Bear Creek virtually debt-free

Mayor Tammie Batchelor, left, goes over the town’s finances with Town Clerk Jamie Green at a recent council meeting.

Mayor Tammie Batchelor, left, goes over the town’s finances with Town Clerk Jamie Green at a recent council meeting.
BEAR CREEK - For the first time in several years, the Town of Bear Creek is clearing out all of its past due bills and consolidating its remaining debts for a quicker pay-off, thanks to a surprise $29,000 check received from a court settlement filed against the Marion County Commission.

Electronic sign of the times

Sponsors and school officials stand in front of the new sign at Meek Elementary School. From left, Jared White, legislative liasion for Governor Ivey; Heather Tucker, principal; Cyndy Bartlett, math lab facilitator; Greg Reed, senate majority leader; Tim Wadsworth, representative and Allen Owens, manager of Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley. Sponsors not shown are Traditions Bank and Rusty Banks of Lakeshore Properties, Inc.

Sponsors and school officials stand in front of the new sign at Meek Elementary School. From left, Jared White, legislative liasion for Governor Ivey; Heather Tucker, principal; Cyndy Bartlett, math lab facilitator; Greg Reed, senate majority leader; Tim Wadsworth, representative and Allen Owens, manager of Traders and Farmers Bank, Arley. Sponsors not shown are Traditions Bank and Rusty Banks of Lakeshore Properties, Inc.

ARLEY - The new electronic sign in front of Meek Elementary School will not only provide information for the town of school events, but will also be a small source of income for the school.
The sign was installed in October, with bids the previous month, according to Principal Heather Tucker.
“We had started researching everything for different ones. We finally bidded out. Then we had to find money,” she mentioned.

Enhancements coming to park

Double Springs Mayor Elmo Robinson shows the deterioration of the walking track at Mike Gilbreath Memorial Park.

Double Springs Mayor Elmo Robinson shows the deterioration of the walking track at Mike Gilbreath Memorial Park.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Double Springs has received its slice of the pie to fund a highly anticipated project to revamp Mike Gilbreath Memorial Park.

Lynn’s newly appointed fire chief was junior firefighter

Tim Harris, right, was named Lynn fire chief effective Monday, Dec. 17. His father, David Harris, left, the former fire chief, stepped down due to health reasons.

Tim Harris, right, was named Lynn fire chief effective Monday, Dec. 17. His father, David Harris, left, the former fire chief, stepped down due to health reasons.
LYNNLynn’s newly appointed fire chief was junior firefighter - The Town of Lynn has a new fire chief, who was hired in that position effective Monday, Dec. 17. Tim Harris, the son of the former fire chief David Harris, has been named.

PHS Robotics Team places high in prestigious competitions

The Phillips High School Robotics Team. Front row, from left, Andrew Byrd, Nevin Elkins, Seth Anderson, Eric Wilson, Gavin Mallard, Zack Farr and Riley Price. Back row, from left, Bo Green, David Copeland, adviser, Katlyn Frazier, Andrew Gilbert, Kylie Crane, Abby Sutherland, Alexis Sutherland, Maddie Guthrie, Jade Wilson, Brady Sutherland, Brendon Garrison and Phillip Wilson, parent helper. (Courtesy photo)

The Phillips High School Robotics Team. Front row, from left, Andrew Byrd, Nevin Elkins, Seth Anderson, Eric Wilson, Gavin Mallard, Zack Farr and Riley Price. Back row, from left, Bo Green, David Copeland, adviser, Katlyn Frazier, Andrew Gilbert, Kylie Crane, Abby Sutherland, Alexis Sutherland, Maddie Guthrie, Jade Wilson, Brady Sutherland, Brendon Garrison and Phillip Wilson, parent helper. (Courtesy photo)
BEAR CREEK - The Phillips High School Robotics Team has been working very hard, and that work is paying off.

Winston/Marion Youth Leadership Academy bringing students from both counties together

Dr. Bill Bishop, director of administrative services for HCS and youth leadership sponsor Neina Middleton go over details of the academy with the two students chosen from HHS, Halle Tolbert and Ty Black.

Dr. Bill Bishop, director of administrative services for HCS and youth leadership sponsor Neina Middleton go over details of the academy with the two students chosen from HHS, Halle Tolbert and Ty Black.
HALEYVILLE - Students across schools in Winston and Marion counties are experiencing the first joint youth leadership academy encompassing the two counties in many years, training youth to become the leaders of tomorrow through community service.

Stay off social media, mayor emphasizes

Bear Creek Mayor Tammie Batchelor informs the public that social media is hurting the town and all town business on social media should be stopped.

