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🌱 Patch AM: Could you qualify for Blacksburg’s new affordable three-bedroom homes?

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Good morning Blacksburg! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could you qualify for Blacksburg's new affordable three-bedroom homes?
  • Why Skipper's original builder is back on the Lane Stadium sideline
  • Where Blacksburg gas prices stand as Labor Day travelers hit the road

Also on today's calendar: Nrv Aarp/Toc Health Fair and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Very warm; a p.m. t-storm, with a high of 87 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: A stray t-storm; not as warm, temps: high: 75, low: 60.
  • Monday: An a.m. shower; rather cloudy, with a high of 76 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Affordable Homeownership Opportunities in Blacksburg (nrvnews.com) — New affordable homes in Blacksburg's Stroubles Ridge and Airport Acres Townhomes are now available to income-qualified buyers, offering three-bedroom options well below typical local prices. Through the New River Home Trust land trust model, these houses stay permanently affordable while still letting owners build equity, supporting long-term stability for Blacksburg families and essential workers.
   

2. Man who built Virginia Tech's Skipper cannon returns to fire it before VMI game (wdbj7.com) — Virginia Tech fans in Blacksburg will see a special moment Saturday as Homer Hickam, who helped build the original Skipper cannon in 1963, returns to help fire it before the Hokies face VMI. The story traces how the iconic cannon was created, named, and modernized, and why this reunion with the Skipper crew at Lane Stadium is meaningful to him.
   

3. Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up - Sept. 4, 2026 (wsls.com) — Drivers in Blacksburg face some of Virginia's highest Labor Day gas prices, with regular averaging $3.94 per gallon and diesel at $5.81 across the New River Valley. The statewide average for regular is even higher at $3.96, well above last year's $2.99. If you're traveling this weekend, expect record-setting holiday prices at the pump.
   

4. Vet school expansion wins VT Board of Visitors approval (americanfarm.com) — Virginia Tech has approved a $47 million expansion and renovation of the veterinary teaching hospital in Blacksburg, with construction slated from spring 2027 to spring 2029. The project will modernize clinical and teaching spaces, expand capacity for emergency and specialty care, and be phased so the hospital can keep operating. Local pet owners and students can expect more advanced services and training opportunities once it's complete.
   

5. Man reported missing from Halifax County (wdbj7.com) — Authorities are asking Blacksburg and New River Valley residents to watch for 55-year-old Bryan Kast of Goode, who has ties to the area and hasn't been seen since an August visit to Halifax County. He may be driving a blue 2012 Nissan Maxima with Virginia plate UBK-4111, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.
   

📸 Around Blacksburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Blacksburg. Apply here.
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Closing Team Members-Food Service/ Food Prep in Blacksburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Blacksburg here.

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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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