership on Forest Road in Bedford County.

According to the Forest Fire Department, the crash involved two SUVs and resulted in significant damage. Officials say one of the vehicles struck a power pole, causing low-hanging power lines to fall across all five lanes of Forest Road and creating a hazardous situation for motorists and first responders.

A second SUV reportedly rolled multiple times during the crash, leaving one occupant trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters worked to safely extricate the individual from the wreckage before the patient was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment.

The extent of the person's injuries has not been released.

Traffic in the area was impacted while emergency crews worked the scene and utility personnel addressed the damaged power lines.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

📸 Did you witness this crash or experience traffic delays in the area? Share your observations in the comments.

🦌🐾 Roanoke Police Issue Reminder: Leave Baby Wildlife Alone During Baby SeasonRoanoke Police are reminding residents tha...
06/03/2026

🦌🐾 Roanoke Police Issue Reminder: Leave Baby Wildlife Alone During Baby Season

Roanoke Police are reminding residents that baby season is still underway across the Roanoke Valley, and it’s common to encounter young wildlife that may appear to be abandoned.

Wildlife experts say mother animals often leave their babies in safe locations while they forage or hunt for food. This includes outdoor cats, which frequently leave kittens near homes and other human-occupied areas because people help deter predators.

If you come across a fawn, rabbit, kitten, or other young animal that appears to be alone, officials urge you to leave it where it is, keep your distance, and allow the mother time to return.

Removing or disturbing a baby animal can sometimes do more harm than good.

If you’re unsure whether an animal is truly in distress or needs assistance, contact your local animal protective services agency, the Department of Wildlife Resources, or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

Have you spotted any baby wildlife around your neighborhood this spring? Share your photos and stories in the comments! 🦌🐇🐿️

Shooting Suspect Arrested After Being Injured in Roanoke Gunfire ExchangeROANOKE, Va. — Roanoke Police have arrested a m...
06/03/2026

Shooting Suspect Arrested After Being Injured in Roanoke Gunfire Exchange

ROANOKE, Va. — Roanoke Police have arrested a man who was wounded during a shooting incident last month after investigators determined he was the person who allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals.

According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers responded on the evening of May 26, 2026, to reports of a shooting in the area of the 1800 block of Cove Road NW. Authorities say two men suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds were transported to local hospitals by private vehicles before officers arrived.

During the investigation, detectives determined the incident actually began in the parking lot of a convenience store located in the 1700 block of Cove Road NW. Police say a group of men were gathered in the parking lot when another man approached and allegedly began firing into the group.

Investigators say at least two people in the group returned fire, resulting in multiple individuals being struck. Police believe the shooting was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence.

Following the investigation, detectives identified 28-year-old Joshua Vaughn, of Roanoke, as the individual who allegedly initiated the gunfire. Vaughn was also one of the men injured during the exchange.

He has since been arrested and charged with:
• Aggravated Assault
• Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony

Police noted that while the original call reported the shooting near Ferncliff Avenue, the incident occurred across the parking lots in the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Cove Road NW.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Roanoke Police Department at (540) 344-8500.

🐾 LOST CAT ALERT – VINTON, VA 🐾Please help bring Charlie home!Charlie has been missing since approximately 11:00 a.m. on...
06/02/2026

🐾 LOST CAT ALERT – VINTON, VA 🐾

Please help bring Charlie home!

Charlie has been missing since approximately 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from the Lindenwood Drive area of Vinton. According to his family, Charlie managed to break the zipper on a cat enclosure and got outside.

Charlie’s Description:
🐱 Black and white tuxedo cat
🐱 Approximately 8 months old
🐱 Weighs about 7 pounds
🐱 Neutered
🐱 Microchipped
🐱 Not wearing a collar
🐱 Very friendly and not skittish
🐱 Has respiratory allergies and frequently sneezes (takes medication)

His family says they miss him terribly and are hoping the community can help bring him home safely.

📍 Last seen in the Lindenwood Drive area of Vinton

➡️ If you have seen Charlie or know where he may be, please comment below or send the Vinton Voice a private message, and we will help connect you with his family immediately.

Please share this post to help spread the word throughout Vinton and the Roanoke Valley. Every share increases the chances of Charlie making it back home. ❤️

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