Radford cancels commencement

As a result of the winter storm, Radford University canceled winter commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday and today.

For a complete list of weather-related cancellations in the New River and Roanoke valleys, go to www.roanoke.com.

Virginia Tech to keep dorms open longer

In case of weather-related travel delays, Virginia Tech will allow graduating seniors and others attending commencement who live on-campus to remain in their dorms until noon Sunday, the university announced Friday.

All other on-campus students were told to vacate the dorms within 24 hours of finishing their final exams.

Pulaski County animal shelter open longer hours

The Pulaski County Animal Shelter will be open extra hours through next week for viewing animals and possible adoptions.

All owner and stray surrenders must be admitted during regular hours that Pulaski County Animal Control operates, according to a news release from the nonprofit.

The shelter at 80 Dublin Park Road in Dublin will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.

For information, call 674-0089 or go online to www.pchsva.org

Police, utility warn about con artists

Some New River Valley localities have issued warnings in recent weeks about people impersonating utility workers to attempt to enter people's homes or to steal money from them.

Last week, Radford officials said they had received two complaints about such con artists -- one in which two men were posing as city water department employees and a second in which at least two men said they worked for Appalachian Power.

This week, Pembroke police said four men had been in the town, claiming to be trimming tree limbs for the power company. The men bilked one resident out of $350, police said.

"Customers need to be wary of anyone who says he or she is an Appalachian Power employee and asks for cash or asks to enter your home," Gary McGraw, AEP's security coordinator, said in a news release that offered the following safety tips for customers:

AEP employees always carry company identification.

Employees can be identified by calling the company's Customer Solutions Center at (800) 956-4237.

Employees do not collect money in the field.

Employees do not enter homes unless requested to do so.

Contractors working for Appalachian Power are in clearly marked vehicles

If you are approached by anyone claiming to be working for a utility company without proper identification or sense something suspicious, call your local police immediately.

Radford police offer new classes for residents

The Radford Police Department is accepting applications for its second Citizen's Police Academy.

The academy, which is offered free, will meet 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 2 through April 6, according to a news release from the city.

It is designed to give residents an overview of police work and the department. Space is limited.

Applications may be picked up at the police department, 601 W. Main St.

For more information, contact Lt. Pete Rutzinski at 731-3626.

Radford set to collect used Christmas trees

Radford Public Works Department crews will start collecting Christmas trees Jan. 4.

Residents can put trees out with their normal trash collection through Jan. 15 or they can bring them to the 17th Street Drop Center during normal operating hours.

Virginia 679 bridge to be replaced

A section of Virginia 679 (Nolley Road) in Montgomery County will be closed to through traffic starting Jan. 4 so the bridge over Elliot Creek can be replaced, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Nolley Road will be closed at its intersection with Virginia 669 (Union Valley Road).

Drivers should use Virginia 615 (Pilot Road) and Virginia 669 to detour around the closure.

Work is anticipated to be completed by Jan. 18.

VDOT crews to do work on Virginia 693

Weather permitting Jan. 5, the Virginia Department of Transportation will begin taking soil and pavement samples on a section of Virginia 693 (Lead Mine Road) in Pulaski County.

The borings are needed for the development of plans for proposed improvements to the road, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Flaggers and pilot trucks will control traffic on the section of Virginia 693 between its intersections with Virginia 672 (Lowmans Ferry Road) and Virginia 669 (Cecils Chapel Road).

Drivers can expect possible delays between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Jan 5 to 8.

-- The Roanoke Times