Good morning, Blacksburg.

Until December 2, donations to HopeTree Family Services will be doubled by a matching donor promise, which helps foster families and children in care—ensuring more support is available during the season.

This special offer highlights a strong local commitment to building safe and loving homes.

James is a kind 16-year-old who loves the outdoors, anime and collecting Pokémon cards—he dreams of joining a family that will care for him.

He spends time at church, playing sports and gardening and hopes to feel truly loved soon.

The Agape Center is operating a Christmas store that lets Blacksburg families pick up gifts for their children—providing a simple way to shop during the holiday season.

The event offers a festive setting for local residents to find affordable presents.

The Community Band Winter Concert has been moved to VT on Sunday 12/7 at 4pm in Squires Student Center Commonwealth Ballroom A—events beyond the band's control prompted the change.

A house fire on November 26th left a Blacksburg family with almost all their belongings lost—officials are investigating the cause.

Freedom First Credit Union named Brent Jenkins as its Chief Business and Wealth Officer on November 26 (he will lead Private Banking, Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Business Banking, and Treasury teams).

Jenkins, who joined the union in 2015 and helped expand the Lynchburg market in 2021, will work to strengthen local ties with the Roanoke, New River Valley, and Lynchburg communities.

A farm in Blacksburg experienced a holiday rush yesterday as local residents lined up to buy fresh seasonal produce.

The owner said the farm will continue to offer special promotions through the holiday season—supporting local agriculture.

State regulators approved rate hikes that will add about $11.24 a month to Dominion Energy bills from January and allow a $4.36 increase for Appalachian Power starting in March+ Columbia Gas raised rates earlier, and all three utilities urge residents to lower energy use by sealing windows, unplugging unused appliances, and checking available support if bills become a burden.

The holiday season is almost here and USPS urges customers to meet shipping deadlines and follow guidelines when sending packages.

Communications specialist Philip Bogenberger said items with lithium batteries must be shipped by ground, with Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail sent by December 17th and Priority Mail Express by December 20th—neighbors advise mailing early to avoid delays.

VPRA’s New River Valley project is upgrading the rail corridor between Roanoke and the New River Valley by building an expanded passenger station at the Cambria Rail Yard in Christiansburg and a layover facility in Radford—officials toured the site in October as crews installed erosion controls and built a nearly 1000 foot platform supported by over 100 drilled pier foundations while Norfolk Southern delivered key track components.

Blacksburg Master Chorale Presents Handel's 'Messiah'

4-10 p.m. — Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless beauty of Handel's 'Messiah' performed by a talented chorale and orchestra.