Troops come home

Lower left photo shows B Company Commander Brian Bartes of Haleyville with wife Kimberly and sons Austin, Will and Levil. Lower right photo shows SPC Corey Robinson of Addison being met with hugs from parents Kenny and Sherry Robinson.

Lower left photo shows B Company Commander Brian Bartes of Haleyville with wife Kimberly and sons Austin, Will and Levil. Lower right photo shows SPC Corey Robinson of Addison being met with hugs from parents Kenny and Sherry Robinson.
HUNTSVILLE - The National Anthem sung by Cristina Lynn of Huntsville was blended with the roar of a plane’s engine, as the Southwest flight bringing home the last of the soldiers from the 115th Signal Battalion pulled up on the tarmac at the Huntsville International Airport for short but powerful ceremony Thursday morning, June 6, before soldiers were released to their families.

First responders honored at banquet

First responders receiving awards. See story for names and departments.

First responders receiving awards. See story for names and departments.
HALEYVILLE - First responders were the honorees at an awards banquet held as the city's annual 9-1-1 festival was beginning and also to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first emergency 9-1-1 call placed in the city. The banquet was held Thursday, May 31 at the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center on Newburg Road.

Little red phone finds new home

Photo at left shows Craig Floyd, president and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Museum, and Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri at the official announcement that the red telephone used in the city for the first 9-1-1 call 50 years ago will be displayed at the museum. Photo at right 911 Dignitary Steve Souder presents Mayor Sunseri with a replica red phone to be displayed in the city hall foyer replacing the vintage red phone that is going to Washington.

Photo at left shows Craig Floyd, president and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Museum, and Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri at the official announcement that the red telephone used in the city for the first 9-1-1 call 50 years ago will be displayed at the museum. Photo at right 911 Dignitary Steve Souder presents Mayor Sunseri with a replica red phone to be displayed in the city hall foyer replacing the vintage red phone that is going to Washington.
HALEYVILLE - The small red rotor dialed telephone that opened emergency 9-1-1 calling services to the entire nation has its roots in Haleyville, the birth city for that call.

Federal dignitaries special guests at 911 Town Hall workshops

From left, Retired Admiral David Simpson, former Federal Communications Commission bureau chief; Alicia Burns, 911 dignitary and committee chairperson for the town hall meeting; Christy Williams, 911 director North Central Texas Council of Governments, Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC Commissioner and Steve Souder, 9-1-1 dispatcher during many historical events in the nation.

From left, Retired Admiral David Simpson, former Federal Communications Commission bureau chief; Alicia Burns, 911 dignitary and committee chairperson for the town hall meeting; Christy Williams, 911 director North Central Texas Council of Governments, Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC Commissioner and Steve Souder, 9-1-1 dispatcher during many historical events in the nation
HALEYVILLE - The 911 Town Hall workshops held Thursday, May 31, at Haleyville City Hall, brought attendance from federal, state and local dignitaries pesenting a series of programs called 911 Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Family of Former Mayor James Whitt honored

From left, members of the James Whitt family, from left, Carol Whitt, Heath Sutherland, Whitt Sutherland, Steve Whitt, Mona Whitt, Holly Sutherland, Will Sutherland, Murry Whitt, Kay Sunseri, Casey Whitt, Mayor Ken Sunseri.

From left, members of the James Whitt family, from left, Carol Whitt, Heath Sutherland, Whitt Sutherland, Steve Whitt, Mona Whitt, Holly Sutherland, Will Sutherland, Murry Whitt, Kay Sunseri, Casey Whitt, Mayor Ken Sunseri.
HALEYVILLE - A special award was presented in memory of former mayor James Whitt, who was mayor of the city when the historical first 9-1-1 call was made in Haleyville on Feb. 16, 1968. The award was presented at the award banquet honoring first responders Thursday, May 31, at the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center.

City of Haleyville receives Founders Award

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, far right, receives the Founders Award on behalf of the city of Haleyville. Presenting the award is Ron Bonneau, past president of NENA, with NENA Historian Steve O'Connor and Current Vice President Jamison Peevyhouse also in attendance.

