9.  Two hawks at one time? Well, what kind of symbolic message is that? Surely, it’s good, right?  The hawk is a messenger bird. Usually when we see a hawk it means to pay attention because a message is coming to you. Hawks represent clear sightedness, being observant, our far memory and guardianship. They also bring courage, wisdom, illumination, creativity and truth. Hawks give us the ability to see the larger picture in life. They can help you to overcome problems and make wise use of opportunities. This picture was taken by Gaynelle Nunn at her home in Roanoke, AL.

8. The Holy Bible is the spiritual passage of life. Within its contents lies everything we need to get us through every single aspect of life. However, it usually takes us years to figure this out, so many of us never attempt to dedicate ourselves to studying these scriptures to uncover their true meanings until we are much older. So, that’s what makes this picture so special. Seeing this beautiful 7-yr old girl , Trinity Davis Cotney, reading her Bible so intently is an inspirational sign that with all the evil in the world filling our news feeds, perhaps there still is a little hope after all. Well done, Tabitha Davis….you’re raising this girl right 🙂

7. Look out, Paula Deen, you’ve got some competition coming up! This kid is going to make someone a fantastic husband! LOL. When two year old Jaxin Nash saw his mother making some tea, he decided he would add his own little special touch of flavor, after it cooled down.  Jaxin is the son of Jesse and Sarah Nash of Delta.

P.S.  No children were harmed in the making of this photo 🙂

6. We’ll just call this one, “Are you Kidding me??”. This photo was taken by Jeremy Nash last Saturday at an Extrication Class for the Ashland Fire Department. Excuse me, can we maybe use some of that high-tech equipment on disposing of this unwelcome spectator?? <shivers>

5. They say if you want something done, then you might as well do it yourself…right?? Well, look out,  Maddie Jane Shealy is about to show you how its done!  ! It seems Maddie Jane received the amazing gift of a new swing set for her fourth birthday and she doesn’t want to wait a minute longer to play on it. So, after losing patience with the men in her family, she is taking matters into her own hands with the construction. Someone get this kid a hard hat and watch her work 🙂 Maddie Jane is the daughter of Jeremi and Alexandra Shealy of Lineville.

4. The look on this kid’s face is priceless and I think his shirt speaks for itself!! LOL Give 3 yr old Grayson Rainwater about 20 years and he’ll be able to melt you with his iron clad stare. Wouldn’t you just love to know what he’s thinking? Is he happy? Is he mad? Is he sad? Well, the jury is still out on that one, but I’m sure Coca-Cola appreciates the plug here because he totally owns that hat! Grayson is the son of Matt and Beth Rainwater.

3. There’s a lot to be said about the bond between a beloved family pet and the newest additions to the family and this one speaks volumes. From the moment 13-month old Dax  Spangenberg was brought home, Lola here was smitten and the feeling was mutual. Lola loves her some of these little sweet cheeks and is shown here playing affectionately with his little Master, as Dax tries to feed him a rock. Now, that’s love :). Dax is the son of Josh and Whitney  Spangenberg of Ashland. AL.

2. Don’t worry Mom, I’ve got this baby-sitting thing covered here, you just enjoy your kid-less vacation! No worries!  Oh, I’m sure she wasn’t concerned at all. LOL. Randall Upchurch’s stock went up considerably with his wife, Tiffany, when he surprised her with a weekend getaway with the girls, and their 3 boys, Cager, Aiden, and Bence seem to really be enjoying the quality time with Dad. So, let’s say hi to Mom, guys, with your best smiles! What can I say? Boys will be boys 🙂

1. As a city mourned the sudden loss of one of its most loved citizens, this picture pretty much summed us how everyone felt about his passing.  Early morning May 31, 2016,  the tragic news sent shock waves through the community that Owner of Ashland Tire Company, Perry Browning,  had passed away suddenly and they grieved hard. This man was a cornerstone of the city of Ashland and his presence was everywhere. It was as if he had always been around and no one ever thought he would leave us. Although we know that everyone has to go sometime, this was one was a hard pill to swallow. Perry was dearly loved by many, and he will always be remembered through stories of his compassion, spirituality, and kindness to others. That’s the way you leave your footprints on the face of this Earth. Rest Easy, Perry and watch over us in the same manner you did on Earth!

The Ashland Council met with all members present.

Mayor Fetner reported he had spoken with Grant Writer Perry Acuff, who announced there was a $30,000 grant available at no expense to the Water Board or to the City,  to assess the city sewage and possibly the water as well.

Dennis Hightower, with the Alabama Rehabilitation Services was present to address the Council on information to  thank the council for the support of their programs and for employee, Caitlin Morrison, at the Ashland Library.

Fetner announced they had spoken with a vendor about new playground equipment. Wynn showed the council the piece they had chosen that was cost-effective and could be made handicap accessible.

The cost of the equipment alone would be $7500.00, with the city would doing the mulch, border and a ramp to be handicap accessible. Wynn said she thought they could take $5000 from the nature trail fund, which can be used for park improvements, to cover the biggest chunk of this new equipment still leaving a balance of approximately $2500 in this account.

