Good morning, Blacksburg.

Smokestack Theatre previewed its 2026 season (featuring a mix of classic plays and modern productions) during a discussion on Jan.

7 at its main stage. The theatre will soon announce performance dates and ticket information for local audiences.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame unveiled a Virginia Tech Hokies bobblehead featuring Hokiebird for National Bobblehead Day on Wednesday, Jan.

7 — orders will ship in May with a price of 35 dollars and an 8-dollar shipping charge.

A Virginia Tech team — based in Blacksburg — announced research showing some US dams are deforming yesterday.

The study offers important insights into dam safety that may guide future inspections across the region.

A backlog of fire trucks affected firefighting efforts last night, leading the local fire department to review its repair + maintenance schedules.

Officials expect to implement new measures soon to boost emergency response times in Blacksburg.

Carilion said on Jan.

7 that despite a slight rise in flu cases around the holidays, the season is following normal trends and most patients recover well (flu test results remain steady).

Substance Use Treatment Awareness Month is highlighting local treatment options and support as community health providers share program details, with updates continuing throughout January in Blacksburg.

Officials announced Walker Foundry's redevelopment has received a $2.5 million grant to build over 200 new housing units for missing middle households — providing more homeownership options locally.