News

In the News: City accepts bid for Hal Kirby park

Originally published in the Franklin County Times. 

It’s been 15 months since flooding washed out Hal Kirby Jr. Park. Ten months since the City of Russellville received Community Development Block Grant of $250,000 to rehabilitate the ballpark so precious to the community. Three months since the city regretfully rejected all bids for the work, which came in much higher than anticipated. But last week, the city council accepted a bid, setting in motion the necessary renovations to Hal Kirby park at last.

In the News: Burns celebrates golden anniversary

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.

It’s been a busy week for the staff at Burns Nursing & Rehab. While preparing for their 50^th anniversary event, Burns employees were surprised Tuesday when Alabama Department of Public Health officials showed up for the facility’s annual inspection.

Both events couldn’t have been more successful. And Burns Administrator Mark DeArman credited his employees Friday for “working Dr. Burns hours” this week.

In the News: Solid night for local incumbents

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press. 

It was a good night for incumbents in local municipal elections, as mayors won reelection in Russellville and Phil Campbell, while the Littleville mayor finds himself in a runoff.

Russellville Mayor David Grissom received 75 percent of the vote, with 1189 votes, to 305 (19%) for Donnie Horton and 101 (6%) for Randy Bray.

In the News: Elected to lead

Originally published in the Franklin County Times. 

If you’ve never seen grown men group hug, you weren’t at Russellville City Hall on election night.

When the dust had settled in Russellville on election night, incumbents had come out on top among the city’s choices for mayor and council members – with two races left up to a run-off – in unofficial election results.

In the News: Grissom seeks four more years of positive change in Russellville as mayor

Originally published in the Franklin County Times. 

Born and raised in Russellville, David Grissom considers it an honor to serve the community as mayor. He seeks a second four-year term in the role.

“My goal the past four years as mayor – and going forward, the next four – is to make Russellville the absolute best that we can make it and take advantage of every opportunity we have,” Grissom said. “I feel like we have made great improvements the past four years in a lot of different areas.”

In the News: Lights, bows show police support

Photo Credit: Franklin County Times

Originally published in the Franklin County Times. 

It’s no secret that tension between police officers and the public has been at an all-time high in recent months. Initiatives are now being launched in Russellville to encourage citizens to show their support for the local “boys in blue.”

Emily Evans is the mother of a Russellville Police Department officer, and she said although she has always been supportive of law enforcement, that took on a new meaning when her son joined the force.

Proud to be part of our city’s past! Looking forward to its future!

In the News: New distribution center to create 80 jobs

Originally published in the Times Daily.

Officials with the city of Russellville and Farmers Home Furniture announced Monday that the company will invest $10 million and create 80 jobs in a new distribution center.

Mayor David Grissom said Farmers Home Furniture has bought a 325,000-square-foot facility in Russellville Industrial Park.

“This is big for our city, our county and our region,” Grissom said of the announcement. “We’re excited about having Farmers Home Furniture in Russellville and what this will mean to this entire region.”

In the News: Farmers Home Furniture brings distribution center to Russellville

Photo Credit: Franklin County Times

Originally published in the Franklin County Times. 

Russellville Mayor David Grissom got the chance to utter one of his favorite phrases Monday: “It’s a great day in the City of Russellville.”

In front of a standing-room only crowd at Russellville City Hall, the city, the county and the Franklin County Development Authority welcomed Farmers Home Furniture, which will be bringing a distribution center to Russellville Industrial Park, representing a promise of 80 new jobs and a $10 million investment.

In the News: Grissom announces re-election bid

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.

David Grissom didn’t plan to announce his bid for re-election as mayor of Russellville until mid-May. But Ronnie McDowell had other ideas.

When McDowell invited Grissom on stage during McDowell’s April 16 concert at the Roxy Theater, it wasn’t to join him for a duet of Older Women Are Beautiful Lovers.

In front of a packed house of 600, the country legend asked Grissom if he was going to run for a second term as mayor.