Good morning, Blacksburg.

The Town of Blacksburg invites citizens to share their ideas for a new Community Center facility at a meeting on April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community Center—citizen feedback will help plan the project and is available online via a survey.

On April 10, 2025, students and local residents gathered at Virginia Tech’s Graduate Life Center in Blacksburg for the Take Back the Night event to offer support and resources for sexual assault survivors—local groups and leaders, including Blacksburg Town Council member Susan Anderson, provided information on services and upcoming legislative changes like the HJ9 Amendment. The event featured a musical performance by Gin — Sonic and concluded with a march in solidarity with survivors.

Christiansburg Police arrested massage therapist Anthony Otis Hayes, 55, on four counts of class one misdemeanor sexual battery after multiple complaints of inappropriate sexual contact during massage sessions at Pampered Healing Massage Therapy and Day Spa on Arbor Drive—he is held without bond at Western Virginia Regional Jail.

Brian Arnold is a mining engineering senior at VT who gained hands-on experience through three internships and lab research (including earning the Old Timer’s Club Award) and will stay for another year to complete his master’s degree while focusing on mining safety.

His background in practical work and lab innovation sets him up to improve safe practices in the mining industry.

Virginia Tech recognized 801 employees during events on April 15 and April 22 for over 15,265 years of service, highlighting the university’s tradition of honoring long-term commitment.

The program marks service in five-year increments starting at 10 years—39 employees with 40 or more years of service received personalized Hokie Stones.

Virginia Tech researchers found a gene mutation in bed bugs that may contribute to their resistance to insecticides—Professor Warren Booth and graduate student Camille Block discovered the mutation in two groups, a change that is also seen in cockroaches; their work may help guide future efforts to control infestations. The study could lead to new ways to fight bed bug problems in the local area.

Crews from the U.S. Forest Service and Blacksburg Fire Department are constructing control lines to contain a wildfire burning along the Poverty Creek Trail System near Pandapas Pond—forcing the closure of Joe Pye Trail in Montgomery County.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month—Wilson Dental Associates dentist Dr. Sarah Wilson said routine check-ups are vital to catching oral cancer early, noting that the American Cancer Society estimates almost 60,000 new cases this year from risks like smoking, vaping, and second-hand smoke.

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine student Varun Mishra runs long races as part of his daily routine while balancing hospital work and tough classes.

He finished the Boston Marathon on April 21 and won a local 10K on April 12—he now plans to apply for a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation to keep blending exercise with his health care career.

Bonsai Painting Night at Beliveau Farm Winery

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket sales end March 21st, 2025 — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine and painting your own bonsai masterpiece.

Paint Nite: Perfect Spring Lookout

6-8 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — $45 per person, supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun painting party hosted by The Heartworks Co.