Good morning, Blacksburg.

Downtown Blacksburg welcomed The Local (a new retail incubator and community space) that held a soft opening yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The venue offers coffee from Moon Hollow Coffee, artisan stalls, and mentorship to help local entrepreneurs launch low-risk retail shops, and it will host rental events from 2027.

NRV Habitat for Humanity is hosting its annual trunk or treat where families can enjoy trick-or-treating from decorated cars and plenty of candy.

The event will take place on Oct. 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1675 N. Franklin St. (Christiansburg).

The NRV Fall Food Fest will be held on Saturday, Nov.

7 at Uptown Christiansburg (families welcome) with food, local shopping, treats, and drinks for all.

Christiansburg artist Francesa won first place and Best of Section for her acrylic painting Appalachian Lake at the Virginia State Fair in October — the piece shows a lake with red Adirondack chairs beside a campfire.

This award adds to her record of artistic achievements.

Virginia Tech students join PIVOT to work on hands-on engineering projects (such as a noise-cancelling bubble and an emotion-sensing watch) at meetings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.; interested students can apply on a rolling basis via the organization’s website.

Virginia Tech's board unanimously named Kansas State President Richard Linton as its next president.

Linton — a three-time Hokie — will guide the campus in his new role.

Montgomery County supervisors have delayed the vote on the 349-home Fotheringay project after residents voiced mixed feedback on its impact on Elliston's rural charm, housing affordability and local schools.

Virginia leaders are pushing to broaden the definition of rural areas to extend health care access, and officials expect policy discussions to progress soon (a change that may benefit underserved communities near Blacksburg).

Local experts advise residents to check heating systems and change filters before turning heat on this season.

They recommend scheduling routine maintenance to help keep homes safe and efficient.

Blacksburg’s Sam Szefc earned FFE Player of the Week honors for Week 7 after a strong performance in local competitions (the accolade recognizes his key role on the field).