🌱 $30K For Virginia Tech Study Of Deer Disease + Bikesburg Returns

Hello, friends! It's Wednesday in Blacksburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Pleasant with some sun. High: 74 Low: 51.
• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 71 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories in Blacksburg today:

1. The College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech has received a $30,000 donation from Virginia Hound Heritage to support graduate research on chronic wasting disease (CWD) and its impact on Virginia's white-tailed deer population. Assistant Professor Luis Escobar, an expert in wildlife health, emphasized the importance of understanding disease transmission dynamics in order to find a solution, as CWD has been detected in deer species across 29 states, including parts of Virginia. Escobar pointed out that CWD poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation, leading to deer mortality and adverse effects on genetic diversity in affected populations. (WSET)
2. After being canceled last year due to weather conditions, the Blacksburg Bike Parade and Downtown Bike Festival is making a grand return this Saturday, May 20. The parade and festival will be accompanied by a week-long series of "Bikesburg" bike-related events. For further details, including information on joining the Bike Bus to the parade's starting point, visit downtownblacksburg.com. (Sustainable Blacksburg via Facebook)
3. In nearby Radford, officials confirmed a raccoon has tested positive for rabies. It was reported that as of Tuesday, the raccoon "no longer poses a threat to the public." However, residents are still encouraged to exercise caution and be aware of the signs of rabies. (WSLS 10)

Today and tomorrow in Blacksburg:

Wednesday, May 17

• Blacksburg Farmers Market At Market Square Park (2:00 PM)

Thursday, May 18

• TechNite 2023 At German Club Manor (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new career opportunity close to home? Several employers in and around Blacksburg are hiring for full-time and part-time roles. (Blacksburg Patch)
• Heads up, local house hunters! These properties in and around Blacksburg have just hit the real estate market. (Blacksburg Patch)
• The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's next Eggs & Issues event will center around issues in higher education. The event takes place on Thursday, Jun. 1 at 8:00 a.m.; those interested can register online. (Montgomery County VA Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.