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
The Alabama Department of Human Resources has announced a new Summer EBT benefit program. It is part of a new federal program, known here as Alabama SUN Bucks, will provide a one-time issuance of $120 per school-aged child for groceries to low income families.
“The summer break can be challenging for families when children are at home and spending increases because children and youth are not in school and receiving benefits,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “This additional money will help families across the state make it through summer break while also encouraging healthy and nutritious eating.”
Students receiving funds through ALSDE programs like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid will be automatically eligible for Alabama SUN Bucks. Students receiving free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision will NOT automatically qualify, but they can still apply for Alabama SUN Bucks.
An Alabama SUN Bucks card will be issued to students who qualify for the program, and in Alabama, they are scheduled to be sent out in June..
If you have any Summer EBT questions, you can call 1-800-443-3536 or email support@alabama-sunbucks.com.
Get ready to beat the heat with a day of summer fun! The Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce “Water Park @ Central,” taking place on Tuesday, June 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Central Park, conveniently located across from Blue Bell Creameries.
It’s a FREE community event, proudly sponsored by Heritage South Credit Union, and it promises something for everyone. Kids of all ages can enjoy:
A thrilling 18-foot water slide
A small water slide and bouncy combo perfect for little ones
A giant sprinkler provided by the Sylacauga Fire Department
To make the day even cooler, Pelican’s Snoballs will be on-site with their food truck offering delicious, icy treats available for purchase. Don’t forget your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen, and come out for a splash-filled morning of fun!
Event Details: What: Water Park @ Central When: Tuesday, June 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Where: Central Park, Sylacauga (across from Blue Bell Creameries) Cost: Free Admission Sponsor: Heritage South Credit Union
The Sylacauga Police Department has closed Oldfield Road near Marble City Heights Circle, due to a train derailment.
“Due to a train derailment, Oldfield Road near Marble City Heights Circle is currently closed to all traffic. At this time, we do not have an estimated timeframe for reopening,” said a news release from the SPD.
The police department strongly advises motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice. Emergency crews and workers are on the scene, and your cooperation is appreciated to ensure their safety and efficiency.
“We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
The lease agreement between Sylacauga Little League Baseball and the City of Sylacauga has expired, and the league has not fielded competition the past two seasons. Now, the Sylacauga Parks & Recreation Department is reaching out to all current and former Sylacauga Little League Baseball Board Members of regarding the ball fields at Wingard Park.
The city-owned Wingard Park fields have a rich tradition of serving our community and have impacted countless lives through the years, under local, parent-run organization. In a prepared announcement, the Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Board said, “Our primary goal is to ensure that this legacy continues and that Wingard Park remains filled with the sounds of youth sports for generations to come.”
To that end, the department is hosting an important community meeting on Thursday, May 29th at 5:30 p.m. in Room 1 of the J. Craig Smith Community Center. The meeting is an opportunity to reach an agreement on the future use of the fields.
The Parks and Recreation Board added, “We have made multiple efforts to contact the previous board members to finalize a renewed lease agreement but have not received a response. We want to give every opportunity to the previous lease holders to continue their use of the fields before we consider extending a new lease offer to Sylacauga Youth Softball, formerly known as Sylacauga Little League Softball.”
The scheduled meeting is for official board members of Sylacauga Little League Baseball and Sylacauga Youth Softball only. It is NOT an open forum for public opinion.
Since she was 12-years-old, Izzy Bailey’s dream has been to combine her love of fashion and Western-wear inside her very own retail store. Thus was born “Feelin’ Ranchy Consignment, Boutique & More” on Highway 280 just outside of Childersburg.
With the support of her family and friends to create her dream, Izzy Bailey was joined by the Greater Coosa Valley Chamber for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday May 22nd. The gathered crowd didn’t just enjoy the ceremony of the occasion, they started shopping!
“It feels so nice to have my idea accepted so well,” said Izzy, as she tearfully hugged and kissed her business partner and mother, Heather Bailey.
