Good morning, Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech expert Mahmood Khan advises travelers to plan early for summer trips as rising gas prices add cost uncertainty.

Khan says booking transportation + lodging and reviewing expenses ahead of time can help avoid sudden price spikes.

Virginia Tech will move urns of up to 61 alumni and staff from its current columbarium to a new Dairy Drive site overlooking the baseball field to make room for dormitories adding 1,200 beds; families must pick up remains by June 4 (90% agreed).

Team 401 from Blacksburg High earned the Excellence in Engineering Award at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas last month.

The team will host a summer robotics camp for middle school students to promote STEM engagement + build local skills.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Virginia Tech a $56,345 grant to support its Summer Veterinary Student Research Program for veterinary students in Blacksburg — a move that Congressman Morgan Griffith said boosts the university’s research efforts.

NRCC will host three One Stop Shop Open Houses (3–7 p.m.) in June at local sites in Floyd, Giles, and Shawsville to help residents explore career pathways, register for classes, apply for financial aid, and learn about free GED and Collegiate Recovery programs.

Nicole Willis is the new volleyball coach at Blacksburg High School, bringing over a decade of coaching experience (youth, club, and college) including her time at Clemson University.

She plans to build a local pipeline that connects young athletes to the sport.

Five Montgomery County students were named outstanding students by New River Community College at its President’s Awards Ceremony.

They will graduate in the spring or summer + the college will highlight their achievements on social media.

Virginia Tech researchers found AI generated generic images of Blacksburg without local landmarks and noted the bias toward larger cities.

In a separate project, a team modified Call of Duty to train Marines & improve after action reviews, with plans to expand the program for enhanced military decision making.

Town officials are working to find a new owner for the old four-story building on 210 N.

Main St. by offering tax credits and renovation grants while issuing maintenance citations for needed repairs; the decaying structure, once home to Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint, shows boarded windows and peeling paint and awaits an investor to restore its historic look.

Blacksburg girls lacrosse team won 21-2 over Christiansburg on May 26 — building a strong early lead with standout plays by Emeline Swift, Claire Whaley and Addie Ferrell.

On May 26, the Blacksburg Bruins clinched the River Ridge District title with a 2-1 double overtime win over Patrick Henry as Esteban Carvajal converted a free kick and Keanan Kopp scored a penalty — the undefeated team at 18-0 will advance to regional play later this week.