Community News

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton and Jenny Lynn Davis Four Walker County municipalities joined a nationwide initiative on Thursday, April 17, to kick off the 250th birthday celebration of the United States with local commemorations of “Two Lights for Tomorrow.”  The program, coordinated locally by Renee Sides, Economic Development Director […]

In this episode of The Leader Lounge, Al speaks with Walker Area Community Foundation President Paul Kennedy. Watch the episode here: A special thanks to The Leader Lounge sponsors: Downs and Associates, Son’s Supermarket, Paper Places Bookshop, Milo’s, and Bevill State Community College.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, testified before the United States House of Representatives Committee on House Administration’s Subcommittee on Elections in a hearing titled, “Revisiting the 2024 Elections with Secretaries of State” yesterday, April 8, 2025. “Since taking office, more than half a million ineligible voters have been removed from our state’s

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill While the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) works year-round to raise awareness about child abuse, April brings added visibility as it is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, WCCAC has planned a full calendar of community events, outreach efforts, and fundraisers

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Al Blanton If you’re craving something flavorful and fresh off the grill, Sakura Asian Cuisine in Jasper has just the thing. Sakura’s Hibachi Steak is a go-to favorite for steak lovers, featuring tender, juicy bites of strip steak grilled hibachi-style and served with sautéed vegetables that add

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill Fifteen years ago, Toka Harris walked into Ladybug’s Bakery and Deli for lunch and left with a new direction for her life. At the time, she was working at Walmart and looking for a way to spend more time with her daughter. On a whim,

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill It started with a Facebook post and a generous gesture. Nine years ago, Heather Hood was substitute teaching in Walker County when a fellow educator reached out because a few of her students couldn’t afford dresses for prom. Hood, who had experience in pageants, was