Here are some of the top stories from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:

State begins study of potential gold mining in Buckingham County. — Virginia Mercury.

House Majority Leader-to-be Terry Kilgore appoints Del. Israel O’Quinn, R-Washington County, as Deputy Majority Leader. — WCYB-TV.

Ballad Health reports flu making significant comeback after being almost non-existent last year. — WJHL-TV.

State seeks input on Clinch River State Park. — Coalfield Progress.

Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell County, criticizes critical race theory, January 6 investigation. — WSET-TV.

Big Stone Gap nursing home to name new unit in honor of fallen police officer. — WJHL-TV.

Averett University announces addition of men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field. — Chatham Star-Tribune.

University of Virginia requiring students, faculty, staff to get covid booster. — WDBJ-TV and WSLS-TV.

Charlottesville’s Stonewall Jackson statue is headed to California. — Charlottesville Tomorrow