Good morning, Blacksburg.

Ronald McDonald House celebrated its 42nd birthday Tuesday with a cookie-decorating party + gift drive for families at Carilion Children's Hospital.

Staff and volunteers prepared treats, teddy bears, and small gifts to comfort children and their caregivers.

GasBuddy's survey shows that average gasoline prices in Virginia rose by 22.7 cents in the last week to reach $4.16 on Monday.

Prices ranged from $3.77 to $5.35 per gallon across 4,081 stations, marking a spread of $1.58 per gallon.

Students at Eastern Montgomery High School took part in a CTE Takeover Day sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools, Branch, and trade partners to explore careers in construction, engineering, and skilled trades.

The event gave them hands on access to equipment and professionals (offering a glimpse into future workforce opportunities).

Local education graduates met on May 5 at 5:45 p.m. to discuss the shifting teaching job market at a campus event, noting that local schools face limited vacancies and evolving staffing needs.

Their conversation offered insight into future hiring trends in our community.

A local school used Gen-Z slang to help students lock in their focus on SOLs.

The pilot program launched yesterday to improve test preparation.

Montgomery County leaders met last Thursday to gather public input on a 10- to 20-year recreation master plan that may add a river park along the New or Roanoke River.

The updated plan will be finalized this summer with potential project work beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028.

County leaders approved $9,000 for a geographic study of two sinkholes near Blacksburg middle and high school, which have been fenced off for safety; one sinkhole measures (4 feet) and the other measures (2 to 3 feet) in diameter while a civil engineer will develop a mitigation plan.

Virginia Tech researchers in Blacksburg are testing a vaccine designed to block opioids from reaching the brain using biodegradable nanoparticles (mimicking viruses).

Their early study in mice showed strong immune reactions, and they expect future improvements may help prevent addiction and overdoses among high-risk patients.

Mason Cullop, a senior from Christiansburg High, has committed to play baseball at Concord University in Athens after feeling welcomed by the coaching staff; he will major in business and led his team with a .367 average (and a 2.154 ERA) this season.

Blacksburg Bruins won 4-0 over Salem and then beat Pulaski County 5-0 on Senior Night, keeping their record unbeaten at (14-0) this season.

Other local sports games saw strong showings from Auburn and Christiansburg teams during a busy week of athletic play.

Underground Springhouse Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — The Milk Parlor — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fusion of reggae, country, and funk with Underground Springhouse's unique rock sound.