Community Corner

🌱 See how close Radford’s new Amtrak layover facility is to ready

And check out Odyssey's Upcoming Events on the Radford Patch calendar

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

In today's newsletter:

  • See how close Radford's new Amtrak layover facility is to ready
  • How Radford's new transfer network could change students' futures locally
  • How is Radford City Schools handling its substitute teacher shortage?

Also on today's calendar: Long Way Picks & Pints and 7 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 84 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 84, low: 62.
  • Saturday: A shower and t-storm; cooler, with a high of 70 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Work proceeding on New River Valley Amtrak stop (radfordnewsjournal.com) — Radford's new Amtrak layover facility is nearly finished, with tracks, lighting, and servicing equipment already installed as part of the New River Valley passenger rail project. Combined with the new Christiansburg station platform now taking shape, this work keeps the region on track for passenger rail service starting in fall 2027, improving travel options for Radford residents.
   

2. Radford University builds Virginia's largest public transfer network, redefining access to four-year degrees (pcpatriot.com) — Radford University is expanding its Tartan Transfer initiative, now partnering with 10 Virginia community colleges to create a clearer, more affordable path from associate to bachelor's degrees within about 90 minutes of Radford. Local students can declare transfer plans early, receive dual advising, and tap Radford resources while still at community college, strengthening career options and keeping more talent in the New River Valley.
   

3. Schools across region describe ongoing hunt for substitute teachers (wdbj7.com) — Radford City Schools are coping with a persistent shortage of substitute teachers by having regular staff and even principals step into classrooms when needed. Along with nearby districts in Roanoke, Franklin, and Grayson counties, Radford is urging residents to sign up as substitutes, bus drivers, or cafeteria workers to keep schools fully staffed and avoid potential closures.
   

4. New Virginia tobacco retailer permit deadline arrives amid application backlog (wdbj7.com) — Radford retailers face today's deadline to secure Virginia's new tobacco sales permit, with some applications still backlogged and provisional licenses keeping sales going. The law, enforced by Virginia ABC, also requires ID checks for every tobacco or vape purchase, which Radford Travel Center staff say could slow transactions and significantly affect daily revenue if permits are delayed.
   

5. Colleges release annual Clery Act safety reports (wdbj7.com) — Radford University reported five on-campus rapes in its latest federally required Clery Act safety report, part of a broader look at campus crime statistics across Virginia schools. The story compares Radford's numbers with those from UVA, Liberty, and Virginia Tech, and explains how reporting rules and new awareness campaigns may influence what students and families see in these annual disclosures.
   

📸 Around Radford

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Radford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Radford Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday October 1
  • MC Eggs & Issues: The Power of Community: How Local Nonprofits Turn Challenges Into Impact - October 2026
    Warm Hearth Village, 2387 Warm Hearth Dr., Blacksburg
    8:00 am
    • Tuesday October 6
  • Women of Vision
    First & Main, 1540 South Main St, Ste 110, Blacksburg
    9:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • OSL Retail Services Corporation posted a job opening for Wireless Retail Sales Associate - W2762 in Radford. Apply here.
  • Oak St. Health posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Radford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Radford here.

Ok Radford! 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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