Principal forgiveness not forgiven

Pump station 12, in Blake Curve on Newburg Road, is one of the pump stations to be replaced with money received from the $1 million loan.

Pump station 12, in Blake Curve on Newburg Road, is one of the pump stations to be replaced with money received from the $1 million loan.

HALEYVILLE - When the Haleyville Water Works and Sewer Board applied for a $1.5 million loan to work on a sewer project, it was hoped to receive principal forgiveness in the amount of $500,000. The loan was approved, but Haleyville did not qualify for the principal forgiveness, as other cities showed more need. This was the topic at the recent board meeting on Tuesday, April 23.

Mayor, town officials say employees a necessity

From left, Trenton Bonner, park employee; Water Supervisor Tyson Brown; Park and Rec Employee Crimson Jett and Andrew Welborn, director of both the street department and park and rec, at the meeting.

From left, Trenton Bonner, park employee; Water Supervisor Tyson Brown; Park and Rec Employee Crimson Jett and Andrew Welborn, director of both the street department and park and rec, at the meeting.
BEAR CREEK - Mayor Tammie Batchelor and employees of the town of Bear Creek have gone to bat, defending stiff claims from Town Council Member Daniel Green that all employee overtime as well as employees should be cut.

At odds over suggested cutbacks - Green recommends layoffs, no employee overtime

Town Attorney Cole Christopher, left, goes over figures with council member Daniel Green, center, and Jimmy Preston.

Town Attorney Cole Christopher, left, goes over figures with council member Daniel Green, center, and Jimmy Preston.
BEAR CREEK - Claims of around $100,000 in town indebtedness, as well as the town clerk not disclosing certain financial information about that indebtedness, have been made public by Bear Creek Town Council Member Daniel Green, who has also requested all employee overtime be cut and personnel laid off.

Principal's office rolled for National Principal Week

Winston County High School Principal Jeff Cole arrived to his office to find it "rolled" with toilet paper in celebration of National Principal Week this week. There were also balloons strewn about the hallway floors and crepe paper hanging everywhere, as well as signs on the walls with his picture on it proclaiming National Principal Week. "I'm glad to know I am loved," Cole laughed.

Winston County High School Principal Jeff Cole arrived to his office to find it "rolled" with toilet paper in celebration of National Principal Week this week. There were also balloons strewn about the hallway floors and crepe paper hanging everywhere, as well as signs on the walls with his picture on it proclaiming NPW. "I'm glad to know I am loved," Cole laughed.

Hiker rescued after three days in Bankhead Forest

Sid Burgess is reunited with family members as he is transported from ALEA helicopter to RPS ambulance for medical transport after being found in the Bankhead National Forest.

Sid Burgess is reunited with family members, as he is transported from ALEA helicopter to RPS ambulance for medical transport after being found in the Bankhead National Forest.
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - An experienced hiker, who had been in the Bankhead National Forest for three days, was found and rescued leading to an emotional moment when the man was reunited with family members before being transported for medical treatment at Princeton Hospital in Birmingham.

2018 state auditor candidate arrested

MONTGOMERY - Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the arrest of Elliott Owen Lipinsky, a candidate for 2018 Republican nomination for state auditor, on three felony charges related to illegally accessing and attempting to access confidential law enforcement records, two of which are related to his opponents in the primary.

Aderholt introduces bill to raise the age to buy tobacco products

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, released the following statement in regard to the introduction of his bill, Stopping Consumption of Tobacco by Teens (SCOTT Act), to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21 and to also require more age verification for the online sale of vaping products.

More details released in death of baby found in motel room floor

The baby was found unresponsive in the floor of a motel room at the Imperial Inn located on Highway 13 in Haleyville.

The baby was found unresponsive in the floor of a motel room at the Imperial Inn located on Highway 13 in Haleyville.
HALEYVILLE  -  The death of a five-month-old male infant, who was found on the floor while the father was sleeping in a motel room at Imperial Inn Tuesday, April 2, is under active investigation.

Twin Forks to reopen April 15; camper fees, rules approved

Bear Creek Town Council Member Daniel Green, right, makes a lengthy motion explaining the reopening of Twin Forks Park along with numerous rules, prices and needful information. Also shown is Town Attorney Cole Christopher.

Bear Creek Town Council Member Daniel Green, right, makes a lengthy motion explaining the reopening of Twin Forks Park along with numerous rules, prices and needful information. Also shown is Town Attorney Cole Christopher.
BEAR CREEK   - The date that both campers as well as town officials and residents have been waiting for will take place on Monday, April 15, when Twin Forks park and campsites will reopen after being closed down 10 weeks for repairs and renovations.

Winston County Sheriff's Office Reserve Deputy Program receives donation

Pictured from left to right are: Winston County Sheriff Tommy Moore, Winston County Reserve Sergeant Horace Moore, June King and Glenn Phillips, both with First National Bank of Double Springs.

Pictured from left to right are: Winston County Sheriff Tommy Moore, Winston County Reserve Sergeant Horace Moore, June King and Glenn Phillips, both with First National Bank of Double Springs.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - First National Bank of Double Springs recently made a generous donation to the Winston County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Reserve program.  The money will be used to purchase reserve deputy supplies. 

Wright West Point bound

Zachary Wright, center, receives a $285,000 scholarship to West Point. His father, Chris Wright, mother, Kim Wright and sister, Olivia Wright, are all smiles.