Bear Creek Mayor Tammie Batchelor informs the public that social media is hurting the town and all town business on social media should be stopped.
BEAR CREEK - The use of social media to conduct any town business has been strictly condemned by Mayor Tammie Batchelor, who spoke out at the town council’s Dec. 3 meeting that such will not be tolerated, while at the same time issuing a new rule regarding those speaking at council meetings.

New vehicles for Winston County Sheriff’s Office

From left, showing the partnership between the Winston County Commission and the sheriff’s office, from left, Commissioners Bobby Everett, David Cummings, Commission Chairman Roger Hayes, Sheriff Tommy Moore, Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bryan Kirkpatrick and Deputy Josh Silas.

From left, showing the partnership between the Winston County Commission and the sheriff’s office, from left, Commissioners Bobby Everett, David Cummings, Commission Chairman Roger Hayes, Sheriff Tommy Moore, Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Bryan Kirkpatrick and Deputy Josh Silas.
HALEYVILLE - Being frugal with funds has meant two new vehicles for the Winston County Sheriff’s Office, a purchase praised by the Winston County Commission showing the partnership they have with the sheriff’s office.

Child population is decreasing. How will it impact us?

WINSTON COUNTY - Data have been released for “kids count” statistics on Alabama counties. Every year, a data book is released by VOICES for Alabama’s Children, and this year marks the 25th anniversary. A changing demographic from these statistics show a decline in Alabama’s child population, which is now at 25%. Winston County’s child population dropped from 26.2% in 2000 to 22.7% in 2017...

New trial for Fields

Ashley Fields

Ashley Fields
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Circuit Judge Lee Carter has ordered that Ashley Brooke Fields--who was sentenced on Sept. 12, to 25 years in the state penitentiary after being found guilty of murder/felony murder--did not receive a fair trial...

Exxel Outdoors cuts ribbon on new military systems dept.

Officials attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new military systems department at Exxel Outdoors.

Officials attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new military systems department at Exxel Outdoors.
HALEYVILLE - Exxel Outdoors, the leading manufacturer of high quality innovative outdoor recreation products, announced a major expansion of its production line and the grand opening of its first Military Systems Department, in a grand ceremony attended by local, state and federal officials Thursday, Nov. 29.

Vets honored at Winston County High

Veterans honored at Winston County High School were, bottom row, from left, Alan Gray, Eddie Densmore, Clyde Garrison, William Storie, Jim Baird, G.W. Elliott, Jerry Thorn and Carl Alexander. Middle row is Danny Jacks, Brandon Key, Joe Steele, Johnnie Hill and Ralph Garcia. Top is Neeley Adams.

Veterans honored at Winston County High School were, bottom row, from left, Alan Gray, Eddie Densmore, Clyde Garrison, William Storie, Jim Baird, G.W. Elliott, Jerry Thorn and Carl Alexander. Middle row is Danny Jacks, Brandon Key, Joe Steele, Johnnie Hill and Ralph Garcia. Top is Neeley Adams.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Fourteen veterans, ranging from the Korean War to present day, were honored at the Winston County High School gymnasium Friday, Nov. 9.

First responders receive prestigious award

A lot of teamwork goes a long way. Back row, from left, Arley Fire Chief James Rickett, Arley Firefighter Brian Kuntz, Central Fire Assistant Chief Rick Moody, Winston EMA Director Jimmy Madison, Winston E-911 Director Tim Webb and Tim Brown, county operations manager for RPS. Front, from left, E-911 Dispatchers Deborah Hardy and Brenda Aldridge, RPS paramedic Kamee Morgan and Arley Firefighter George Gibson.

A lot of teamwork goes a long way. Back row, from left, Arley Fire Chief James Rickett, Arley Firefighter Brian Kuntz, Central Fire Assistant Chief Rick Moody, Winston EMA Director Jimmy Madison, Winston E-911 Director Tim Webb and Tim Brown, county operations manager for RPS. Front, from left, E-911 Dispatchers Deborah Hardy and Brenda Aldridge, RPS paramedic Kamee Morgan and Arley Firefighter George Gibson.
WINSTON COUNTY - The largest single mass casualty incident in Winston County has resulted in a special award.

Cutbacks coming for Bear Creek

Bear Creek Mayor Tammy Batchelor explains the town needs to cutback on its finances.

Bear Creek Mayor Tammy Batchelor explains the town needs to cut back on its finances.
BEAR CREEK - The Town of Bear Creek is working to restructure its finances and tie up some loose ends, as new mayor Tammy Batchelor has talked about possible future cutbacks in spending and consolidations now, in order to shape the town to where it needs to be financially.

3 Coaches Resign at Haleyville City Schools

Haleyville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland announces the resignations of the three coaches to be voted upon by the board at their meeting Monday night, Nov. 26. Also pictured is Board President Barry Burleson.

