By Debbie Adams
Vinton Town Council spent the afternoon of Sept. 16 celebrating the groundbreaking for a new
Extended Stay America Premier Suites hotel on Pollard Street. The celebration continued into
the evening at the town council meeting.
Council invited Mitesh Amin, Managing Partner for KARA Hospitality, and his team, to the
meeting to issue a proclamation thanking them for making “a significant investment” in the
future of Vinton.
“The Extended Stay America Premier Suites hotel will attract visitors, business travelers, and
tourists, thereby increasing tax revenues and stimulating the local economy…and enhance our
town’s revitalization efforts,” the proclamation read.
KARA Hospitality to the council meeting. Pictured left to right are Councilman Mike Stovall,
Vice Mayor Laurie Mullins, Mayor Brad Grose, KARA Hospitality Managing Partner Mitesh
Amin, Council members Sabrina McCarty and Keith Liles, Town Manager Pete Peters, and
KARA Hospitality Regional Director Hoang Nguyen. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Next, council adopted a resolution naming the week of September 17-23 as “Constitution Week”
to commemorate the document’s 238th anniversary, its history, and its importance, and presented
it to Regent Susan Doyle and Past Regent Cindy Higgins representing the Roanoke Valley
NSDAR which meets in Vinton.
proclamation from Vice Mayor Laurie Mullins (center).
Deputy Police Chief Tim Lawless shared more good news with the hiring of two new police
officers by the VPD—Officer Anthony Walker and Officer Jeremy Marsh–and recognition of
Officer Jake Miller who is transferring to the Criminal Investigation Division.
Walker “began his career in law enforcement in November 2022 with the Roanoke City Police
Dept., bringing with him a strong work ethic, life experience, and a passion for service,” Lawless
said.
Hurt (on left) and Deputy Chief Tim Lawless
“Prior to joining the police dept., he built his career in manufacturing and machining, where he
developed a strong eye for detail and a deep appreciation for discipline and hard work, skills that
continue to serve him well in his law enforcement role.
“Anthony is a dedicated husband and father; he has been happily married to his wife, Ashlie, for
nine years and is the proud father of two energetic boys. He credits his family and faith as the
guiding forces in his life, placing God and family above all else.
“Outside of his professional duties, he enjoys spending his free time hiking, working out at the
gym, and watching football.
“Driven by a genuine passion for helping others and a desire to make a positive impact in his
community, Anthony looks forward to continuing his service as he transitions to the Vinton
Police Dept. His commitment to serving and protecting is rooted not just in duty, but in a
heartfelt belief in community, compassion, and justice.
“With strong values, a servant’s heart, and a steady sense of purpose, Anthony is proud to wear
the badge and serve those around him with integrity and respect.”
“Jeremy Marsh has been in law enforcement for nine years with the City of Roanoke,” Lawless
said. “After working patrol, he was transferred to the community response team where his focus
was on narcotics, gang investigations, being an operator on the SWAT team, and teaching
defensive tactics at the Academy.
Hurt (on left) and Deputy Chief Tim Lawless
“He found his passion in narcotic/firearm investigations, but states that his most fulfilling job at
Roanoke City was working juvenile gang investigations where part of his focus was on
prevention, intervention, and developing mentorship programs for juvenile gang members.
“Jeremy is a Christian, a husband to Erin Marsh, and father to a son, with another little one on
the way. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology and will be pursuing a master’s in
counseling at Liberty University. He’s an active member at his church, where he enjoys playing
guitar, drums, and leading a life group. His hobbies are bow hunting, reading, and spending time
with his family.
“Jeremy and his family are excited about starting this new journey with the Town of Vinton,
serving the Vinton community, and he looks forward to a long career with the VPD.”
Lawless next recognized Officer Miller who has transferred from the Patrol Division to the
Criminal Investigations Division.
“Officer Miller has distinguished himself through his work on patrol and has demonstrated a
strong talent for investigative work. During his career, he has completed several specialized
training courses,” including Advanced Search and Seizure Techniques, Advanced Interview and
Interrogation Techniques, Human Trafficking and Child Abduction Investigations, Auto Theft
Investigations, Mexican Drug Cartel Investigations, Introduction to Bullet Trajectory, Basic
Crime Scene Photography, and many more. He is a graduate of the 100th Session of the Virginia
Dept. of Forensic Science Academy.
“These skills will serve him and the department well as he transitions to his new role.
“Although transfers don’t always receive formal recognition, I believe it’s important to
acknowledge the dedication and commitment it takes for an officer to prepare for and succeed in
a specialized assignment such as investigations. His move to CID is a reflection of both his hard
work and his commitment to serving the community at the highest level.”
Public Works Director Bo Herndon updated council on the numerous projects—current and
upcoming–that the department is working on, including paving and patching, stormwater
improvements and repair, signal light replacement, installation of greenway restrooms, the
possible use of fleet fuel cards, road patching on Niagara Road, options for repairs to 3 rd Street,
etc.
Finance Director/Treasurer Andrew Keen and Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton reported that
tax revenues remain high; the town has a large cash balance, but it will be drawn down soon for
projects including the multigenerational park, paving, and a police trailer.
