Franklin County Times: 2024 Best of the Best Winners by Franklin County

Encore Rehabilitation

Green’s Dependable Hardware

Willowdean Davis, Exit 8:28 Realty

HMW Waste Services

Fashion Exchange

Rhett Bradford State Farm

Happy Jack’s Tire & Lube

Kameo Salon

Woods Wholesale Flooring

Glasgow Heating & Air Conditioning

306 BBQ

Bobcat Babies

BoxDrop Mattress Store

The Venue at Overton Farm

Franklin County Times

Eddie’s Collision Repair

By María Camp maria.camp@

franklincountytimes.com

LEFT: Lillie Meyer plays Helen, and Anna Bond Kelley plays Annie Sullivan, in this year’s production Elizabeth Ragsdale plays Aunt Ev in this year’s production of “The Miracle Worker” at Helen Keller’s

BEST OF THE BEST 2024

Adults and Children’s

Events

Franklin County Watermelon

Festival

Apartment Complex

Village Square Apartments

Appliance Store

Green’s Dependable Hardware

Assisted Living/Senior

Living

The Cottages

Auto Body Repair

Eddie’s Collision Repair

Automotive Car Salesperson

Melvin Armstead, Jr. –

Sierra Toyota in Decatur

Automotive Service

Department

Happy Jack’s Tire & Lube

Baked Goods/Cake

Farmhouse Table Cafe &

Bakery

Bank

CB&S Bank

Barbeque

Pilgrim’s Place Barbeque and Catering

Barbershop

McCullar & Reed Barbershop

Best All Around

Restaurant

43 Grill

Best Menu

43 Grill

Biscuits

Bojangles

Breakfast

Jack’s

Bridal Registry

Cellular Phone Store

AT&T

and

Former Russellville resident performs

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

Chicken

Legacy Chevron

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

Chicken Wings

Locomotive

Bojangles

Russellville Florist & Gifts

Buffet

Panda Buffet

together to establish a Railroad Park in Red Bay, directly across from the Red Bay Museum. A caboose was donated to the museum, which started the idea of establishing a park. It was then decided to move the original wooden water tower still standing from the early 1900s to the park. The

Children’s Clothing Store

Fashion Exchange

Chinese Cuisine

Panda Buffet

LEFT: Lillie Meyer plays Helen,

Anna Bond Kelley plays Annie Sullivan, in this year’s production Elizabeth Ragsdale plays Aunt Ev in this year’s production of “The Miracle Worker” at Helen Keller’s

WILLOW OAK LODGE PROVIDES BEAUTY, COMFORT, CHOICE FOR EVENTS

By María Camp Sponsored Content

Apicturesque locale in Franklin County, located at 8410 Hwy. 43 in Spruce Pine, Ala., Willow Oak Lodge is a gated preserve offering hunts for turkey, deer, quail and pheasant. Other services include fishing in a spring-fed trophy pond on the premises, as well as guided fishing trips on area lakes. They also offer themed events, cabin rentals, and serve as a venue for corporate meetings, weddings and other parties and events.

“We are thrilled to be chosen as the best event venue in the Franklin County Times Best of the Best annual reader’s choice poll,” said Kim Horton, who, along with her husband, Tim, own and run Willow Oak. “We take the act of taking care of our customers very seriously. We are new to the hospitality industry, but we love our customers and have made so many wonderful friends from all across the country. We know when a company trusts us to entertain and take care of their clients, it is a reflection on them, and we don’t take that lightly.”

Willow Oak offers many options for companies for corporate retreats. Whether a company needs a space for a day meeting, a summit for their team, or wants to entertain clients with a hunting or fishing trip or just a getaway, Willow Oak and its staff will do everything possible to create a relaxing environment for a group to get necessary work done, or just network and have a good time.

Some of the amenities offered on the property besides lodging and meals are skeet shooting, fishing, wildlife tours and massages by local licensed massage therapists. Some companies choose to send groups for free range hunts or preserve

hunts for trophy whitetail deer. No matter what the activity is, a good meal, relaxing around the firepit and a good time are guaranteed.

