
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 17, 1993                   TAG: 9311170211
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Brian Kelley
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SCHOOL BOARD CANS BLACKSBURG CANNERY

The Montgomery County School Board voted 8-1 Tuesday to close a cannery at Blacksburg Middle School to save money and create classroom space.

The decision to combine the Blacksburg cannery operation with one at Auburn High School in Riner followed months of study and two weeks of delay to consult with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors.

The community canneries are tax-supported operations that allow gardeners and students to preserve fruit, vegetables, meats and other items. They generate some revenue, but not enough to support their operation, budget reports show.

The proposal provoked opposition from cannery users, who believe the operations are valuable community services. Opponents of the closing submitted a petition with 167 signatures of people opposed to the consolidation at Riner.

by CNB