Good morning, Blacksburg.

After launching yesterday, the Wienermobile is set to visit community sites across Southwest Virginia, giving locals a chance to enjoy its iconic appearance.

Organizers say more details on scheduled stops will be shared soon.

Local agencies opened warming shelters on Dec.

5 to provide safe, warm refuge for residents facing homelessness as temperatures drop. The facilities across the community offer essential overnight support for those in need.

ABC13 multimedia journalist Rachel Tillapaugh received an honorable mention from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for her television reporting on local agriculture.

Her work on tractor safety, solar farm impacts, eminent domain and federal cuts earned praise plus continues to spotlight vital farm stories statewide.

The Dickens-themed Christmas tree lighting (held downtown) took place on Friday, Dec.

5 and was broadcast live to showcase holiday decorations and community cheer. Local residents tuned in to enjoy a unique season kickoff.

Jennifer Russell's Circular Economy Analytics course teaches students hands-on methods to study product life cycles and measure packaging impacts.

The class serves as a cornerstone in a new sustainable system science major that prepares them for future environmental roles.

A time-honored snow day tradition returned to Virginia Tech on Friday — hundreds of students joined a cadets vs. civilians snowball fight on the drillfield.

The event marked a key moment in student life and recurred with each first snowfall.

Virginia Tech hosted the 2025 Times Higher Education Innovation & Impact Summit at Academic Building One in Alexandria where over 200 delegates from 61 universities joined industry leaders and federal agencies, united in discussions on securing a better future through partnerships.

Friday morning, the first winter weather blanketed the campus while over 300 facilities employees removed snow from sidewalks and roads.

Virginia Tech Electric Service also monitored trees and weather for quick outage response.

Officials announced on Dec.

5 that the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is preparing an expansion to upgrade terminal facilities + add new services, with work expected to begin soon.

Local fire officials advised residents to check and maintain fire safety in their homes as winter weather sets in.

The notice released on Friday, Dec. 5 highlights steps like inspecting smoke alarms (and checking heating systems) to keep families safe.

Local health officials urge seniors to push snow instead of lifting it to avoid overexertion (advising residents to dress in layers and ask neighbors for help) as winter weather impacts our community.

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.