The Walker Leader

Bevill State Receives Community Service Grant from Representative Greg Barnes

JASPER, AL – Bevill State Community College has been awarded a Community Service Grant in the amount of $10,000 from Alabama House District 13 Representative Greg Barnes. Funds from this grant will be utilized to purchase equipment for the College’s police department and to strengthen safety and security measures across Bevill State’s campuses. “Bevill State […]

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Q&A with Mayor Josh Gates: Priorities, Progress, and the Path Ahead

City News

Questions by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton and courtesy of The City of Jasper In his first months as mayor, Josh Gates says the focus has been to build on Jasper’s momentum, stay intentional, and keep the city moving forward in a thoughtful, responsible way. In this Walker Leader Q&A, Gates reflects

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City of Jasper Proclaims April as Autism Acceptance Month

City News

The City of Jasper officially recognized April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month during today’s City Council meeting, with Mayor Josh Gates presenting a proclamation highlighting the importance of inclusion, support, and celebrating the strengths and perspectives of individuals on the autism spectrum. The full text of the proclamation is available below. Community members are also invited to

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Jasper Lions Club to Host Foster and Adoptive Family Resource Event this Weekend

Community, Events

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Al Blanton The Jasper Lions Club will host a Foster and Adoptive Family Resource Event on Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Jasper Civic Center. The event is designed to connect foster and adoptive families with local organizations, support services and one another.

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Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center Announces Expansion Project

City News, Community, Milestones

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton A ceremony was held on Thursday, April 16, to announce an expansion project for the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center. Local leaders say this project will strengthen services for child victims of abuse and neglect while creating a more supportive environment for care and healing.

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Senator Matt Woods: Investing in Alabama’s Coal Communities Is Investing in Our Future

Community

Op-Ed by State Senator Matt Woods JASPER, Ala. — For generations, coal communities have helped power Alabama and our nation. Alabama families built their lives around these jobs, and entire rural economies grew because of them. But today, even as the energy landscape evolves, those same areas still carry the economic burden of that legacy. That’s

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LifeSkills 101 Connects Upcoming Graduates with Career, Financial Readiness Resources

Community, Education

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo Jasper High School seniors recently spent time exploring workforce opportunities, financial literacy, and other practical tools for life after graduation during LifeSkills 101 at Bevill State Community College (BSCC). The event was hosted through United Way of Central Alabama’s inCommunity initiative in partnership with Jasper

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Jasper High School Opens New Track with Ribbon Cutting, Senior Day, and Home Meet

Community, LeaderSports, Milestones

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton Jasper High School’s new eight-lane rubber running track officially opened on Thursday, April 9, with a ribbon cutting ceremony ahead of the school’s first home meet. The opening was the result of a six-year effort to bring the long-awaited track to campus. During the ceremony,

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Jasper Herb Society to Host 15th Annual Herb Day on April 18

Community, Events

Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis The Jasper Herb Society will host its 15th annual Herb Day fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Plantique. This family-friendly event will include herbal refreshments, handcrafted products, recipes, and advice from members of the Herb Society and The Plantique staff. A portion

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City of Jasper Plans $125,000 Contribution to Support Addition at Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center

City News, Community

JASPER, AL – The City of Jasper plans to provide a $125,000 contribution to support an upcoming addition to the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC), reinforcing the City’s commitment to protecting and serving the most vulnerable members of the community. The funding was proposed by Mayor Josh Gates and introduced for consideration by the Jasper City

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