Governor Kay Ivey has invited the public to participate in Alabama’s Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 7. The event allows residents and non-residents to enjoy the outstanding fishing Alabama has to offer without purchasing a fishing license. Free Fishing Day is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 1-8.
“From the Gulf of America to our mountain streams, our state has world-class waters that anglers from far and wide travel to enjoy,” said Governor Ivey. “Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty of our state while also supporting our state’s economy. I encourage all Alabamians to take advantage of this day – so, grab your tackle box and enjoy our Alabama the Beautiful.”
The fishing license exemption on Free Fishing Day covers most public waters including both freshwater and saltwater. Alabama’s State Public Fishing Lakes still require a fishing permit on Free Fishing Day, and fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner’s permission. Some piers may also require fees and permits.
Read the accounts of the June 3, 2025 meeting of the Childersburg City Council &/or watch the meeting video below the story:
The Childersburg City Council approved three resolutions necessary for the operation of the August Municipal election. The first, Resolution 2025-08, appoints the City Clerk to handle the 2025 Municipal Election and Absentee Manager.
Resolution 1025-09 approves the various electronic devices to be used in the voting process. Resolution 2025-10 appoints a slate of Election Officials as follows:
Ward A Assistant Clerk – Terry Kaye Cleckler Ward A Assistant Clerk – Donna Jones
Ward B Assistant Clerk – Anita Mahaffey Ward B Assistant Clerk – Teresa Martin
Ward C Assistant Clerk – Nina Marbury Ward C Assistant Clerk – Mildred Whetstone
Ward D Assistant Clerk – Debbie Hamilton Ward D Assistant Clerk – Tammy Salter
Ward E Assistant Clerk – William (Slim) Milam Ward E Assistant Clerk – Kaye Hernandez
In other New Business, the Council approved Ordinance 1149, which approves the sale of 60 +/- acres at the Industrial Park to Cooper Steel for $360,000 for an expansion project. It also names Mayor Ken Wesson, as the Chairman of the Local Redevelopment Authority to execute the agreement and associated documents for the transaction.
Approval was given to hire Matthew Griffin as a full-time permanent Transportation Driver at a rate of $10 per hour.
The Council approved moving Council Meetings and Municipal Court to the new Judicial/Police Complex at 34011 US Highway 280 upon completion of the renovation project.
Approval was given for the Street Department to hire Rick Wallace as a part-time temporary CDL Driver and Equipment Operator at a rate of $12 per hour.
The Council approved a Senior Center request to purchase a replacement ice maker from KaTom Restaurant Supply in the amount of $1,697.50.
Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $65,237.92.
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Ken Wesson reported that ALDOT wants to move ahead with a project to repave State Highway 235 (Coosa Pines Drive & Plat Road), while changing it from a 4-lane highway to two-lanes with a left-turn lane. The Mayor told ALDOT that the Council opposes the change. He also made certain that ALDOT representatives met with all of the industries along the road, with all of them expressing displeasure to the change as disruptive to efficient industrial traffic.
The Mayor asked the public to go to the ALDOT website to make public comments at dot.state.al.us/news/pi_schedule.html. However, the link labeled as “Resurfacing/Road Diet on AL-235” went to a comment section on a different project.
Mayor Wesson also reported calling on Congressman Mike Rogers for his assistance in addressing the issue of addresses in the new College Park development being listed under the Sylacauga Post Office for delivery and Post Office Service.
Also prior to the Council meeting new Childersburg Police Cadets, Kristian Glenn and Christian Blair, were sworn in before heading to the Anniston Northeast Law Enforcement Academy in August.
Mayor Wesson reported that he had met with a representative of the Long-Lewis automotive group in Birmingham about a proposal to create a new used car supercenter along Highway 280 in Childersburg. He told the Council that an undisclosed Childersburg location was one of two locations in the area under consideration.
The next regular meeting of the Childersburg City Council will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Eli Thornton, a student at Fayetteville High School, and Audrey Luker, a student at the Alabama Virtual Academy, have been selected to attend the prestigious RNT+ Experience Camp hosted by Reach and Teach, an educational nonprofit that equips students with real-world skills through hands-on experiences in marketing, media, event planning, hospitality, tourism, and entertainment production.
The RNT+ Experience Camp brings together a select group of high-achieving students from across the state for an immersive, multi-day experience designed to expand their professional skill sets, build leadership abilities, and offer one-of-a-kind career exploration opportunities.
During the camp, students will participate in advanced workshops, work alongside industry professionals, tour popular tourism locations in Huntsville, and collaborate on creative projects such as the Kansas, .38 Special, and Jefferson Starship concert at The Orion Amphitheater on June 14. They’ll gain insider knowledge into fields like concert production, broadcasting, public relations, hospitality, and entrepreneurship – all while building connections with mentors and peers who share a passion for innovation and the entertainment industry.
The RNT+ Experience is a partnership between Reach and Teach, The Orion Amphitheater, and the Huntsville Music Office. High school students across the state of Alabama were eligible to apply for this free, all-inclusive camp.
Talladega County Commissioners have scheduled a series of Saturday “Community Clean-ups” each weekend in June, 2025.
Those in the area surrounding the scheduled locations (Odena, Talladega, Sycamore, and Walco) will be able to dispose of items such as construction debris, brush and yard waste, cabinetry, cardboard boxes, clothing, furniture, mattresses, old shingles, scrap building materials, sheet rock, toys, and toilets.
The following items will NOT be allowed: air conditioners, antifreeze, batteries, chemicals, computer monitors, flammables, free liquids, freezers, hazardous waste, household garbage, light bulbs, paint, pesticides, petroleum-based products, propane tanks, refrigerators, televisions, and tires.
Below is a schedule of clean-up communities, including dates and times, as well as where you will be able to find large disposal containers:
Saturday, June 7, 2025 – Odena, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. S.C. Bolton Community Center, at 1108 Pine Grove Road
Saturday, June 14, 2025 – Talladega, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Talladega County Central High School, at 5104 Howell Cove Road
Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Sycamore, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. US Post Office at 479 Main Street
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Walco & Sylacauga, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. vacant lot east of the Walco Handi Mart, Alabama Avenue
