As Google’s proposed data center project in Botetourt County moves forward, environmental groups and local officials continue to debate the facility’s potential impact on the region’s resources, while residents have concerns.

According to VDOT, at mile marker 159.1 in Botetourt County, motorists can expect delays due to what it calls “other security/police activity.” The south right shoulder is closed. Traffic backups are approximately 1.5 miles.

Over a dozen people packed the Western Virginia Water Authority meeting on Thursday to voice their concerns about the proposed Google AI Data Center that would be placed in Botetourt County, asking questions about transparency and water usage.

Colonial Elementary School announced Thursday evening that it would be closed after a gas leak was identified just past 4 p.m. Thursday.

No injuries were reported after a train collided with a tractor-trailer that was across the tracks in Botetourt County Thursday, according to BOCO Fire and EMS.

Amherst County Fire and EMS announced Wednesday that their 911 Center had received multiple calls regarding a smokey haze, specifically around Route 130.

A tractor-trailer crash near mile marker 154.3 in Botetourt County is causing delays, according to VDOT. All south lanes are closed and traffic backups are approximately 3 miles. A detour has been established at exit 156 to US-11 South, to ALT VA-220 North, to exit 150 on ram to I-81 South.

Two wildfires burning in Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forest mark what officials say is just the beginning of fall fire season, with dry conditions raising concerns across the region.

Two wildfires continue to burn in the Jefferson National Forest near Oriskany, with the Bald Mountain fire covering approximately 2,000 acres along the Botetourt-Craig County line, according to Botetourt County officials.

As cooler temperatures arrive, fire experts have a warning for you. Get your chimneys and flues cleaned.

Governor Youngkin, in a social media post on Thursday, announced that the Virginia Department of Forestry is assisting the U.S Forest Service in responding to a 1,700-acre wildfire on federal land at Bald Mountain in Botetourt County.

Dry conditions and shifting winds are contributing to higher fire danger today.

Two people and their dogs are displaced following a garage fire that occurred in Botetourt County on Sunday afternoon, Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS said.

The 2025 General Election will be held on Nov. 4. You can find results for Botetourt County here.

More than half of Virginia’s zip codes lack a single physical pharmacy location, highlighting a growing healthcare crisis as rural and underserved communities struggle with diminishing access to prescription medications and pharmaceutical care.

Governor Youngkin announced a $270 million investment to improve the I-81 S-Curve in Botetourt County on Tuesday, according to Botetourt County.

A Botetourt County family is advocating for stronger anti-bullying policies after their son with autism was mocked and allegedly attacked at a high school football game.

Botetourt County is looking ahead and wants you to join the conversation about how the county can grow and evolve over the next 20 years.

Botetourt County’s small business grant program is set to help twice as many local enterprises this year, with $100,000 available for grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000.

A shooting incident on Interstate 81 northbound near Troutville prompted a police investigation, a traffic detour, and a brief secure status at several Botetourt County schools, officials said.

Midnight, October 9 is the deadline to register for the Angel Tree program through the Salvation Army of the Roanoke Valley. This branch serves Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Craig, and Botetourt counties.

Just after 5 a.m. on Friday, the Troutville Fire Training Center in Botetourt County was severely damaged in a fire. The building, located next to the Troutville Fire Department, has long been used to train emergency responders across Southwestern Virginia.

A decades-old earthen dam at Orchard Lake in Daleville has sparked debate between county officials and residents over safety concerns and the potential draining of what locals consider a community treasure.

The Troutville Fire Training Center was severely damaged in a fire Friday morning.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Federal Highway Administration have awarded grants to 12 trail projects through the Recreational Trails Program.

This crash has been cleared, according to VDOT.

As we mark National Preparedness Month, it's crucial for everyone, especially those in flood-prone areas like Botetourt County, to be ready for unexpected emergencies.

To prepare for Google's new data center in Botetourt, the Virginia Water Authority’s board approved two agreements this week. The first, with Botetourt County, will help fund studies to determine the best option for building a new water source. The second with Google, requires the company to pay for its own infrastructure to supply water to the data center.