“What sets us apart at Willow Oak, is our determination to be good stewards of the land and the animals, as well as our commitment to providing excellent experiences for our guests,” said Tim Horton. “One of my favorite experiences was when we hosted a dad bringing his 10-year-old son who wanted to learn to turkey hunt. The dad was an avid outdoorsman but had never really hunted turkeys. During their visit, the son was able to harvest his first turkey, and we also discussed the things we do on our properties to create habitat and encourage a good turkey population. I got pictures back from him later of him and his son with a turkey they harvested on their own property. That was very special to me.»

At Willow Oak Lodge, they pride themselves on taking great care of their clients, whether it is an individual on a hunting or fishing trip, a corporate group enjoying the property and having meetings, or a family just staying for a weekend getaway. Horton said one of her favorite things about the business is meeting people who arrive as customers and leave as friends.

“We focus on creating a family-friendly environment and we love to see families spending time together in the outdoors,” Horton continued. “No matter if it is an individual, a couple, a family, a wedding group or a work trip, there is just something about being surrounded by nature that refreshes your soul.”

Tim Horton added, “This business is a lot of work, but it’s a blessing to be able to work alongside our family. If you visit

Willow Oak, you will more than likely see some of our kids or our parents while you are here. I love getting up every day and working with my dad on the property.”

The Hortons said it was an honor to receive the recognition, noting the appreciation they feel for their guests. “We have hosted guests from all across the country, and a couple from other countries, but we love it when we get to host people from our area. Tim and I both grew up in Franklin County, and this is home. Lots of people we know that have also lived here their whole lives visit and tell us they had no idea there was a venue property like this in the area.”

Willow Oak Lodge owner and operator Tim Horton said, “Those of us who live in north Alabama are truly blessed to live in an area with the wonderful outdoor resources we have. Kim and I are certainly blessed to be able to share our little corner in Spruce Pine with the community, as well as introduce many people to our beautiful area. Thank you to all of our terrific customers. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.”

For more information, see Willow Oak’s website, visitwillowoak.com, call 256-8153391 or visit their Facebook page, Willow Oak Lodge.

CONTRIBUTED/MARK JOHNSON

Chiropractor

Wooten Chiropractic & Pre

Employment

Church

Pleasant Hill Congregational

Church – East Franklin

Coffee Shop

The Grind Cafe & Coffee Shop

Consignment/Thrift Store

Rhonda’s Pink Panda Thrift

Contractor

Long Farm Services –

Allen Long

Convenience Store

Willie’s Gas Station

Credit Union

Listerhill Credit Union

Customer Service

Russellville Florist & Gifts

Dance/Cheer

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap

Daycare

Bobcat Babies

Dentist/Orthodontist

Dr. Alan Sherrill

Dessert

Frosty Inn

Discount Store

Discount Warehouse

Doors & Windows

Windows Again

Drug Store

Family Pharmacy

Elected Official

Barry Moore – Probate Judge

Entertainment Venue

Bay Tree Council for the Per-

forming Arts

Event Planner

Shoe Show

Funeral Home

Former Russellville resident performs

Elizabeth Joyner Event

Planning & Stationery

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

Spry Memorial Chapel

Furniture Store

Event Venue

Willow Oak Lodge

Family Physician

Shannon White, CRNP –

Family Health Care Clinic

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

Locomotive

Miller’s Affordable Furniture

Garage Door

Reed Garage Door Company

Grocery Store

Big Star of Russellville

Hair

Kameo

Hairdresser/Beautician

Samantha

Hamburger

Frosty

Health

American

Health/Nutrition

Food Store

Russellville Nutrition

Heating/AC Service

Glasgow

Home Décor

Russellville

Home

Provider

Kindred

Home

Green’s

role of Aunt Ev

year’s produc-

of “The Miracle

Jewelry Store

Artistic Jewelry and Repair

Ladies Clothing Store

Suzy’s Boutique

Landscape/Lawn Care

Burn’s Lawn & Landscape Service

Law Firm

Bedford, Rogers, Bowling & McReynolds, PC

Local Music Group/ Band

KGB – Kerry Gilbert Band

Lunch Special

Hilltop Diner

Mattress Store

BoxDrop Mattress &

Furniture of Russellville

Meat Department

Big Star

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

park.

