Good morning, Blacksburg.

Today the YMCA at Virginia Tech is hosting its second Empty Bowls event to raise funds for Meals on Main that supports children facing food insecurity in the New River Valley.

The event at the Y Center on North Main Street will feature handcrafted bowls, soup tastings from five local restaurants+ live music by Dean Trimble.

Jeter Farm will host field trip days during its fall festival — offering tours and activities for families and school groups.

The event is set to celebrate local farming and homegrown traditions.

Clarence 'Bill' Wenzel, a World War II Navy fighter pilot, is celebrating his 100th birthday this week.

He flew an F6F Hellcat from 1944 to 1949, completing 72 landings without any wave-offs and saying that flying and serving his country was his greatest pride.

Montgomery County businesses unveiled festive Halloween displays on October 13 that add local charm to storefronts — owners expect the decorations will help draw in visitors for the holiday season.

RAMP introduced five start-up companies in tech, health and education at a meeting in Roanoke—each founder shared plans for products like a smart nipple shield, a custom 3D printed helmet and a new test for learning.

The program will end Dec. 3 in Blacksburg while former director John Hagy left to move with his family and start a job at Caterpillar.

Local officials recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day on Oct.

13 (a day to honor native people) with ceremonies held in neighborhoods; community members planned additional events (including talks and exhibits) to share indigenous traditions.

Gasoline prices in Virginia fell 1.9 cents per gallon last week, averaging $2.94 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy's survey of 4,081 stations.

The state's prices dropped 2.4 cents from last month and are 18.5 cents lower than a year ago—data that also shows the national average at $3.02 per gallon on Monday.

Mountain Gateway Community College launched a new IT program on Oct.

13 to equip students with skills for technology careers. The program will offer training to meet local industry demands and support future growth in IT.

Residents shared mixed reactions to the new traffic pattern on Williamson Road after a demonstration project began on September 29.

Local officials said the changes are part of an ongoing plan to improve road safety.

Virginia Hollow Concert

6-9 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with Virginia Hollow at a local brewery.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Louisville Cardinals Football

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Lane Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness the thrilling college football clash as the Hokies take on the Cardinals.