SUMTER COUNTY, Ala. — As voters prepare to return to the polls for the District 5 runoff election on Tuesday, June 16, Bellamy Event Committee President Keyetta Crenshaw Coleman is encouraging residents throughout the district to make their voices heard.

Coleman said community members should take part in the election as District 5 residents choose their next representative on the Sumter County Commission.

Speaking about concerns in the Bellamy community, Coleman said road improvements have been limited to patchwork repairs during the past four years. She also noted that the community has been without a county dumpster for approximately two years.

According to Coleman, local residents have stepped up to address several community needs themselves. She said citizens donated money to remove trees from roadways following storms and also contributed funds to renovate the community’s aging park facilities.

“The citizens have worked together to take care of many of these issues on their own,” Coleman said while urging residents to vote in the upcoming runoff.

The District 5 runoff election features incumbent Demos Jones and challenger Carolyn Daniels. Jones has represented District 5 on the Sumter County Commission for the past four years.

During the primary election, Daniels received 250 votes compared to Jones’ 207 votes, setting up the runoff contest.

District 5 includes the communities of Bellamy, Coatopa, Whitfield, Ward, Livingston, and York.

Voters in the district will decide Tuesday which candidate will serve as their representative on the Sumter County Commission and address issues affecting communities throughout the district.

GAINESVILLE, Ala. — Just weeks after celebrating the opening of Gainesville’s newly constructed fire station, Gainesville Fire Chief Ron Hutchins had another reason to celebrate as supporters gathered to recognize his victory in the Sumter County District 1 County Commission race.

Residents from across District 1 came together at the Gainesville Fire Department to congratulate Hutchins on his election victory. District 1 includes the communities of Panola, Geiger, Emelle, Gainesville, and Epes.

The gathering served as an opportunity for citizens, friends, and supporters to celebrate Hutchins’ successful campaign and discuss the future of the district under his leadership.

Hutchins, who has long served the community as Gainesville’s fire chief, recently played a key role in the completion and opening of the town’s new fire department facility. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building marked a significant achievement for the local fire service and the community it serves.

Now, with his election to the Sumter County Commission, Hutchins will take on a new role representing District 1 and addressing issues important to residents throughout the area.

Supporters expressed excitement about the future and their confidence in Hutchins’ ability to serve the district, citing his commitment to public service and his record of community involvement.

The celebration at the Gainesville Fire Department reflected both appreciation for Hutchins’ past service and optimism for the work ahead as he prepares to begin his term on the Sumter County Commission.

Photo:RuralSWAlabama

YORK, Ala. — Sumter County Schools continues to expand opportunities for student success through a partnership with Mayor Renee Pringle and the City of York as part of the JET Program.

The collaborative initiative provides students with meaningful, hands-on experiences designed to connect classroom instruction with real-world workplace environments. Through the program, students gain practical skills, explore potential career paths, and develop professional relationships that can help prepare them for future employment and educational opportunities.

School officials say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to workforce development and student achievement. By engaging directly with local government and community leaders, students are able to gain valuable insight into various careers while building the confidence and experience needed for long-term success.

Sumter County Schools expressed appreciation for Mayor Pringle and the City of York for their continued support of local youth and their investment in the next generation of leaders.

The JET Program is part of ongoing efforts to provide students with career readiness opportunities that strengthen both individual achievement and the future workforce of Sumter County.