Local news from the New River Valley

A wreck will be simulated during the training exercise, which is not open to the public, according to a news release from the town.

RADFORD -- The Radford University Board of Visitors unanimously approved Thursday a $156.6 million budget that includes state budget cuts mandated in September by Gov. Tim Kaine.

To balance the university budget, more than 50 jobs must be cut from the payroll, but officials expect to lay off five or fewer people, Radford Chief Financial Officer Richard Alvarez told the board.

Two days of rain proved little fun Thursday for many New River Valley residents.

Kipps Elementary School is hosting a "bear drive" to send teddy bears of support to schools on the Fort Hood military base in Texas.

The goal is to collect more than 300 bears -- one for every classroom in the seven Fort Hood elementary schools -- by Monday.

RADFORD -- A subcommittee of the Radford University Board of Visitors recommended approval Wednesday of a $156.6 million budget that includes cuts mandated in September by Gov. Tim Kaine.

Radford's proposed budget minimizes potential layoffs and strives to prepare the university for both the anticipated drying of up federal stimulus money by 2011 and an eventual economic recovery, Chief Financial Officer Richard Alvarez said.

But just how many, and who they are, is still under wraps. The school board spent more than six hours Tuesday evening poring over candidate profiles and finalizing questions to ask those they selected to meet.

They should be reminded that what they're doing is important, even in the middle of the night when it's cold and they're tired and no one is paying attention, Evans said.

Representatives of HCA and Carilion announced Wednesday morning that their hospitals, physician practices and outpatient centers throughout the New River Valley would go tobacco-free Jan. 1 for employees and guests.

The council approved an ordinance that establishes a downtown tourism district and incentives, such as rebates on some taxes and fees, for qualifying businesses. The ordinance is effective immediately.

Was it what you expected -- was it liked you dream -- or did it make history?

Chances are everyone has great memories of the final chapter of their childhood. But for one Christiansburg High School senior, her final year of adolescence could not have begun more perfectly.

Radford University

What: Board of visitors

When: 9 a.m. today

Where: Martin Hall board room, Radford University.

On the agenda: 2009-10 operating budget, to include general plans to offset a $6.4 million state budget cut.

RADFORD -- Faculty senators from Radford University asked President Penelope Kyle to replace Provost Wil Stanton at a special meeting called Tuesday to discuss a no-confidence vote taken by the senate last month.

RADFORD -- Out of 15 four-year state-supported colleges and universities that report enrollment figures to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, only Radford University posted a decline this fall.

Virginia Tech's vice president for equality and inclusion has taken a job as the chief diversity officer for Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.

Kevin McDonald has held the position at Tech since 2007 and oversaw the creation of the Presidential Scholarship Initiative, a partnership with the An Achievable Dream organization and established the university Conflict Resolution Program, according to a news release from the university.

On Monday, the city council passed on first reading separate budget appropriation amendments, totaling $20,000, that would help shore up shortfalls caused by state budget cuts in the five offices.

The money would be used to improve service on the city's East End, from Forrest Avenue to Rock Road, and put water lines in undeveloped areas, said Mayor Tom Starnes.

"To have my peers around the state vote me into the position is an honor," Terpenny said. "It makes me feel like they think I'm doing a good job, and that's rewarding."

At a Thursday public hearing, the board of supervisors will consider the fee as part of court costs in civil, criminal or traffic cases in district or circuit court.

Local collection sites will be at Christian Life Center in Blacksburg, Pembroke United Methodist Church, Floyd Baptist Church and First Jefferson Church in Pulaski.

The machine lab is the first phase of the project to be completed.