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing

the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

Mortgage Company

CB&S Bank

Nail Salon

Lee Nails

Nursing Home/Rehab

Burns Nursing &Rehab

OBGYN

Dr. Brent Hurd

Oil Change

Pioneer Quick Lube

We want to thank you for voting us as best used car dealership

- Luke, Anna, and Brian

Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist

Campbell’s Vision Center

Outdoor Equipment

Green’s Dependable

True Value

Package Store

Mike’s Beverages

Pastor/Preacher

Darryl Whitehead

Personal Trainer

Maleia Gist – Ethos Athletic

Club

Pest Control

Southern Pride Pest

Control

Pet Groomer

PAWSH Groom & Board

Photographer

Carolina Sagastume

Photography

Preschool

Bobcat Babies

Real Estate Agent

Willodean Davis

Real Estate Company

Exit 8:28 Realty

Ribs

306 BBQ

Salad Bar

43 Grill

Seafood

Homestead Cafe

Southern Cooking

Hilltop Diner

Sporting Goods Store

Happy Hollow Outdoors

Steak

43 Grill

Storage Facility

Absolute Mini Storage

"Thank you for Voting Me Best Elected Ofcial in Franklin County.

It is an Honor and Privilege to serve our Community and I look forward to helping you for years to come!

BARRY MOORE

PROBATE JUDGE FRANKLIN COUNTY

Thank You Franklin County For Voting JoBabies

The Best Carwash in Franklin County!

We are proud and honored to be part of the Franklin County Community and look forward to serving you in the future.

Look out for our New Location Coming Soon to Serve You Better!

Subs/ Sandwiches

Subway

Sweet

Bojangles

Tanning

Freemon’s

Tattoo/Ink

GypsyMuse

Temporary

Hamilton

Therapeutic

Flow

–

It’s easy to overlook how integral small businesses are to local, national and even global economies. The Small Business Administration and the U.S Census Bureau indicate small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all American businesses, employing 56.8 million people. Similarly, according to Statistics Canada, local businesses classified as micro or small businesses made up 98.1 percent of all the employers in Canada in 2021.

EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

Since mall businesses are the economic engine of many neighborhoods and communities, it’s in everyone’s best interest to pitch in and ensure such firms’ success. Thankfully, it’s easy for anyone to support the small businesses that make their communities unique.

▶ Shop locally and online from small businesses as much as possible. If you cannot shop right away, consider purchasing gift cards to the retailer or service provider and share them as gifts to others.

▶ Before you immediately go with a well-known chain or e-commerce giant, find out if a local retailer offers the same items you need and shop there.

By María Camp maria.camp@

franklincountytimes.com

Customer retention strategies

Thriving businesses rely on their custosmers to sustain their success. Business owners spend ample time drawing up ways to attract customers. But in addition to attracting new customers, savvy business owners recognize how vital repeat business to their success.

companies geared toward supporting customer intelligence research, found that 68 percent of business comes from existing clients.

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of successful businesses. According to Simple CRM, a customer relationship management and intelligent automation company, a new customer is almost 16 times more expensive than retaining an existing one to whom a business can cross sell and upsell. In addition, a survey from SAS and Loyalty360, two

Repeat customers are the lifeblood of successful businesses.

According to Simple CRM, a customer relationship management and intelligent automation company, a new customer is almost 16 times more expensive than retaining an existing one to whom a business can cross sell and upsell. In addition, a survey from SAS and Loyalty360, two

Business owners who want to emphasize customer retention can try various strategies to keep consumers coming back for more.

• Identify highly valued customers. Certain customers are not only repeat buyers, but also advocates for a company. These are the most valuable to retain since they do marketing

• Identify highly valued customers. Certain customers are not only repeat buyers, but also advocates for a company. These are the most valuable to retain since they do marketing work for you. Consider these customers VIPs when offering customer perks.

Offer customer perks and sur prises. In regard to perks, customer loyalty can be fostered by offering deals or surprises to your client base. Showing customers they are appreciated may come down to sending a hand-written note or offering insider-only discounts or specialized shopping hours.

Offer customer perks and surprises. In regard to perks, customer loyalty can be fostered by offering deals or surprises to your client base. Showing customers they are appreciated may come down to sending a hand-written note or offering insider-only discounts or spe cialized shopping hours.

By María Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

customer issues will result in higher customer engagement.

nity relationships. Customers may be more inclined to return to companies they see having positive effects in their communities. Sponsor community sports teams, get involved in school functions, engage in community clean-up initiatives, and make your business seen and heard around town.

