Here are some of the top headlines around Southwest and Southside:

Covid caseloads strain hospitals in Southside. — Mecklenburg Sun.

Wise County reports 38 covid cases in one day. — Norton Coalfield Progress.

Election “chaos” in Nottoway County after registrar and longtime pollworker were fired. — Blackstone Courier-Record.

Nottoway County still debating transgender policy. — Blackstone Courier-Record.

Board of Zoning Appeals votes in favor of wind farm project. — The Fincastle Herald and The Roanoke Times

Soaring car values lead to $2 million vehicle tax windfall in Mecklenburg County. — Mecklenburg Sun

Fire ants found in South Boston. — The Gazette Virginian

Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, gets input on farm bill. — Lexington News-Gazette

Non-profit that has operated Hull’s Drive-In in Rockbridge County now owns the land — Lexington News-Gazette

Saturday Night Opry marks return of live music. — The Enterprise (Patrick County)

Commercial bakery opens in downtown Appalachia. — The Big Stone Gap Post

Drunk driver was going 152 miles per hour on I-81 in Rockbridge County. — Richmond Times-Dispatch