Good morning, Blacksburg.

Montgomery County will mark its Semiquincentennial in 2026, celebrating 250 years since its early settlement and namesake, Revolutionary War general Richard Montgomery.

The county, anchored by Virginia Tech, anticipates local commemorative events + new transit developments like Amtrak service at Cambria Station in Christiansburg in 2027.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner in December at The Inn at Virginia Tech to honor local leaders, nonprofits and businesses, drawing over 450 attendees.

The event celebrated achieving all strategic goals and recognized honorees in various award categories.

Local pharmacies have installed 296 solar panels across three sites to cut energy bills and boost sustainability.

Meanwhile, construction began in September on solar installations at the Town of Christiansburg’s recreation and aquatics centers, which will power the buildings by early 2026 — saving $1.7 million over the contract.

A federal grant of nearly $485,000 will fund construction of three new aircraft hangars at the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport (VTMEA).

The project will boost local aviation and is expected to begin soon.

Virginia Tech wrestling returned after a two-and-a-half-week break at the 2025 Ken Kraft Midlands Championships, where eight athletes earned podium finishes and true freshmen Aaron Seidel and Collin Gaj each captured a title.

The team's strong comeback highlights their readiness for a competitive season.

The Hokies began the year with wins against Queens at Christiansburg Aquatics Center, with the women scoring 159-105 and the men 147-110.

Standouts Carmen Weiler Sastre and Brendan Whitfield earned multiple first-place finishes in their events.

The VHSL announced the 2025-26 National Guard Cup fall standings; Auburn leads Class 1 with 172.5 points — Blacksburg finished third in Class 4, with standings based on athletic and academic performance.