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North Alabama’s very own Sand Mountain Sam predicting and early spring in 2025. (WAFF) T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community Features ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — As Groundhog Day approaches on February 2, North Alabama residents know there’s only one weather forecaster worth watching — and he doesn’t live in Pennsylvania. Instead, all eyes turn to Sand Mountain Sam, the beloved possum who has been predicting the weather for more than three decades. What began as a lighth

For more information about “Name a Cockroach” fundraiser visit www.BirminghamZoo.com T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community Event News BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Valentine’s Day doesn’t always come wrapped in roses and romance, and the Birmingham Zoo is embracing that reality with a humorous and creative fundraiser that’s turning heartbreak into help for animals. This Valentine’s season, the Zoo is inviting the public to participate in its “Name a Cockroach” fundraiser

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Breaking News BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham Police are investigating a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Pleasant Grove High School senior and left another Pleasant Grove High School senior injured late Saturday night. One teen killed, another injured in deadly West Birmingham Shooting. (Image from WBRC) Officers were dispatched around 10:47 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, to reports of two people shot in the 1600 block of Tuscaloo

Decision marks the first medical evacuation in the space station’s 25-year history as NASA prioritizes astronaut safety Crew-11 members Oleg Platonov, Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Kimiya Yui stand at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of their launch to the International Space Station, in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Aug. 1, 2025. (Reuters/Steve Nesius) Background is a view of the International Space Station taken on March 30, 2022, by the crew of Russian Soyuz MS-19 spaceship. (Ros

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Weather Update NORTHEAST ALABAMA — As colder air begins filtering back into the Deep South, talk of snow is once again spreading across social media feeds throughout the Tennessee Valley. From claims of ice storms to long-range blizzard predictions, much of the online chatter is being driven by engagement-focused weather pages using single-run model graphics and AI-generated forecasts designed to attract clicks rather than conve

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News CENTRE, Ala. — The Cherokee County Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled school board meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Cherokee County Schools Central Office, located at 200 Armory Road in Centre. The meeting will open with a call to order, followed by an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members will then welcome attendees and allow time for public comments, providing an

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Breaking News SARDIS, Ala. — A Wednesday evening crash along U.S. Highway 431 has claimed the life of a Sardis woman after she was struck by multiple vehicles near her residence, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 7:54 p.m. between Coal Ridge Road and Carlisle Road, as confirmed by Sardis Police Chief Keith Beaird. Chief Beaird said the victim, Tracey Smith Curtis, 58, was struck first by a semi-truc

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. — A single-vehicle crash around 2:25 p.m. on Friday, January 9, has claimed the life of a 22-year-old Sylvania man, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The crash occurred along Alabama Highway 79 near Letson Point Drive, about three miles north of Hytop in Jackson County. Authorities say Nevan A. Hall, 22, of Sylvania, was driving a 2015 Ford Super Duty truck when the vehicle left the

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News ROME, Ga. — A former Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC) officer has been sentenced to prison time and probation for his role in a violent assault on an inmate at the Floyd County Jail. This case has drawn scrutiny to misconduct and abuse of authority within the corrections system. Joshua Lee Riddle, 32, was sentenced Thursday by Floyd County Superior Court Judge Kay Ann King to two years in prison followed by eig

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. — The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing man last seen on New Year’s Day. Missing person John William “Billy” Malcom, 35 of Etowah County. (Photo courtesy of ECSO) According to authorities, John William “Billy” Malcom, 35, was last seen on January 1 in the area of Alford’s Bend and Riverside Drive, near the Coosa River. Investigators say they cu

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News CENTRE, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College proudly recognized the achievements of its Summer and Fall 2025 graduates during a commencement ceremony held on December 18 at Gadsden State Cherokee campus in Centre, honoring hundreds of students for their academic dedication and success. A total of 558 students were celebrated for completing associate degrees, certificates, and short-term certificates, earning a combined 91

Photo of Gadsden State Community College main campus in Gadsden, Ala. (Image courtesy of GSCC) T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News GADSDEN, Ala. —— Gadsden State Community College has unveiled a new scholarship initiative aimed at making higher education more affordable and attainable for students across the region. Gadsden State Community College The Cardinal Promise. (Image courtesy of GSCC) The Cardinal Promise campaign offers significant tuition reductions

Girl Scouts set up selling their cookies. (Image courtesy of North Central Alabama Girl Scouts) T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community News NORTH CENTRAL, Ala. — The countdown is on as Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama officially kick off the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season, a long-standing tradition that supports local girls while delighting cookie lovers across the region. More than 4,500 Girl Scouts spanning 36 counties are expected to participate this year,

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community News NORTHEAST ALABAMA & NORTHWEST GEORGIA — National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day serves as a time for communities across the nation to pause and recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who protect our towns, counties, and state each and every day. From city police officers and county sheriff’s deputies to state troopers and specialized investigators, law enforcement professionals work arou

By Bro. David Woodard | The Weekly Ledger News | Faith & Inspiration Column “ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: (Notice) and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. ” — Luke 22:31–32 (KJV) One of the most powerful truths found in this passage is that Jesus speaks restoration before Peter’s failure ever happens . Thoughts Thought 1 , failure is

Cherokee County Commissioner, District 4 Carlton “Bubba” Teague. (Photo courtesy of Carlton “Bubba” Teague) T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News CENTRE, Ala. — Carlton “Bubba” Teague has officially announced his bid for re-election to the Cherokee County Commission, District 4, confirming he has qualified with the Alabama Republican Party ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Teague, who brings 16 years of experience in public service, said his decision to seek ano

Photo of Cherokee Chamber Executive Director Joy Perry and Member Manager Leann Lockridge at January’s Chamber Breakfast celebrating 190 years of Cherokee County. (Photo courtesy of Cherokee Chamber social media) T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News CENTRE, Ala. — Community leaders, business owners, and residents gathered this Thursday morning for a special Chamber Breakfast celebrating a major milestone: 190 years of Cherokee County, Alabama. Hosted by the Che

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Faith & Inspiration Column The Weekly Ledger News is honored to introduce our new weekly Faith & Inspiration Column, designed to encourage hearts, strengthen faith, and share biblical truth with our community. This column will be written by Bro. David Woodard, an ordained minister from Etowah County with more than 35 years of ministry experience. Throughout his calling, Bro. Woodard has faithfully served as a pastor, youth pastor, and

TWLN Angling Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | Area Lake News GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Lake Guntersville will take center stage this month as Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour brings its Fishing Show to Nash’s City Harbor on January 17–18. The family-friendly event will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day at 299 Scott Street in Guntersville and will feature a full lineup of activities for fishing enthusiasts of all ages. The two-day show will include rod and reel give

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — Cherokee County deputies, dispatchers, and first responders are responding to more calls than ever before. Yet, overall crime in the county has continued to decline, according to the latest figures from Cherokee County E-911. In 2025, the Cherokee County E-911 dispatch center handled 40,375 calls for service, compared to 27,551 calls in 2023 — an increase of nearly 47 percent. Officials attribute the