Haleyville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland announces the resignations of the three coaches to be voted upon by the board at their meeting Monday night, Nov. 26. Also pictured is Board President Barry Burleson.
HALEYVILLE  -  Haleyville Board of Education members are seeking to fill the void in the head coaching position at Haleyville High School, after Todd McNutt resigned, along with two other coaching staff members approved at the board’s  Monday, Nov. 26 meeting.

Tis the season for snowflake lights

A city employee installs a snowflake light on a utility pole along Highway 195 on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

A city employee installs a snowflake light on a utility pole along Highway 195 on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

HALEYVILLE - The Haleyville Street Department has been busy installing snowflake holiday nights on utility poles throughout the city beginning this week, with plans to be completed by next week, noted Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri. It takes the city workers about a week to put all of the snowflakes on the poles, Sunseri said. The snowflakes will be up on the poles and all aglow for the city's annual Christmas parade, set Friday, Dec. 7.

New Bear Creek mayor calls for unity

Newly installed Bear Creek Mayor Tammy Rowe Batchelor with town council members, from left, Daniel Green Jimmy Preston (standing), James Oden and Chris Gillum.

Newly installed Bear Creek Mayor Tammy Rowe Batchelor with town council members, from left, Daniel Green Jimmy Preston (standing), James Oden and Chris Gillum.
BEAR CREEK - Tammy Rowe Batchelor, who was voted in by the town council as the new mayor of Bear Creek, is stressing unity among the council and town as a whole, to put aside grievances and differences and work together in order for the town to truly prosper.

Legacy bricks on sale for HHS project

From left, back, student Dylan Kutis, HHS Principal Dr. Erika McCoy, students Jay Cook, Rosa Esparza and Instructor Jamie White. Front, students Trent McNutt and Graham Long.

From left, back, student Dylan Kutis, HHS Principal Dr. Erika McCoy, students Jay Cook, Rosa Esparza and Instructor Jamie White. Front, students Trent McNutt and Graham Long.
HALEYVILLE - Haleyville City Schools has always had a strong tradition of pride and excellence, and now those characteristics will be displayed in a public project, selling legacy bricks to build a walkway to the high school’s centerpiece--its lion mascot.

Franks following in father’s footsteps as Bear Creek Police Chief

Newly appointed Bear Creek Police Chief Joey Franks is following closely in the footsteps of his father Ed Franks, who was police chief 1981 until he retired in 2013.

Newly appointed Bear Creek Police Chief Joey Franks is following closely in the footsteps of his father Ed Franks, who was police chief 1981 until he retired in 2013.
BEAR CREEK - Newly appointed Bear Creek Police Chief Joey Franks has a last name that’s probably very familiar to people in the town due to his father Ed Franks’ longstanding service in the same role.

Safeplace seeking shelter location in Winston County

From left, Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, Rachel Hackworth, executive director of Safeplace, Inc.; Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Evans and Winston County Circuit Clerk J.D. Snoddy.

From left, Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, Rachel Hackworth, executive director of Safeplace, Inc.; Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Evans and Winston County Circuit Clerk J.D. Snoddy.
HALEYVILLE - Safeplace, Inc. has been helping victims of domestic violence from Winston County, opening a new facility in Marion County but now reaching out with the need to open a shelter in Winston County as well.

Veterans honored by school assembly at Meek

These high school students displayed various flags pertaining to the different military branches. Shown from left are Emma Smith, Abby Phillips, Montana Barton, Savannah Smith, Jessie Woodard and BreAnna Eddy.

These high school students displayed various flags pertaining to the different military branches. Shown from left are Emma Smith, Abby Phillips, Montana Barton, Savannah Smith, Jessie Woodard and BreAnna Eddy.
ARLEY - Veterans from many different wars were honored Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Meek High School gymnasium. The school assembly consisted of kindergarten through senior grades.

Barricaded with shotgun and fires burning

The remains of a burned-out doublewide off County Road 28 were still smoldering Monday morning after an allegedly deliberate fire was set at the residence Sunday night.

The remains of a burned-out doublewide off County Road 28 were still smoldering Monday morning after an allegedly deliberate fire was set at the residence Sunday night.
DELMAR - Multiple structure fires on the same property off County Road 28, including a residence, with reports of shots being fired by the property owner, led multiple law enforcement agencies as well as at least three fire departments to the scene late Sunday night, Nov. 11.

Fire at Lynn Elementary School

Firefighters and others remove items from a classroom at Lynn Elementary School after fire erupts.

Firefighters and others remove items from a classroom at Lynn Elementary School after fire erupts.

LYNN - One kindergarten classroom at Lynn Elementary School has been damaged in a fire this morning, Saturday, Nov. 10.  Lynn, Delmar and Double Springs fire departments are on scene.  According to the Lynn Fire Department, the fire is under control and has been contained.

The Alabamian has a reporter on scene and we will have pictures soon and the full story in our Wednesday, Nov. 14, edition of the Alabamian.

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