The job of a police officer is not one that ranks at the top of a “most desirable occupation” list. How many of us would like to leave home for work every day not knowing what danger might lurk in our path?  Could the next vehicle  I stop for a traffic violation have a crazed cop hater behind the wheel?  Or, could a call to intervene in a domestic dispute land me in the company of an armed gunman wild on drugs?

Unfortunately, police officers don’t get the credit they deserve in many parts of our nation.  They are cursed, abused, attacked by mobs and  far too often shot and killed by a gunman for no obvious reason.

Fortunately, that’s not the case in Hartselle. Our city has a reputation for having a low crime rate and a healthy respect for the law.  Police officers credit that in large part to the cooperation, support and respect they get from citizens.

An example of how local citizens feel about their police officers was demonstrated last week by Forrest Chapel United Methodist Church. A home-cooked meal capable of feeding the entire police department staff was delivered to the police station in time for lunch. Instead of a cold sandwich or a fast food burger, officers feasted on barbecue pork, baked beans, deviled eggs, banana pudding, German chocolate Cake and iced tea.

+++

Hartselle lost one of its most memorable and beloved citizens on Sept. 15 when Estelle Hunter Smith died at age 95.  For many years, she led a busy and productive life working as a volunteer for various community and fraternal organizations, operating businesses and serving her Lord as a member of First Baptist Church.  At one time after World War II, she owned and operated the Dinner Bell Cafe in downtown Hartselle and later owned and operated Smith’s Florist on Main Street.  However, she was best known as a lifetime member and officer in the American Legion Auxiliary.  She was honored as the 1987 American Legion Auxiliary Woman of the Year and finished second at the national level. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award   for her service to the Auxiliary in 2007 and was honored with an “Estelle H. Smith Day” in Hartselle in 2011.

+++

Hats off to the Town of Priceville for partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Morgan County to establish a new unit in the town’s old library building. The facility provides students of ages five to 18 a safe place to go after school, with bus transportation, to do homework, socialize with friends and play games. Parents love it and town officials believe it will help them locate new businesses and enhance revenue growth