The Andalusia Police Department became one of the first Alabama departments to be officially accredited by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police.
Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn, who serves as vice president of the association, presented the official certification to Mayor Earl Johnson and Andalusia Chief Paul Hudson Tuesday night.
The certificate of accreditation says the department has “demonstrated its commitment to police excellence by living up to the progressive standards to ensure that police services are delivered within the community at the highest level of professionalism and integrity.”
Lovvorn said Andalusia is one of the first departments to receive the five-year accreditation.
Hudson, who chaired the AACOP committee that developed accreditation standards, said to receive the five-year accreditation, a department’s policies must be audited.
Andalusia will again mark the Fourth of July holiday with a parade and a fireworks show on Friday, July 4.
The Old Three Notch Chapter of the DAR will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade Friday morning at 10.
Everyone is welcome to don their red, white and blue and join the fun. There will be floats, golf carts, bicycles and walkers.
There is no fee to enter, and no pre-registration is required. Line-up is in the parking lot of First Baptist Church beginning at 9 a.m.
The parade will roll at 10 a.m., and will travel from First Baptist down East Three Notch, circle the Square and circle back to the church on Tisdale Street.
That evening, FiftyFive South will return by popular demand to the stage at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds for the City of Andalusia’s Fourth of July celebration.
There will be bouncy houses and a water slide for the kids, as well as free watermelon. There also will be concessions on site.
The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and live music begins at 6 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dusk.
Twenty-one people qualified to seek office in this summer’s municipal elections in Andalusia.
Andalusia residents will elect a mayor, five council members, and two members of the board of education on August 26. Those who had qualified to seek office when qualifying ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday included:
• For mayor, Earl Johnson, incumbent.
• For mayor, Don Cotton
• For mayor, Terry Craig.
• For District 1, Andalusia City Council, Joe Nix, incumbent.
• For District 1, Andalusia City Council, Will Sconiers.
• For District 1, Andalusia City Council, Jermaine Woods.
• For District 2, Andalusia City Council, Kennith Mount, incumbent.
• For District 2, Andalusia City Council, Deana Winkler.
• For District 3, Andalusia City Council, Jeremy Craig.
• For District 3, Andalusia City Council, Riley Hill Taylor.
• For District 4, Andalusia City Council, Presley Boswell, incumbent.
• For District 4, Andalusia City Council, Ashly Odom.
• For District 4, Andalusia City Council, Greg Palmer.
• For District 4, Andalusia City Council, Jeff Puckett.
• For District 4, Andalusia City Council, J.C. Sanders.
• For District 5, Andalusia City Council, Terry Powell, incumbent.
• For District 5, Andalusia City Council, Darren Forry.
• For District 5, Andalusia City Council, Terri Vorster.
• For District 5, Andalusia City Council, Andrew Williamson.
• For District 2, Andalusia Board of Education, Billy Bergfeld.
• For District 4, Andalusia Board of Education, Parrish King, incumbent.
City elections will be held August 26, 2025, with a runoff on Sept. 23, 2025, if needed.
The City of Andalusia will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the holiday.
Friday's garbage routes will be picked up on Monday, July 7, along with Monday's routes. Please have hobos out early.
More than 30 teams are expected to participate when Andalusia hosts the Babe Ruth 8U, 10U and 12U State Softball Tournament June 20-22.
“This will be a huge event for us,” Willie Edwards, director of parks and recreation for the City of Andalusia, said. “We’re excited to have this turnout, and look forward to a great weekend of softball.”
Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. Friday, June 20, in Johnson Park. There is no admission charge for this tournament.
This marks the third consecutive year Alabama has hosted a state tournament. In 2024, Andalusia hosted the 10U Cal Ripken state baseball tournament. In 2023, the city hosted the 8U Cal Ripken state baseball tournament.
“We work hard year-round to make Andalusia a destination location,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “We know that events like Candyland, JulyJamz, and ball tournaments bring people to our city. While they’re here, they eat in local restaurants, and many sleep in local hotels. “
Reports generated from Placer.ai show that 3,600 attended the 2024 state baseball tournament in Johnson Park.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests to Andalusia.”
The mayor also encouraged business owners who have changeable signage to welcome Babe Ruth players to the area.
“You never know who’ll be visiting, and how an extra touch of hospitality might affect their experience here,” he said. “
Anyone interested in being a food vendor in the park should contact Edwards at Johnson Park, 334-222-2714.