Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport sets passenger record
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport set a passenger record in 2024, serving more than 756,000 travelers — a 2.8% increase over the previous record in 2000, the airport said Monday.
“The increase in passengers choosing to Fly ROA demonstrates the airport’s vital role in our region’s economic growth, serving both business travelers and tourists,” said Mike Stewart, executive director of Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in a statement. “The expanded capacity (flights and seats) provides our community with greater connectivity and more options for visitors who support local businesses.”
Starting Feb. 14, Allegiant will offer new weekly nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton, bringing the airport’s nonstop destination count to nine.
Virginia Breeze Bus Lines hits passenger record in 2024
Virginia Breeze Bus Lines, operated by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), carried a record number of passengers in 2024, the department said Monday.
Last year, the bus line served nearly 65,000 passengers across its four routes, the department said. This is the Virginia Breeze’s best year in its seven-year history and represents a 9.2% increase from 2023.
The service’s most popular route was the Blacksburg-to-Washington route:
- Valley Flyer (Blacksburg-Washington): 32,278 riders (+6.78%)
- Highlands Rhythm (Bristol-Washington): 17,716 riders (+14%)
- Capital Connector (Martinsville-Richmond-Washington): 7,786 riders (+13%)
- Piedmont Express (Danville-Washington): 6,942 riders (+4%)
For more information on Virginia Breeze Bus Lines, including schedules, ticketing, and trip planning, visit www.virginiabreeze.org.
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Washington County Sheriff’s Office starts anonymous text tip line
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has launched an anonymous text tip line.
People wishing to send anonymous tips may text 847411 and start the message with WCSOVA, then the message.
The technology strips all identifying information so that senders cannot be traced, according to a statement from Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis.
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Danville opens applications for Youth Police Academy
The Danville Police Department is now taking applications for the Youth Police Academy summer camp.
The camp is for ages 9-17.
The academy goes from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, from June 9-26. Early drop-off and late pick-up is available. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Awards, speakers, demonstrations, physical fitness activities and more will be held during the academy.
“The Youth Police Academy provides children with real life experiences as told by community members, police officers, their peers, and others. Each child will also learn what officers are tasked to do each day,” Cpt. Sylvia Brooks said in a statement.
Parents must provide transportation to and from the Danville Police Department, located at 1 Community Way.
For the participant application, click here. For Youth Police Academy leader applications, click here.
