What's News Today: March 20, 2017

(WSLS 10) - Youth with disabilities and their families can attend an information session today about Project SEARCH. It is a one year program that provides education and training to prepare disabled youth to be work ready after graduating from high school. The program is open to people living in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties and Roanoke City. The open house starts at 6 p.m. at the Carilion Rehabilitation Building.

The Bedford Regional Water Authority will begin sending water from Smith Mountain Lake to town customers today. This is the first phase of the water line project that will eventually run to Forest. At first, the line will send less than 100 thousand gallons a day, or about ten percent of the town's daily demand. The authority will increase the volume over time, reducing the amount the town pulls from Stoney Creek.

Wytheville Community College begins offering a Powerline Worker Training Program today. The new program will last 14 weeks and prepare students to earn industry credentials. According to the college, starting salaries average between $15 and $20 per hour. Another class begins next month.

The Arrive Alive campaign kicks off today. The campaign focuses on increased risks to middle and high schools during the spring and summer months. Middle schools will talk about being a safe passenger, pedestrian, and cyclist. High Schools will focus on preventing risky driving behaviors, drowsy driving, underage drinking, and speeding. The program is sponsored by Youth of Virginia Speak Out and Virginia State Police.

The Wytheville Community College Choir will perform today in New York City. They will sing in Carnegie Hall. The choir was invited by Manhattan Concert Productions after hearing a recording of the choir performing "Jubilate Deo". Four other choirs from across the country will join the Wytheville choir.

Susan Still, President and CEO, of HomeTown Bankshares will ring the opening bell today at the NASDAQ MarketSite. Hometown Bankshares is the parent company of Hometown Bank. The opening bell rings at 9:30 a.m.

Part of Route 716 in Rockbridge County will close starting today. Crews from VDOT will replace the bridge over Mouse Run, between Stuart Road and Maury River Road. Work is expected to take four weeks.

Training begins today in Franklin County for those wanting to volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. CASA is a child advocacy program, assisting children and attorneys and guardians as well as makes sure that court orders are being followed. Applicants must be 21.

Today is Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen. Restaurants will give out a free cone today and ask that, in return, you make a donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Money raised at each restaurant will stay in the local community. Last year, stores raised more than $200,000 nationwide.