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, far right, receives the Founders Award on behalf of the city of Haleyville. Presenting the award is Ron Bonneau, past president of NENA, with NENA Historian Steve O'Connor and Current Vice President Jamison Peevyhouse also in attendance.
HALEYVILLE - Mayor Ken Sunseri received a special honor at the awards banquet honoring first responders Thursday night, May 31 at the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center, when he was presented the Founders Award by Ron Bonneau, past president of the National Emergency Numbers Association.

Wallace named Alumnus of the Year

Debbie Wood, president of the Haleyville Alumni Association, presents the Alumnus of the Year award to Dana Wallace at the alumni luncheon Saturday, June 2.

Debbie Wood, president of the Haleyville Alumni Association, presents the Alumnus of the Year award to Dana Wallace at the alumni luncheon Saturday, June 2.
HALEYVILLE - Henry Dana Wallace of the Haleyville High School class of 1978, celebrating 40 years, thanked not only his classmates but members of the class of 1968 for a special reason when he received the coveted Alumnus of the Year during annual alumni festivities Saturday, June 2.

Jasper man dies in early morning wreck

JASPER - A single-vehicle crash at 12:29 a.m. today, June. 4, has claimed the life of a Jasper man.  Victor Marcel Del Fuoco, 26, was killed when the 2007 Ford Mustang he was driving exited the roadway on the right side, striking an embankment. Fuoco was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred on I-22, 4.5 miles southeast of Cordova.  Nothing further is available as Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate.

First 9-1-1 call reenacted

Congressman Robert Aderholt, center, holds the iconic red phone from which the first 9-1-1 call in the nation was made after he and Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, right reenacted that historic phone call. With them is Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, left.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, center, holds the iconic red phone from which the first 9-1-1 call in the nation was made after he and Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, right reenacted that historic phone call. With them is Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, left.
HALEYVILLE - With the 9-1-1 Festival getting underway Friday, June 1, and this year being the 50th anniversary of the first-ever 9-1-1 call in the nation made, officials from Washington and Montgomery gathered at Haleyville City Hall Friday afternoon to reenact that historic call that has led to countless lives across the world being saved.

Bear Creek Town Clerk announces retirement

From left, Bear Creek Water Department clerk and soon-to-be interim town clerk Jamie Green, Bear Creek Town Clerk Ava McCurley, who is retiring July 1, and Bear Creek Mayor Connie Morrison.

From left, Bear Creek Water Department clerk and soon-to-be interim town clerk Jamie Green, Bear Creek Town Clerk Ava McCurley, who is retiring July 1, and Bear Creek Mayor Connie Morrison.

BEAR CREEK - In a special-called meeting of the Bear Creek Council Wednesday, May 30, the retirement of town clerk Ava McCurley, was announced and accepted, effective July 1.  After some discussion, the council approved naming Bear Creek Water Department Clerk Jamie Green as interim town clerk, effective July 1.  Green will serve as clerk for both the water department and the town.

Haleyville Council approves bidding for paving projects

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, left, and council member Royce Benefield hold up a banner presented to the city by Motorola regarding the 50th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call.

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, left, and council member Royce Benefield hold up a banner presented to the city by Motorola regarding the 50th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call.
HALEYVILLE - With all council members present except for Blue Russell, and final preparations for the 9-1-1 Festival underway, the Haleyville City Council met Tuesday, May 29, in the courtroom of Haleyville City Hall.

Making Alabama exhibit now open

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri cuts the ribbon proclaiming the traveling exhibit open on May 29. From left is Joel Sherrill, Mike Evans, Kris Burleson, Thomas Bryant (grants director for Alabama Humanites Foundation), Ken Sunseri, Mandy Little, Tim Robertson, Melinda Weaver and Christy Harbin. The exhibit will be open until June 8.

Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri cuts the ribbon proclaiming the traveling exhibit open on May 29. From left is Joel Sherrill, Mike Evans, Kris Burleson, Thomas Bryant (grants director for Alabama Humanites Foundation), Ken Sunseri, Mandy Little, Tim Robertson, Melinda Weaver and Christy Harbin. The exhibit will be open until June 8.
HALEYVILLE - Making Alabama, a walk through exhibit of the Alabama Bicentennial, is now open through Friday, June 8 at the former Dixie Flowers location at 926 19th Street from noon until 6 p.m. every day.

