Good morning, Blacksburg.

Joseph Pack’s Fairlawn photo of Pandapas Pond’s cloud reflections won The Radford Photo Club’s June Reflections challenge on June 29 + the club plans a July 17 outing at Hahn Garden and will meet on July 22 at the Radford Public Library for a Flowers theme challenge.

Virginia Tech received a $2,840,000 ARPA-E award for designing a novel power converter to boost grid resilience (part of the DC-GRIDS initiative).

The project is one of 12 chosen to advance energy transmission in Blacksburg.

Local farmers noted that a drought has impacted hay season near Blacksburg, reducing yield and quality + they plan to adopt new water practices to cope with the tough conditions.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources warns locals to act with care this summer as drought, extreme heat over 100 degrees, and low water levels raise risks for boating, fishing & camping.

Boaters should inspect trailer wheels and check river routes while campers verify if campfire bans are in effect.

Gov. Spanberger announced on Monday that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a Disaster Declaration for dozens of counties hit by late-spring freezes, which hurt Virginia farmers and delayed their crop harvest until 2027.

The Virginia DMV introduced the Virginia Mobile ID app, a free digital tool that securely stores state-issued licenses and non-driver IDs on smartphones.

It can be used at TSA checkpoints and approved businesses while giving users control over their data.

Blacksburg offices close Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day; bus service runs Friday but not Saturday and the Community and Aquatic Centers open Friday but close Saturday (trash pickup occurs Friday).

Christiansburg facilities will be closed both days except for a Recreation Center open Friday.

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing today after the school system spent about $4 million over its authorized budget.

Community members can attend to review the spending excess.

Virginia Tech will induct Lynchburg native Logan Thomas into its Sports Hall of Fame on Oct.

3. The former Brookville High School star and record breaking Hokies quarterback (who set lasting school records) will be honored for his achievements.