Zachary Wright, center, receives a $285,000 scholarship to West Point. His father, Chris Wright, mother, Kim Wright and sister, Olivia Wright, are all smiles.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Zachary Wright, a 17-year-old senior at Winston County High School, recently received a $285,000 scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point...

Alabama husband and wife business owners indicted for payroll tax fraud

CRANE HILL - A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Thursday charging a Crane Hill, Alabama, husband and wife with five counts of failing to pay over payroll taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama.

Alabama's congressional district lines to remain unchanged for 2020

MONTGOMERY - Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday that a federal judge’s favorable initial ruling in a voting rights lawsuit against the State of Alabama’s congressional districting plan means there will be no change in Alabama’s congressional district map for the upcoming 2020 U.S. House elections.

Officials gather for listening session regarding opioid abuse

From left, Keith Jones, director of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments; Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri; Tim Thomas, federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission; U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; Alabama Power Business Office Manager Melinda Weaver and Jerry Groce, regional manager of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

From left, Keith Jones, director of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments; Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri; Tim Thomas, federal co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission; U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; Alabama Power Business Office Manager Melinda Weaver and Jerry Groce, regional manager of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

MUSCLE SHOALS  -  The issue of substance abuse goes far beyond just addiction, with a meeting of the minds between local, area, state and federal officials held Wednesday, March 20, in seeking solutions to bridge the gap between recovery and successful placement back into society.

Twin Forks trespassers to be prosecuted

Bear Creek Mayor Tammie Batchelor and Park and Rec/Street Department Supervisor Andrew Welborn emphasize that the Twin Forks campsite area is strictly closed to the public while major renovations and improvements are underway.

Bear Creek Mayor Tammie Batchelor and Park and Rec/Street Department Supervisor Andrew Welborn emphasize that the Twin Forks campsite area is strictly closed to the public while major renovations and improvements are underway.
BEAR CREEK - “Violators Will Be Prosecuted”, reads a sign that is posted on a new gate at the entrance to the Twin Forks campsites...

Fetter named interim HHS principal

Haleyville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, left, with Haleyville High School Interim Principal Chere Fetter.

Haleyville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, left, with Haleyville High School Interim Principal Chere Fetter.
HALEYVILLE - Chere Fetter brings a wealth of experience to the position of Haleyville High School interim principal, effective March 15, for the remainder of the school year...

Old Alfa building being torn down

The old Henry E. McNutt Alfa building was torn down Friday, March 22. The demolition crew had 13th Avenue by the post office closed to perform the task.

The old Henry E. McNutt Alfa building was torn down Friday, March 22. The demolition crew had 13th Avenue by the post office closed to perform the task.
HALEYVILLE - A Demolition crew had 13th Avenue by the post office closed Friday, March 22, to tear down the old Alfa building. Motorists are urged to avoid the area for the next several hours.

Former Arley mayor remembered

Standing, from left, Treatment Plant Operator Clifton Rudd, Council Member Roger Fincher, Fire Chief James Rickett, Retired Police Chief Aaron Brown, Police Chief Jerry Cummings, Retired Fire Chief George Gibson, Water Plant Supervisor Johnny Taylor, Water Clerk Suzie Barber, Clerk Tammi Farley, Philip Harbison and Bob Williams. Seated from left, Brittany Ferguson, Harbison’s daughter; Ann Harbison, Allan’s wife; Brent Harbison, Allan’s son and Justin Harbison, Allan’s son.

Standing, from left, Treatment Plant Operator Clifton Rudd, Council Member Roger Fincher, Fire Chief James Rickett, Retired Police Chief Aaron Brown, Police Chief Jerry Cummings, Retired Fire Chief George Gibson, Water Plant Supervisor Johnny Taylor, Water Clerk Suzie Barber, Clerk Tammi Farley, Philip Harbison and Bob Williams. Seated from left, Brittany Ferguson, Harbison’s daughter; Ann Harbison, Allan’s wife; Brent Harbison, Allan’s son and Justin Harbison, Allan’s son.
ARLEY - Two terms is enough for any mayor to serve, once said former Arley Mayor Allan Harbison, who is being remembered by his family and friends not only for having integrity in the mayor’s office, but also being a strong leader by example. Harbison, 65, who passed away Monday, March 11...

Bear Creek addressing storm shelter issues

Instead of being stocked with necessary water, food and other supplies, the storage room is piled high with junk.

Instead of being stocked with necessary water, food and other supplies, the storage room is piled high with junk.
BEAR CREEK - The day after a deadly EF-4 tornado wreaked havoc in Lee County- leaving mass destruction and 23 dead in its wake - weather preparedness, or the lack of it, was the major topic for Mayor Tammie Batchelor at the Bear Creek Council’s...

Electronic poll books to be installed in Winston

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill spoke to the Haleyville Rotary Club Thursday, Feb. 28. From left, Ashley Pool, chief operating officer of Lakeland Community Hospital; Merrill; Don Dimond, Haleyville Rotary Club president; Winston County District Judge Mike Newell; Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri and Winston County Commission Chairman Roger Hayes.

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill spoke to the Haleyville Rotary Club Thursday, Feb. 28. From left, Ashley Pool, chief operating officer of Lakeland Community Hospital; Merrill; Don Dimond, Haleyville Rotary Club president; Winston County District Judge Mike Newell; Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri and Winston County Commission Chairman Roger Hayes.
HALEYVILLE - Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill (R) hopes to have electronic poll books in all 67 counties by the year 2022. What does this mean?
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