Good morning, Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech researcher Dr. Samantha Kenyon says putting data centers into orbit could save water and use abundant solar power but would face radiation, brief satellite contact, and much higher launch costs; she estimates orbiting centers could be three-and-a-half to five times more expensive than ground data centers and could take years to deploy.

Montgomery County approved a 60% personal property tax cut for active volunteer firefighters this summer, lowering the rate to $1 per $100 for one vehicle and 140 volunteers have opted in; volunteers will see the savings when taxes are paid at year’s end.

WDBJ7's Hometown Eats ran in October, featuring Noodle Factory, Kirk's Famous Smoked BBQ, The Green Goat, and BT's Restaurant, with profile segments airing Oct.

8, Oct. 15, and Oct. 22 (the Noodle Factory piece was updated most recently).

Alight and Terrace View on Patrick Henry Drive offer furnished units, washers/dryers, pools and fitness rooms; Alight starts at $835 per person (about $915 with typical utilities) while Terrace View starts at $920 per person including water, sewer and gas.

Both have nearby Food Lion and bus stops, but differ on maintenance speed and outdoor access.

Dave announced his high school football Team of the Week and named Kingston Pacquet the FFE Player of the Week, noting the Highland Rams have no varsity team this season; game recaps for Northside vs. William Fleming, Liberty Christian vs. Brookville, and Liberty vs. Heritage were updated (Oct. 23; Oct. 27).