Nominate your loved ones for a story:

Nominate your loved ones:

In Other News

by | Sep 2023

‘The Trailer Park’ Grand Opening: A Creative Hub for Art, Food, and Music in Lincoln County 

In July, Jennie Roles-Walter, an artist, teacher, county commissioner, and mom, launched ‘The Trailer Park’ as a new venue for art, food, and music. The event showcased food trucks like The FryBox and The Chunky Monkey, while DJ Brad Bolles provided music. The site offers opportunities for other small businesses and will host future art-oriented events, with a well-lit art studio open on Saturdays featuring Roles-Walter’s colorful art. The lot also includes vintage vehicles that local high school students will transform. Vendors interested in participating can contact Roles-Walter for more information. GN


Honoring a Vietnam War Veteran: Jack Raby Receives a Quilt of Valor

Jack Raby, a Vietnam War veteran, was recently honored for his bravery and sacrifice with a heartfelt Quilt of Valor. Inspired by his father’s heroism in WWII, Raby served as a helicopter pilot in a special operations unit, enduring classified missions in Cambodia, Laos, and North Vietnam. The heartfelt tribute of a Quilt of Valor recognizes his service and sacrifice with deep appreciation.GN


“Love Thy Neighbor”: Fayetteville Main Street’s Monthly Mixer Fosters Local Business Connections.

A monthly business mixer, Love Thy Neighbor, organized by Fayetteville Main Street, offers area business owners the opportunity to connect and explore member business locations where the event is hosted on a rotating monthly basis. While there may be little time to shop with member merchants or get to know each other better, Love Thy Neighbor makes both possible. The event is usually held on the third Thursday of each month. GN 


Fayetteville School Nutrition Director Awarded Grant for Equipment Upgrades, Enhancing Student Meals

Megan Hall, school nutrition director at Fayetteville City Schools, secured the Food Warming Equipment (FWE) grant from the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF). The grant addresses challenges in staffing and supplies, enabling equipment upgrades for better meal services. Fayetteville High School’s urgent need for improved freezing and refrigeration conditions is a priority. The grant, supported by partners like Food Warming Equipment, aids school nutrition professionals in providing healthier student meals. Up to $25,000 worth of FWE equipment will enhance Fayetteville’s program. GN


Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Goes Above and Beyond 

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Doug Allen was recently recognized for his exceptional service to a local resident. When a motorist faced vehicle trouble, Allen arranged for a tow truck and went beyond his duty by driving the stranded citizen and two small children safely home. The Sheriff’s Department commended Allen’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The grateful citizen expressed their appreciation for his extraordinary efforts.GN 


Fayetteville Fire Department Receives Grant to Enhance Fire Prevention Efforts 

The Fayetteville Fire Department was awarded a $3,003 grant from FM Global to acquire a Sparky the Fire Dog costume. FM Global, a major commercial property insurer, recognized the department’s standout application among hundreds of others. The additional funding aims to strengthen fire prevention efforts and reduce property destruction caused by fires, aligning with FM Global’s philosophy that most property loss is preventable. GN


Dunkin’ Donuts is Ready to Fulfill Your Sweet-Tooth Cravings 

Blake Robinson, co-founder and owner of Southern Food Services, officially opened Southern Food’s first Dunkin’ Donuts location in Tennessee at 1109 Huntsville Highway in Fayetteville. The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dunkin’ VIPs, store managers, employees from Alabama, general contractor Barry Brown of Brown Construction, and members of the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. With 12 existing Dunkin’ Donuts locations in North Alabama, this expansion into Tennessee represents a significant milestone for Southern Food Services and offers local residents a new destination for their favorite Dunkin’ treats. GN


Petersburg’s Abby Santini Dominates Pole Bending, Achieves Global Recognition in Rodeo

Abby Santini, a Petersburg resident, clinched consecutive 2023 Tennessee State Champion in Pole Bending titles. Qualifying for the National High School Finals Rodeo, she shines globally in the top 20 in the world. Aided by her dedicated partnership with rescue horse Alex, Abby’s determination and family support fuel her achievements. Her aspirations extend to blacksmithing and an agricultural business degree following homeschool graduation. GN 


Unity Lady Lions Claim Victory at 10th Annual Middle School Volleyball Tournament

Unity Lady Lions emerged as champions in the 10th annual Lady Falcon Volleyball Preseason Middle School Tournament at Lincoln County High School. After defeating Tullahoma Middle School in the first match, both teams met in the final. Despite a win by the Lady Wildcats, Unity triumphed in the subsequent games 25-20 and 15-8, securing victory. GN