Former Russellville resident performs

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

Locomotive

• Implement feedback initiatives. Set up survey mailings, text check-ins or have customer feedback cards at checkout to provide insight into how customers view the business. Feedback provides insight into how the service is performing in comparison to customer expec tations. Treat compliments and

Customer retention comes down to getting to know your

Customer retention comes down to getting to know your customers and building trust in

• Implement feedback initia tives. Set up survey mailings, text check-ins or have customer feedback cards at checkout to provide insight into how customers view the business.

• Build trust through community relationships. Customers may be more inclined to return to companies they see having positive effects in their communities. Sponsor community sports teams, get involved in school functions, engage in community clean-up initiatives,

HOW COMMUNITIES BENEFIT WHEN CONSUMERS SHOP LOCAL

stores to patronize, locally owned businesses may be the smartest option for a number of reasons not the least of which is the way such enterprises benefit the communities they call home.

More money kept in the community

Shopping locally means that more money will stay in the community. According to recent research from Civic Economics, local eateries return nearly 79 percent of revenue to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants. Overall, for every $100 spent at a local business, around $73 remains in the community, verus roughly $43 when shopping at a non-locally owned business.

Get a personal touch

Local business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling. As a result, shopping locally tends to be a personalized experience. Furthermore, a local business owner may be more amenable to ordering products for specific clientele. Such personalized service is typically not accessible when shopping big box stores or other shops where owners are off-site.

Lines are short

Waiting in long lines for checkout or to pick up merchandise ordered

for

Clothing Store!

Former Russellville resident performs

Camp maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

together to establish a Railroad

from the

A caboose was donated to the museum, which started the idea of establishing a park. It was then decided to move the original wooden water tower still standing from the early 1900s to the

Russellville,

blessed to be part of

Park in Red Bay, directly across

Red Bay Museum.

park. The

By María

Formerly of

Elizabeth Ragsdale

playing the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

as nonprofit groups. These can include schools and sports teams, among other groups. According to Dr. Sue Lynn Sasser, professor of economics at the University of Central Oklahoma, studies indicate nonprofits Òreceive 250 percent more support from small businesses than larger ones.

Support other local businesses

Local business support other local businesses by buying and selling among each other. A local, independently owned restaurant may source its ingredients from local farms, which means visitors to such eateries are supporting multiple local businesses each time they dine out.

Small businesses are a boon to the economy, particularly local economies. These enterprises help their communities in a multitude of ways.

HOW TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER RETENTION

One of the principles of good business is to remember that it is less expensive to have customers become repeat shoppers than to try to entice new customers to come in and try products or services. Harvard Business Review says onboarding a new customer can be as much as 25 times more expensive than retaining an existing customer. However, profits can grow even when businesses retain a small number of customers. Consumers can be fickle, and there is always some shiny new something that may draw their attention away.

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Anna Bond Kelley plays Annie Sullivan, in this year’s production

Ragsdale plays Aunt Ev in this year’s production of “The Miracle Worker” at Helen Keller’s

That fickle nature is on display whenever a new product hits the market. An existing phone may still function at or near peak capacity, but the newer one boasting different bells and whistles captures the attention of a buyer who doesnÕt want to feel like he or she is missing out on the latest and the greatest.

Small business owners have to do their part to ensure their customer base is not drawn away by something shiny and new Ñ particularly if that something is a big box retailer who has moved into the neighborhood. These strategies can improve customer retention and benefit small businesses.

▶ Prioritize strong first impressions. Customers will judge a business by its cover. How they were treated, how smoothly a process ran and how quickly action was taken when an issue arose will affect how likely a customer is to stick around. Businesses who perfect their first impressions, particularly by putting their key employees in position to initiate contact, may find they are more successful at customer retention.

▶ Offer loyalty incentives. Businesses can foster goodwill and customer retention by rewarding customers who stick around. Rewards can include VIP events, early access deals, special offers, discount codes, and other loyalty programs. These programs help collect data to \improve the customer experience and indicate to customers that theyÕre valued.

▶ Keep customers in the know. Businesses should routinely update existing customers on what is being done to keep products and services fresh so evolving customer needs are met. With so much competition out there, businesses need to keep their names at the top of the minds of consumers.

