🌱 Legendary Coach Selected As Grand Marshal + Training Exercise At VT

Hello again, neighbors. It's Friday in Blacksburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 84 Low: 64.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 84 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories today in Blacksburg:

1. In Wednesday's Blacksburg Town Council work session, it was proposed the town work on a second larger Midtown hotel. The Midtown project will be along South Main Street and include a combination of both residential and commercial spaces. The second proposed hotel would be 144 rooms and 75 feet tall, which is higher than the city maximum permitted of 60 feet; there are some concerns being expressed by council members about the potential second building. The Planning Commission had another hearing this week around the proposal and other topics, and there will be another hearing in August before a vote commences. (WSLS 10)
2. Former legendary Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the major SRX Race that will be taking place in Pulaski County later this month. Coach Beamer was the football team's head coach from 1987 to 2015; before his retirement in 2018, he led the Hokies to a National Championship, three Big East Championships, and four ACC titles as part of his Hall of Fame career. In addition to the race being nationally televised on ESPN, the Jared Stout Band will be putting on two pre-race performances for those in attendance in Pulaski. (WSET)
3. Next week between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., the Carilion Lifeguard helicopter will be landing on the Jamerson Miller Track Complex at Virginia Tech University. The helicopter will be part of an annual training exercise for Virginia Tech Emergency Departments and Montogomery County Emergency Services. During this time period, the track will be closed to the public as the training commences. (Virginia Tech)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Blacksburg:

Friday, July 7

• The WORX Band Live At Sinkland Farms (5:00 PM)
• Friday Night Outdoor Concerts At Henderson Lawn (6:00 PM)
• The Willies At The Milk Parlor (9:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Blacksburg Farmers Market At Market Square Park (8:00 AM)
• Radford Farmer's Market At Radford Farmers' Market (9:00 AM)
• 5th Annual Brewser Boot Camp Run At Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Montgomery County Public Schools wants to congratulate two of its bus drivers for earning first place at the VAPT School Bus Road-eo this year. Josh Simpkins and Kathy Graham worked hard for the honors; you can read more here. (Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia via Facebook)
• The Blacksburg Library is doing its job to keep everyone in the community, including adults, interested in reading. During July, the library is hosting all kinds of programming, giveaways, and much more to get involved in — make sure you sign up for the raffle prior to Jul. 29! (Blacksburg Library, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, Va via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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.