Ardmore Base For Survival Now Serves Lincoln County

Survival Flight has established a base in Ardmore, expanding its emergency critical care services to Lincoln County. The base includes helicopters and the region’s first fixed-wing plane, with essential medical equipment. Survival Flight will collaborate with other medical airlift agencies to transport citizens, assist first responders, and support Lincoln Medical Center, a critical access hospital. The agencies will alternate responses in a 12-county area, ensuring continuous coverage. This expansion is seen as a significant benefit for the community, enhancing emergency medical transportation capabilities GN


Fayetteville High School Names Coach Fitz Hopkins as Head Coach for Lady Tigers Basketball Team

Coach Fitz Hopkins, a dedicated and experienced coach, has been appointed the head coach of the Fayetteville High School Lady Tigers basketball team. With over a decade of coaching expertise and a strong passion for developing student-athletes, Hopkins is eager to lead the team and help them reach their fullest potential on and off the court. Excitement grows as the Lady Tigers anticipate a promising season under his guidance. GN 


Community Cleanup Crew Makes A Strong Start, Collecting Nearly 1,000 Pounds Of Trash

The Community Cleanup Crew in Fayetteville began their first cleanup project in June, focusing on the streets and alleys surrounding the old hospital. With the help of dedicated volunteers, they successfully gathered close to 1,000 pounds of trash, which the Public Works Department promptly removed. The program received support from local pastors, the Fayetteville Housing Authority, and several businesses contributing resources and sponsorship. The crew continued their monthly cleanup projects throughout the city until September and intends to expand the program in the spring of 2024. GN


Fayetteville Main Street and Proof Incubator Collaborate To Empower Local Restaurant Entrepreneurs

Fayetteville Main Street joined forces with Proof Incubator to launch a food and beverage program to support local restaurant operators. The partnership included training sessions and open discussions to address common challenges in the industry and foster sustainable business growth. The events aimed to provide participants with valuable insights, tools, and networking opportunities. GN


Lincoln County High School Students Bring “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” To The Stage

The electrifying Broadway musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” arrived at Lincoln County High School (LCHS). Teenager Percy Jackson and his friends took center stage as they embarked on a thrilling quest to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. LCHS drama instructor Lydia Marshall expressed the students’ excitement to showcase their hard work to the community in their summer performance.. GN 


Fayetteville City Schools Recognized as National Beta District of Distinction

Fayetteville City Schools has been honored as a 2022-2023 National Beta District of Distinction, making it one of only 42 districts nationwide to receive this prestigious award. The recognition is bestowed upon districts that offer National Beta in all their schools, induct qualifying students from grades 4-12, and demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service involvement. The remarkable efforts of the administration, club sponsors, and dedicated beta club members have propelled Fayetteville City to this achievement, highlighting their dedication to preparing students for college and career readiness. Their commitment to leadership and service sets an inspiring example for others. GN


Fayetteville Welcomes New VFW Auxiliary

A new Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary was recently established in Fayetteville. This new group will work to give back to local veterans and their families in the community. Relatives of those who served overseas in combat are welcome to join VFW Auxiliary Post 2167. The new VFW Auxiliary is taking on new members to join them and a group of more than 470,000 members across the nation in helping the community through service work, volunteering, patriotic programs, and more. All of these projects and activities directly support the veterans, service men and women, and their families. GN


Hills Power Pro Holds Grand Opening Event in Fayetteville

Owners of Hills Power Pro and the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new business to the downtown area. Owners Nathan and Linda Hill have 35 models of lawn mowers to choose from at their store and have been in the business for over 23 years. They also sell weed-eaters, leaf blowers, parts and accessories. GN 


Police Foundation of Fayetteville Donate Trauma Resources to School Resource Officers

The new school year is in full swing and now school resource officers in the Fayetteville City School district are fully prepared and equipped thanks to the Fayetteville Police Foundation. The organization donated a trauma bag to each school resource officer in the district. The bag will be kept in every school and will be used to assist in giving first aid to anyone at the schools who may need it. These bags will ensure the safety and well-being of the students and faculty throughout the school district. GN

More Good News

Letter From The Editor

Letter From The Editor

SHE FLASHES her lights and pushes the gas pedal a little harder. The walkie-talkie is too quiet, so she spins the dial and makes her bulletproof vest a little more comfortable. She worked hard to...

read more
Letter From The Editor

Letter From the Editor

OUR FOOD nourishes us, from the soil beneath our feet to the table where we gather with family and friends. The hot sun beams from the sky into the field of sprouting seeds. Farmers rise early,...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Better Eating, Better Living

