Good morning, Blacksburg.

Texas Tavern mourned longtime employee Joe Russell, who joined in 1985 and served as a husband, father, grandfather and Navy veteran.

His life touched the local community and will be remembered.

The Danish Radio Big Band, led by Miho Hazama, will perform with jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant at the Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb.

20 at 7:30 p.m. (tickets cost between $25 and $65) as it begins a limited U.S. tour.

Virginia Tech sociology professor Sarah Ovink warns that romantic movies may set unrealistic expectations for love, noting that happily ever after stories rarely match real relationships.

With Valentine's Day approaching, residents can enjoy rom-coms while acknowledging that building solid bonds takes work (and every love story is unique).

Chatham Hall students are creating 600+ Valentine's Day cards to share with local residents and businesses around town to spread love; the project will run until Valentine's Day.

Virginia Tech alumni Jim and Augustine Smith donated a record $20M to Virginia Tech Carilion.

The donation will fund scholarships to boost in-state student enrollment and expand the future physician workforce.

VCOM announced a 32,000 sqft expansion at 1701 Kraft Dr — adding classroom space and preparing to launch a new MHSA program in collaboration with Bluefield University.

The project remains under town planning review and is expected to finish in July when classes begin.

Former Blacksburg High School star pitcher Robyn Mann is named the new head softball coach after three seasons as an assistant.

She aims to build a fun, positive team culture using her years of playing and coaching experience.

Christiansburg High School named Kamren Harris-Gilliam its new softball coach; she served as junior varsity head coach since 2022 and will replace Sean Gaynor from Auburn High—she plans to lead the team and develop student-athletes for future competitions.

Texas native Carleigh Wenzel has boosted the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team into a seven-game win streak, averaging 17.3 points + 4.0 assists in her last seven games.

The redshirt junior continues her career year in the current 2025/26 season in Blacksburg, where her efforts shine on the court.

2026 Blacksburg Classic 10 Miler & 5K

Feb 16-22 — Margaret Beeks Elementary School — Registration required — Participate virtually in the 41st edition of a beloved local running event.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Baseball

1-5 p.m. — English Field — Tickets $10-$1000 — Catch an exciting college baseball matchup under the sun at English Field.

ACC Wrestling Championships

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Cassell Coliseum — Ticket information pending — Witness top collegiate wrestling talent compete for championship honors.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech — Tickets required — Experience the spirit of modern Ireland through world-class dance and music performances.