Driven by the need for more volunteers, the Botetourt County Fire and EMS held a Citizens Academy to better prepare people for emergency situations and maybe make a volunteer first responder out of them.

From Seeds to Sunshine: Our Farm’s Journey is about how far the Botetourt County farm has come over the years.

Botetourt County is expanding its Read Mountain Fire Station and adding a new 911 center.

If you’re driving southbound on Interstate 81 in Botetourt County, save yourself some time.

Botetourt County Parks and Recreation is holding a ribbon-cutting for their new dual-use courts.

Still looking for weekend plans? The 2025 Botetourt County Fair will return today, offering free, family-friendly fun.

The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival is ready to bring sunshine and smiles to Buchanan as it celebrates its 10th anniversary next month with 10 days of festivities.

A man was sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of possession of child pornography, the U.S. Department of Justice for the Western District of Virginia said on Monday.

Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Smith Mountain Lake’s Westlake area and the Daleville Town Center area.

An 18-year-old driver has been arrested following a vehicle pursuit that began in Roanoke and ended just inside Botetourt County, according to Virginia State Police.

A Covington man was sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison, to be suspended after he serves an active sentence of 35 years for carjacking, rape and abduction with intent to defile, according to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alleghany County.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed a case of rabies in a raccoon found near Old Sessler Mill Road and Blackberry Lane in western Botetourt County, Virginia.

We’ve got some delicious news for foodies: Fishin’ Pig is officially open in Daleville and ready to serve up some Southern favorites.

The winner of last year’s largest company in technology award in the Roanoke Valley is once again expanding.

These sensors take real-time data and information from the National Weather Service to predict when a flood could happen hours before they could happen.

The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that it was currently conducting police operations in the 10000 block of Catawba Road.

Towns all across the region celebrated Independence Day on Friday!

Plenty of areas in Central and Southwest Virginia will be holding celebrations on July 4th this year!

Motorists traveling south on I-81 near mile marker 162 in Botetourt County should expect significant delays due to a tractor trailer crash.

As volunteer fire departments across the country grapple with staffing shortages, Botetourt County is rolling out a new incentive program aimed at attracting and retaining more volunteer firefighters.

Flash floods swept through parts of Southwest Virginia on Thursday, soaking communities from Radford to Botetourt County and leaving behind a mess city crews are still cleaning up.

Governor Youngkin signed House Bill 2720, Thursday patroned by Delegate Terry Austin, allowing rural school districts with fewer than 4,500 students to explore alternative student transportation methods.

Funds from the land purchase will be used for capital projects for Botetourt County schools, new equipment for law enforcement, and new facilities for county parks and libraries.

A man suspected of killing his father was fatally shot by officers in Botetourt County on Wednesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

Botetourt County officials announced Tuesday that Google had purchased land zoned for industrial use and data center in the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.

The Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department announced Monday that volunteers alongside members of the Botetourt County Fire and EMS Special Operations and Tactic Team are currently operating off Grove Hill Road in Fincastle.

One teen was arrested and another suspect is still at large following a pursuit that took place in Botetourt County on Friday night and into Saturday morning, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said.

You can skateboard, fish, and even ride mountain bikes during BOCO Wild tomorrow, June 14.

On Saturday, June 7, the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS held its fourth annual Girls’ Fire Camp at Lord Botetourt High School. This year, 50 participants ranging from rising first graders to rising high school seniors, had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a fire and EMS professional.

As drowning remains a top cause of death for young children, YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge stress year-round lessons and undistracted supervision.

At Blue Ridge Park, newly resurfaced dual-use pickleball and tennis courts are officially open, along with upgraded basketball courts — the first major improvements to the facility since 2008.

Dr. Janet Womack has been announced as the next superintendent of Botetourt County Public Schools, with her new position set to take effect on July 1.

Botetourt County is one of the areas partaking in the festivities and many restaurants, such as Three Lil’ Pigs BBQ and Moo Moo’s Delights Ice Cream, are having special deals on their menus for the week.

Botetourt County Public Schools released a statement regarding a recent cybersecurity incident that may have included data from students.

