Good morning, Blacksburg.

On June 9, local residents near the Virginia Tech Power Plant experienced increased noise when warm conditions required venting steam, and the Division of Facilities worked to reduce disruptions while thanking the community for its patience.

Fairlawn Riverfront is a conservation-focused gathering spot along the New River that welcomes small groups by reservation with picnic tables, benches and fire pits.

The owner is restoring habitat by removing invasive plants (over 200 native trees planted) and planning educational and community events.

Officials unveiled a new red+white+blue patriotic design on the historic N&W 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation; the updated engine will run summer excursions on the Scenic Railway in June and July.

Springhouse will host SparkFest: Music & Living Earth Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 5 to 10 p.m. at their campus in Pilot.

The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, hands-on activities and support for the GiveLocalNRV campaign.

Yesterday, a community commemoration for Independence Day was held at Historic Smithfield on 1000 Merry Oak Way in Blacksburg.

Residents enjoyed living history demonstrations, hands-on activities, live music, and food trucks + more during the regional celebration of 1776.

Montgomery County Public Schools will welcome three new administrators starting July 1: Glen Chilcote as principal of Kipps Elementary, Dominick McKee as Director of HR, and Kelly Roark as principal of Gilbert Linkous Elementary (all bring local expertise).

Virginia Tech will begin building four new residence halls early this summer to add up to 1,200 rooms.

The collegiate gothic buildings near Duck Pond (among student centers) are set for occupancy at the start of the 2028-29 academic year following board approval.

Local school leaders discussed revising the bell-to-bell cell phone policy to better support classroom learning.

Officials said further details will follow after ongoing meetings with area schools — a move aimed at balancing connectivity with discipline.

The Commissioner of Accounts has set a session for taking proof of debts and demands against the late Johnsie Lawrence’s estate at 11:00 a.m. on July 21 in his Blacksburg office (207 Washington Street, S.W.).

Blacksburg PD crime analyst Courtney Corriere was honored on the Montgomery County Chamber’s 40 Under 40 list for upgrading data-sharing efforts with eight law enforcement agencies.

She is noted for developing real time dashboards and mentoring interns to support informed decision-making in the region.

Local health experts offer advice on avoiding five common summer skin problems such as sunburn and heat rash today.

They recommend using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and finding shade during the hottest hours.

Ten-year-old Sylvia Brillhart of Blacksburg won gold at the Viper Pit Nationals last month, making her the first local girl wrestler to secure a national championship.

She earned state honors for the third year in a row+ now she aims to wrestle at Virginia Tech.

The CHS Boys Varsity soccer team won the Region 3D Championship on Thursday, June 4 with a 6-0 shutout of Lord Botetourt.

Kaeson Phillips scored twice and Mason King and Gray McDowell also shined (posing with the trophy) in the decisive game.

Blacksburg's girls lost close quarterfinal singles matches 6-7, 3-6, ending with a 5-4 team loss, while the boys played today in the Region 4D championship and lost 1-5 to Charlottesville but advanced to state after seniors won key singles and doubles matches.

Nike Softball Camp at Virginia Tech

9 a.m.–3 p.m. — Tech Softball Park — $444 — Elevate your softball skills with professional coaching from Virginia Tech's Head Coach Pete D'Amour and his staff at a top-notch training facility.