Good morning, Blacksburg.

A Blacksburg couple won the top watermelon honor at the Virginia State Fair last month after their 232.6-pound melon beat the odds— they cared for it with consistent watering and pest management after one of their two plants died.

Walter Rosenberger, a mechanical engineer and rail fan, spoke at the Christiansburg Public Library on Saturday about the J-611 locomotive’s 75th anniversary—using videos and personal stories to show its historic value.

He said fans must help fund its upkeep ahead of the 2030 inspection and discussed the planned AMTRAK service set for 2027 that will bring daily trains to the area.

Yvonne Alderman’s gallery show 'Imagination, Reality, and Memories' will be on display at Glencoe Mansion from November 6 through January 18 with a free, family-friendly opening reception on November 13 from 5:30 to 7 PM.

The exhibit will feature art that reflects her life in Southwest Virginia & draws on themes of memory, reality, and imagination.

Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 55 to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools to support students’ overall health.

The order directs the Virginia Department of Education—together with local school divisions—to update fitness assessments with new state and federal standards.

The Christiansburg High School Music Department will host their annual Breakfast with Santa on December 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria—families can enjoy a pancake breakfast, holiday games, music and a photo with Santa—and they are collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Transit services and local organizations are offering free rides to polling places today—ensuring that voters without cars can cast their ballots.

Polls closed and ballots are being counted for Virginia races in the ABC13 viewing area — early counts show Winsome Earle-Sears leading in the governor race and John Reid ahead for lieutenant governor.

Officials will update the totals as more results come in.

Ethan Wayman from Christiansburg High School announced he will play baseball at Radford University next year to further develop his game.

He posted a 4—2 record on the mound and batted .423 last season—he plans to major in Sports Management to help his team win championships.

Christiansburg lost 28—7 to Cave Spring on Oct.

31 as Izaiah Cotto scored the only touchdown and Jack Henry led the team with a key sack in the loss.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Women's Basketball

2-3:30 p.m. — Cassell Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling women's basketball matchup featuring the Chanticleers and Hokies.

2025 Blacksburg Turkey Trot

8:30 a.m. — 108 W Roanoke St, Blacksburg, VA — Registration fee applies — Participate in a festive 5k run on Thanksgiving morning for fun and fitness.