Good morning, Blacksburg.

Six months ago, while dropping off a passenger along Prices Fork in Blacksburg, Uber driver Earthman was attacked after he changed lanes and was followed nearly a mile by Martin McGraw; McGraw was later arrested and found guilty at a May 8 court appearance while Earthman was cleared, and Earthman now faces work challenges and is appealing Uber’s denial of his background check—he has lost thousands of dollars and suffers significant stress.

Virginia Tech awarded professor emeritus status to longtime biochemistry professor Timothy Larson after more than 38 years of service—his work in bacterial physiology and sulfur metabolic pathways has significantly advanced research and teaching at the university.

Cathy Sutphin was honored with associate director emerita status by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors for over 38 years of service with Virginia Cooperative Extension—she served as a 4-H extension agent, assistant professor, and director of human resources.

Virginia’s state budget was approved despite Governor Youngkin’s veto cutting $900M in spending—including $30M that would have expanded the local medical school to help ease the doctor shortage.

Lawmakers praised increased education funding but noted that tough choices remain between supporting schools and lowering taxes.

On May 22nd, employees celebrated Employee Appreciation Day at Lane Stadium with food, live music, and fun—this event also featured the Hokie Wellness Health and Benefits fair with many exhibitors.

Alpha Gamma Rho’s Beta Eta chapter will celebrate its 50th anniversary with reunion events May 30-31 in Blacksburg—more than 400 alumni and friends are expected to attend, with plans that include an opening reception, luncheon, alumni panel, live auction and a barbecue at the fraternity house. The festivities will also help raise funds for a new scholarship for Virginia Tech students.

On May 5, the Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg awarded its 2024—2025 Career and Technical Education Scholarships to four Montgomery County Public School seniors who excelled in career technical education.

The scholarships will help students including Ian Leonard, Camryn McElroy, Graham Alley, and Sophia Vishneski pay for tuition, books, and tools as they pursue studies from welding to marine biology.

Lee Learman, dean of Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, received a NAACP Citizen Award on May 2 — he was honored for his leadership in expanding health care access and community-based medical education in the Roanoke Valley.

Virginia Tech has updated its AED program—centralizing monthly checks and replacements—to manage more than 300 devices across campus and regional sites.

The improvements now include Stop the Bleed kits to help save lives during cardiac emergencies.

Community Health Center of the New River Valley will break ground today at 12:30 p.m. at 135 Akers Farm Road in Christiansburg to expand affordable care regardless of income and add services such as physical therapy, eye exams, and x-rays to serve 1,200 more patients annually—marking its move from Roanoke Street.

Summer Flora Candle Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — $41 plus fees — Craft two custom candles with summer floral scents while enjoying a relaxing winery atmosphere.

Lavender Fest Days

12-6 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — $8.00 entry — Immerse yourself in the sights and scents of lavender while enjoying local vendors, live music, and specialty drinks.