Vehicle license taxes to be mailed May 15

Residents no longer have to purchase vehicle decals in Blacksburg. Following the lead of Montgomery County and Christiansburg, Blacksburg Town Council voted to do away with the decals last month.

Vehicle owners still have to pay a fee to keep a vehicle in the town, however. And they may be surprised when they receive their first bill for $37.50. That's $12.50 more than normal.

But not to worry, officials say. The first bill will cover the tax for 18 months, rather than the normal 12 months. The bigger bill is simply a way for the town to switch to a more logistics-friendly calendar year billing cycle, according to a news release.

Payment is due June 15. The next vehicle license tax bills will be mailed in November 2009, and won't be due until December of that year.

For more information, call the town's finance department at 558-0722.

-- Tonia Moxley

Beautification awards nominations sought

The Civic Beautification Awards, sponsored by the Townscape Committee, are given annually to recognize landscapes or architectural improvements that enhance the appearance of the Blacksburg. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the awards and the debut of a sustainable environment award. Businesses, individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations.

Nominations will be accepted through June 30 at the Blacksburg planning and building department at 300 S. Main St. They may be submitted via e-mail to kdrake@blacksburg.gov. Nomination forms can also be downloaded at blacksburg.gov.

-- Tonia Moxley

Comments sought for BMS design competition

The Old Blacksburg Middle School Transition Committee is seeking public input to kick off an international design competition for the old Blacksburg Middle School property on South Main Street.

Residents are invited to a public input meeting Wednesday to learn about the competition and offer their ideas for the best use of the 20-acre site adjacent to downtown Blacksburg. There will be one meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. and another opportunity from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Blacksburg Community Center on Patrick Henry Drive.

-- Tonia Moxley

Blacksburg police announce promotions

The Blacksburg Police Department has announced the promotions of three new supervisors. The staffing changes took effect last month, and the officers were recognized at a recent Blacksburg Town Council meeting.

The officers and their new titles are:

n Capt. Ken Gay will oversee the department's services division.

n Lt. Anthony Wilson has been named platoon commander.

n Sgt. Gary Thomas is now a day-shift supervisor.

n Sgt. J.D. Robinson is now a night-shift supervisor.

-- Tonia Moxley

Deadline nearing for conservation program

The Skyline Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost Share Program.

The program, aimed at farmers with livestock operations, offers up to 75 percent cost sharing for practices that promote water quality.

First round sign-up will end June 13.

For more information, contact 382-3262. Dial ext. 113 for Chris Barbour or 114 for Scott Rogers.

-- The Roanoke Times