(WSLS 10) - Preliminary competitions begin today in the Miss Virginia Pageant. Twenty-seven ladies from across the Commonwealth will compete for the title of Miss Virginia. Preliminary competitions continue tomorrow with the final competition on Saturday. The contestants are competing for their share of more than $350,000 in scholarships. The winner of the event goes on to compete for the title of Miss America in September.
Virginia Tech holds its annual "Lights Out!/Power Down!" event this afternoon from two to three. Students and staff are asked to turn off and unplug all non-critical lighting and appliances that use electricity. It's a test to see how much the university can reduce its energy usage on demand. Last year, the university reduced its energy consumption by 7,000 kilowatts and received $230,000 for participating.
VDOT holds a public information meeting today, talking about the Route 29/Wards Road Corridor in Campbell County. You will have a change to look at plans and ask questions. The meeting is from four to six at Hyland Heights Baptist Church in Rustburg.
Amherst County leaders will present the draft version of their economic development strategic plan tonight. There will be a 45 minute presentation followed by a question and feedback session. Tonight meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Monelison Middle School.
Governor Terry McAuliffe will be at Radford University today, speaking at the American Legion Boys State of Virginia. More than 700 high school students have been chosen to participate. The program shows the students about state and local government.
The highest Girl Scout Cookie sellers will spend the day as honorary CEOs. The seven girls will work with Virginia Skyline CEO Jean Ann Hughes. Each girl will have her own office, computer and personalized email. The day includes a tour of headquarters, departmental meetings and a limo ride to Hotel Roanoke for a business luncheon.
The Smith Mountain Lake Volunteer Marine Fire Rescue holds launching ceremony today for a new fireboat. Fireboat 11-3 was bought after the department received a donation. It will serve as a fast response emergency rescue and special operations vessel.
If you have plans to travel Interstate 81 in Rockbridge County, delays are possible tonight. Pavement testing will require left lane closures northbound between mile markers 185 and 195. There will also be a short detour for those travelling eastbound on Interstate 64 near Lexington. Signs will be in place to get you through the detour.
The Lynchburg Hillcats celebrate Kim Payne Appreciation Day at tonight's game. City Manager Kimball Payne will throw out the first pitch at the game. He has served as city manager for the last 15 years. Payne is retiring at the end of the month.
A local teen competes starting today in the 59th Distinguished Young Women National Finals in Mobile, Ala. Kyla Hull of Forest will compete in the national scholarship program, being judges on scholastics, interview, fitness, talent and self-expression. On Saturday, ten finalists will be selected, from the group of 51 contestants, and will compete for the title of Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2016. Hull is a graduate of Jefferson Forest High School.