Good morning, Blacksburg.

As temperatures drop, New River Community Action’s To Our House program has provided warm shelter for up to 14 adults while a new program, Rest & Rise Pulaski, will open on December 15 at Anderson Memorial Presbyterian Church to house up to 10 adults with meals and support.

Volunteer churches host these shelters to help individuals stay safe during cold nights.

Hundreds of locals attended a memorial service for Jeremy Hall on December 2—honoring his life and contributions to our community.

Smithfield Foods, along with the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, donated 62,000 pounds of protein to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Feeding Southwest Virginia to help students and neighbors facing hunger—marking five years of the Commonwealth Clash's support for local food drives.

A massive fire at Foxridge Apartment Complex caused severe damage—residents were relocated to motel rooms at a nearby inn at Virginia Tech late Monday night.

An apartment fire in Blacksburg on Dec.2 displaced several Virginia Tech students, and emergency responders arrived quickly to assist those affected.

New River Valley artists are holding a Holiday Open House on December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 408 Eighth St. in Radford to raise funds for local food banks by donating art and raffle prizes for a $10 ticket that will benefit food pantries.

Virginia Tech senior Mitchell Dreffer spends his day studying mining through classes on water treatment and safety and on capstone projects — while also leading the Marching Virginians as a drum major.

After graduation, he will work for Austin Powder as a technical representative and hopes to manage a team of engineers.

Blacksburg Police, with approval from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, will start deer culling operations in town over the coming months to reduce vehicle collisions and slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease—officers will work at night in unmarked cars during the operation.

Acorn, a sweet pet known for her cute head tilt and love of hugs, and Copper, a happy pup trained to sit and go outside for breaks, are available for adoption at Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center at 480 Cinnabar Rd in Christiansburg—call 5403825795 for details.

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.