HCS reports perfect audit


The Haleyville Board of Education listens as CPA Greg Guin presents the system’s audit report for 2023. Clockwise from bottom left, board members Brian “Thumper’ Vickery, Beth McAlpine, Donna Jones, Chad Tidwell, Board President Boo Haughton, Chief School Financial Officer Candy Marbutt and Guin. Not shown is Superintendent Dr. Holly Sutherland.
HALEYVILLE - For the first time in at least 30 years, the audit report for Haleyville City Schools was presented at an open meeting, with the school system’s new auditor giving what he referred to as one of the best and most positive financial findings for the system’s 2023 audit.

Founders Day in Double Springs September 14


Shown at a Founders Day planning meeting are (seated) WCHS Alumni Association officers Kim Prescott, president, Chase Cummins, vice president, Gina Dodd, secretary, Michelle Ward, treasurer, Bailey Kelley, committee chairman and (standing) some of the alumni association’s student ambassadors Lilly Elliott, Reagan Morgan, Macy Parsons and Alyssa Westbrooks. Not shown: Landon Kelley.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - The Winston County High School Alumni Association is hoping to start a new annual tradition this year by holding its first Founders Day on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Bear Creek’s only bank branch closing


The Bear Creek branch of BankFirst will close October 25. All customers will have the option to stay with the bank and transfer their accounts to Haleyville. All employees will also have jobs provided for them in Haleyville.
BEAR CREEK - The Bear Creek branch of BankFirst - the town’s only banking location - will be closing its doors on Oct. 25, with bank officials giving customers and employees the option of transferring to the Haleyville branch before the date arrives.

County to pay $100,000 more a year for inmate healthcare


Winston County Commissioner District 2 David Cummings, center, has questions about the agreement the county is about to sign regarding inmate medical services at the county jail. At left is Commissioner District 1 Rutger Hyche and at right is Chairman Roger Hayes.
DOUBLE SPRINGS - Budget concerns will possibly be facing the Winston County Commission, after they reached a new agreement with the company providing healthcare services for county jail inmates, at a cost of over $100,000 more per year than the previous agreement.

Public meeting planned in Florence to discuss deterrent projects for invasive carp

FLORENCE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will host public meetings in Florence, Nashville and online this month to discuss a pilot project designed to manage and prevent the spread of invasive carp within the Tennessee and Cumberland river basins and the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway.

Homeless plight in Haleyville in focus at council meeting


Ricky White, left, and David Harbin, volunteers with The Upper Room - A Gathering Place, approach the Haleyville City Council to discuss the city’s homeless situation. In the background is Police Chief Rodney Lewis.
HALEYVILLE - The topic of homeless people in Haleyville once again came before the Haleyville City Council, this time with a plea for unity.

Haleyville BOE budget hearing Monday

HALEYVILLE - The Haleyville City Schools Board of Education will hold its first budget hearing for the Haleyville School System for the 2025 fiscal year Monday, August 19, at 4:30 p.m. at the Haleyville Board of Education Conference Room.  
This meeting is open to the public, and all interested persons are welcome to attend.

Craft VFD holding open house/fun Day Saturday


The Craft Volunteer Fire Department invites the entire community to their open house/fun day Saturday. From left, Randy Pounders, John Chambers, Gary Mize, Haylee Adair, Kerry Adams, Riley Trussell and Chief Ray Cantrell. Not shown are Kayla Collier and Ben Harrison.
HALEYVILLE - Great summer fun with a purpose is planned for Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Craft Volunteer Fire Department.

Addison Town Council seeking attorney general’s opinion


The Addison Municipal Airport is located off Sardis Airport Road. The hangers in the background and plane being housed are located on private property adjacent to the airport. The town owns the grass strip runway.
ADDISON - A resolution has been approved by the Addison Town Council to seek an Alabama Attorney General’s opinion on the proper way to proceed with possibly selling the town’s airport.