Residents voiced strong opposition to Google’s proposed data center during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, with concerns ranging from water consumption and power usage to questions about the transparency of the entire process at the 300-acre development planned for the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
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.
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.
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.
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’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 Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Federal Highway Administration have awarded grants to 12 trail projects through the Recreational Trails Program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that they had charged a Botetourt County School Bus Driver with Assault and Battery.
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.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee has named their two winners for the 2025 Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman accolade.
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 domestic dispute in Botetourt County escalated to gunfire without injuries, leading to multiple charges against suspect Joseph Lee Bray, who remains at large.
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.
A former executive director for the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce was indicted on embezzlement charges, according to the chamber.
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.
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.
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.