Shooting termed accidental

Law enforcement converge on the scene where the shooting occurred. From left, Sheriff's Sgt. Eddie Collins, Chief Deputy Bryan Kirkpatrick, Sheriff Tommy Moore, Investigators Caleb Snoddy and Brad Curtis.

Law enforcement converge on the scene where the shooting occurred. From left, Sheriff's Sgt. Eddie Collins, Chief Deputy Bryan Kirkpatrick, Sheriff Tommy Moore, Investigators Caleb Snoddy and Brad Curtis.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is handling the case of the accidental discharge of a firearm leaving a Double Springs woman injured Thursday afternoon, May 24.

Numerous personnel items approved by Haleyville BOE

As part of the many personnel items approved by the board, Elementary Principal Christy Bice, second from left, welcomes on board new teachers, from left, Olivia Tank, Heather Carroll and Heather Fannin.

As part of the many personnel items approved by the board, Elementary Principal Christy Bice, second from left, welcomes on board new teachers, from left, Olivia Tank, Heather Carroll and Heather Fannin.
HALEYVILLE - Personnel items, including, leaves, resignations, transfers and new hires, comprised most of the agenda of the Haleyville Board of Education’s regular meeting Tuesday, May 22, in efforts of getting all personnel in place for the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

Townsend named District VFW Teacher of the Year

Dwight Thomas, post commander of VFW Post 4543, presents the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award to High School Teacher Beth Pugh Townsend.

Dwight Thomas, post commander of VFW Post 4543, presents the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award to High School Teacher Beth Pugh Townsend.
HALEYVILLE - Dwight Thomas, post commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4543, had special recognition for two teachers who were first place district award winners as VFW Teachers of the Year under the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award. The presentation was made at the Tuesday, May 22, meeting of the Haleyville Board of Education.

Baggett named District VFW Teacher of the Year

Dwight Thomas, post commander of VFW Post 4543, presents the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award to Haleyville Elementary Teacher Sheynon Loden Baggett.

Dwight Thomas, post commander of VFW Post 4543, presents the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award to Haleyville Elementary Teacher Sheynon Loden Baggett.

HALEYVILLE - Dwight Thomas, post commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4543, had some special recognition at the Haleyville Board of Education's regular meeting Tuesday, May 22, for two teachers who were first place district award winners as VFW Teachers of the Year under the Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Award.

Advocacy group nominates board of directors at annual meeting

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Group officers are, from left, Lu Cruce, Jim Eason, Kenny Kirkpatrick and Judy Lambert.

Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Group officers are, from left, Lu Cruce, Jim Eason, Kenny Kirkpatrick and Judy Lambert.

LAKESHORE - The Winston County Smith Lake Advocacy Group held an annual meeting at Lakeshore Inn Restaurant on May 11, 2018, and held nominations for board of director appointees. Three members were nominated to the board: Ross Cole, Brian Kuntz and Lou Kuntz.

From Sage Brush to 911: How Haleyville Began first edition now available

Haleyville resident Bobby Taylor buys the first copy of the newly released edition From Sage Brush to 911: How Haleyville Began from Kenneth Ward, president of the Haleyville Historical Society.

Haleyville resident Bobby Taylor buys the first copy of the newly released edition From Sage Brush to 911: How Haleyville Began from Kenneth Ward, president of the Haleyville Historical Society.

HALEYVILLE - The long awaited project of compiling a book solely about the city of Haleyville has come to fruition with the release of From Sage Brush to 911: How Haleyville Began, a book full of history and pictures now available for purchase.

Tickets for Haleyville Alumni luncheon now available

The Haleyville Alumni Luncheon is quickly approaching. Here is a photo from the 2017 luncheon featuring the Haleyville High School Class of 1967, celebrating 50 years last year.

The Haleyville Alumni Luncheon is quickly approaching. Here is a photo from the 2017 luncheon featuring the Haleyville High School Class of 1967, celebrating 50 years last year.
HALEYVILLE - Although the 50th anniversary of the nation’s first emergency 9-1-1 call will be drawing the largest ever crowd expected at the Haleyville 9-1-1 Festival the first weekend in June, other crowds will be gathering for the annual alumni activities.

