Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Politics:
Floyd County votes against joining the New River Valley Rail Authority. — The Roanoke Times. (More on rail: What will it cost to extend Amtrak service to Bristol? And: What are the prospects of an east-west train from Christiansburg to Newport News?)
Roanoke holds gun buyback. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV and WSET-TV.
Six candidates for four seats on Danville City Council. — Danville Register and Bee.
Lynchburg police investigate vandalism at Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center. — Lynchburg News and Advance and WDBJ-TV and WSET-TV.
Martinsville fire department faces declining pool of applicants. — Henry County Enterprise. (Background story: Botetourt County seeks to recruit future firefighters with an all-girls ‘fire camp.’)
Franklin County supervisors address solar ordinance. — Franklin News Post. (Background story: Is Virginia at a solar crossroads?)
Mountain Empire Transit is a test case for state transportation planning. — Kingsport Times-News.
Economy:
New Peoples Bank restores some services after “technological incident.” — Bristol Herald Courier.
Century Business Center in Roanoke sells for $6.8 million. — Virginia Business.
Coffee cart locates in Patrick Springs. — The Enterprise.
Hard Rock Casino holds final hiring event before opening. — WCYB-TV.
Culture:
A decade after the derecho. — The Roanoke Times.
New overlook, trailhead, other improvements proposed for Lynchburg’s Tinbridge Hill. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
United Way of Danville Pittsylvania County announces new CEO. — Danville Register and Bee.