State health officer closing certain types of businesses statewide to help combat spread of COVID-19

WINSTON COUNTY - With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus-2019 or COVID-19 increasing it seems by the minute within Alabama, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris put out a new health order effective Saturday, March 28, at 5 p.m. for the following types of "non-essential" businesses to be closed to non-employees:

Double Springs First United Methodist cancels Holy Week services

DOUBLE SPRINGS - In a move that saddened all involved, Double Springs First United Methodist Church has regretfully had to cancel its annual Holy Week services, which were scheduled for April 6-10 , due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The health and safety of our friends and neighbors is of utmost concern to us.  So, for the first time in over 30 years, Holy Week will not be conducted this year,"  Lay Leader Jim Baird said.

AHSAA provides guidance to principals and coaches regarding end of spring sports seasons

WINSTON COUNTY - The announcement Thursday by Governor Kay Ivey and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey that all Alabama public schools will be closed for traditional instruction for the remainder of the school year also means that the spring sports regular seasons and championships are also canceled.

Public access to some portions of recreation areas in the Bankhead Forest temporarily closed

BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - Effective immediately, public access to developed campgrounds, day use areas and dispersed recreation area restrooms in the following locations in the Bankhead National Forest are temporarily yet indefinitely suspended, for the health and safety of visitors and staff due to the Coronavirus-2019, or COVID-19 pandemic.

Areas affected are:

Houston Day Use Area;

Brushy Lake Campground;

Sipsey Trailhead (restroom only);

Natural Bridge Day Use Area (located near Moreland);

Employee at Clayton Homes facility in Addison tests positive for COVID-19

Cleaning service workers were spotted outside one of the Clayton Homes facilities in Addison Wednesday morning after a confirmed case of COVID-19 among one of Clayton's Addison employees was announced. The facility has been shut down for the remainder of the week for a deep cleaning and sanitization. (Courtesy photo)

Cleaning service workers were spotted outside one of the Clayton Homes facilities in Addison Wednesday morning after a confirmed case of COVID-19 among one of Clayton's Addison employees was announced. The facility has been shut down for the remainder of the week for a deep cleaning and sanitization. (Courtesy photo)
ADDISON - The Alabamian has been able to confirm that an employee at one of the Clayton Homes facilities in Addison has tested positive for COVID-19.

Schools schedule feeding programs

WINSTON COUNTY - With area schools still closed and free and reduced lunch rates very high throughout the county, the fear of children not receiving healthy meals is high among school officials. That is why school systems are planning feeding programs throughout the county to feed children who might be in need.

COVID-19 not the first time county has dealt with a pandemic

WINSTON COUNTY - “Schools and churches closed…Do your part by keeping the children at home.” That quote surely seems relevant today. Both churches and schools have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, the above quote came from a newspaper article in Hamilton from Oct. 16, 1918. It was relevant then, too, as what was known as Spanish influenza gripped the world, including here on our home turf, same as COVID-19 has.

Firefighters receive protective equipment from EMA

Winston EMA Director Jimmy Madison, left, distributes personal protective outfits to volunteer firefighters after a countywide meeting Thursday. Displayed on the floor is an example of the proper way to wear the clothing.

Winston EMA Director Jimmy Madison, left, distributes personal protective outfits to volunteer firefighters after a countywide meeting Thursday. Displayed on the floor is an example of the proper way to wear the clothing.
WINSTON COUNTY - Firefighters across Winston County, who put their lives on the line daily to help others, are speaking out, stating they have none of the supplies required by the Alabama Department of Public Health, to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Changes involving 9-1-1 policies and RPS services due to COVID-19

Shown are Winston 9-1-1 Director Tim Webb, left, and Regional Paramedical Service Ambulance Regional Director Tim Brown explaining to a group of community leaders changes they have had to make within their respective organizations due to COVID-19.

Shown are Winston 9-1-1 Director Tim Webb, left, and Regional Paramedical Service Ambulance Regional Director Tim Brown explaining to a group of community leaders changes they have had to make within their respective organizations due to COVID-19.
WINSTON COUNTY - Winston County 9-1-1 is changing procedures not only for its employees, but also emergency responders they dispatch in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scary sight in the sky in Haleyville Tuesday night as city dodges bullet during tornado warning

This photo shared with the Alabamian shows what appears to be a funnel cloud passing through the northern portion of the city of Haleyville just past Goar's Market.

This photo shared with the Alabamian shows what appears to be a funnel cloud passing through the northern portion of the city of Haleyville just past Goar's Market.

HALEYVILLE - Residents of Winston and Marion counties were placed under Tornado Warnings earlier this evening, with many Haleyville residents seeing what appeared to be a funnel cloud on the northern side of the city in the vicinity of Highway 13 North and Kelly Hill.  Several photos and videos were shot of the ominous cloud as hundreds poured into the city's storm shelters.  The City of Haleyville had created a plan earlier in the day regarding how to operate the storm shelters in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the plan appears to have worked. 

Lakeland CEO gives update

HALEYVILLE - Lakeland Community Hospital CEO Ashley Pool provided an update to the community Monday evening regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Lakeland's response, including news regarding the outcome of COVID-19 tests done at the hospital.

Fire fighters need a younger generation

Erik Gilbreath has completed a program on the simulator. Corey Robins stands to the right.

Erik Gilbreath has completed a program on the simulator. Corey Robins stands to the right.

WINSTON COUNTY - When there is a fire, the fire department is called, and they respond. But what happens when no one answers? There is a current need for fire departments across the nation, to which the younger generation is not responding to as in times past.
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