Cover Image, L-R: Cawaco RC&D Programs Manager Patti Pennington, Sen. Matt Woods Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development Council honored Sen. Matt Woods as the Legislator of the Year for 2025, recognizing his exceptional service to Walker County and his ability to connect communities with vital resources. Woods was honored during Cawaco RC&D’s annual meeting at […]
Cawaco RC&D Names Sen. Matt Woods Legislator of the Year Read More »
Interview by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill Buying a home can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating, especially in a market shaped by changing interest rates, evolving loan programs, and widespread misconceptions about what it really takes to qualify. To help demystify the process, The Walker Leader spoke with Laura Hiott, president of Hiott Financial Corporation(HFC),
Walker Leader Q&A: Laura Hiott, Hiott Financial Corporation Read More »
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill Kay Sartain retired last week following a 48-year career in banking, including 22 years at Bank of Walker County. A reception was held in her honor on December 19, bringing together coworkers, community members, and friends to recognize her long service and impact. Sartain noted
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Words by Logan Fowler | Images by Al Blanton Gavin Blackwell never planned to become a distance runner. At an early age, he invested his time in gymnastics and baseball, though he was not particularly fond of either sport. But in the seventh grade, it was cross country that caught his eye – merely by
Featured Athlete: Gavin Blackwell, Jasper High School Read More »
Montgomery, AL – Today, State Senator Matt Woods prefiled a bill aimed at ending the misuse of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) against child sexual abuse and trafficking victims in civil settlements. A significant step towards justice and transparency, “Trey’s Law” would prohibit NDAs in cases involving child sexual abuse and trafficking, ensuring that survivors can share their stories without fear of legal repercussions. “Trey’s Law aims to dismantle the coercive
Sen. Matt Woods Prefiles ‘Trey’s Law’ Bill to Protect Victims of Sexual Abuse Read More »
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo Donna Kilgore has stepped into a new leadership role as Executive Director of Beacon House, a program of Concerned Citizens for Our Youth, Inc. that has served vulnerable adolescent girls in Alabama for more than 50 years. Beacon House provides moderate residential services to girls
Donna Kilgore Named Executive Director of Beacon House Read More »
Cawaco RC&D grant program supports local projects benefiting community, environment, education From community gardens to innovation centers and critical safety equipment for first responders, local leaders across Central Alabama leveraged $843,000 in grants to generate nearly $4 million in community impact. Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council, in partnership with the Alabama legislature, supported 73
Local leaders turn $843,000 into nearly $4 million impact across Central Alabama Read More »
Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis A Court of Honor ceremony was held Saturday, December 13, at Jasper First Methodist Church, honoring Wylie Aldeen and Drew Matthews for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. Family members, friends, fellow Scouts, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the milestone. The ceremony opened with
Wylie Aldeen and Drew Matthews Honored as Eagle Scouts at Court of Honor Ceremony Read More »
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton and courtesy of Terry Stripling The Walker County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 7 held its annual Cops & Kids event earlier this week, giving local children in need a Christmas experience they may not otherwise have. FOP Lodge 7 Vice President Terry Stripling
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton and Justin Hunter Ridgeview Health Services in Jasper will bring the Christmas story to life with their thirteenth Live Nativity on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with presentations at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. The event portrays the biblical account of Jesus’ birth as
Ridgeview Health Services Live Nativity Returns Tonight Read More »
