This summer I decided to do a series called A Day in the Life. The basis of the series was to spend one day a week with a different prominent member of the city of Hartselle. After spending that day, I would then write about what went on not only in that day but in the everyday life of that certain person. During the five week series I was thrilled to get to spend time with some of Hartselle’s most important leaders including former Hartselle Superintendent Vic Wilson, Mayor Randy Garrison, Parks and Rec director Tom Chappell, Chief of Police Ron Puckett and owner of Hagen Homes and Chamber of Commerce member Scott Stadthagen. I had originally planned for the series to go longer, but I felt it was the time to end and go on with something new. However, I did learn quite a few things during the five-week series.

The main thing I learned over the five weeks is that the City of Hartselle is in good hands. Each of the people I shadowed was in charge of leading Hartselle in some way and I could tell that that they all had the city’s best interests at heart. Of course Vic Wilson has moved on to take a new job in Montgomery. However, there is no denying that he was one of the best if not the best superintendent Hartselle has ever had and if the school board gets someone with the same values as Wilson, the schools will still be in great shape. Garrison and Chappell are both in their first year as their new jobs, but the two have been mainstays in Hartselle for a long time and have a lot of fresh ideas to make the city better.

Another important thing I learned is that it is always important to give back. Stadthagen is currently planning a campaign to run for State Representative, and that came from the desire to give back. Stadthagen recently helped build the new Hartselle Farmer’s Market and has even more plans for this district should he be elected. “The best metaphor I can think of is I want to take a paddle and slap the water as hard as I can,” Stadthagen said. “That way it creates a huge wake so that even when I’m gone, the effects of what I’ve done will continue.”

The final thing I learned, which I already knew but the fact was reaffirmed, is that Hartselle is a great place to live. You would only need to talk to Chief Puckett and look at the recent crime rates to realize how safe the city is. Hartselle is a small city, but it’s people are passionate about making it a great place.

Caleb Suggs is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.