Category: News

By Emma Duncan, education reporter

Montgomery County goes by many titles—rural community, persistent-poverty county, the greater Blacksburg area, home. Some of these titles carry more weight than others.

For Montgomery County Public Schools, being classified as a rural area or not can stand between receiving federal funding and benefits. 

The National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the Department of Education, uses a 12-category classification system to define locales as one of four categories: city, suburban, town and rural. Locales are different from counties: counties house an entire school district of locales, while locales typically represent one community or 1-3 schools.

According to the June 2007 NCES Status of Education in Rural America report, “The new measures or locale codes are assigned to each school according to the school’s physical longitude and latitude. Thus, these new locale codes make school data more consistent, accurate, and useful to policymakers, researchers, and educators concerned with rural education issues.” 

The NCES Locale Lookup map shows that Montgomery County is majority rural, with most of the county falling in the rural fringe category. At the center of the county, two bubblegum pink regions dictate small cities, better known as Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

This map and data from NCES are used by other government agencies and departments as the basis for resource allocation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has its own FNS Rural Designation Map used to qualify students for free or reduced lunch and the summer meals program. On this map, all of Montgomery County is green and classified as rural, except for Blacksburg and Christiansburg.

“We have four unique strands in our county: Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Shallsville-Elliston, and Reiner,” said Andrew Webb, coordinator of communications and public relations for MCPS. “Shawsville and Reiner qualify. Christiansburg does not. Blacksburg Middle and High schools don’t necessarily qualify, but Price’s Fork Elementary School does; it’s not necessarily within the town of Blacksburg limits, but it’s got a Blacksburg address.” 

Webb explained that MCPS bases its internal classification and allocation on this map, acknowledging that most of the county is rural. However, some scholarship and financial aid programs don’t agree. 

The George Washington Carver Assistantship Program through Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences “[supports] the development of high-achieving graduate students with varied, diverse experiences and backgrounds.” U.S. resident graduate students in this college can apply for the scholarship if they meet at least one of the following criteria: are a first-generation student, have a disability, are a veteran or come from a disadvantaged background, such as a rural area. 

This scholarship utilizes the Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data to define rural; Montgomery County is not considered rural or grant eligible on either of these indicators.

While the HRSA does not consider Montgomery County rural, the county is classified as a persistent poverty county, an area “in which poverty rates of 20 percent or higher have persisted for 30 years or more,” according to an article from the USDA. This definition may cause some to conclude that, if an area is rural for so long, it can lose its rural status and be redefined by its poverty, limiting scholarship access to a county that historically needs it.

The HRSA was contacted for a comment, but only referenced their “How We Define Rural” website. One aspect of the administration’s rural definition read, “outlying metropolitan counties with no population from an urban area of 50,000 or more people.” This is where the bubble gum pink regions come into play.

The Town of Blacksburg defines itself as “a vibrant college community with a daily population of over 50,000 people.” When Virginia Tech is in session, over 30,000 students call Blacksburg home. The population of Blacksburg disqualifies Montgomery County as a rural area. 

​​As a tax-exempt organization, Virginia Tech does not pay local taxes to Montgomery County. However, the university still impacts its community and serves Montgomery County students economically and through development and education efforts. 

“Virginia Tech gives in so many different ways and we can’t limit ourselves just to one measure,” said Mark Owczarski, chief spokesperson. “At our university, impact is about bringing families together, empowering students, bringing faculty into the local schools and hosting programming, not to mention living here. Faculty and staff have kids in the Montgomery County school system. When they decide to live here, they bring whatever talents and gifts they have to the community at large, along with investing their salaries in the area. Virginia Tech is Montgomery County, so as Virginia Tech changes, our impact changes.”

Many classes, including Community Writing in the Department of English, visit county schools weekly to teach students, host programming and support the development of Montgomery County. Clubs such as Primeros Pasos mentor disadvantaged students as they navigate post-secondary education and life.

Although students from Montgomery County may not qualify for state and federal scholarships based on rural status, the Virginia Tech Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers onsite admission, a service that gives early application review and decision to high schools in the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley. 

“They have their own process just for local kids,” Owczarski said.” “They don’t do it because they have to, they do it because they want to. We want Virginia Tech to be an obvious choice for students in surrounding areas.” 

In mid-February, Virginia Tech will receive its economic impact report, completed by Tripp Umbach, which will detail the location and reach of the university’s cited multi-billion-dollar impact. Owczarski shared that he will be briefed on the report and able to answer questions about it beginning Wednesday, Feb. 18. 

