Good morning, Blacksburg.

A local bakery owner was featured in two magazines on July 15 for his new recipes and dedication to his business.

The report may bring more customers and boost local support — a promising sign for Blacksburg business.

Henry Linkous was a Revolutionary War prisoner who worked as an indentured servant at Smithfield Plantation, earned 160 acres over 20 years, married a local woman, and built a home near Blacksburg High School.

His descendant Larry Linkous said this legacy links the town to its early history — a unique chapter in our community’s past.

Warm Hearth Village resident Genne Gwynne performed Mozart’s Requiem in D minor at Carnegie Hall on June 22 — joining hundreds of choristers from around the country including fellow Blacksburg Master Chorale members.

Her return from the prestigious venue was celebrated by her community and comes after a recent performance at Moss Arts Center.

Large green beetles, known as Green June Beetles, are flying around Virginia and laying eggs in moist soil as entomologist Eric Day from Virginia Tech said they may cause minor damage to fruit trees; he added the beetles will calm down by early August + they might return later as grubs if the weather stays rainy.

Blacksburg Town Council met on July 8 to set the fiscal year schedule and approved changes that include rezoning for new homes and a right-of-way modification.

The council also lowered the speed limit on Prices Fork from 35 mph to 25 mph—citing increases in pedestrian and vehicle traffic—and scheduled future hearings for outdoor education and code amendments.

Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, advises locals to add citrus juice like lemon or orange to water during hot weather to improve its taste & boost vitamin C while noting that high water content fruits and vegetables help with hydration.

She cautioned that sports drinks are generally unnecessary unless extra electrolytes are needed after extended physical activity.

Virginia Tech researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute discovered that tiny changes in the aging heart narrow a gap called the perinexus — a change that may help keep irregular heartbeats in check.

Tests with guinea pig hearts showed that when this gap is widened, older hearts quickly develop abnormal rhythms.

Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Sam Siefkes (a former NFL coach) is starting his version of the Lunch Pail Defense in Blacksburg ahead of the season.

He is holding summer workouts at the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility (where he pushes players to work hard) to prepare the team for an exciting season.

Virginia Hollow Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy a night of music with Virginia Hollow at the brewery.

Jstop Latin Soul Performance

6 PM – 12 AM — Henderson Lawn — Free admission — Experience the vibrant sound of Jstop Latin Soul blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation.

Virginia Hollow at Steppin' Out 2025

3-4 p.m. — Acoustic Stage — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Virginia Hollow at this vibrant community event.