by Laurence Hammack | Feb 22, 2008 | Investigative reporting
Roanoke Mayor Nelson Harris is calling for an audit of the city council’s expenses for meals and travel after learning that one member spent nearly as much last year as the rest of the body combined. Councilman Alfred Dowe went through $14,604 on restaurant...
by Laurence Hammack | Feb 21, 2008 | Investigative reporting
After running up a tab of nearly $15,000 on his city-issued credit card for meals and travel expenses last year, Roanoke Councilman Alfred Dowe has been asked to curb his spending. Mayor Nelson Harris said Wednesday he recently asked Dowe “to refrain from making...
by Laurence Hammack | May 21, 2006 | Investigative reporting
On an April afternoon in 1978, the forces of nature overcame the folly of man when the Roanoke River, enraged by torrential rains, flooded an apartment complex built on its banks. More than 200 residents of Willow River apartments were forced to flee, prompting a...
by Laurence Hammack | Dec 17, 2005 | Investigative reporting
Behind a table bearing shotguns and revolvers, and next to a hand-written sign that read “Private Sale; No Paperwork!,” Mike Smith sat waiting for business. Smith’s gun sale was private in one sense. But it was held in a very public place — the...
by Laurence Hammack | May 21, 2000 | Investigative reporting
Men who beat their wives or girlfriends can also beat the system. Many are never arrested. While Roanoke police responded to 4,535 calls of domestic violence last year and magistrates heard countless other complaints, just 1,139 assault charges were resolved in court....
by Laurence Hammack | Jul 3, 1994 | Investigative reporting
With the banging of gavels this month, four men will start work in some of the Roanoke Valley’s most powerful jobs. As new judges, they will change peoples’ lives every day. They will decide who goes to prison or jail, and for how long. They will decide...