With a mixture of classifications, resources, and support services in Montgomery County’s reach, Webb clarified that the school district doesn’t let titles prevent its students from succeeding.

“Equity is a big part of what we do here,” Webb said. “We have a director of equity who strives to make education as accessible as possible, reducing barriers, whether it be transportation, meals, anything we can do to help level the playing field.
If you don’t have a fair share, it’s hard to want to go to school every day, and we want to make our schools a place where every kid feels welcome and wanted.”

By Sarah Shrader, health & wellness reporter

Protein is the latest health craze in the U.S. However, the exponential rise in protein-marketed products and consumption has experts warning that this may have gone too far. 

“Now, protein is part of the marketing environment,” stated Vivica Kraak, who holds a doctorate and is an associate professor of food and nutrition policy at Virginia Tech University. “It’s the new gluten-free.”

CBS news reports that last year, 61% of Americans increased their protein intake. Industries took notice, as protein-centered products popped up in the forms of Starbucks’ Protein Cold Foam, Dunkin Donuts’ Protein Refreshers, and Kroger’s Simple Truth Protein Line. 

Hyper protein consumption is a predominantly younger facing health trend. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Generation Z, on average, spend $71 on protein items (meat, dairy, powders, chips, etc.) per week, whereas older generations tend to spend about $27, according to Empower’s recent “The Protein is Extra” study. 

Additionally, 43% of Americans reported that they are willing to pay higher prices for protein-enhanced items. That percentage is higher among Generation Z, 56% of whom reported splurging on protein goods. The study further affirms Americans’ protein preference; it found that 50% of respondents check protein content first when reading nutrition labels, and that 45% consciously look for protein-labeled items. 

The muscle-building macro further solidifies itself as a health stamp of approval as 72% of study respondents reported that if a product is labeled as protein-enhanced, they are more likely to pay extra. A majority of respondents also stated that they are looking to increase their protein intake – enter Simple Truth Protein Line. 

Launched on September 17, 2025, and marketed as an affordable and “free from unwanted ingredients” protein option, Kroger’s Simple Truth brand offers more than 110 protein-enhanced grocery items. 

The line boasts everyday products enhanced with whey, pea, and various concentrated protein sources. Additionally, products that are already protein-rich are featured, like Simple Truth’s protein cottage cheese. Their version sports 15 grams per ½ cup serving, in juxtaposition to Good Culture’s 14 grams for the same serving size.  

Other merchandise includes, but is not limited to: 

• Protein Water
• Protein Cereal
• Protein Waffles 
• Protein Peanut Butter 
• Protein Crackers 
• Protein Bagels 
• Protein Rice
• Protein Coffee
• Protein Chicken Bites 

Simple Truth Protein’s grain free berry flavored cereal on grocery store shelf. (photo by Sarah Shrader TheNewsFeedNRV.com)

The Simple Truth Protein Line appeals to health-conscious consumers, looking to eat right. While it may be grocery supplies, the line is marketed as health products and an investment in one’s overall well-being. 

“We’re just talking about wellness more like a product or a service, but not comprehensively,” Kraak stated. “We live in a very saturated environment with commercial messages. That’s just the nature of American society.”

The U.S. is by far the largest health economy in the world. Valued at $2 trillion, it represents one-third of the global wellness economy according to the Global Wellness Institute. 

“I think the opposite of mindful living and mindful eating is this optimization culture that’s being driven by marketers and advertisers,” Kraak stated. “There’s a whole monetary economy behind it. I think it’s going to have detrimental impacts if you can never reach perfection.” 

As wellness is packaged and sold to American consumers, health fads often present themselves as a capitalist opportunity to gain market share. Spanning from ketogenic diets, Whole30, juice cleanses, gluten-free and now to protein-centric diets, Kraak noted that pervasive health claims and marketing have oversaturated the market and led to confusion surrounding nutrition.

Woman compares yogurt brands at Kroger in Blacksburg, VA. (photo by Sarah Shrader TheNewsFeedNRV.com)

“We don’t yet know how much ultra-processed food can be consumed without having health risks,” stated Brenda Davvy, who holds a doctorate and is a professor in the department of human nutrition, foods and exercise at Virginia Tech University. 

Kroger’s push for protein is also a symptom of a larger trend in the U.S., according to Kraak. While American protein intake increased in recent years, the new federal dietary guidelines encourage greater protein intake across the board. 