COOKING WITH produce, meats, and spices from nearby farms and growers brings the freshest flavors to our tables. And choosing local ingredients benefits our community while enhancing our family...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Tailgate Like a Champion

WHEN THE stadium lights blaze and the roar of the crowd echoes, true fans know the game-day experience begins in the parking lot. Celebrate your team’s spirit with these tailgating recipes, which...

read more
Savor Summer’s Bounty

Savor Summer’s Bounty

AS THE warm summer sun shines high in the Southern sky, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season. Our July recipes showcase the best of summer’s produce, from juicy peaches and crisp...

read more
Cruisin’ for a Cure

Cruisin’ for a Cure

DOZENS OF cars — from old classics to Corvettes fresh off the car lot — line The Rock Family Worship Center parking lot. The smell of food trucks permeates the air as people inspect the many craft...

read more
Si, to Señor Lopez!

Si, to Señor Lopez!

ON THE south side of Fayetteville’s historic square, there’s a Mexican restaurant you won’t want to miss if you love Mexican food like I do. It’s my favorite! On a recent Monday night, I visited...

read more
The 411 on 431 BBQ

The 411 on 431 BBQ

WHEN I hear the word barbecue mentioned, I immediately think of my late father, Benny. He loved a good “barbecue joint” as he called such restaurants most of the time. If someone recommended a new...

read more
Something Old, New, & Reimagined

Something Old, New, & Reimagined

THEY LOVE the thrill of the hunt. Cheryl Hobbs said she comes from a long line of women who sat up on Saturdays and sold their items at yard sales, auctions, and other events. The success of...

read more
The Heart of Giving

The Heart of Giving

EVERYTHING WAS ready for her. Gifts from friends and family contributed to the completion of the lovingly decorated nursery. Dresser drawers were filled with gowns and outfits, and the rocking chair...

read more
“In Other News”

“In Other News”

HH Lincoln Health celebrates a year of improved healthcare  HH LINCOLN Health (HHLH) celebrated its one-year anniversary as part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System with a ribbon-cutting...

read more
Faith: The Power of Perspective

Faith: The Power of Perspective

WE SAW the sky but little else through the window in the room where we sat. The gray and white clouds marched briskly by as blues and grays traded places.  She was convinced the clouds would...

read more
Faith: “I Got You, Girl.”

Faith: “I Got You, Girl.”

IT IS the best of times; it is (sometimes) the worst of times. I have three children, ages 16, 12, and 5. It’s not lost on me how fast they grow. Now, with a child who is nearing 18, it really does...

read more
Letter From the Editor: Savoring the Summer Delights

The women of Fayetteville

THE TEST of history has proven that women have been foundational, like a sturdy rock that can withstand a storm. They overcame obstacles century after century, constantly adapting to the needs of...

read more
Women of Fayetteville

Women of Fayetteville

JUST OVER 100 years ago, women finally received what other Americans, but not all, already had — the right to vote. Now, we have the opportunity to lift up and celebrate the groundbreaking women...

read more
Recipes – Spread the love

Recipes – Spread the love

MARCH 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day — a day to celebrate the rich, gooey goodness of a pantry staple. What better way to start the day than with a batch of special pancakes? Then, keep up...

read more
From the heart

From the heart

IMAGINE LIFE is a car, and our goal is to make it from one side of the country to the other. The only way to do that is by having a full tank of gas. What is the gas in our lives, as humans, that...

read more
History over and over again

History over and over again

I AM IN the middle of my third decade of life, and within the last two years, I’ve discovered something I always ignored: music from the midcentury. Life does not seem to be slowing down. Our...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Faith – ‘Just as you are’

FOR OVER 30 years, children’s television host Mister Rogers came into the homes of millions via our television sets and told each of us one of the most important things a person could say to us. “I...

read more
History over and over again

Tis the season

ALL I want for Christmas iiiiiiis…yoooooOOooooOOoouuuUUUuuu.” Can you hear it already? It’s that time of year once again. A time of year when a heated blanket feels like a hug. Every inch of the...

read more
Hometown Hangout

Hometown Hangout

DO YOURSELF a favor and stop by Ken’s Fast Foods. You’ll be impressed by this small local restaurant with big flavors, quality service, and a budget-friendly menu. Be sure to get in early to beat...

read more
Meet me at the fair

Meet me at the fair

EATING FUNNEL cakes, enjoying carnival rides, spending time with family and friends: The Lincoln County Fair, Inc. aims to make a difference in people’s lives. This fall, the organization celebrated...