Council member Gail Thompson discussed details for signage at the new City Hall.

Chief Stanford reported that dog calls had dropped off recently. Stanford also invited the council to come check out the firearms training simulator at the police department.  Much like a video game, the simulator would put you through different scenarios officers may face.  Stanford also reported that May was a busy month with 196 cases on docket for Monday alone, with some more carrying over from the previous month.

Fire Chief Brett Thompson  reported his officers had gotten some good training at Saturday’s extrication class. The department currently has 18 active members.

Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Nash reported on the projects and tasks his department was working on which included:

• grass cutting, weed eating
• cut and prep for ball fields
• plumbing issues at ball fields
• sidearm down city streets to keep limbs knocked back
• park project of making improvement to trash cans,
• parking bumper issues on the square popping loose, could result in reverting back to concrete bumpers in the future, which were more durable and easier to keep in place
• patched pipe back on Owens Rd with coal mix, still need pouring concrete head walls on each end of the pipe to complete
• flag poles have arrived
•  they had laid out markers for grave sites, due to the recent passing of several citizens.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to  the families who had lost their loved ones” – Nash
• SIFAT project to start Thursday and will work on flower beds
• Seth Jones, Youth Minister at FACS had spoken with Nash about doing a program similar to SIFAT’s in July to do volunteer work
• cheapest price found on  grills to purchase 3 for city parks ( agenda item)
• discussion of cleaning of city library carpet ( agenda item)
• sold equipment trailer for $4000, which would more than half pay for the new mower purchase ( agenda item)

The following agenda items were approved:

• Approval of current bills
• Approval for Chief Stanford to attend the Chief’s Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama on July 31-August 4, 2016 with a registration cost of $200 and reimburse travel expenses
• Approval for the Ashland Fire Department to purchase 3 radios and 5 pagers from Allcomm Wireless at a total cost of $4,720.00
• Approval to purchase four (4) grills for the City Park from Northern Tool at a cost of $134.99 per grill, plus freight.
• Approval to purchase industrial grade carpet for New City Hall from Davis Carpet Service  at a total cost of $11,565.00. This was passed with a 4-1 vote, with Council member Brad Wolfe opposing.
• Approval to purchase signage for New City Hall at a total cost of $16,658.00. This was passed with a 4-1 vote with Wolfe, once again opposing.
• Approval of alcohol application for Cassinelli’s Restaurant
• Approval to purchase John Deere Z290M 60 inch cut lawn mower from Snead Ag, at a cost of $7,218.54 for the Maintenance Department.
• Approval to pay Nelson & Nelson $3,796.04 for engineering fees on the Industrial Park Project.
• Approval for Mayor to appoint Code Enforcement Officer Cecil Chappell at the “Appropriate Municipal Officer” in regards to the city of Ashland nuisance & abatement Ordinance No. 2005-04-04-01.
• Approval to pay Webb Utilities & Construction $43,160.01 for work performed on the Industrial Park project.
• Approval to adopt World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Tabled:

• Content for Ashland City flag
• carpet cleaning at the Ashland library.

Council member Wolfe stated that even though he had opposed the two agenda items pertaining to the renovations to the New City Hall because he had not supported the purchase of the building in the beginning, he did want to add that he appreciated Council member Thompson’s time and efforts working as a committee head on this project.

Council member Joe Smith stated they had decided not to hold Westside Pride Day in June, but would look to hold the event next year in June.

The Lineville Council met Monday, June 6, 2016 with all members present with a relatively short agenda.

After the approval of the previous meeting minutes and the current bills paid,  the Mayor and council members entered into a brief executive session to discuss a legal city matter.

Upon return,  A Proclamation for Elder Abuse was adopted by the council with a unanimous vote. This proclamation would recognize the upcoming World Elder Abuse  Awareness Day on June 15, 2016, which is sadly affecting communities all over the world.

Under the recommendation of the Library Board, council members agreed to hire Julia Silverson as the new Librarian, effective June 20, 2016. Mayor Adamson recognized Amanda East and the Library Board for all of their hard work and efforts that went into the task of choosing the right person for this position.

City Clerk Cynthia Harris reminded everyone they were all invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Office ( the former Cheaha Cabinets) on Friday,  June 24th. This event will take place between the hours of 9:00 am-2:00 pm on this day, with a ribbon cutting at noon.

Maintenance Supervisor reminded everyone of upcoming ball tournaments taking place soon.

The meeting was adjourned.

A high speed chase ended with a one-vehicle accident near the intersection of Hwy 49N and Hwy 281 in the Delta area just inside the Clay County line . Shinbone Valley Fire Department was dispatched to the scene.

Two black males fled the scene on foot as Clay County Sheriff’s Department are still searching for them. A k-9 unit was also called in. There are no injuries to report at this time.

Several Residents in the vicinity of Abel Rd and Hwy 49 reported the two black males to come up knocking on their door and wanting in.

