It’s crazy how much the world has changed since the previous issue of Hartselle Living. I daresay no one expected to witness what we all have over the past month. Schools, restaurants and other public places are closed for the foreseeable future; small businesses are suffering; many people have lost their jobs. What better time than now to focus on the good going on right here in Hartselle?  

What’s great is that you don’t have to look far to find the good – even in the middle of a pandemic.  

Our cover feature in this issue is the epitome of a feel-good story. We put the spotlight on M.J. Stitts, a second-grade student at Crestline Elementary, and his aunt Muajani. M.J. has myasthenia gravis and scoliosis – but his limitations don’t dampen his spirit. The good folks at Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County are building the duo a home of their own in Hartselle. The house will be handicap-accessible and improve the daily lives of M.J. and his aunt.  

On page 16, Hartselle Living contributor Russell Frye features Hartselle’s first state champion wrestler, Lincoln Bryant. The rising freshman’s win gave Hartselle an individual state champion for the first time since 2013.  

As always, Constance Smith brings our readers delectable recipes and DIY tips from her Hartselle homestead. In this issue, she shares a couple of great biscuit recipes as well as information on how to get started raising chickens.  

As a community and a country, we’re experiencing uncertain and unsettling times, but remember: There’s always good to be seen if you look closely enough.  

Thanks for reading,