Large bust at former business location nets meth, marijuana, firearms

At least 32 firearms were located, two of which were reported stolen.

At least 32 firearms were located, two of which were reported stolen.
ADDISON - A former business transformed into a drug distribution center was raided Thursday, May 10, by law enforcement agencies in Winston and Cullman counties, finding 25 grams of methamphetamine, 10 to 12 grams of marijuana and 32 firearms, two of which were reported stolen.

Fiery head-on collision leaves 2 dead

Firefighters had to extinguish the blaze then use the Jaws of Life to cut away portions of the vehicle in order to free the trapped occupants

Firefighters had to extinguish the blaze then use the Jaws of Life to cut away portions of the vehicle in order to free the trapped occupants
NAUVOO - A two vehicle fiery crash around the Nauvoo area Saturday afternoon left two people dead and two others injured, one of whom being found at the bottom of a steep ravine off the highway, the other walking around on the highway, authorities on the scene said.

Chamber sponsors forum for Senator, Representative candidates

Candidates from left, Garlan Gudger, Senate District 4; David Hall, Phil Segraves and Tracy Estes, candidates for House District 17, and Paul Bussman, incumbent Senate District 4.

Candidates from left, Garlan Gudger, Senate District 4; David Hall, Phil Segraves and Tracy Estes, candidates for House District 17, and Paul Bussman, incumbent Senate District 4.
HALEYVILLE - Candidates for State Senate District 4 and House of Representatives District 17 got a chance to tell their platform on issues during the second political forum sponsored by the Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce Friday, May 4, at the Alabama Power conference room.

$600 million pilot program to bring broadband into rural areas

From left, Steve Foshee, CEO of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative; Governor Kay Ivey; U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; and Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at the official announcement made Thursday afternoon, May 3, at Tombigee's headquarters in Hamilton

From left, Steve Foshee, CEO of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative; Governor Kay Ivey; U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; and Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture at the official announcement made Thursday afternoon, May 3, at Tombigee's headquarters in Hamilton
HAMILTON - Officials from the federal to state level gathered for the grand announcement Thursday afternoon, May 3, of a $600 million pilot program designed to help bring broadband or high speed internet into rural areas.

Federal officials meet with Haleyville High School FFA

From left, Julia Bonner, parliamentarian for the Haleyville High School FFA; U.S. Sectretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; Blake Berry, HHS FFA historian; Katy Rawls, HHS FFA co-president and HHS Agriculture instructor Caleb Beason.

From left, Julia Bonner, parliamentarian for the Haleyville High School FFA; U.S. Sectretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt; Blake Berry, HHS FFA historian; Katy Rawls, HHS FFA co-president and HHS Agriculture instructor Caleb Beason,
HAMILTON - Farmers and agriculture programs throughout the state and in the schools had some one-on-one time with federal officials during their announcement Thursday afternoon, May 3, of a $600 million pilot program that will extend broadband internet into rural areas, helping many in agriculture. The grant was administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service, funded under the Community Connect Broadband Grant Program.

Jack's coming to Addison

Addison Mayor Marsha Pigg, center, welcomes to town Jim Avery, director of development for Jacks, and Betty Hester, regional director.

Addison Mayor Marsha Pigg, center, welcomes to town Jim Avery, director of development for Jack's, and Betty Hester, regional director.
ADDISON - The official announcement that Jack's Family Restaurants is coming to the town of Addison was made at a public hearing Monday night, May 1, when the town council adopted two resolutions concerning the project as well as met with Jack's officials.

First responders and elected officials ask tough questions regarding ambulance service

Double Springs assistant fire chief Brandon Lewis expresses concerns regarding RPS.

Double Springs assistant fire chief Brandon Lewis expresses concerns regarding RPS.

DOUBLE SPRINGS - Regional Paramedical Services - the main ambulance service provider for Winston County -  faced the heat from a large crowd of emergency responders gathered Tuesday, April 24, to voice a strong protest to ways RPS has handled themselves on scenes.

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