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

Roanoke city and Alleghany health districts urge masks to remain on in schools. — WDBJ-TV

Roanoke County School Board votes 3-2 to make masks optional if Youngkin rolls back mandate, as expected. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV

Ballad Health: 97% of those on ventilators aren’t vaccinated. — WJHL-TV.

Demand for covid tests surges as infections rise. — The Roanoke Times.

Bluefield University to start spring semester online. — WDBJ-TV.

Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors fires country administrator; strikes supervisor’s censure from record. — Danville Register & Bee and Chatham Star-Tribune.

New board chair elaborates on the firing. — Danville Register & Bee.

Henry County files for judgment against Martinsville on city’s planned reversion to town status. — Martinsville Bulletin.

New apartments open in downtown Roanoke. — WDBJ-TV.

Former Roanoke city councilman Carroll Swain dies. — The Roanoke Times.

Appalachian Power outlines its plans for more renewable energy, and the cost to consumers. — The Roanoke Times.