🌱 Proposed Tax Raise On Cigarettes + Second Hotel Coming Downtown?

Welcome back, Blacksburg. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Plenty of sun. High: 50 Low: 22.
• Tuesday: Sun mixing with clouds. High: 56 Low: 36.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Blacksburg? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top stories in Blacksburg today:

1. Blacksburg is proposing the cigarette tax rise by 10 cents to match with neighboring counties Christiansburg and Montgomery. This proposal was submitted in the desire to stay more consistent with neighbors as well as to better match the tax revenue of other taxed items in the city. Some retailers argue that the increase in tax will take away the competitive edge they have over other locations with the higher tax, while some believe the increase in tax may come as a promotion for healthier habits. (Roanoke Times)
2. A proposal has been filed by Midtown Redevelopment Partners LLC for a second hotel to be built downtown. The hotel would be a 155-room AC Hotels by Marriott at 501 S. Main St. A request to exceed to maximum height has been submitted as the structure could have a maximum height of 75 feet rather than the 60 approved. The request will be discussed in the neighborhood meeting on Apr. 6 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Blacksburg Motor Company building on Main St. (Roanoke Times)
3. This weekend, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students celebrated Match Day, where they find out where they will do their post-college residencies and continue their journeys to becoming future doctors. This celebration includes students speaking on their dreams and goals moving forward and proves as a special moment for the students, the families, and the school after all these years of hard work. VTC has a 100 percent match rate and continues to match with prestigious spots like Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Duke, Yale, and more, with a bit more than 10 percent staying in the area. (WSLS 10)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Blacksburg Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Blacksburg Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Blacksburg:

Monday, March 20

• MC Ribbon Cutting Renew & Restore Wellness - 120 Professional Park Dr. SE (12:00 PM)
• Axe Throwing For The SWVA Wild Life Center - Blue Ridge Axe Throwing & Arcade (4:00 PM)
• Music on Mondays: Kendra Wheeler - Squires Recital Salon (9:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 21

• Town Council Work Session - Town of Blacksburg (11:00 AM)
• A Talk With The Kingdom Of Sweden's Ambassador, HE Karin Olofsdotter - Zoom (4:30 PM)
• "O'Keeffe!" at The Lyric Theatre - The Lyric Theatre (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• This weekend, a male dog was found on Old Rough Rd. in Riner. If this dog belongs to you or you know his owner, please contact the Animal Center via telephone at 540-382-5795. (Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center via Facebook)
• The newest member of the fleet is getting a touch-up before making its way onto the scene. Rescue 91 is receiving a fresh paint and lettering job before attaching the necessary equipment to hit the roads. (Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department via Facebook)
• Blacksburg Middle School wants to congratulate the first-period and Bel Canto choirs for their amazing performance at VCDA District VI Choral Assessment. The choirs received two excellent and one superior rating on the performances and superior ratings on sight reading. (Blacksburg Middle School via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! 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.