Roanoke.com: Breaking news, sports and weather from The Roanoke Times newspaper

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Golfers: What are your favorite holes in the area? See if our Timesland Dream 18 is up to par and nominate your favorite.

Goodlatte asks park service to study Natural Bridge

Roanoke congressman Bob Goodlatte has asked for a study to determine if Natural Bridge should become a national park. The privately owned 215-foot-high geological landmark and tourist attraction in Rockbridge County, was recently put up for sale. Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, whose 6th Congressional District includes Natural Bridge, asked the National Park Service to look into the possibility of the bridge becoming part of the National Park system. “Many people in the community are greatly concerned about the future of the iconic Natural Bridge,” Goodlatte said in a statement released today by his spokeswoman, Beth Breeding. “As a result of a request from those looking at the various options for the future of the landmark, I have asked the National Park Service to study whether it would be possible to potentially add Natural Bridge to the system under very specific parameters: 1) it would be done with private funds; 2) a conservation easement would be placed on adjoining property to protect it for the future.” Both the National Park Service and Valley Conservation Council were contacted, but neither body had an immediate comment today. The towering limestone arch, carved naturally by the creek that runs under it, has drawn visitors for hundreds of years.

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Archaeological dig reveals the past

Aquatic center goes for record

Trainer's passion started early

Dealing with a diabetes diagnosis

State OKs $3 million for culvert to help Roanoke rail project 3:29 p.m.

Marion police chief arrested on drug charge 11:57 a.m. 3

Cuccinelli's office presses feds to release Abbott settlement funds 11:05 a.m.

Military bristles at Roanoke County woman's 'Operation Bedsheet' 14

Roanoke councilman's switch appears to doom 28.5 percent pay increase 5

1. COMMENTARY: A letter to the ones left behind

2. Military bristles at Roanoke County woman's 'Operation Bedsheet'

3. Blacksburg police investigate death of 24-year-old woman

4. Marion police chief arrested on drug charge

5. Archaeologists uncover pieces of the past at Washington & Lee

6. 2 men charged in Blacksburg break-in Monday

7. Dublin town attorney Baker found guilty of reckless driving, not DUI

8. New River Community College shooting suspect waives right to preliminary hearing

9. Franklin County to purchase 2 YMCA properties, fund new career and technical center

10. Bond set for Roanoke man charged in death of stepson

THE ROANOKE TIMES

State OKs $3 million for culvert to help Roanoke rail project
3:29 p.m.

Marion police chief arrested on drug charge
11:57 a.m. 3

Cuccinelli's office presses feds to release Abbott settlement funds
11:05 a.m.

Military bristles at Roanoke County woman's 'Operation Bedsheet'
14

Roanoke councilman's switch appears to doom 28.5 percent pay increase
5