Vantrease passes Georgia Southern past No. 25 James Madison
Read full article: Vantrease passes Georgia Southern past No. 25 James MadisonKyle Vantrease threw four touchdown passes, including a 22-yarder to Derwin Burgess Jr. with 1:10 remaining, and Georgia Southern beat No. 25 James Madison 45-38 to spoil the Dukes’ first appearance in the AP Top 25.
Southwest, Central Virginia authorities call on state to improve broken mental health system
Read full article: Southwest, Central Virginia authorities call on state to improve broken mental health systemCHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Top cops from all across Southwest and Central Virginia are sounding the alarm about issues with the mental health system, leading to big challenges for law enforcement. Sheriff’s offices in Montgomery County, Floyd County, Campbell County, Bedford County, Amherst County and Roanoke County and police departments in Christiansburg and Blacksburg were all represented. A multi-agency effort is underway to change the way mental health calls are handled. “The immediate crisis of a mental health crisis is sometimes short-lived. Now, they’re calling on the Department of Behavioral Health and the General Assembly to make changes by addressing bed space, mental health services and transport options.
Ga. Southern routs La. Tech 38-3 in New Orleans Bowl
Read full article: Ga. Southern routs La. Tech 38-3 in New Orleans BowlGeorgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts (1) is lifted up after scoring a touchdown against Louisiana Tech during the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)NEW ORLEANS – Georgia Southern quarterback Shai Werts kept his team in suspense until pregame warmups. “The guys fed off that for sure.”Werts had three touchdown runs and threw a 65-yard scoring pass to help Georgia Southern beat Louisiana Tech 38-3 in the New Orleans Bowl on Wednesday. Safety Justin Birdsong intercepted two passes — the first against Louisiana Tech starter Aaron Allen and the second against reserve JD Head in the third quarter. “He did not play very well,” Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz said.
College students aren’t to blame for spike in New River Valley coronavirus cases, officials say
Read full article: College students aren’t to blame for spike in New River Valley coronavirus cases, officials sayCollege towns like Blacksburg and Radford saw spikes in COVID-19 cases when thousands of students came back to school. The cases have since leveled out for college-aged students, but the NRV is still seeing a spike, especially in working-aged adults. Dr. Noelle Bissell, the director of the New River Health District said it’s not because of the college students anymore. Birthday parties, sleepovers, carpooling, church events, and break-room exposures are all to blame, especially gatherings among close friends or extended family. “I think our students have modeled for others how to take this seriously and how to model public health in the name of the greater good,” said Shushok.
Law enforcement agencies team up for Dialogue on Race & Law Enforcement in Blacksburg
Read full article: Law enforcement agencies team up for Dialogue on Race & Law Enforcement in BlacksburgBLACKSBURG, Va. Multiple law enforcement agencies in the Montgomery County area are holding a joint news conference in response to the killing of George Floyd and the expressions of outrage sweeping across the country. The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Blacksburg Police Department and Christiansburg Police Department are hosting the news conference. Scheduled speakers include:Penny Franklin, President of The Community GroupDr. Wornie Reed, Director of the Virginia Tech Race and Social Policy CenterBlacksburg Police Chief Anthony WilsonBlacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-SmithChristiansburg Mayor Mike BarberMontgomery County Board of Supervisors Chair Steve FijalkowskiThe news conference is happening outside the Blacksburg Police Department building at 200 Clay Street.
Hundreds march in Blacksburg for peaceful protest against police brutality
Read full article: Hundreds march in Blacksburg for peaceful protest against police brutalityBLACKSBURG, Va. Protesters against police brutality took to the streets of Blacksburg on Monday afternoon. The demonstration started as a corner protest on Main Street and College Avenue just before noon. From there, the protest went back through downtown and through Virginia Tech before returning to the police station. "I dont care if its an hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, or 5 seconds. Blacksburg Police Chief Anthony Wilson plans to share his thoughts about George Floyds death on Tuesday afternoon.
New charge filed against Keepers in death of Nicole Lovell
Read full article: New charge filed against Keepers in death of Nicole LovellBLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - Virginia Tech student Natalie Keepers is now charged with accessory before the fact to willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation kill and murder Nicole Lovell in the 1st degree. Nicole Lovell, 13, was found dead Jan. 30, 2016, three days after she went missing. The 19-year-old Keepers is still charged with unlawful disposal of a body and accessory after the fact, according to Pettitt. "Multiple agencies are seeking justice for Nicole and her family," Albert said, " We will be vigilant in the days, weeks, and months ahead." Lovell's official autopsy results may not be back until the preliminary hearings for Eisenhauer and Keepers in March, Pettitt said.