These perpetrators are reported to be armed and dangerous. This is a late breaking story. I will keep you updated as I get updates. At current time, they have not been caught.

Each year, Clay County Sheriff Ray Latham sponsors a motorcycle ride on Armed Forces Day to benefit the Bill Nichols Veterans Home located in Alexander City, Alabama.

Almost 40 motorcyclists from as far away as Huntsville, Alabama came to New Site Town Hall to precipitate , where the ride are held each year. Our ride benefits the recreation activities for our veterans located at the DAV Home in Alex City, states Sheriff Latham.

Pictured is Sheriff Latham along with Coy Powell, DAV Chapter 13 Commander, presenting an envelope containing almost $1200.00 for the DAV Chapter to Kathryn Fuller, Director and Shonda Young, Activities Director. We hope our ride on Armed Forces Day  will grow each year in order to benefit our veterans at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home.

Here are your top 10 photos for the week of May 23-29! If you would like to submit your pictures, you can inbox me on this page: https://www.facebook.com/thenittygrittyofclaycounty/?fref=ts

10. I LOVE re-created photos and this one shows how these lifelong friends have grown throughout the years. From Kindergarten to Sixth Grade from Lineville Elementary. Look out Clay Central Jr. High, I bet these little beauties will definitely leave their mark on this school. L to R in all 3 photos: Alexis Gates, Macie Clark, Gracie Barton, Grayson Cantrell, Amelia Moore, Hannah Flowers.

9. How’bout this beautiful creature all dolled up for in Memorial Day attire? Well, she can be yours if you like her, and I’m willing to bet the Randolph County Animal Shelter will throw in the accessories for a good home for Miss Sadie. Here is her bio: My name is Sadie, and I smile! I am a SPONSORED 1 year old female Hound mix. I am SPAYED! I adore attention. I get along with some dogs, but prefer to be the only dog in the family. I am completely house broken, and I love toys. — At Randolph County Animal Shelter, Wedowee, AL 256 357-0101 www.randolphshelter.org

8. With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend approaching, First State Bank in Lineville did their part to make their city festive and inviting with this patriotic statement. The very sight of these American Flags flapping in the breeze as you round  that curve into downtown Lineville was a true sight to behold. What’s so special about a few flags, you ask? Everything…absolutely everything….

7. I’m really diggin’ this look on 2 yr-ol Cam Kellum! Kinda looks like a miniature patriotic Elton John! And you wonder what goes through their minds sometimes. LOL. Look out world, I have a feeling this kid is going to be a force to be reckoned with. If not, it will make a GREAT blackmail picture one day 🙂

6. There’s a lot to be said about patriotism and you can find a true piece of America “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave” just about everywhere you go. Here’s just a little slice of it found in the front hayfield of Warren Farms on Hwy 21 N near Munford, AL. Man, what a view….sometimes just the simplest things can bring a smile…

5. Ah, our ever faithful, four-legged friends always seem to be looking out for us, don’t they? They stick by our side, love us unconditionally…so much so, that sometimes they like to bring us gifts. Although this is one of those times that I don’t think these little gifts of love was fully appreciated. Owner, Stephanie Estes had this to say:  “My name is Rousey, and I greeted mom this morning by dropping a LIVE SNAKE at her feet when she got out of the truck. She was not as grateful as I had hoped.”  But, Mom…it’s the thought that counts, right? 🙂

4. Yes!! It’s FINALLY the last day of school!!! The moment your child has been waiting for since August! You may just think they are excited, but look at the faces of these Lineville Elementary faculty members as they give the kids a good send-off for the summer! They look pretty happy too, huh? Ya think? Maybe just a little, LOL.  Until August, then….
3. Look out water, here we come! Remember when you were younger and almost NOTHING bothered you? And how the simplest pleasure brought so much joy? Well, that’s what I see in this picture! These looks on their faces as these sweet brothers, Landen and Levi Allen,  get ready to invade this “Muddy puddle”, as they call it, created by a recent rain is priceless! They are absolutely fearless! Ah, to be young again and know the things that we know now…

2. Not all kids get to enjoy this beautiful holiday like they want to. This is 2 yr old Eli Sims, who has been battling stage 4 liver cancer since right before Christmas. Eli is currently undergoing, yet another round of chemo, this one more aggressive,  at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. This sweet little boy is quite the little warrior too. Please keep Eli and his family in your prayers that their sweet little boy will beat the horrible cancer monster. Eli is the son of Jason and Kelcey Sims. If you would like to keep up with little Eli’s daily journey, you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-for-Eli-Sims-

1. What can I say about this touching patriotic display? It is simply breathtaking and heartwarming, not to mention, will bring a tear to your eye, if you have lost loved ones in wars past and present. I can’t even imagine how much time and effort went into getting it “just right”, but I can assure you that everyone who passes it is appreciative. I know I certainly am…. This beautiful display can be seen in front of the First Baptist Church of Ashland on Hwy 9 and would be well worth your drive. Happy Memorial Day to each and all! May your day be blessed with memories, but let’s not forget the true meaning of the day. I mean, just look…..