As winter approaches, the community in Southwest Virginia is coming together to ensure everyone stays safe and warm during the cold months.

As temperatures drop and winter storms approach, communities are opening warming centers and shelters to provide refuge for those in need. Here is a list of available options:

Fire departments are responding to a large brush fire that is taking place in Franklin County on Sunday, Bassett Volunteer Fire Department said.

Patrick Henry hosted Franklin County after earning the top seed thanks to a historic regular season.

Big rumble in Star City as Franklin County played at William Fleming.

The Virginia Court of Appeals will reconsider the overturned felony conviction of Terry Michel, who confessed to shooting his dogs, after the Commonwealth requested a rehearing by the full court.

Franklin County was looking to build on back-to-back wins as they hosted tough William Byrd in Rocky Mount.

The 2025 General Election will be held on Nov. 4. You can find results for Franklin County here.

Franklin County and Staunton River faced off in a competitive matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Eight months after losing their tanker truck in an accident, the Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Franklin County Public Safety (FCPS) officials remain at odds over its replacement, with disagreements centered on the type and cost of the new vehicle.

Rocky Mount town officials are working to improve emergency access to a problematic Franklin County road where limited access has contributed to multiple fatalities.

Rocky Mount town officials are working to improve emergency access to a problematic Franklin County road where limited access has contributed to multiple fatalities.

Northside looked to get back in the win column at Franklin County in a closely contested game.

The Moneta Volunteer Fire Department announced Tuesday night that it was working a fire at the Bridgewater Condos Tuesday night.

A man was arrested after a firearm was found in his child’s backpack at a daycare center in Franklin County, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that 17-year-old Anthony Dalton was sentenced in connection with an incident that occurred at Franklin County High School in April this year, where he was found in possession of a loaded gun on school grounds.

Across Virginia, at least eight school board races don’t have a candidate. That means the winners could come down to write-ins — people whose names aren’t actually printed on the ballot.

Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash in Franklin County.

The 3rd Annual Rocky Mount Fest brought in over 10,000 people to not only listen to local musical acts, but also experience what makes Rocky Mount special.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced on Saturday that they are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing teen.

A proposed multimillion-dollar solar project has sparked debate among Franklin County residents, with the community divided over the installation of solar panels on local farmland.

School board members are discussing the use of artificial intelligence to detect guns on school grounds.

Week 3 of the high school football season brings one of the most intriguing matchups so far: Patrick Henry at Franklin County.

Know a Veteran? Let them know that all U.S. Veterans, plus one guest, get in free to tonight’s Franklin County High School home opener vs. Patrick Henry for Veterans’ Appreciation Night. 🏈

The Franklin County Eagles aimed to start the season strong, hoping to win back-to-back games for the first time since spring 2021.

If President Trump gets his way, more American-made products will appear on the sales floor of furniture retailers. He hopes tariffs on imported furniture will bring production back home, but experts aren't so sure.

Franklin County Public Schools will be hosting a Town Hall today at 6:00 P.M. regarding the need for a new Career and Technical Education center in the county.

There’s a vehicle fire in Boones Mill.

"Some people say it's going to be a challenge. I see it as an opportunity."

J.R. Edwards enters his 11th season with the Eagles.

Twelve new classrooms will be added to Christian Heritage Academy, which will allow over 500 students to attend class by next school year.

Florida wildlife officials have given preliminary approval to a plan to reopen Apalachicola Bay for oyster harvesting, five years after the waters were closed due to dwindling shellfish populations.

Meet RBG! She is a six-year-old goofy little shepherd mix who is super smart and well-trained.

Gill was remembered as a loving father and husband who was loved by many within Franklin County High School and the greater Franklin County Community.

Tony Gill was many things in life and many people within Franklin County had positive things to say about the former educator and girls' basketball coach.

Franklin County High School announced Wednesday evening that a celebration of life will be held on Sunday in remembrance of Tony Gill.

Another new corporate facility is brewing in the Roanoke region.

Robin Wilay - a licensed professional counselor with LewisGale Medical Center - says that these traumatic events make emotions difficult to process and that parents need to be ready to speak with their child on their own terms.

Franklin County High School announced on Monday that Tony Gill, a special education teacher and the head coach of the FCHS girls’ basketball team, has passed away.

Carilion Children’s launched a new pediatric clinic in Rocky Mount, opening its doors to patients today, marking a significant expansion of healthcare services for families in Franklin County.

A fire department in Franklin County is calling on the community for help after one of its own tragically lost their home in a fire.

Carilion Clinic announced Tuesday plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Smith Mountain Lake’s Westlake area and the Daleville Town Center area.

A death investigation is underway after a man was found down an embankment and later died in Roanoke County, according to the police department.

Virginia hasn’t joined a lawsuit filed by other states but that doesn’t mean educators here aren’t closely watching the situation.

A man has accepted a plea deal in connection with a double homicide in Franklin County that occurred more than a decade ago.

A spring cold snap wiped out half the peach crop at Woods Farm in Franklin County, but the peaches that survived are now thriving in the summer heat.

A Franklin County Deputy and another driver were hospitalized after a multivehicle crash in Franklin County Tuesday, according to FCSO.

Franklin County Public Schools are facing a growing shortage of bus drivers, with the district currently needing three elementary drivers and six drivers for middle and high school routes.

A 75-year-old man was found dead in the water near Beech Drive in Union Hall after being reported missing Wednesday evening, authorities said.

