The Walker Leader

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

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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Mayor Marion Combs Highlights Growth, Projects in Dora

Community

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Nick Rizzo Mayor Marion Combs walks around the lobby of Dora City Hall admiring the historic photographs lining the walls. He points to one in particular, a car-lined streetscape filled with storefronts in what is now known as old Dora. “That’s what it looked like when I

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Young Jewelers Announces New Flagship Store

City News, Community, Milestones

Image courtesy of Iris Jarvis Young Jewelers, a multifaceted jewelry business rooted in a long family legacy since 1948, is honored to announce plans for a new two-story flagship location. The building will be constructed on the lot adjacent to the current Young Jewelers. As the business approaches 80 years in downtown Jasper, second- and

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Birmingham Gastroenterology Expands Access to Digestive Care with New Clinic Location in Jasper

Community

Birmingham Gastroenterology is expanding access to digestive health services in Walker County with the opening of a new clinic location in Jasper. The clinic, located at 1009 7th Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501, within the Henderson & Walton Women’s Center, will be led by board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. William “Billy” Oelsner, who will provide comprehensive GI care

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Jasper Track and Field to Host Jasper Vikings Invitational on April 9

Events, LeaderSports

Words by Jayna Vance | Images by Jenny Lynn Davis The Jasper High School track and field team is set to host its first invitational meet at the school’s newly constructed eight-lane rubber track. The Jasper Vikings Invitational will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 4 p.m. Jasper will host several events throughout

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Jasper Main Street Celebrates Grand Opening of Jasper Welcome Center and Museum

City News, Community, Events

Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis The Jasper Welcome Center and Museum officially opened its doors on Tuesday, March 31, with a community celebration that highlighted both the history of the project and the role the facility is expected to play in Jasper’s future. Hosted by Jasper Main Street, the grand opening brought together

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