Madison City Council Races Taking Shape!

Qualifying is done, and the race is on for Madison's municipal elections! Looks like some familiar and fresh faces will be joining the council with no opposition.

Unopposed Winners

Incumbent Maura Wroblewski is running unopposed in District 1. Joining her are newcomers David Bier in District 2, Billie Goodson in District 3, and Alice Lessmann in District 5. Congrats to these future council members! Certificates of election are heading their way after the council's July 14th meeting.

Competitive Races Ahead!

Don't think the whole election is a done deal! The remaining three city council districts and the mayor's race are heating up with multiple candidates vying for your vote on August 26th.

• District 4: With Councilman Greg Shaw stepping down, Michael McKay and Rachel Homolak are battling it out for the seat.
• District 6: Incumbent Karen Denzine faces challenges from Scott Harbour and Erica White.
• District 7: City Council President John Seifert will be going head-to-head with Kenneth Jackson.

Mayor's Race: Wide Open!

The mayoral race is also shaping up to be a hot one! Ranae Bartlett, Steve Smith, and Margi Daly are all vying for the top spot since Mayor Paul Finley is not seeking reelection.

Your Voice Matters!

Secretary of State Wes Allen is reminding everyone that local elections are super important. "The right... to cast a ballot...is one of the hallmarks of our...republic," he says. "I would encourage all eligible Alabamians to exercise that right on August 26." Get out there and vote!

Rainsville: Where Southern Charm Meets Mountain Majesty!

Hey ChumCity friends! Ever heard of Rainsville, Alabama? Tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of DeKalb County, this isn't just another small town – it's a vibrant community brimming with history, hospitality, and a whole lotta heart!

A Glimpse into the Past

Rainsville's story started way back, first known as Parker Town. Then came Will Rains, whose general store became the spot to hang out. Fast forward to today, and this growing town of 5,500+ folks is still going strong!

Super Safe, Super Fun!

Did you know Rainsville was named the Safest City in Alabama for 2025 by SafeWise? That's right! Plus, it's not all quiet evenings – this town knows how to celebrate!

Remember the Super Outbreak

Let’s not forget that Rainsville faced tough times too. The EF5 tornado in 2011 was devastating, but the community showed incredible resilience, rebuilding stronger than ever. The memorial at the DeKalb County Coliseum is a powerful tribute.

Freedom and Fun in the Summer Sun

The annual Rainsville Freedom Run is legendary! This 10K/5K race has even been called "The Best Small Race in America!" And the Freedom Festival? Think live music, yummy food, kid-friendly activities, and a fireworks display that'll knock your socks off!

Play Ball! (and Disc Golf!)

Sports fans, rejoice! The Field of Dreams Sports Complex has been totally revamped with turf fields and overhead netting. Plus, they've got a killer disc golf course that draws players from all over the Southeast!

Agribusiness and Education

Get your rodeo on at the Northeast Alabama Agribusiness Center, where they host rodeos, bull riding, and all sorts of community events that celebrate Rainsville's agricultural roots. Education is a top priority here, with Plainview High School, Cornerstone Christian Academy, and Northeast Alabama Community College all playing key roles.

Your New Hometown?

Whether you're just passing through or looking for a place to settle down, Rainsville welcomes you with open arms. With its stunning scenery, safe streets, rich history, and lively community events, it's a town worth discovering!

Rogers Applauds NATO's Defense Spending Boost

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is giving props to former President Donald Trump this week, following NATO countries' commitment to beef up their national defense budgets.

A Win for National Security

During a recent NATO summit, most member countries agreed to hike defense spending to a whopping 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. Rogers, who heads the House Armed Services Committee, believes this move is key to keeping threats from nations like China and Russia at bay.

Standing Strong Together

"NATO's decision to boost its defense spending to 5% of GDP is a critical move," Rogers stated. He emphasized that front-line allies have been doing their part, and that these much-needed investments will make the Alliance way stronger.

Trump's Role in the Deal

The congressman credited Trump for getting everyone on board with the increased spending. "President Trump was spot-on in pushing our Allies to carry a bigger share of our defense, and his leadership was vital in making it happen," Rogers said. "A stronger NATO, with the U.S. leading the charge and everyone pitching in, will deter our enemies, keep the peace, and help America."

Not Everyone's Happy

Word on the street is that Spain was the only NATO member to object, citing concerns about cutting essential services to meet the new defense requirements.

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