ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Leslie Engleking, one of several suspects charged in the case revolving around Lloyd Welch Junior and the Lyon sisters is expected to be sentenced today in Bedford County. He pleaded no contest to a perjury charge and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Engleking is the brother of Patricia Welch, who is also charged with perjury in this case. She's accused of falsely testifying before a grand jury. She's scheduled to go to trial in August. Her husband, Richard Welch, was considered a "person of interest" in the 1975 disappearance of Sheila and Katherine Lyon. Richard Welch is the uncle of Lloyd Lee Welch, Junior who is charged with two counts of first degree felony murder in the Lyon sisters' deaths. He's scheduled to go to trial in October. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The bathroom law debate is now in Campbell County. During the May Board of Supervisors meeting Supervisor Zehr raised the concern that localities do not presently have the authority under state law to regulate the use of county -owned or school owned facilities that are designated for the use of a specific biological sex. Staff advised that Delegate Mark Cole had submitted legislation in the 2016 session that would have partially addressed this concern, though the legislation failed. The Board directed staff to add the matter to the legislative agenda and to draft a resolution requesting that such authority be given to localities in the short term. The staff attorney drafted a resolution with Delegate Cole requesting the General Assembly pass legislation allowing localities to regulate the use of facilities that are disgnated for use by a specific sex, the Governor issue an executive order and the federal government pass legislation making it a matter decided locally.
Vinton Police Chief Tom Foster will be introduced to the Town Council tonight. He started in March... After working with Virginia State Police. Following the meeting there is a work session where they will hear more about the rezoning of the former Roanoke County Vinton Branch Library. There is a petition currently in front of the county for the building to be renovated for a Macado's Restaurant.
The U.S. Secretary of Education will be in Virginia today along with Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe and Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton for an event in Petersburg, highlighting the importance of nutritious summer meals for children and teens.
Nurses can expand their skills with a new program at Patrick Henry Community College. The class starts today for Registered Medication Aid. The 68-hour program trains students for work in assisted living facilities as a medication aide and qualifies participants to take the State Registered Medication Aide Exam. Students are taught the basic knowledge and skills needed to perform medication administration safely and effectively including basic pharmacology and the five rights of medication administration. During the program, students have the opportunity to receive an in-the-field training experience in an assisted living facility.
Danville City Council will discuss a resolution to remove the Long Mill/White Mill Dam. No votes will be taken, but council members will discuss the citizen input that was collected at the May 19th public meeting regarding the dam. Council members will decide whether they want more information from public works or whether they want to put the resolution on the agenda for the June 21st meeting and vote on it then.
Roanoke County meets today to talk about construction. On the agenda, A Cave Spring Middle School memorial for Kendall Bayne and Hannah Bryant. Both girls lost their battle with cancer within the last year.
If you're looking for something fun to do tonight... There is a free concert from the Roanoke Valley Community Band. It starts at 7 p.m. At Hidden Valley High School. The hour-long concert includes music from the movies including samples from Zorro, Raiders of the Lost Ark, ET, Hook, and Schindler's List. Violin soloist Sage Wrigh was a top 10 finalist on America's Got Talent and will play. You'll hear pieces from Toy Story, Cars, and The Incredibles. Disney fans will enjoy a collection ranging from vintage Disney to newer pieces such as Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and more!