BEAR CREEK - One of the many negative, lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is people failing to show up for court, bringing financial hardships on municipalities, which wind up paying for jail accommodations when the people are arrested for missing their court dates.

Primary elections are approaching fast, and so is the deadline for candidates to take advantage of a great opportunity in the Alabamian.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - As of late Saturday evening, December 30, Shannon Lee Stewart 33 of Double Springs, has been charged with capital murder in the death of his infant daughter, 2-month-old Amasia Faith Stewart, according to Winston County Sheriff Caleb Snoddy. 

There will be more charges pending and information to follow, as this is a sensitive and ongoing investigation which is being conducted by the Sheriffs Office. Sheriff  Snoddy asks for the public to  please pray for the family, sheriffs office staff and others involved at this time, 

HALEYVILLE - The Dixie Theatre in downtown Haleyville holds many cherished memories to many people, memories that have been made for the past 75 years.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - A committee formed by the Winston County E-9-1-1 Board is seeking a replacement for Winston County Enhanced 9-1-1 Director Tim Webb who will retire in February with over 36 years of total service to the state.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Teachers throughout Winston County Schools are learning to better understand their students’ needs by walking a mile in their shoes.

STARKVILLE - Lewis Barber, from Haleyville, is among 178 Mississippi State students inducted into MSU's National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter.

WINSTON COUNTY - A Shelby County-based animal shelter that takes in or arranges boarding for pets for those fleeing domestic violence situations is among eight organizations awarded funds from Gov. Kay Ivey.

HALEYVILLE - The family of Jacob "Jake" Hutcheson, 38, of Haleyville, has not seen or had contact with him in over a week and is asking for the public's help to locate him.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Regional Extension Agent and Horticulturist Jayne Luetzow conducted a Holiday Decorating with Nature workshop at the Double Springs Municipal Building on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 2-4 p.m.

HALEYVILLE - Gatherings of friends and family are key during the holiday season, so a special invitation is being given for anyone needing a meal to gather at The Upper Room and Gathering Place for a homecooked meal prepared by community volunteers.

PIGEON FORGE - It can truly be said that the family that performs together stays together.

NAUVOO - The arrest at gunpoint of a Nauvoo man found with three loaded firearms who allegedly tried to pull a gun on law enforcement, is a grim reminder that the holiday season can also bring increased crime.

HALEYVILLE - The Haleyville Street and Sanitation Department will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25-26 and again on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 1-2, for the respective Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

WINFIELD - Meteorologist James Spann will be conducting a book signing at Dizzy Dean’s Fireworks in Winfield on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 1-4 p.m.

WINSTON COUNTY - Governor Kay Ivey has awarded more than $2.4 million to ensure that victims of domestic violence and other abusive crimes can find safe housing and other essential elements to help them rebuild their lives.

Update: Class 4A, Region 5 - which includes Haleyville High School - has been modified due to an error in a report used by the Alabama High School Athletic Association to determine classifications.

MOBILE- Winston County High School’s Head Coach Caleb Simmons and offensive lineman Landen Nix have both been selected to participate in the 65th AHSAA North-South Classic All-Star Game to be held on Friday, Dec. 15 . . .

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Treasure Hunters Marketplace on Highway 195 in Double Springs, home to numerous vendors, was destroyed by fire last night. The Double Springs Fire Department responded to a call at around 11:58 p.m....

BEAR CREEK - The time to think about catastrophic events-- such as train derailments-- is before they occur.