🌱 Lice In Local Schools + DV Help Center + Tornadoes Possible Thurs.

Hi all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Birmingham Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Birmingham long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 64 Low: 42.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Birmingham:

1. Birmingham parents should be cautious and consider checking their kids' scalps for lice. According to John Powell, owner and president of lice treatment center The Lice Place, the spread is happening quickly. Casey Pylant, the owner of Lice Clinics of Birmingham, said that children from Mountain Brook and Crestline have come in for treatment. Regularly checking your child's scalp can help catch lice early. Lice combs and mint-scented shampoos can help with removal. (WBRC)
2. [Trigger warning: domestic violence]. The Birmingham Police responded to a domestic violence (DV) incident early Friday morning. This is the second DV incident in the last two weeks. In both situations, the suspects shot themselves after hurting or killing their partner. If you need support as a result of DV, One Place Family Justice Center offers support and can be contacted at (205)-453-7261. (WBRC)
3. Birmingham residents should be advised of possible tornadoes this Thursday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), it's possible that this could be another severe weather event. Damaging wind and hail are possible. The NWS advises residents to consider safety plans and stay tuned for any updates in the lead-up to the storm. (NWS Birmingham via Twitter)

Today in Birmingham:

• Take Home Valentine At Birmingham Public Library - Woodlawn Branch (9:00 AM)
• Valentines Day Wine & Dine At Publix Aprons Cooking School At Tattersall Park (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Tuscaloosa Police Department received two reports over the weekend from people who received calls from scammers posing as TPD sergeants. The people were told they had outstanding fines that could be settled by sending a pre-paid credit card. Call 205-349-2121 if you receive an unusual or unexpected call from someone claiming to be an officer. (Tuscaloosa Police Department via Facebook)
• Love is in the air! Send that someone special a personalized Greater Birmingham Humane Society e-card this year and let them know you're thinking of them. For a $25 donation, you can select between cat and dog valentines, and GBHS will email and text your loved one on Valentine's Day! Donations must be made by 8 p.m. on Feb. 13. Click here and spread the love. (Greater Birmingham Humane Society via Facebook)
• Celebrate your LOVE of art at the Birmingham Museum of Art! Show your favorite artwork some love by placing a Valentine in front of your artwork crush. Step 1: Pick up a heart at one of the BMA entrances. Step 2: Fall in love with a piece of art and make it official by placing your heart on the floor in front of a work of art you love. Step 3: Make sure to share your love on social and tag @bhammuseum and #heartsforart for a chance to be featured on the BMA's page. As the month goes on, visitors will be able to see which BMA works are most beloved. (Birmingham Museum of Art via Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.