The new department will employ eight full-time positions and cost about half a million dollars.

ROANOKE, Va. – One person has been displaced after a fire in southwest Roanoke, according to the city’s Fire-EMS department. Authorities say crews were dispatched around 3:30 a.m. to the 2900 block of Roberts Road SW. When units arrived, they found a home with smoke showing and were able to put out the fire in about 25 minutes, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS. The person that was displaced is being helped by the Red Cross. Authorities say the cause of the fire is under investigation.

FIELDALE, Va. – UPDATE - 6:16 p.m. Dec. 01, 2020Authorities have identified the man found dead in the Smith River in late October. Henry County Sheriff’s Office deputies found his car in the 2700 block of Fairystone Park Highway in Bassett. The preliminary autopsy results showed no apparent signs of foul play or homicide, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. At about 11:13 a.m., Perry said the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a call that someone saw a body floating down the Smith River. Swift water rescue scene in Henry County along Smith River on Oct. 29, 2020 (WSLS 10)ORIGINAL STORY - 12:23 p.m. Oct. 29, 2020A swift water rescue is underway in Henry County Thursday afternoon.