Good morning, Blacksburg.

This past week, a national traveling tribute honoring EMS agencies and fallen responders was placed temporarily next to a memorial outside the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office in Christiansburg, and the seven-foot, 300-pound United Responder Shield marked the 10th anniversary of the NRV911 Authority.

Mount Tabor Ruritan Club will host its fish fry on Saturday, Sept.

12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Slusser's Chapel Picnic Shelter in Blacksburg; the event offers fish, fries, slaw, desserts and beverages and features music by Blue Ridge Vocal Connection as the final fry of 2026.

Joe Tront, a longtime VT professor who passed away August 10, will be honored at a celebration of his life Saturday, Sept.

26 at the University Club at Lane Stadium (2-5 p.m.), with a brief toast at 3 p.m. as friends and family gather to remember him.

Virginia Tech announced plans to expand its Veterinary School, with construction beginning in spring 2027 and completion in spring 2029 that will add (52,000 sqft) for specialty care and enrollment growth.

The Board of Visitors also approved a $15,000 tuition reduction for Virginia residents at the Carilion School of Medicine.

Virginia Tech opened its new UAS Test and Research Center at Kentland Farms last Thursday.

The center tests drones + builds systems to counter threats in a partnership with the U.S. Army and the university's National Security Institute.

Local hospital officials warn ER wait times may increase this week as patient numbers rise and staffing remains limited (urgent care is recommended for non-emergencies).

Blacksburg nonprofit Hope to Walk was named a finalist for the .ORG Impact Award in the Health and Healing category after fitting nearly 5,000 amputees with custom prosthetic legs across 11 countries.

Winners will be announced Oct. 6 in Washington, D.C.

Crystal Temptations announced a recall of its chocolate treats sold at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods and Sierra Trading Post after undeclared milk allergens were discovered.

No illnesses have been reported and the recall followed a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes (FDA monitored the situation).

Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, received a $762,861 research grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on September 1 to fund aging research on the protein TDP-43 involved in LATE, a form of dementia.

The historic Military Classic of the South, the 80th edition, will resume tomorrow between VMI + Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

The game will feature a Governor's Sword presentation and a flyover, marking a return after a hiatus since 1984.

On Friday night, Blacksburg rallied for a 27-22 win over Giles as quarterback Sam Szefc scored three touchdowns in his return from injury, while Radford beat George Wythe 40-0 in their season opener.

At the U20 World Championships on Aug.

23, Hokies Wrestling won three medals as Aaron Seidel and Bo Bassett captured gold and Ryan Burton took bronze. Lee Pulliam will drive in NASCAR for Peterson Racing next season, and Blacksburg High golf won the River Ridge District.

Eastern Montgomery lost 49-16 to Holston on Sept.

1 as Kellan Stewart caught a touchdown pass and Landyn Perry ran in another that erased an early 16-0 lead.