Home

The Latest news

Sign up for our free email newsletters

SIGN UP
Old Dominion Power is asking Virginia regulators to approve a base-rate increase that would raise a typical residential bill by about 23%. At 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, the bill would climb from $156.46 to $193.12 — an increase of $36.66. For a customer using the company’s forecast average of 1,198 kilowatt-hours in 2027, the proposed bill would rise by $43, from $185.07 to $228.39. Regulators will hear the case next month, and public comments are being accepted through Nov. 5. The company serves more than 28,000 customers in five Southwest Virginia counties. 🚨 BREAKING: Google is the corporate parent behind a proposed data center at Wood Haven Technology Park, the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority confirmed Friday. The project would occupy 94 acres jointly owned by Roanoke, Roanoke County and Salem, near the junction of interstates 81 and 581, and draw water from Spring Hollow. Google says it will continue due diligence, including engineering and geotechnical assessments, utility studies and environmental reviews. That process is expected to continue through March 2027. The authority initiated a purchase agreement with Clearview Dynamics in September, but has declined to provide further details about the companies’ roles. After years of hearings, a split City Council vote and litigation, Salem’s largest development of its kind is nearing construction. HopeTree Family Services plans to begin campus renovations this summer, while Blacksburg-based Stateson Homes expects to start building hundreds of homes on the adjoining property within six months. The plans combine family cottages, townhomes and small apartment buildings with commercial space. HopeTree will keep 30 acres and renovate its campus, including new group homes, an updated academy space and walking trails. The project will reshape a historic property that began as an orphanage more than a century ago. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has delayed a decision on a 349-unit housing development in Elliston until Oct. 26. Stateson Homes proposes 225 single-family homes and 124 townhomes on more than 263 acres of the historic Fotheringay property. With Elliston’s population at 855, the project could bring more than 1,000 new residents to the rural community between Christiansburg and Salem. The board voted unanimously to defer after a public hearing that ran until almost midnight. Philpott Dam’s powerhouse has been out of commission since a landslide in May 2020 sent mud and debris into the building. Construction is now expected to finish in summer 2027, followed by testing of two new generators. The project includes hillside stabilization and a $21 million generator replacement. Once operating, the dam is expected to produce 18 or 19 megawatts — potentially enough to serve about 1,900 homes. Its primary purpose, though, is flood reduction, protecting communities downstream.

Follow us!

Do you have a news tip or story idea? Send us your tip anonymously by clicking on the “Submit A Tip” button.

Submit A Tip

A special thanks to our Cornerstone Partners

Organizations who give $10K or more per year

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Verify your email

We'll send a verification code to .

Gift this article