A salmonella outbreak prompted a cucumber recall after dozens reported becoming sick across the country.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is inviting residents and travelers to share feedback on four major transportation studies aimed at improving safety, traffic flow and multimodal access across parts of Botetourt County, Roanoke, Blacksburg and Radford.

Memorial Day is just around the corner and with that comes pool openings here is a list of pool opening dates.

Two people are dead after a two-vehicle crash that occurred in Botetourt County on Monday, Virginia State Police said.

In Botetourt County, some high school seniors are signing with employers while others are preparing for college. BTEC’s annual signing day is benefiting the local workforce.

People in Fincastle found a pile of rubble where Botetourt County’s historic courthouse stood this week.

The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that they had charged a Botetourt County School Bus Driver with Assault and Battery.

This year, Botetourt County is dedicated to supporting residents, whether they are seasoned contractors or embarking on their first DIY project.

At the April 22, 2025, meeting, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, maintaining a commitment to fiscal responsibility by not increasing tax rates.

A man was found dead in his jail cell on Tuesday, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said.

Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual “Cover the Cruiser” fundraiser Monday morning.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee has named their two winners for the 2025 Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman accolade.

A crash in Botetourt County claimed the lives of three people on Monday, according to Virginia State Police.

A 27-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash in Botetourt County on Saturday, according to Virginia State Police.

A missing woman was found in Bath County and arrested on multiple charges out of Alleghany County, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office said.

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday that Munters Corporation will invest $29.95 million to build a 200,000 square foot expansion to its HVAC manufacturing facility in Botetourt County. The project will create 270 new jobs.

A Hampton man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Botetourt County last week, according to Virginia State Police.

A domestic dispute in Botetourt County escalated to gunfire without injuries, leading to multiple charges against suspect Joseph Lee Bray, who remains at large.

The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of a possible shooting on the 20,000 block of Botetourt Road.

Charges are pending after a crash on Route 220 in Botetourt County claimed the life of a 44-year-old Roanoke man, according to Virginia State Police.

Finding your next adventure has never been easier in Botetourt County. “Let’s Go BOCO” is a new interactive map for outdoor enthusiasts. This website helps residents and visitors discover the best spots for hiking, fishing, biking and more.

Botetourt County is now making it a little easier to find out everything you can do outdoors with its “Let’s Go BOCO” website.

VSP is investigating a crash involving three pedestrians in Botetourt County on Tuesday.

A former executive director for the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce was indicted on embezzlement charges, according to the chamber.

Three people were arrested after a narcotics investigation, and warrants were executed by the Botetourt Co. Sheriff’s Office Tuesday, according to officials.

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for many counties and cities in our area on Saturday.

A watch means to prepare for possible severe weather. Take action when warnings are issued.

If you’re headed westbound on Route 460 in Botetourt County, save yourself some time!

The Annual State of the County Address for Botetourt County is set to be held Thursday at 8 a.m.

Norvel Lee was first introduced to the public and rose to prominence after he won the light heavyweight gold medal for boxing in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, but the Botetourt native’s accomplishments in life span far beyond the world of boxing.

Construction has begun in Botetourt County to build a wind farm, with the farm being fully operational by 2026.

A pertussis case has been confirmed at Lord Botetourt High School, according to BCPS Thursday.

PowerSchool, an international provider of education administration software, suffered a cybersecurity incident in December that may have impacted Botetourt County Public Schools data, BCPS said on Thursday.

A disabled tractor-trailer is currently causing delays near mile marker 172.5 in the County of Botetourt Sunday evening.

As winter weather approaches, schools in our region are taking steps to ensure the safety of students and staff.

WasteCo will begin to offer services to the Northern areas of Botetourt County in 2025, the Solid Waste Department of Botetourt said.

Google and Apex Clean Energy are set to purchase all of the electricity generated by Rocky Forge Wind, a wind farm in Botetourt County that will create 250 jobs during construction.

Recent cases in Henry and Botetourt counties highlight the complex and often hidden world of murder for hire, emphasizing the challenges in uncovering such crimes.