I hope you enjoy my latest column, a collection of weekly short news updates and future events to look out for, and arriving in your inbox as part of our NRV newsletter on Mondays. Here’s last week’s edition.
As your New River Valley reporter, I primarily cover Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Montgomery County and Radford, but plan to expand my reach throughout the rest of a bustling valley.
I aim to inform and meet people where they are at, but the valley is vast. So if you have thoughts on a developing story or ideas on how I can get to know your community better, you can reach me at erick@cardinalnews.org.
Mural makes downtown Pulaski debut
A new mural celebrating Pulaski’s history and culture was recently completed.
It’s the work of artist Jay Scott and is the second installation of the ‘Round the Mountain Community Mural Initiative, which uses public art to celebrate a locality’s identity and strengthen community ties, according to the Aug. 10 press release from the Friends of Southwest Virginia organization.
The artwork is on the outside wall of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley — which, along with ‘Round the Mountain Artist Network and the town — partnered on the project. The mural was shaped by extensive community input gathered through surveys and public engagement opportunities beginning in the fall of 2025, according to the release. The project was funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
“This mural tells Pulaski’s story in a way that belongs to the community, while also creating a new reason for visitors to stop, explore downtown, and experience what makes this place special,” said Friends of Southwest Virginia Director Kim Davis in the release. The Friends group is part of the ‘Round the Mountain initiative.
Next step taken toward Fairlawn ZIP code
Another step was taken to get the Pulaski County community of Fairlawn its own ZIP code.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the bill, first introduced in January 2025, on Aug. 6.
Giving Fairlawn its own ZIP code will ensure it and Pulaski County “do not unfairly lose out on tax revenue to fund public services, as well as alleviate confusion and stress for its residents,” said committee senators in a press release.
Fairlawn — a census-designated place in Pulaski County — was previously included in the city of Radford’s ZIP code: 24141. As Cardinal News has previously reported, having its own ZIP code would also give the town more access to federal funding, especially for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and greater access to tax revenue.
For years, sharing the ZIP code has caused significant issues for Fairlawn and Pulaski County residents. Those issues include public safety and welfare, a loss of tax revenue and confusion regarding representation, jurisdiction, regulations, ordinances, services and more, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith’s office said in a statement last year.
Christiansburg improvement projects okayed
The Christiansburg Town Council unanimously approved two construction projects for over $4 million earlier this month for drainage improvements and sidewalk development.
Construction company Jones Road & Bridge, Inc. won both bids in July, according to town documents.
The first $2.9 million contract will complete phase two of the College Street Drainage Improvement project — consisting of a new storm drainage pipe network and inlets, construction of a new stormwater storage basin, sanitary and waterline relocations and adjustments, sidewalk, curb and gutter, asphalt mill, and overlay for flood zone areas along College Street, according to council documents.
The second $1.2 million contract is for two pedestrian and sidewalk improvement projects on Roanoke Street, including construction of a sidewalk, curb ramp improvements, asphalt mill and overlay, curb and gutter, storm drainage, traffic and pedestrian signals, pavement markings, and signing.
Engineering and inspection for both projects were also approved for two other companies — Rummel, Kepper & Kahl LLP and A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc., respectively — totaling more than $306,000.
The town will fund 20% of the Roanoke Street projects and 10% of the College Street project, Christina Bolt, public relations director, said. The remainder will come from a Virginia Department of Transportation Alternatives grant and a Community Flood Preparedness grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
“So we’re getting a lot of work done to make the town a lot safer for a little bit of money,” said Mayor Mike Barber.
