Officials say water tests of little concern

The town's water supply in July failed to pass contaminant level guidelines set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia Waterworks Regulations, according to a town release.

Three samples collected tested positive for coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria is an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present.

The number of samples that tested positive is considered a warning of potential problems. The bacteria itself is not generally harmful, but is a sign that treatment or distribution problems may be present.

Subsequent tests did not detect E. coli or other serious types of bacteria. State health officials said there is little cause for concern, since no further contamination was found.

-- Lerone Graham

RINER

Artisan brochure unveiling Sept. 9

The Montgomery County 'Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network brochure will be unveiled during a celebration at 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Sinkland Farms in Riner.

The trail is a listing of artisan studios, galleries, farms, farmers markets, historic sites, outdoor recreational sites, lodging and dining in a 19-county, four-city area in Southwest Virginia.

Each county will have a brochure marking its trail site, and a larger brochure will later show all 19 counties. A website, www.roundthemountain.org, also lists the trail sites.

For more information, contact Diane Akers, president of the Blacksburg Partnership, at 443-2008.

-- Amy Matzke-Fawcett

MONTGOMERY CO.

Pooches welcome at pool on Sept. 12

Wet dog smell will be strong Sept. 12 at Montgomery County's Frog Pond.

The county parks and recreation department and Humane Society of Montgomery County will host a pool party for dogs and owners from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frog Pond pool on Cinnabar Road.

Admission is $10 per dog and $5 per person, and will go toward the Humane Society's no-kill shelter.

Children younger than 16 years old will not be allowed in the pool because of health concerns.

All dogs must be leashed and have current vaccinations.

-- Katelyn Polantz

CHRISTIANSBURG

Local business donates to rec club

Players with the Christiansburg Soccer Club can redeem certificates for free soccer balls at South Main Auto Service.

It's part of the Uniroyal Soccer Program that has provided nearly $13 million in funds and equipment -- and 1 million soccer balls -- since 2000.

The Christiansburg Soccer Club also will receive $2 for every Uniroyal tire sold to the general public on behalf of Uniroyal Tire and South Main Auto Service.

"Giving back to our local community in such a unique way is phenomenal," said David Reynolds of South Main Auto Service in a news release.

"We look forward to connecting with players and parents from Christiansburg Soccer Club when they come in for their free soccer ball."

-- The Roanoke Times

FOOTBALL

Tailgating league starts season at Tech prior to ECU game

The National Tailgating League -- an organization created in May 2009 to sanction and execute organized tailgating games including cornhole, ladder golf and washer toss competitions -- has chosen Blacksburg for the opening location of its 2010 College Tour.

The NTL has partnered with Foxridge Apartments as the venue to host the competitions on Sept. 17, a day before the Hokies take on East Carolina at Lane Stadium.

The Blacksburg event will include doubles cornhole tournaments, which will take place on the grounds of Foxridge Apartments off Prices Fork Road just west of campus, and will consist of three doubles tournaments beginning at 1 p.m. Friday.

The following college towns will also host competitions this fall: Knoxville, Tenn.; Clemson, S.C.; Greenville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.; Auburn, Ala.; Baton Rouge, La,; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and Charlotte, N.C.

Featuring multiple cornhole tournaments with cash and other prizes on the line, the NTL College Tour events are open to the entire student body and alumni.

Online registration allows contestants to sign up in teams of two to reserve a spot with a $10 per team entry fee.

Interested students, fans and alumni that should visit www.TheNTL.com.

-- The Roanoke Times