Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Police looking for suspect in purse theft; Forest Service opens roads, closes others
A woman reported that someone threw her to the ground and took her purse as she walked Monday night in Radford, the city's spokeswoman said.
The incident happened about 10 p.m. in the 1200 block of Downey Street, city spokeswoman Becky Hawke said.
The woman, who wasn't named, suffered minor injuries, Hawke said.
She said the purse was recovered later but couldn't say where or what, if anything, was missing from it.
The suspect is described as a short-haired black man about 6 feet tall and weighing 150 to 160 pounds, Hawke said. He was wearing a black shirt and black pants at the time, she said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Radford police at 731-3627.
Forest Service opens roads, closes others
The U.S. Forest Service has announced that several roads will be closed while others will reopen in Montgomery and Giles counties.
In Montgomery County, the lower road to Pandapas Pond has been reopened after being closed most of the summer for reconstruction and paving. The rain this summer caused delays to that project, but drainage problems on the road and its parking lot have been fixed, according to a news release from the Forest Service.
In Giles County, about two miles of Rocky Mountain Road (Forest Development Road 734) is being closed to allow crews to cut and remove trees killed by gypsy moths. The affected section begins at the intersection with Virginia 721 (Interior Road) and ends at the intersection with Big Mountain Road (FDR 10570).
Rocky Mountain Road is scheduled to reopen by Oct. 1. Meanwhile, drivers will still be able to access the area using Big Mountain Road and the section of Rocky Mountain Road that connects with Virginia 613 near White Rocks Campground.
Additionally, gates on the following roads will be reopened Oct. 1 and remain open through Jan. 10:
Kelly Flats Road (Forest Road 942) in Giles County
No Business Road (FR P606) in Giles County
South Dismal Road, also known as Lion's Den Road (FR 1015), in Giles County
Brush Mountain Road (FR 188.1) in Montgomery County
For the most up-to-date information on road statuses, call the Eastern Divide Ranger District at 552-4641 or (888) 241-6669.
Radford city clerk's office to end passport service
The Radford City Circuit Court Clerk's Office will no longer process passport applications after Sept. 30, according to a news release from the city.
New federal mandates requiring additional mailing charges have forced the office to discontinue offering this service.
Residents should use the Radford post office at 901 W. Main St. for processing.
