4-H Pig Squeal registration underway

WINSTON COUNTY - The Pig Squeal is a 4-H project in which kids aged 9-19 raise two pigs, starting Jan. 14, 2023, and then show one of them at the 4-H Pig Squeal Show and Auction on April 29, 2023. The pig will be processed before being delivered to the winning bidder. The deadline for registration is Nov. 14, 2022, and the registration fee is $150. Please see the flier below for additional requirements of the project and registration information. Contact Regional Extension Agent Dylan Gilbert at (205) 489-5376 for more information.

Halloween events to be held in Arley Oct. 25

ARLEY - Children are invited to trick-or-treat at the Arley Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4-6 p.m. The Arley Women’s Club’s Trunk-or-Treat will start at 5 p.m. in Hamner Park. The movie Happy Halloween, Scooby Doo! will be shown in the park at around 6:30, once it gets dark. Admission will be free and so will the popcorn. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and may feel free to wear a costume.

Sheriff’s Office warning about Fentanyl this Halloween


The candy-colored pills pictured above are actually Fentanyl, a powerful and potentially deadly opioid. The Winston County Sheriff’s Office is warning parents to closely look at their children’s Halloween candy, as Fentanyl is being manufactured and packaged to look like candy. (Courtesy photo)
WINSTON COUNTY - Halloween is a holiday for disguises, and highly addictive and even deadly drugs such as Fentanyl are being disguised to look like innocent candy, appealing to the younger ages.

Winston County Arts Council announces renovation plans for Looney's Complex after purchase completed


Celebrating the new ownership of the Looney’s Tavern complex by the Winston County Arts Council are, from left, Greg Farris, Heather Tucker, Coy and Shirley Sudduth, Blythe Welton, Cindy Bryant, Larry Welton, J.D. and Theresa Snoddy, David Snoddy and Mickey and T.J. Milligan, who formerly owned the property.
LAKESHORE - The rich history and heritage of the Looney’s Tavern Amphitheater and complex will no longer be a distant memory, now that it is being revived with endless plans for future development.

Alabama Scenic River Trail wants to expand to Winston County


Winston County Extension Agent Zack Brannon shows where the old canoe trail has broken off and fallen several feet. The trail itself is overgrown with weeds and forest growth.
BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST - A proposal has been made to the Winston County Commission that a canoe or kayak rental business on the Sipsey River would provide an economic boom for Winston County as well as showcase the natural beauty of the Bankhead National Forest.

Early screenings for women's health issues lead to better outcomes

WINSTON COUNTY - The fall months usher in shades of teal and pink to help symbolize and bring awareness to cancers that affect predominately women - breast, cervical, uterine and ovarian. Thankfully, early detection options are in place for the vast majority of these cancers, making the chance for a cure higher, something physicians at Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville want local women to know...

Black Pond Community Clean-Up Day Oct. 22

BLACK POND - The Black Pond community clean-up day will be Saturday, Oct. 22, beginning at 8 a.m.  Persons living along County Road 8 and any volunteers are asked to help clean up along the road.  Garbage bags will be available at the Black Pond Volunteer Fire Department, located on County Road 8, and the community is invited to come to the fire department for lunch around noon after the morning work.  Please make plans to help clean up and keep Black Pond a great place to live!

Brannon wins six agricultural professional awards

WINSTON COUNTY - This year, Zach Brannon, Winston County Extension Coordinator, has been honored by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists (AACAAS) and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

NACAA presented Brannon with a 2022 Achievement Award. These awards “recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension.” They are the highest honor an agent with less than ten years of experience in the field can receive from both NACAA and AACAAS.