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🌱 Patch AM: How Virginia Tech students are keeping Blacksburg fire trucks rolling.

And check out Eureka Day on the Blacksburg Patch calendar

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Morning Blacksburg! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Virginia Tech students are keeping Blacksburg fire trucks rolling.
  • How will 1,469 new solar panels change Blacksburg Transit?
  • See how Blacksburg gas prices compare across the New River Valley

Also on today's calendar: Sinkland Farms 35th Annual Pumpkin Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 83 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 84, low: 63.
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; cooler, with a high of 66 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Volunteer firefighter numbers have declined across the U.S. In Blacksburg, college students help fill the ranks. (cardinalnews.org) — Blacksburg's volunteer fire department is increasingly relying on Virginia Tech students to keep trucks staffed and response times strong, especially during holidays and summer breaks. The story follows student firefighters through real calls, training, and station life while explaining how this revolving pipeline helps offset nationwide volunteer shortages and what staffing gaps could mean for local emergency coverage.
   

2. Blacksburg Transit facility to get 867-kilowatt solar system (roanoke.com) — Blacksburg Transit's main facility is set to add an 867‑kilowatt solar array with 1,469 panels, marking a major step toward more sustainable town operations. While details are brief, the project signals long-term investment in greener local infrastructure and could eventually influence operating costs, resilience, and how residents' daily bus service is powered.
   

3. Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up - Sept. 30, 2026 (wsls.com) — Drivers in Blacksburg are paying about $4.20 per gallon for regular gas, slightly above the statewide average of $4.19. New River Valley prices for mid-grade, premium, and diesel are also listed, helping you compare Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Lynchburg, and Roanoke before your next fill-up.
   

4. Blacksburg man sentenced nine years for possessing firearm as convicted felon (wfxrtv.com) — A Blacksburg man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after Pulaski police found firearms and suspected drugs during a 2025 traffic stop. Prosecutors say officers recovered two pistols, including one with a suppressor, along with small amounts of suspected narcotics, leading to his conviction for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
   

5. Virginia Tech signs baseball coach John Szefc to contract extension through 2030 (wdbj7.com) — Virginia Tech has extended head baseball coach John Szefc's contract, keeping him in Blacksburg through the 2030 season. The move follows a postseason appearance in 2026 and a strong multi‑year winning record, signaling continued stability and ambition for Hokies baseball that local fans and alumni can follow from right here in town.
   

📸 Around Blacksburg

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Blacksburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Waffle House posted a job opening for Night Shift Server / Wait Staff (VA) in Blacksburg. Apply here.
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Center Store Associate in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

Ok Blacksburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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