Two were arrested following a drug bust that occurred in Franklin County on Tuesday, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

A 109-acre solar farm is one step closer to becoming a reality in the Union Hall area of Franklin County. The proposal was passed with a 5-2 vote, greenlighting the project.

Dozens of new jobs are coming to Franklin County after a bit of a delay.

A classic fundraiser for a fire department took place in Franklin County on Saturday. Classic cars, that is!

This weekend, a historic milestone is being honored in Franklin County. The Booker T. Washington National Monument is commemorating 160 years since his emancipation. The event showcases how the monument is bringing Washington’s story to life through reflection, music, and education.

A Styrofoam ban takes effect in Virginia on July 1, starting with food vendors with more than 20 locations in the commonwealth. School divisions also received guidance earlier this year that the ban would apply to them as well.

One person was rescued from a vehicle trapped in floodwaters just moments before it was swept away by the current, according to the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department.

Franklin County voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in November, but it too was the scene of a “No Kings” protest today.

Agricultural heritage takes center stage this weekend as the Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days celebrates its 22nd year of connecting generations through historic machinery and rural traditions.

Rocky Mount Mayor Holland Perdue is accused of falsifying a court document in Franklin County Circuit Court.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced in a social media post Tuesday that it was issuing an amber alert for a missing six-day-old infant.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with multiple agencies, is actively searching for a nine-year-old boy who left Dudley Elementary School on foot.

A man was killed in a Franklin County crash on Saturday, according to Virginia State Police.

A man was arrested on Sunday after law enforcement received an Internet Crimes Against Children tip in Franklin County on Friday, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Franklin County Public School officials made a statement on Facebook saying that, while prior approval had been given for some "celebratory activities," the event expanded into unauthorized area

Despite a rainy forecast, families visited Smith Mountain Lake on Memorial Day to relax, reflect, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Eagles soar on talent and timeless leadership

Callaway Elementary School’s long-running Girls Empowerment Club is closing out the school year with an inspiring event aimed at connecting students with local women leaders.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that they were investigating a Monday morning homicide.

The Franklin County Humane Society has secured a $17,000 grant investment to support its mission of saving and bettering the lives of pets in Franklin County.

A 10-year-old girl’s tragic death is putting a spotlight on bullying in Southwest Virginia.

A man is dead following a single-vehicle crash that occurred in Franklin County on Monday night, Virginia State Police said.

Dozens of people came out in force at the Franklin County Government Center Thursday. They were protesting potential cuts to various social programs.

Eagles earn their second consecutive win

A recent ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction of Terry Eugene Michel, who was previously found guilty of felony animal cruelty.

Dozens of Franklin County residents showed up to make their voices heard at a public hearing on proposed tax increases.

"I think it's going to turn back around," said Tim Meadows.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Public Schools, and the Rocky Mount Police Department are assessing an incident that occurred this morning at Franklin County High School.

One man was injured following a shooting that occurred in Franklin County on Sunday night, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Students in Franklin County skipped the bus and drove their tractors to school instead.

On Friday, Franklin County High School students will be rolling into school with style for its annual FFA Tractor Day.

Two families have been awarded $750,00 after a jury ruled that the owner of a Smith Mountain Lake campground discriminated against them because of the color of their skin.

Fire Chief Lee Powell said the board decided to move forward with the campaign in response to rising costs, and flat funding from the county.

With massive layoffs at the Department of Education, many are left wondering about the impact on local schools.

A “Crime Scene Investigation” Competition was held at Ferrum College on Friday, and was attended by Franklin County High School and E.C. Glass High School students.

A man was arrested in Franklin County on Tuesday for multiple child pornography charges, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for many counties and cities in our area on Saturday.

Ferrum College and the Franklin County Board of Supervisors are looking to mitigate the costs of college with a whopping $100,000 Resident Impact Scholarship.

Franklin County Public Schools announced Sunday that they will be holding a Code 10 virtual day on Monday, Feb. 17. All but one school will require large-scale disposal of spoiled food, FCPS said.

The aftermath of this week’s winter storm continues to impact many areas in the region, with cleanup efforts still underway. Floyd and Franklin counties have both declared a state of emergency due to widespread power outages, with more than half of residents in Franklin County still without electricity as of late Friday afternoon.

A third person has been arrested in relation to the murder of Brandon Holland which occurred in December of last year, according to the Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Franklin County has declared a local state of emergency and activated its Emergency Operations Center to respond to a recent winter storm that caused widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions.

A father and stepmother were arrested after their 8-year-old son was reported unresponsive, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

A man was arrested in Franklin County after authorities received a tip he was involved in the production of child pornography, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

The nearly 600-acre fire in Franklin County is now completely contained on the western front.

Multiple schools in our area have closed this week due to a flu outbreak that has affected students and staff. Snow Creek Elementary, Christian Heritage Academy, and Natural Bridge Elementary have temporarily closed due to the outbreak.

Snow Creek Elementary School in Franklin County will be closed for students on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31 due to an outbreak of the flu and other illnesses.

Crews are making progress in containing a Franklin County brush fire that they’ve been fighting since Wednesday afternoon, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

20 members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Inauguration Security in Washington D.C. Monday, the Office announced.

Senior guard Deasia Priest reached 1,000 career points, becoming the second Colonel to do so this season.

Franklin County Public Schools will be making changes to its academic calendar following school closures caused by a winter storm last week.