Danielle Ward manages landscaping at the annual music festival, a job that includes mitigating rain’s effects on the site’s wetlands, keeping pollinators happy — and using goats to get rid of poison ivy.
NRV Zone
New River Valley Zone (Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles, Wythe, Floyd, Bland, Carroll, and Grayson)
Posted inEconomy
Tech Briefs: Virginia Tech researchers’ AI model is meant to manage water use
Plus: #AppalachiaBuiltThis event scheduled in Abingdon bills itself as “a hands-on community build night” for AI.
Posted inPath to Solutions
Youth rescue camp aims to inspire Virginia’s next generation of first responders
More than 40 kids attended last month’s camp, which is part of the Virginia Association of First Responders’ efforts to bolster fire and rescue recruitment efforts.
Posted inCulture
Tedeschi Trucks Band cancels FloydFest appearance, citing singer’s illness
The group was atop the bill for the 2026 festival in Floyd County and was scheduled for a two-hour main stage set on Friday.
Posted inOpinion
Four questions for the next president of Virginia Tech
The presidential search committee meets again Tuesday. Here are some things the members ought to be asking, if they aren’t already.
Posted inNew River Valley
New River Valley Field Notes: Blacksburg incubator gets $1 annual lease, will offer new use of old building
Plus: A split Christiansburg Town Council approves police camera contract.
Posted inEconomy
Virginia Tech researchers look to AI to ease difficult workplace conversations
Need help navigating a tough talk with your employees? Researchers are developing an AI training tool that offers coaching and customizable scenarios.
Posted inLocal
New River Valley Field Notes: $1 annual lease to be considered for incubator filling Blacksburg’s former Cook’s Cleaners building
Plus: The recycling stream is flowing a bit faster in Montgomery County
Posted inPath to Solutions
As firefighters in Southwest and Southside spend most of their time responding to EMS calls, training evolves
The issue was featured during a recent statewide first responder symposium in Blacksburg.
Posted inEducation
Virginia Tech braces for expected grad student enrollment decline
Fewer international students and waning interest in certain computer science programs are contributing to anticipated enrollment declines at colleges and universities across the country.
