🌱 Patch AM: What happens next after a Blacksburg council seat suddenly opens?

Cheers Blacksburg! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What happens next after a Blacksburg council seat suddenly opens?
• Why Kyle Altuner’s return could reshape Virginia Tech’s 2026 offense
• How a Blacksburg mailman shows what we’d lose with USPS cuts

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Wilfredo T.!

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Occasional rain and drizzle, with a high of 65 and low of 42 degrees.
• Friday: Cooler; a little p.m. rain, temps: high: 48, low: 43.
• Saturday: Variably cloudy and warmer, with a high of 65 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Blacksburg councilman convicted of fraud charges resigns (wdbj7.com) — A Blacksburg Town Council member has submitted his resignation following a jury conviction on election-related charges, with his last day set for noon on January 2, 2026. Town leaders will now need to address the upcoming vacancy, which could affect representation and decision-making on issues important to local residents.
   

• Virginia Tech gets massive news about the future of key offensive lineman (fightinggobbler.com) — Virginia Tech football fans in Blacksburg just got encouraging news about the Hokies’ offensive line, as center Kyle Altuner confirmed he’ll return for the 2026 season and new coach James Franklin is keeping line coach Matt Moore. After a 3–9 year marked by injuries and constant shuffling up front, Tech now has a key building block and continuity on the coaching staff.
   

• Mail Carriers Keep Making the Rounds, Despite a Murky Future (nytimes.com) — A former mail carrier now living in Blacksburg shares how personal connections with postal workers can still get a simply addressed letter straight to his home, even as the U.S. Postal Service faces mounting financial troubles and talk of privatization. The story reflects on the vital role carriers play in communities nationwide and explores ideas to keep the service viable.
   

📸 Around Blacksburg

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 25

• CLOSED
  Radford, VA Calendar , 30 W. Main St. , Radford
  9:00 am

Friday December 26

• Christmas Holiday - Administrative Office closed
  Town of Christiansburg Calendar Christiansburg, VA 24073

Saturday December 27

• Family Movie Matinee: Minecraft Movie & Rice Crispy Blocks
  Radford, VA Calendar , 30 W. Main St. , Radford
  11:30 am
• Saturday 9:30 AM Inner Radiance Yoga
  644 W Main St , Radford
  2:30 pm

Sunday December 28

• Shenandoah Hornets at Radford Highlanders Mens Basketball
  Donald N. Dedmon Center , 101 University Dr , Radford
  2:30 pm

Monday December 29

• 9:30 AM Monday Inner Radiance Yoga
  644 W Main St , Radford
  2:30 pm
• Family Paint Night – A Winter’s Tail
  Paint 'n Fun Ceramics , 782 New River Rd NW , Christiansburg
  6:00 pm
• Planning Commission Meeting
  Town Hall , 100 E. Main St. , Christiansburg
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Years Eve - Recreation center closes at 5 p.m.
  Town of Christiansburg Calendar Christiansburg, VA 24073
  5:30 am

Wednesday January 7

• Ribbon Cutting: AI Fuels Her Fire
  Chamber Office , 210 Laurel Street , Christiansburg
  4:00 pm

Friday March 27

• FIRST Chesapeake Blacksburg, VA Event
  Blacksburg High School , 3401 Bruin Ln , Blacksburg
  6:00 pm

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Blacksburg PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Virginia Tech University posted a job opening for Research Associate Professor in Blacksburg. Apply here.
• Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Medical Office Specialist in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

🗞 Nearby News

Christiansburg

• Salvation Army New River Valley spreading holiday cheer with food bag giveaway (wfxrtv.com)
• Anderson, Dorris Tolbert (montcova.com)

Radford

• Radford city manager presents update on city's financial situation (wdbj7.com)
• Radford, Lottie Poff (nrvnews.com)
• Cook, Jr., Dr. William Henry (montcova.com)

Ok Blacksburg! 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: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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