read more
History over and over again

Life’s short; eat dessert

WE DUST off the artificial pumpkin decorations and pull orange and purple wreaths from storage. We pull out rakes and sweaters as the weather drops like the leaves do. The weather feels therapeutic...

read more
Caffeinated Craving for Apple Pie

Caffeinated Craving for Apple Pie

YOU’RE NOT supposed to have dessert for breakfast. Well, at least that’s what my parents always told me when I was little. Now that I am an adult that makes my own decisions, I decide what I want...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Go straight to the best

TAKE A deep breath and smell the aroma of lunch cooking in the kitchen. It was a very important meal. Jesus and the 12 stopped in to visit the home of Martha and Mary, in Bethany. Through the...

read more
Home, Heart, and Hospitality

Home, Heart, and Hospitality

HOME, HEART, Hospitality — Doug and Heather Clausen, owners of the new Fayetteville Liquidation Center (FLC), believe they’ve found all three here among the meandering hills of Lincoln County. The...

read more
At a crossroads?

At a crossroads?

HELPING PREGNANT women has been woven into the fabric of Amanda Curtis’s life. During the 1980s, both her mother and her aunt served as pregnancy help counselors, and in the early 2000s her father...

read more
An ocean of possibilities

An ocean of possibilities

IF AT first you don't succeed, try, and try again. And tried, and tried again is what Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library’s (FLCPL) staff did with the library’s summer reading program after...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Someone Has Your Back

WHEN THE SMELL of warm caramel coffee lingers in the air of your vehicle on the way to work, you don’t have to think about watching your back. While not every driver on the road is aware of their...

read more
Welcome coach B.J.

Welcome coach B.J.

FAYETTEVILLE HIGH School (FHS) hired Fayetteville native Billy Jack Netherland as the new head coach of the Tigers baseball team, toward the beginning of the school year. Known as Coach B.J. on the...

read more
A Firefighter’s Many Calls

A Firefighter’s Many Calls

MOST EVERYONE takes comfort in knowing that when they need help, someone is there to answer the call. But who is that someone? In Fayetteville, it’s quite possible that the person answering your...

read more
Expect the Unexpected

Expect the Unexpected

MOST OF the population begins each work day with a basic understanding of the tasks that lie ahead of them. Expectations are clear, and circumstances are generally unchanging. For some, that may...

read more
Bringing Rome, Home

Bringing Rome, Home

THERE THEY were, a young couple in love, walking hand in hand down cobblestone streets in Rome. The two were giddy, swooning equally over one another and the romantic allure of the ancient city...

read more
Let’s Taco-Bout-It

Let’s Taco-Bout-It

“TACO TUESDAY” is a pretty well known term. In fact, many people use that term to plan meals for the week. It’s so ingrained in my brain that I find myself craving tacos most Tuesdays. This...

read more
Work hard, cheer hard

Work hard, cheer hard

THE LINCOLN County High School (LCHS) cheerleaders attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) camp in Cookeville, Tennessee, June 21-24, bringing home three major awards. UCA — an...

read more
It’s Good to be Back

It’s Good to be Back

It’s finally here! Although the outside temperature argues for summer, your school spirit knows it’s fall. Tonight you’ve chosen shorts and flip-flops, but soon it will be flannel shirts, pants, and...

read more
An Auburn Dream Come True

An Auburn Dream Come True

ACHIEVING ANY goal takes determination, self-discipline, and a certain level of grit. Short-term goals require a high level of mental acuity. Long-term goals require much more than a centered and...

read more
An Undefeated Tiger Season

An Undefeated Tiger Season

IT WAS the beginning of school football season, and the boys of fall were anxious to rough the field between the two goal posts. New faces filled the coaching staff of Fayetteville High School’s...

read more
Classrooms made of steel

Classrooms made of steel

THE CLASSROOM is like railroad tracks. Hard workers spent years, decades—centuries even—laying the groundwork for the trains to run smoothly from coast to coast. They’re strong. And they last for...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Prepping for Back to School

IT MIGHT be one of the most exciting yet stressful times of the year, rivaling that of Christmas. It requires preparation, planning, logistics, time, and money. I’m almost sure there are military...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

But, God

WITH THE first cup of steaming coffee in my hand and the stiffness still in my joints, I gently ease into my spot on the couch. A fresh, new day offers a blank page, although the to-do list in my...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Classroom Approved

THE WORDS “back to school” can stir up many different emotions. Some young parents hear “school” and are instantly filled with dread and anxiety. Leaving their wide eyed babes for the first time can...

read more
3 meals. 1 burger

3 meals. 1 burger

Have you ever felt so hungry you could eat a horse? The growling and gurgling of your stomach begs you to fill it with something substantial. You’re angry and irritable because you know a mere...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

So much more than teaching

DEFINING THE meaning of teacher requires more than Merriam-Webster; it takes a deeper look and a second glance. More than a job with a summer-long vacation, teachers are motivated by their love for...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Like a rock tossed into the water

SURROUNDED BY a sea of classmates, a student filled with potential may feel invisible or wish he could disappear. Another student’s highest aim might be to coast through school until graduation. One...

read more
Making Strides in Education

Making Strides in Education

THE CARE for students in special education should always be a priority for the education system, but this care may be more important now, than ever before, with the current shortages of teachers....