▶ Make every customer feel like a VIP. Go above and beyond with every customer, treating each and every one as if he or she is the most important person in the room. VIP services can include seamless online services as well as prompt and fast point of sales in person. These strategies can be employed by small businesses to improve customer retention rates.

3 customer service practices that can make consumers happy

In 2009, a handful of protest songs posted to YouTube created quite a stir. After their guitars were mishandled and damaged while traveling on United Airlines, the Canadian folk duo Sons of Maxwell attempted to negotiate with the airline in an effort to be reimbursed for the damage. Those negotiations ultimately proved fruitless, so the rockers took to YouTube, posting a series of comical songs and videos.

1. Encourage customer input.

1.

Encourage customer input.

While the songs became viral and drew many a laugh, the people at United Airlines, and their shareholders, were not laughing. The bad publicity sparked by the videos caused United stock to plummet, costing shareholders as much as $180 million.

Incidents like that highlight the importance of exceptional customer service, especially in regard to small businesses. Industry giants like United Airlines can no doubt afford some bad publicity, but small, locally owned businesses operate on much thinner margins. In recognition of the effects bad customer experiences can have on their businesses, business owners can emphasize

Business owners may not have their boots on the ground every day, so encouraging customer input may be the only way for business owners to get a handle on what it’s like to be their customer. That input can be used as a springboard to making positive changes that make customers happy, and it also can be used to help business owners recognize which staff members are going above and beyond to make sure customers have positive experiences.

2. Respond to reviews.

A 2018 survey from Review

In recognition of the effects bad customer experiences can have on their businesses, business owners can emphasize the following three strategies to keep customers happy.

Trackers found that 63 percent of reviewers never received a response to their reviews. Engaging with customers is vital for small businesses. Consumers appreciate it when business owners respond to their reviews. Customers who leave negative reviews are more likely to put such experiences behind them if business owners reach out and seek their input while assuring that they’ll work to provide better experiences in the future. Responding to customers who share positive experiences takes little or no

A 2018 survey from Review Trackers found that 63 percent of reviewers never received a response to their reviews. Engaging with customers is vital for small businesses. Consumers appreciate it when business owners respond to their reviews. Customers who leave negative reviews are more likely to put such experiences behind them if business owners reach out and seek their input while assuring that they’ll work to provide better experiences in the future. Responding to customers who share positive experiences takes little or no time at all and it’s a thoughtful gesture to thank customers

who take the time to leave positive reviews.

3. Get personal with customers.

Former Russellville resident performs

who take the time to leave positive reviews.

By María Camp

maria.camp@ franklincountytimes.com

3. Get personal with customers.

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing the role of

A personal experience drives many consumers to support local businesses. Taking time to be cordial with customers also is a great way to learn about their needs and wants so you can better serve them, potentially turning them into highly valuable repeat custom ers. Repeat business is vital to the survival of small business es. In fact, a 2018 survey from

Locomotive

InMoment found that 77 percent of consumers acknowledge having had relationships with specifc brands for 10 years or more. Getting personal can lay the foundation for customer-business relationships that can last for years to come.

Customer service is vital for small businesses, which can

InMoment found that 77 percent of consumers acknowledge having had relationships with specifc brands for 10 years or more. Getting person al can lay the foundation for customer-business relation

1900s to the park. The

Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

How to make shopping more comfortable for customers

CONTRIBUTED

key shopping hours or days for those who can bene smaller crowds.

The holiday shopping season begins around Thanksgiving and continues at a frenzied pace for about a month. Across the country, billions of dollars will be spent on gifts, entertaining and decor. Various businesses can increase their profts if they make an effort to make shopping more consumer-friendly.

The holiday shopping season begins around Thanksgivand continues at a frenzied pace for about a month. Across the country, billions of dollars will be spent on gifts, entertaining and decor. Various businesses can increase their profts if they make an effort to make shopping more consumer-friendly.

According to a survey from LivePerson, a global leader in conversational AI, two out of three consumers were planning to do most of their 2020

changes designed to make shopping more comfortable and convenient.

