McDonnell announces 205 new jobs in Pulaski County

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced Red Sun Farms, a producer of high-quality hydroponic vegetables, will invest a total of $30 million to establish its first U.S. high-technology greenhouse production operation in Pulaski County. The company will erect climate controlled greenhouses on 45 acres of land in the New River Valley Commerce Park to grow quality greenhouse grown vegetables, creating 205 new jobs within five years. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project.

Earth Talk: Global food scarcity

Roddy Scheer

Food scarcity is a bigger problem than ever as human population numbers continue to swell, putting additional stress on already fragile food production and distribution systems. And it’s not just happening in far away places: A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that the number of U.S. homes “lacking food security” rose from 4.7 million to 6.7 million in just the last five years.

Bridgewater College to dedicate electric-vehicle charging station

Chris Graham

Bridgewater College will officially dedicate an electric-vehicle charging station that is believed to be one of only a few at a Virginia college. College officials and local legislators will perform a ribbon cutting March 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Stone Village parking lot. The public is invited to attend.