Many times the jobs done by men and women in uniform and the struggles their families endure are taken for granted; but this year, the Guntersville Police Department is taking steps to show the officers and their families how much they mean to the community.

The first annual "Benefit for Blues" will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 25th at the Guntersville Town Hall.

The event is to benefit officers and their families in the time of need or crisis.

This year the benefit will go to support Officer Jason Austin who has a traumatic brain injury, the result of a gunshot wound in the line of duty; and Lt. Beau Cagle's seven year old son Austin Cagle who has been diagnosed with Leukemia.

The event will include a catered steak dinner from Crawmama's Restaurant, live entertainment from Haywire, a Country/Southern Rock group from Atlanta and a silent auction.

Silent auction items include: an autographed football from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, autographed football from Auburn head coach Gene Chizik, a duck hunt package from White Water Lodge, a quail hunt package, autographed Nascar memorabilia, paintings from award winning artist Daniel Moore and several gift certificates from local businesses.
Event t-shirts will also be available the night of the benefit.

With the war on methamphetamine raging in the county, one group is trying to make a difference, one runner at a time.

Mothers Against Methamphetamine, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Marshall County, will be hosting their first annual Run For Recovery on Saturday, September 18th.

The event will feature a 5K Run/Walk and a 1 mile Fun Run.

The 5K will begin near the Guntersville Recreation Center "exit" only drive sign, continue south along side Sunset Drive passed the tennis courts and restroom parking lot for approximately 1.5 miles.

Overall top male and female finishers will receive a $100 cash prize. First place finishers in each age division will also receive a copy of Mary Holley's book entitled "Crystal Meth:They Call It Ice."

Holley, who has made it her life mission to spread awareness throughout the country about the killer drug, is helping to organize the run.

The United Way is looking for volunteers to participate in community service projects on Tuesday, September 14 for the 13th annual Day of Caring.

Companies and groups throughout Marshall County are currently forming teams of volunteers to work.

"Participation in a Day of Caring project is open to everyone. A volunteer can form a team or join an existing team to get involved," said Lynda Geddes, United Way's Day of Caring Coordinator. "Normally, our volunteer teams are from companies, government agencies and civic clubs, but everyone is encouraged to volunteer. It is extremely encouraging when new groups such as Sunday School classes, scout troops, garden clubs and individuals join in this event."

Steve Marshall, campaign chair for United Way, believes that the Day of Caring project is special to the whole community.

"Marshall County has an outstanding tradition of volunteerism, probably never better reflected than with the Day of Caring," said Marshall in a press release. "It greatly enriches our community and reinforces that fact that we live in a truly great place. On September 14, we have the chance to help our neighbors and see how the programs we support accomplish their work.

According to Deborah Messer, Chief Financial Officer for the school board, they estimate to begin October, 1, 2010 with $1,999,500.00 in the general fund.

"We anticipate being right at at the $2 million mark for the beginning of the year and that is really quite remarkable considering the cut in funds." Messer said. "We have significantly watched spending this year in 2010 so there hasn't been a lot of extra expenditures."

Messer also anticipates being able to build the local fund balance this year.

"We believe we can build the local fund balance this year because of the money were just promised a week and a half ago with the Jobs Bill," Messer continued. "Up until that point we were expected to have to pay a little over six teachers locally. With the Jobs Bill money we were able to pay six teachers out of the Federal Jobs Bill money instead of paying the 9.16 so that left us with 3.16 local units which is the lowest we've been in many, many years."

Get ready for 1,350 pounds of shrimp, 540 gallons of Creole Gumbo, 400 pounds of crawfish and 650 pounds of barbecue chicken at the 40th annual St. Williams Seafood Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 4th at the Guntersville Civitan Park.

According to the Saint Williams Catholic Church website, the St. Williams Festival, best known for its gumbo, began in 1970 under the leadership of the late Father Patrick Murphy and a few dedicated parishioners.

The festival, now reaching its 40th year, continues to be the primary fundraiser for the church. The festival has grown to not only be a favorite of the community but its also known to have visitors from Tennessee and Georgia that stop in just for the festival.

"We are very excited about our 40th year of the festival," said Sandy Whitaker, chairman for the festival. "We are looking for this year to be the best year that we've had so far."

Whitaker said the festival will also have a children's area with inflatables and face painting.

"Children can purchase an armband for $3.00 and they can spend the day on the inflatables, get their face painted and receive a 40th anniversary balloon," Whitaker continued. "We are going to have the festival rain or shine. We're just hoping for a really great day."