Get Progress 2024. See page A4.
Kids Page. See page A5.
Business Spotlight: Russellville Hospital Medical Clinic. See page A8.
50¢ | Vol. 144, No. 9
Hometown Newspaper of Alicia Harris — Est. 1879 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Elect
Jason
Miller PROBATE JUDGE
Pd.Pol.Adv.by Jason Miller, 605 Elm Circle, Russellville, AL 35653
PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP
Blue Springs Volunteer Fire Department in Phil Campbell holds a candidate bean lunch ahead of the March 5 election.
Blue Springs VFD holds candidate bean lunch ahead of March 5 election
By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com
Blue Springs Volunteer Fire Department in Phil Campbell held a candidate bean lunch Saturday. The event kicked off with the meal, followed by a cake auction to raise funds for the fire department and then candidates had the opportunity to speak for up to five minutes each. The primaries take place March 5. PROPOSED STATE
Index Records ........................ A3 Opinion ........................ A4 Kids ............................... A5 Worship ........................ A6 Sports ........................... B1 Classifieds ................... B3 Ak Akins k Funera ral a Home Our family has been serving Franklin County since 1949.
Offering compassionate service and advice during the most difficult of times. Staff is always available, 24/7 13455 Hwy. 43 – Russellville, Alabama
256-332-1131
CONSITUTIONAL AMENDMENT Also up for a vote March fifth is a proposed statewide amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 “to amend Section 71.01 authorizing the Legislature to sign and transmit local laws or constitutional amendments before the transmission of basic appropriations (Proposed by Act 2023562). In its Feb. 20 meeting, the Franklin County Commission passed a resolution encouraging the citizens of the county to vote “yes” to Amendment One. Rep. Jamie Kiel (not up for reelection) spoke briefly, noting his appreciation for the community and the work of the fire department. “I thank all of you for coming and raising money for these good folks,” he said. “They provide a vital service to the community. They do a great job.” CANDIDATES WHO SPOKE Of those running who were present for the speaking portion, Charles Mitchell, the only Democrat there, spoke. He is running unopposed as a Democrat for the seat of Commissioner for District One on
the Franklin County Commission. Because he’s the only Democrat running for the position, his name is not on the sample ballots for the March 5 primary. He will face the Republican contender in the November election later this year. He shared two points, that “you do not have to vote a straight ticket, Republican or Democrat” and that “the main thing is you get out and vote regardless of who it’s for.” On the Democratic ballot March 5, voters can select, for Democratic party President of the United States from Joseph R. Biden, Jr.; Dean Phillips; or Uncommitted. They can also vote for up to two delegates for Joseph R. Biden for the 2024 Democratic National Convention for the Fourth Congressional District. The names on the list are Susan McKenney and Curtis Travis. Justin Holcomb spoke about his candidacy for United States Representative in the Fourth Congressional District. He said, in part, “We need change... Russellville is not in good shape. The district’s not in good shape...I’m here to bring change...My main focus is to bring jobs and as much money as I can
back home.” Holcomb said his plan is to do two terms, a total of four years. Incumbent Robert B. Aderholt is running against Holcomb for United States Representative for the Fourth Congressional District. He said, in part, “I’m from Haleyville, down in Winston County, that’s where I grew up. I’m honored to serve as Congressman for the Fourth Congressional District, and it is a real honor for me to be here today.” Aderholt said he’s a longtime supporter of a program in Washington, D.C., that gives grants to volunteer fire departments, a program funded by Congress. “I’ve always been a great supporter of that program and will continue to do everything I can to support volunteer fire departments...We do have a lot of issues in this country. We have a lot of problems, but I think that we will work through these things.” Aderholt said one thing he wants to do is to work to “close the borders” and “send back those that are here illegally,” adding he is endorsed by Donald Trump and that he, in turn, endorses Trump for another term as President of the United States of
America. “We live in the greatest country in the world. We want to make sure that we keep our country the greatest country in the world,” he continued. “It’s that beacon of hope that is a light on the hill for the rest of the world.” FRANKLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION Ralton Baker spoke about his unopposed candidacy (he will therefore not be on the ballot until November) for another term representing District One as a board member on the Franklin County Schools Board of Education. Baker said he’s served on the board since 1990, noting he hasn’t had an opponent for the last three elections. “I want to thank every one of you for the support I’ve had,” he said, adding his appreciation for the volunteer fire departments, as well as his encouragement for everyone to vote in the March 5 primary. DISTRICT JUDGE Mitch McKinney spoke about his run for District Court Judge for Franklin County, saying, in part, that he was born in Columbus, Georgia, and he and his wife, Russellville native Julie Herring McKinney,
moved to Russellville from Atlanta five years ago, noting he runs a law office in downtown Russellville. McKinney was recently selected to be the city attorney for Red Bay. He said he’s been practicing law for 26 years, is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has been “doing a lot of work in District Court under Judge McDowell.” He noted she is retiring after 24 years on the job. “We’re going to miss her because she’s been a good judge,” adding “I’ve enjoyed practicing under her. I’ve been doing ad litem work for over a decade, representing kids when they need representation the most.” He went on to talk about the scope of what District Court covers, including juvenile work, such as removing children from unsafe environments. Jamie Sumerel is running against Mitch McKinney for District Judge. He said, in part, “I grew up right here in Franklin County and went to Russellville High School and graduated in 1999. From there, I went to the University of Alabama, graduated with a business degree and then went on to law school.” Sumerel said upon graduating from law
See VOTE, Page A2