🌱 MLB Draft Hopeful Drue Hackenberg + Train Leaves Residents Stranded

Hey, everybody! It's Monday in Blacksburg and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 80 Low: 56.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 61.

Here are the top three stories in Blacksburg today:

1. Drue Hackenberg, a right-handed pitcher from the Virginia Tech Hokies, hopes to join his three brothers in the professional sports realm as the 2023 MLB draft kicks off in Seattle. Hackenberg, who participated in the MLB Draft combine, looks forward to the possibility of becoming a pro baseball player and credits his college experience for preparing him for the next level. With his family's history in sports and the support of his parents, Hackenberg anticipates a special and memorable moment when he hears his name called during the draft. (WFXRtv.com)
2. In nearby Christiansburg, residents, including Jesi Owens, have been facing recurring issues with trains blocking the only road to their homes, leaving them stranded for hours. Owens recently experienced a 17-hour ordeal, unable to reach her house due to a train blocking the way. Despite reporting the problem to Norfolk Southern, the railway company, residents claim to have received little assistance or resolution, leading to concerns about safety and accessibility during emergencies. (WSLS 10)
3. Roanoke-based company E.C. Pace is seeking a special use permit to establish a rubble landfill on private land in nearby Montgomery County. The proposed landfill would cover 4.5 acres and accommodate 115,000 cubic yards of construction debris. Concerns have been raised by residents living near the site, citing worries about increased truck traffic, safety hazards, and the potential environmental impact. The county's Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing to address the permit request. (Subscription: The Roanoke Times)

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Today and tomorrow in Blacksburg:

Monday, July 10

• Ages 6-8 Dance Camp - Magic, Moana, Minions & More! At Dance.tech (1:00 PM)
• Historic Or Design Review Board At Blacksburg Municipal Building (4:30 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Town Council Meeting At Blacksburg Municipal Building (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• New homes have been listed for sale in the Blacksburg area! Get all the property details at the link. (Blacksburg Patch)
• Blacksburg High School graduate Edric Zhanghas been named the 2022-23 Gatorade Virginia Boys Soccer Player of the Year!Congratulations, Edric! (Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia via Facebook)
• Did you know SEEDS has been around for more than 25 years? In addition to providing environmental education to the community, the group operates the Blacksburg Price House Nature Center. (Sustainable Blacksburg via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. 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.