According to a survey from LivePerson, a global leader in conversational AI, two out of three consumers were planning to do most of their 2020 holiday shopping online due to the pandemic. Welcoming those shoppers back to stores may mean making some

• Offer special shopping hours. The pandemic opened retailers’ eyes to the needs of certain shopping demographics, including the elderly. Navigating packed stores can be stressful for people with mobility issues or special needs. Over the last several years, select Target stores have opened their doors a little earlier on certain days for individuals with autism, and also

• Offer in-store and online ca pabilities. Though many con sumers now feel better about shopping safely in stores, there are some who still may prefer the perks of curbside pickup or delivery capabilities. Live Person’s survey shed light on some common consumer con cerns when shopping online, which included asking ques tions about products, products and services, and fnding revelant promotions. Businesses can utilize conver sational commerce experienc es, including chat options, to enable customers to interact online with greater effciency and convenience.

• Offer in-store and online ca pabilities. Though many con sumers now feel better about shopping safely in stores, there are some who still may prefer the perks of curbside pickup or delivery capabilities. Live Person’s survey shed light on some common consumer con cerns when shopping online, which included asking ques tions about products, products and services, and fnding revelant promotions. Businesses can utilize conversational commerce experiences, including chat options, to enable customers to interact online with greater effciency and convenience.

• Run a holiday giveaway. Attract customers and make the shopping experience more fun by using a social media platform to advertise a holiday giveaway. Customers who are spending a lot of money will appreciate getting something for free.

t. Ensure that

having gifts wrapped right on the spot. This is an ideal job for a teenager or an older worker looking to make some seasonal cash.

By María Camp maria.camp@

franklincountytimes.com

Former Russellville resident performs

Locomotive

Small businesses can help solidify repeat customers by making the holiday shopping experience convenient, comfortable and friendly.

• Create a welcoming atmosphere. Here is where small businesses can really shine over larger corporations. The

• Offer free gift-wrapping. Time-strapped shoppers will appreciate the effciency of having gifts wrapped right on the spot. This is an ideal job for a teenager or an older worker looking to make some seasonal cash.

Small businesses can help

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

• Create a welcoming atmo store. Set up a soft sofa where

Shop locally to support small businesses, community at large

By María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes. com

“The action of shopping is a love for some, and a task for others, but it benefits everyone,” explained Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive director Cassie Medley. “It really makes a difference when we shop at new businesses as well as those whose doors have been open for decades.”

While shopping online makes it easy and perhaps tempting to buy from massive all-in-one shops, it’s important not to forget the impact we can make through buying from our local businesses, some of which also have online options. Not only does shopping locally help keep them in business, and hopefully thriving, but it also has an impact through the tax dollars it brings to our community.

“A city’s economic growth and sustainability to provide city services such as police protection, waste collection, a library, parks and recreation, senior citizen services and more depends on the amount of sales tax received from local businesses,” explained Red Bay mayor Charlene Fancher.

Russellville mayor David Grissom said shopping locally means our money stays here, where among many other things, it funds the fire department and police, as well as

CONTRIBUTED

the street department and parks and recreation, as well as the schools.

“Our tax dollars have a big effect on the schools to the tune of about a million dollars a year because that’s our appropriation to the school system,” Grissom explained. “It comes from sales tax revenue. For those who work here, but don’t live here, buying gas or groceries even once a week makes a difference.”

Former Russellville resident performs

By María Camp maria.camp@

“It is so important that we support our local businesses by shopping at home so the businesses can achieve and prosper, and so we can enable the city to provide better services and opportunities for all citizens,” Fancher added.

franklincountytimes.com

people, either old or new friends or acquaintances. It’s not just about the act of processing a transaction in exchange for goods or services, but about feeling like we’re all in it together and a part of each other’s lives, even if it’s a brief greeting while we go about our day.

Formerly of Russellville, Elizabeth Ragsdale is playing

Locomotive

together to establish a Railroad Park in Red Bay, directly across from the Red Bay Museum.

On a personal level, it also gives us the opportunity for one-on-one interactions that help us learn more about and from each other and can help

A caboose was donated to the museum, which started the idea of establishing a park. It was then decided to move the original wooden water tower still standing from the early 1900s to the park. The

the role of Aunt Ev this year’s production of “The Miracle

So, shop locally as much as you can. Even small purchases make a difference. Don’t forget to take time to peruse our Valentine’s Day gift guide on page A8 of this week’s paper and consider supporting our many and varied local businesses. While you’re there, read some of the comments we received from our community recently sharing what they love about Franklin County.