“For decades, the recommended daily intake of protein has been 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight,” Davvy stated. “The latest version of our dietary guidelines, which were just released, increase this a bit to about 1.2 grams protein per kilogram of body weight.”

Kraak addressed the change in nutrition guidance, asserting that, today, most Americans are not underconsuming protein, but more likely overconsuming it. She noted that without proper movement, excess protein stores as fat in the body. Further, Kraak added that protein diversity, specifically consuming plant-based proteins, is more crucial than eating it in large quantities. 

Experts, like Davvy and Kraak, endorse the Mediterranean diet, which is ranked as the healthiest diet in 2025 by U.S.News. The diet focuses on whole foods with an emphasis on diverse plant consumption. Intuitive eating is also promoted, in contrast to other diets, which tend to suggest restriction of calories or elimination of food groups. 

Kraak also emphasized the importance of integrating movement into daily life, such as ditching the car and walking, using public transport, engaging in frequent exercise and overall simplifying wellness in a media landscape that is designed to complicate it. 

Michaela Scott, crime, safety and justice reporter 

Federal immigration detentions have surged nationwide this year, and the detention of a Virginia Tech student early last July continues to raise questions in the New River Valley about how federal immigration policy intersects with local policing.  

As of Dec. 26, 2025, there are 212 active detention centers operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is roughly double the number in operation at the start of the year. Some local law enforcement agencies across the country have participated in what are known as 287(g) agreements, which are federal partnerships that allow trained officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. Similarly, at some universities, campus police departments have entered agreements with the federal government authorizing officers to assist in immigration enforcement.  

According to ABC News, the Trump Administration’s surge in law enforcement has created a chilling effect on student attendance in districts nationwide. Thousands of students in counties across the U.S. are being reported absent from school daily in fear of ICE agents.  

In Virginia, however, state policy shifted earlier this year. 

On her first day in office, Gov. Abigail Spanberger rescinded Executive Order 47 (2025). It had originally required state law enforcement agencies to cooperate directly with federal immigration authorities and encouraged participation in federal deputization programs. 

In essence, the order removes the initial mandate, allowing state law enforcement to refocus on their core responsibilities, such as keeping Virginians safe.  

The move marked a shift in state policy and offered reassurance for students. The Virginia Tech Police Department says their mission has always remained the same.  

“Nothing changed from the day before to the day after the new executive order,” said Mac Babb, VTPD chief of police. “We’ve been the consistent agency all along in our focus on supporting the community.” 

However, social media and conversations across campus have raised questions regarding whether VTPD would honor a criminal ICE detainer.  

Anonymous posts warning of ICE sightings have continuously circulated on Yik Yak, a location-based social media, amplifying uncertainty among some students about what authority campus police hold in immigration matters. Babb emphasized that the department encourages students to contact campus police if federal agents are reported nearby, in order to verify legitimacy and to prevent unnecessary escalation.  

Babb added that none of these claims have been proven to be true.  

“A lot of what VTPD would do is more for the community than it would be for ICE, but it would be perceived as, oh, you’re helping ICE.” Babb said. “If ICE was on campus, our purpose there would be to deescalate the situation, so we don’t expose more people to investigations by ICE and potentially subject additional people to arrest, which doesn’t need to happen.”  

In regard to the Virginia Tech student detained in July 2025, Babb explained that VTPD was not a part of the enforcement action but later conducted an internal review to assess preparedness and potential implications.  

“I think it’s important that everybody understands that the detention last July occurred after an actual criminal event, and unfortunately, it triggered an inspection during the arrest process,” Babb said. “So those are the types of things that we try to watch out for, and to make sure that we don’t have more people end up in situations where they’re under review as well.” 

With international students making up 12% of the total student population at Virginia Tech, Deputy Chief Tony Haga explained that his team has devoted time to connect with the student population to build assurance in students. 

“Some of those students are coming from places of origin where there is no relationship with the police department at all,” Haga said. “So already stepping into our community, we are somebody they’re not going to trust.”  

To bridge that gap, VTPD has partnered with the Cranwell International Center to provide presentations and informational sessions outlining students’ rights and campus procedures.  

 University leaders say that those efforts reflect a broader institutional commitment to international students.  

“If we’re going to save the environment, cure cancer, and develop the hottest technology in AI, we need to know how the world interacts with it,” said Mark Owczarski, VT university spokesperson. “From the very beginning, we truly welcome and seek out individual international folks from all over the world to come here.” 