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

A season like never before

THE LINCOLN County Lady Falcons softball team experienced some injuries during the season, but it ended with a feat never accomplished in school history: qualifying for the state tournament. “When...

read more
Boom! Bang! Race!

Boom! Bang! Race!

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! The buzzer sounded and runners of all ages took off. Feet hit the blacktop in repetition as they spent the next 3.1 or 10.2 miles running in the muggy, summer-morning heat...

read more
Classrooms made of steel

The Sound of Trumpets

IF YOU took a snapshot of any 10 years in our country’s history, there is a hurt we were trying to heal. The same is true today. It’s our independence that lets us correct that, to heal, and to...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

More than fireworks & cookouts

Here are fun facts to challenge your players:  DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: John Hancock’s was the first and only one on July Fourth. The remaining signatures were added over time,...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

The Dream Maker

WHEN VIKTOR Makela arrived in America from Finland, the Statue of Liberty welcomed him. He brought more than a few material possessions with him; he arrived with a heart filled with dreams. Makela...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Food, Fireworks & Fun

WE WELCOME a summer celebration more than ever, and Independence Day is the perfect time to gather for food, fun, fireworks, and flag-waving. There’s an event near you, so there’s no excuse for...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Freedom of fire

WHEN I was a young buck, I decided if there was a rule, I was going to break it. There have been many distinct times in my life when I have felt suffocated by others’ control, expectations, or...

read more
A better view

A better view

FAYETTEVILLE MAYOR Michael Whisenant and the city alderman updated the city’s garbage and cart replacement policy to better clean the city.  The city will make available a 96-gallon cart to all...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

The Big Payback

NONPROFITS PLAY important roles in everyone’s communities, offering services from caring for animals and supplying food to the hungry, to fighting human trafficking and providing education. The...

read more
Taking over the football reigns.

Taking over the football reigns.

FAYETTEVILLE HIGH School (FHS) hired Daniel Johnson as the new head coach of the Tigers football team for the 2022 season. The new head coach seeks to take his team to the state championship to...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Floating Vacations on Local Water

Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re seeking, you don’t have to look far to find it. Middle Tennessee’s waterways will refresh and restore you. A lazy float with nature’s soundtrack of...

read more
Letter From the Editor: Savoring the Summer Delights

Selfless

THE MERRIAM-WEBSTER dictionary defines the word selfless as “someone who has no concern for self, or unselfish.” As the world keeps turning, it may feel like selfless people are few and far between....

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

In the spirit of selflessness

WEBSTER MAY define selflessness as having no concern for self, but givers in our community give the world and our lives deeper meaning. They take to heart the well-being and care of others and place...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

Do bunnies lay eggs?

Easter parades may have passed on by, but its many other traditions are alive and well. Even though the internet has changed how we watch movies, families still watch “The Ten Commandments” every...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

When empty is full

AS MORNING’S first light nudged the last of the darkness, Mary Magdalene walked with heavy heart and feet along the dirt road. The garden’s birdsong and fragrant blossoms, usually welcomed,...

read more
Better Eating, Better Living

No more debt

MEMBERS OF the Friends of the Library (FOL) hosted the “Last Gala” event at the Fayetteville- Lincoln County Public Library (FLCPL) on Feb. 26, to pay off the debt on the facility.  FOL, a...

read more
A life of service

A life of service

SOMETIMES PEOPLE’S great acts of service are not recognized enough today. Therefore, it was about time for Dr. Farris Beasley to be honored for serving Lincoln County all his life.  Beasley was...

read more
Attracting new business

Attracting new business

THE FAYETTEVILLE Lincoln County Industrial Development Board (FLCIDB) is looking to bring growth to the community as it seeks to attract business to the area.  The Tennessee Department of Economic...

read more
New football coach

New football coach

LINCOLN COUNTY High School (LCHS) hired Eddie Cunningham as the new head coach of the Falcon football team for the 2022 season. The new head coach plans to help his team return to good football. ...

read more