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

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