You know those weather alert things that you can buy for $50 and hang on your wall to let you know when a disaster is going to happen? They work here now, which is exciting the local press and government to no end. WVIR, the Progress and WINA are all reporting this one. The real news, though, is that a Florida-based company, Dyn-o-mat, has created a powder that, when dumped on storm clouds, turns it into a gel that drops harmessly to the ground. So we may not need those radios after all.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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I’m amazed that WVIR is reporting on this! Why, if everyone had these Weather Alert Radios, it might seriously jeopardize the ratings of WVIR’s hard-hitting news program, having made a good half of the broadcast pointless.
Well, at least we can still tune in for their charming banter.
ben.c
Finally! The problem is it only works in town. Most places where you would need such a thing are hidden from almost all radio, even FM and AM radio stations. A satellite solution would be great, but hauling all the gear to pick up satellite weather fax isn’t really possible right now :)