BEAR CREEK - (Photo at right shows Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor examining town water that has pooled up at a drainage system due to a leak in a line). The water issue in the town of Bear Creek is a double edged sword, as the town is facing soaring water bills due to non-paying customers, while major water leaks are also proving costly to the town.

LYNN - A pleasant end to the year has happened for the Lynn Volunteer Fire Department despite the uncertainty the year 2020 has brought. Expensive items have been purchased thanks to two grants the department received recently. The most costly items are 16 brand new self-contained breathing apparatus devices used in most situations involved with the fire department.

HOUSTON - Clorox cannot kill the disease. A temperature of 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit will not kill it. Chronic Wasting Disease, first identified in 1967, is a protein deficiency in the genetic makeup of deer, moose, caribou and other similar animals, including reindeer.

BRILLIANT - Isolated between Highway 129 and Main Street, there is a small stand of woods about one-third of a mile in length. Stuck in between the roads on a knoll, in the city limits still, is an old cemetery which has been neglected for a number of years. Only three tombstones exist in this cemetery of forgotten souls, with others containing small rocks.

HALEYVILLE - The Haleyville Street and Sanitation Department will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, for Christmas and Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s. Therefore, there will be no garbage collection on these dates.

ADDISON    -  An early morning fire  on Wednesday, Dec. 9, that heavily damaged the building that formerly housed Smith’s Barbecue as well as other restaurants is being termed suspicious, after authorities found a broken window at the front of the building.

LYNN - The annual Christmas parade at Lynn, which was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, has been postponed to Monday night, Dec. 14. Line up for the parade is set for 6:30 p.m. with the parade beginning at 7. The town has the Christmas tree up currently and will have a tree lighting ceremony following the parade.

WINSTON COUNTY - The public attending middle school and high school basketball games across the county are being urged to follow safety protocols regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in order for these games to be allowed to continue.

AUBURN - Auburn University’s long history of helping mold the state’s physicians of tomorrow continues this semester with a talented group of students ready to dedicate themselves to serving their local communities through the Rural Medicine Program, or RMP.

MONTGOMERY - The voice was unanimous among the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus that Majority Leader Greg Reed, who represents a portion of Winston County, will be the new president pro-tem replacing State Senator Del Marsh when the state legislature reconvenes in February.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Christmas in the Park, usually scheduled in conjunction with the parade has been scaled back this year due to COVID-19. While the parade has been canceled, Santa will be in the park tonight, Dec. 7. Hot chocolate will be served along with cakes, cookies and gift bags for the children. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Community Unity will do a virtual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 followed by a virtual lighting of the American flag, which is a new addition to the park. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate.

HALEYVILLE - Tenth graders at Haleyville High School had the opportunity Tuesday, Dec. 1, to interview for a prestigious position that will help them in their future careers, with one student winning the chance to represent HHS on a national level.

WINSTON COUNTY - The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases not only in Winston County, but the entire area has created an impact on first responders through either positive cases of the virus among their ranks or having to go into quarantine due to exposure, affecting the very ones people depend on in emergency situations.

HALEYVILLE - Rough surface streets, drainage problems, deterioration of a water line and the potential for a catastrophic sewer failure, all in the Mineral Springs area, will be fixed and averted now that the City of Haleyville has received a $450,000 Community Development Block Grant.

ADDISON - Known as the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas in Addison is a big event, celebrated on the second Saturday every December. Christmas In the Park and the annual Christmas parade will continue this year on Dec. 12, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, although there will be one change.

HALEYVILLE - Haleyville Fire and Rescue is always there to respond to the needs of residents, and they are keeping that pledge when it comes to one of the city’s favorite Christmas activities.

MONTGOMERY - Governor Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $13.8 million to help low-income households with home energy costs during the winter months amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

WINSTON COUNTY - U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt announced Wednesday, Nov. 25, that he is, unfortunately, having to return to quarantine after his wife tested positive for COVID-19.