Bat Blitz returns to the Bankhead

A big brown bat caught during the 2022 Bat Blitz. While bigger than other area cave bats, it is tiny at less than two inches long.

A big brown bat caught during the 2022 Bat Blitz. While bigger than other area cave bats, it is tiny at less than two inches long.

CAMP MCDOWELL - Last week, the bats of the Bankhead National Forest had their moment in the sun—or rather, the moonlight.

Nearly a hundred bat experts and others from at least ten states, plus Norway, converged at Camp McDowell for the 2022 Bat Blitz, an intensive survey of the bat population. Bat Blitzes are organized every year by the Southeastern Bat Diversity Network (SBDN) and a state group, in this case, the Alabama Bat Working Group (ABWG).

Change in CEOs for Lakeland

Outgoing Lakeland Community Hospital CEO Ashley Pool, left, and current Chief Operating Officer and soon-to-be CEO Jennifer Young.

Outgoing Lakeland Community Hospital CEO Ashley Pool, left, and current Chief Operating Officer and soon-to-be CEO Jennifer Young.
HALEYVILLE - Lakeland Community Hospital will soon experience a change at the helm, but the focus on high quality patient care will remain the same.

Haleyville City Schools raises the bar for new school year

At the Friday, Aug. 5, Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, a motivational talk was given to provide a big boost for the start of the new year for Haleyville City Schools. From left, Chamber President Mike Evans; HHS Football Coach and Athletic Director Bo Culver, Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland and State Representative Tracy Estes.

At the Friday, Aug. 5, Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, a motivational talk was given to provide a big boost for the start of the new year for Haleyville City Schools. From left, Chamber President Mike Evans; HHS Football Coach and Athletic Director Bo Culver, Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland and State Representative Tracy Estes.
HALEYVILLE - Haleyville City Schools is greeting a new school year starting today, Wednesday, Aug. 10, with a renewed sense of enthusiasm by raising the bar even higher.

Two injured in Highway 13 wreck in Haleyville

First responders prepare to remove an injured occupant from the hatch of a Kia involved in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 13 in Haleyville Tuesday afternoon.

First responders prepare to remove an injured occupant from the hatch of a Kia involved in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 13 in Haleyville Tuesday afternoon.
HALEYVILLE - A two-vehicle crash on Highway 13 on Burnett Hill in Haleyville Tuesday afternoon, August 9, resulted in one injured from each vehicle, a swarm of emergency first responders at the scene and traffic brought to a standstill for over an hour.

Haughton sworn in to Haleyville School Board

Board of education members, from left, President Chad Tidwell, Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, board members Donna Jones, Boo Haughton and Kris Burleson. Not present was Beth McAlpine.

Board of education members, from left, President Chad Tidwell, Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland, board members Donna Jones, Boo Haughton and Kris Burleson. Not present was Beth McAlpine.
HALEYVILLE - After a year of being vacant, the place 2 seat of the Haleyville Board of Education was officially filled, when Boo Haughton was sworn into office, during a special-called meeting early Monday morning.

Duncan Bridge rehab project begins

State Representative Tim Wadsworth inspects the makeshift traffic signal that has been installed at Duncan Bridge.

State Representative Tim Wadsworth inspects the makeshift traffic signal that has been installed at Duncan Bridge.
WINSTON COUNTY - A project in the planning stages for years is finally coming to fruition, with work now visible along the iconic Duncan Bridge at the border of Winston and Walker counties.

Garbage truck wrecks in Natural Bridge

A sanitation vehicle crashed on Highway 5 near Natural Bridge Monday morning.

A sanitation vehicle crashed on Highway 5 near Natural Bridge Monday morning.

NATURAL BRIDGE - A garbage truck crashed on Highway 5 south near Natural Bridge early Monday morning, July 25.  The driver was reportedly not injured, but trash has been dumped from the truck along the roadway, and authorities are still on the scene.  Motorists should use caution when traveling through this area this morning.

The Alabamian is also on the scene and will have much more in our Wednesday, July 27, edition.

Free Bat Blitz educational event for the public

Bat Blitz promotional flyer/t-shirt design

The Alabama Bat Working Group’s Education Committee will hold a Bat Blitz educational event for the public on Monday, August 1, 3-6 p.m., at Randall Commons in Camp McDowell. Attendees will learn more about bats and their importance to the ecosystem, have the chance to see live bats up close and be able to participate in hands-on activities. Children are especially encouraged to attend. There is no entrance fee and no need to register in advance. The public is invited to drop in at any time during the event.

Subscribe to