Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994 TAG: 9407210014
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
M.R., Roanok
A: Water Department workers check the level about every two weeks. According to one of them, the 1.8-foot reading was taken June 6.
Another reading on Monday showed the level was 2.4 feet below normal, which isn't unusual in the summer.
The cove's water level is checked more frequently when the level changes faster.
Belted cows
Q: While traveling in Georgia last month, we saw a herd of cattle that had "saddleback" coloring, that is, black bodies with a white band around the belly. Are they bred in the United States?
R.J., Roanok
A: That herd probably was the belted Galloway breed, which originated in Scotland and was brought here in 1951.
A double layer of hair, curly on the surface, allows the belted Galloway to produce lean beef because it doesn't need a layer of fat to stay warm, according to the breed's association headquarters in Alabama.
John Vest of the Virginia Tech Extension office in Roanoke County said the breed is liked by some growers for esthetic reasons-its beauty-or because they want an exotic animal with markings that set it apart.
Sometimes tourists who see those herds call them "oreo cows."
Vest said the beef itself is not particularly distinguishable from some other breeds.
In Virginia, perhaps 25 farmers own some of these cattle. Nationwide, about 500 farmers have registered 5,000 purebred belted Galloways.
Guarantee pays
Q: Who pays for the rework being done on Shenandoah Avenue just east of 24th Street? A bridge was replaced there within the past year, and now it looks like they're doing it again.
A.T.P., Roanok
A: The contractor takes care of the cost on this one. The job, actually for a culvert, cost $281,559 and was completed in February.
Pavement sank on either side of the culvert, and the cost of leveling things out is covered by a one-year guarantee, said Phil Schirmer of the city engineering department.
Senator's health plan
Q: I would like know what types of free government-sponsored health care Sen. Bob Dole receives.
J.S., Roanok
A: None of the senator's health care is free, but there are some excellent benefits available at bargain rates.
The Capitol physician's office is available to senators for $520 a year, providing physical exams and most kinds of primary care.
Senators also can go to Walter Reed Army Hospital or Bethesda Naval Hospital at low cost and be treated by some of the nation's best doctors.
Got a question about something that might affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB