News

In the News: Local officials enjoy National School Lunch Week

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.

Who says you can’t enjoy a school lunch?

Some of Franklin County’s and Russellville’s elected officials, along with members of the Russellville Police and Fire Departments joined Russellville High School students for lunch Thursday as part of National School Lunch Week.

In the News: Tractor Supply opens in Russellville

Originally published in the Franklin County Times.

Rural living requires certain necessities year-round, and now the rural county of Franklin has another store that provides those necessities. Tractor Supply Company, located next to Foodland in Russellville, had its soft opening Sept. 30 and an invitation-only preview party Sept. 29.

In the News: Take Pride Initiative sees gradual progress

Originally published in the Franklin County Times.

Russellville’s Take Pride Initiative has been in effect for a few weeks now, and the city is starting to see some progress, according to the team assembled to oversee the project.

Fire marshal Justin Green, building inspector Bill Fuller and Lt. Brian Shackleford set out twice a week to inspect properties, buildings and residences to make sure that they are up to code, safe and being properly cared for. Green said they have received some reports from citizens requesting them to check certain places, but they would like to hear more from the community.

In the News: Longevity raises a part of new budget

Originally published in the Times Daily.

The Russellville City Council has been trying for two years to incorporate salary changes into the city’s budget, based on the results of a study by the Auburn University Government and Economic Institute — Human Resources Consulting Program.

The $9 million fiscal year 2018 operating budget passed Monday night, includes a “longevity raise” for employees with at least 10 years of service.

In the News: Helping after Hurricane Harvey

Originally published in the Franklin County Times.

Local schools like Russellville Elementary and Phil Campbell High School have already been accepting and sending donations to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, but now the entire Russellville City Schools system is making an effort to provide relief to those victims – and the community is invited to take part in lending a helping hand.

In the News: City announces cleanup initiative

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.

A new initiative from the City of Russellville will focus on cleaning up the city with increased enforcement of ordinances that prohibit nuisances within the city.

The “Take Pride Initiative” is a joint effort among the Russellville mayor and city council, the Russellville Fire Department and the Russellville Police Department. City officials acknowledged that enforcement of nuisance violations, from weed growth to abandoned vehicles, has not been at a sufficient level in past years.

In the News: City says: Take pride in Russellville

Originally published in the Franklin County Times.

The city of Russellville this week announced its new Take Pride Initiative.

Initiative is defined as “an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something.” That fresh approach in Russellville is a revamped focus on cleanliness and beautification in the city, backed by a desire to Take Pride in the community.

37th Annual Watermelon Festival

In the News: City council recognizes local boys for clean-up efforts

Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.

The Russellville City Council convened last Monday night to discuss and approve a number of items on the meeting’s agenda. The action got started during the work session when Chris Ozbirn, who serves as the chief archivist at the Franklin County Archives, asked the council for its help in restoring two of the oldest cemeteries in the city.

“Old Town Cemetery and Sadler Cemetery are a mess,” Ozbirn told the council. “I don’t know what it is, but something has to be done.”

In the News: U.S. Senate candidate visits Franklin County

Photo by Alison James | Franklin County Times

Originally published in the Franklin County Times.

As the Aug. 15 special election for U.S. senator fast approaches, candidates are making their final efforts to meet the people and spread their campaign messages. One candidate made a visit to Franklin County this week to reach voters locally.