🌱 Delayed Trial For Fatal Shooting + Toxic Elements In New River

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Blacksburg Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Not as warm with a t-storm. High: 67 Low: 52.

Business owners and marketers in Blacksburg: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Blacksburg:

1. The trial has been delayed for the man accused in a 2022 downtown Blacksburg fatal shooting. The trial for Jamel Duquon Flint, who is charged with first-degree murder, has been delayed until August or September. Attorneys are debating over the admissibility of evidence, including DNA analysis and videos from Flint's phone, during a pretrial hearing. (Subscription: The Roanoke Times)
2. Radford Army Ammunition Plant was recently cited for releasing toxic elements into the New River in nearby Radford. The plant has agreed to pay a $21,145 fine for excessive releases of treated wastewater containing nitroglycerin, copper, and lead into the New River, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Although there was no documented environmental or public harm, the plant has had previous enforcement actions and is the top facility in the state for toxic releases, with 10.3 million pounds of chemicals released in 2021. (Subscription: The Roanoke Times)
3. Virginia Tech's Hahn Horticultural Garden is under consideration for expansion. The proposed upgrades include a marquee structure, zen garden, glass house, and more, with an estimated price tag of $4 million. The school will rely on donors and fundraising to finance the improvements. (WSLS 10)

Today in Blacksburg:

• Once Upon A Mattress At Anne And Ellen Fife Theatre, Street And Davis Performance Hall (7:30 PM)
• Sonny Miles At Cube (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tree blossoms and orange portables signal the start of Hokie Hi Weekend, including the Spring Game and the 3.2 Run in Remembrance in Blacksburg. Stay up to date with all the things happening in Blacksburg this weekend on the Hokie Hi webpage. (Virginia Tech Police via Facebook)
• The town of Blacksburg's government recently posted a time-lapse video of the new Hand-in-Hand playgroup on its Facebook. Leathers & Associates, the business in charge of construction, have made great headway in building the play structure. Watch the video to see it rise before your eyes! (Town of Blacksburg Government via Facebook)
• Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation has a new installation. Charlie Brouwers’ installation "A Future and a Hope" is on view outside the Alexander Black House. (Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you around.

— 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.