Babb reiterated that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and that VTPD’s role remains focused strictly on criminal matters and campus safety. 

While state policy shifts and national enforcement trends continue to evolve, university officials maintain that their role remains focused on campus safety rather than immigration enforcement. For some students, however, broader national debate means concerns about immigration policy are unlikely to fade.  

“In light of current events, say what you will, but the values and the approach that Virginia Tech takes haven’t changed,” Owczarski said. 

By Megan Reese, politics and government reporter

On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors met virtually for a special meeting to discuss improvement and funding plans made to the Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility and on-campus residential facilities. 

During the special meeting, two resolutions were discussed. The first was authorizing Virginia Tech to move forward with an $800,000 planning authorization, which is to make improvements to the Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility. The second was authorizing planning funds and target timelines for several on-campus residential housing renovations, such as Slusher Hall, Pritchard Hall and Hoge Hall. Both plans were approved by the 13 board members in attendance unanimously.

“As a freshman I lived in Pritchard, and I think renovating should definitely be a priority for this school. Not only is there no air conditioning, but the bathrooms need a little love and the carpet in Pritchard needs to go,” said junior Virginia Tech student Leila Sarkarzadeh.

An entryway to Pritchard Hall, a residence hall on Virginia Tech’s campus.

 Photo taken by Megan Reese.

A full view of Slusher Hall, a residence hall on Virginia Tech’s campus. Photo taken by Megan Reese.

Many students complain of the lack of air conditioning in those residential halls during the hotter months, and the university is prioritizing that in the renovations. The renovation goals include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as environmental quality, addressing modern program needs and safety needs. 

Virginia Tech made an effort to better understand students’ needs and priorities by bringing in Brailsford and Dunleavy, a consulting company, to meet with students. The board also has an undergraduate student representative that conveys those needs. This person is a non-voting member, but still contributes to conversations, giving students a voice. There are four other non-voting members, the staff, faculty, administrative/professional faculty, and graduate student representatives. 

“I sat in on one of [the Brailsford and Dunleavy] meetings as an RA, and I sat in on it as a student leader, and then I met with them in my capacity as the representative,” said Thomas Feely, the undergraduate student representative. “So I think they tried to cover their bases quite well. Emails went out to all of the residents saying, if you want to be part of a focus group, they’re meeting today for this.”

Amy Sebring, Virginia Tech’s vice president and chief operating officer, explained the plans in immense detail during her presentation. There was a refresher on all of the plans that were previously discussed, the renovations’ financial impact and a preliminary housing framework scenario discussing enrollment growth. 

Slusher Hall was built in 1972 and the target construction start date will be summer of 2028. The proposed planning authorization is $6.5 million. Hoge Hall is the next building to start construction, with a target start date of the summer of 2030. It was built in 1966 and the proposed planning authorization is $9 million. The last building in this plan is Pritchard Hall, built in 1967, with the first phase of construction planning to begin in summer of 2032 and phase two in summer of 2034. The proposed planning authorization is $12 million. 

The plan also noted that residential rates will increase with inflation and the renovations. The plan states “by 2032, to cover project costs, residential rates would need to increase by 4.2% per annum. By 2032 this would equate to 25.2% or $2,326, which equals a bed rate of $11,576.”

Annual increase needed to cover project costs is 4.2% and the annual increase projected to cover inflation is 3%, which combines to 7.2%. However bed rates are different based on the category. There is non air-conditioned multiple occupancy, air-conditioned multiple occupancy, and air-conditioned single occupancy. The new bed rate will apply based on the category. 

“That 7% is being applied per category. The reason why I think this is reasonable is because we’re behind. We have a lot of deferred maintenance on these facilities,” said Feely. “3% goes to inflation and then the 4% is for the cost of renovations, which it’s tough to argue with 4%. To me it seems like a pretty good deal.” 

Although the on-campus residential resolution was the bigger proposition of the meeting, the indoor practice plans were approved as well. The plan notes, “a conditioned interior practice environment is critical to remain competitive with other Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA Division I athletics programs.” 

Beamer-Lawson indoor practice facility. Photo taken by Megan Reese.

The board recently made headlines for approving a $229 million plan to invest in athletics for the next four years. This plan aligns with the need to be competitive with other Division I athletic programs. 

Feely noted that although there may be concern about more money going towards athletics, that this plan is funded by athletics auxiliary revenues, like ticket sales, which is money that the athletics department already has. 

The next board of Visitors meeting is planned for April 13-14.