We’re only halfway through the first month of the new year, and Franklin County has already seen some notable changes. There have been personnel changes, new businesses and grant money allocated to the development of our county, just to name a few. If you haven’t been
keeping up with what’s going on, here’s a snippet of some important things to take note of right now.

Jody Hitt has resigned as the Franklin County EMA director and has accepted a position with Colbert County’s EMA Department. I have had the privilege of working with Hitt a few times in my year and a half here at the paper, and I can attest to his knowledge and work ethic. We are losing a valuable friend and county employee, but I wish him all the best on this new endeavor.

Two new businesses have popped up within the past week. They were a surprise to me, so I’m sure they are news to a lot of other citizens as well. Phil Campbell has a new gas station now located on Highway 237 past the school. The business has all of the usual gas station amenities plus a hot food station. Red Bay has the other new business: The Bay Auto Service & Detailing, run by Benny and Holly Kuykendall. I don’t know much about it yet, but it’s my next mission to find out and let you all know.

The City of Red Bay has more good news in the form of a grant for the Red Bay Fun Park. More than $200,000 is going toward a splash pad and a lighted basketball court; the funds were made available through the Federal Land and Conservation Fund.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what I’m sure is going to be a year full of positive changes and growth in Franklin County.

I would also like to issue a thank you to the community members who send in news tips. You help us provide the full coverage that we strive for every day. Keep up the good work in 2019.