State inmate caught


Joseph Ray Perkins
NORTHPORT - An Alabama Department of Corrections work release inmate housed in Hamilton and employed at Masonite in Haleyville escaped during the early morning hours Wednesday, July 19, and was apprehended the following day in the Northport area in a stolen vehicle with a loaded firearm.

Looney’s complex not closing


Winston County Arts Council President J.D. Snoddy shows the newly renovated Dual Destiny Theater at the Looney's Amphitheater and Culture Center.

LAKESHORE     -   Although the remaining shows in the summer concert series at the Looney’s Amphitheater and Culture Center, have been cancelled after this weekend, events, plans and renovations at the complex continue to thrive, assure members of the Winston County Arts Council.
“The main thing behind the decision is economics,” pointed out Bart Crabtree, owner  of Sipsey Entertainment, a company he created to provide a series of concerts featuring tribute artists for a wide range of hitmakers, including Pat Benatar, Heart, Journey and Rascal Flatts.

Rebuild Alabama grant will help rebuild two county roads


Discussing the project on County Road 4006, one of two roads that have been ground back to dirt due to its condition, from left, State Representative Tim Wadsworth, District 1 County Commissioner Rutger Hyche, Winston County Commission Chairman Roger Hayes and Winston County Road Engineer James Glasgow.
CRANE HILL - Two of the worst roads in Winston County’s commission district 1 will now receive resurface treatment, with a portion of funding coming through a Rebuild Alabama grant, Governor Kay Ivey has announced.

Grant sought to help Haleyville’s public housing locations


Jordan Street, home of Jordan Street Apartments, has been described as among the worst roads in Haleyville’s public housing areas that would benefit from the grant, if it’s received.
HALEYVILLE - The City of Haleyville is partnering with the Haleyville Water Department for a $500,000 grant to cover the costs of a much-needed project at housing authority locations affecting 400-500 residents.

Commission approves new roofs for Extension Service and Little Rock Building


Winston County Extension Service Coordinator Zack Brannon shows where ceiing tiles have been removed due to leaks and garbage cans are being used to collect rain.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Leaking roofs have resulted in damage at both the Winston County Extension Office and the Little Rock Building, prompting the Winston County Commission to approve roofing projects for both after an extensive review of the bids.

Ambulance crucial step forward for Winston County Rescue Squad


The Winston County Rescue Squad has purchased its first ambulance. Above, Winston Medic 1 is parked in front of Arley Fire Department, which will be the WCRS’ base in Arley. At right are Helicon Fire Chief Neil Feist, Addison firefighter Darrell Smith and Arley Fire Chief James Rickett, members of the WCRS’ board of directors. Not shown are Ashley Tucker, Central Fire’s representative on the board, and Pat Hanna, board president.
ARLEY - The Winston County Rescue Squad has purchased its first ambulance, a 2005 Wheeled Coach built on a Ford F-350 cab chassis with a diesel engine and four-wheel drive.

Double Springs struggling to collect fire dues


Double Springs Fire Chief Brandon Lewis, left, and Lt. Erik Gilbreath show the letter that is being sent out with fire dues, giving a cost breakdown of the equipment they use.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Double Springs town officials and fire department personnel are expressing concern that a significant percentage of those living in the city’s fire coverage area, but not in the town limits are not paying their fire dues, yet are receiving fire protection services.

Audit issues explained to Winston BOE


The Winston County Board of Education discusses a wide range of issues. Clockwise from bottom left, Board Members Randy Lee and Lamar Frith, Chief Schools Financial Officer Morgan Blankenship, Winston BOE President Joey Boteler, Winston County Schools Superintendent Greg Pendley and Board Members Allin Bailey and Mark Finley.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - The Winston County Board of Education has been cited by auditors for two instances where funds were not spent and filed correctly.

Draft beer, winery requests made to Double Springs Town Council


This pavilion has already been constructed on property owned by Bart Crabtree off Highway 278 at Lakeshore. Crabtree wants to have food trucks, live music and serve alcohol at this location.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - The request to sell draft beer, as well as open a winery in Double Springs were two issues brought to the attention of the Double Springs Town Council, recently.