Lawrence County, We’ve Got Work to Do

This week, LCtoday asked a bold question:

“What do you think is the biggest threat facing Lawrence County?”

And wow — y’all answered. Loud and clear.

From abandoned buildings and the loss of emergency care to corruption, crumbling roads, and a political system that feels stuck in the past, folks had plenty to say.

But let’s be honest — we’ve all seen how quickly a real concern can turn into just another gripe session online.

LCtoday isn’t here for the drama.
We’re here to turn community conversation into community action.

That means recognizing the hard truths — yes — but also making space for hope, progress, and practical ideas. So here’s a breakdown of what people shared, and what we can do next.

Because here in LC, we believe in more than just complaining. We believe in building.

🏥 “We Lost Our ER — What Now?”

This was the loudest, most consistent concern.

Losing an ER isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. Folks shared real stories of how local emergency care made the difference in the past, and fears about what might happen now.

What can we do?

• Contact our state legislators and advocate for rural hospital funding

• Encourage local officials to explore urgent care or micro-hospital options

• Support efforts to recruit and retain doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff

A building is just a building without people to staff it.

🧱 “What’s Up with All These Abandoned Buildings?”

Many people pointed to empty, decaying properties as a symbol of what’s going wrong.

It’s not just about appearances — it’s about what they represent: inaction, favoritism, and a lack of enforcement.

No one should be above accountability.
If a property is unsafe or unused, it shouldn’t sit and rot for years while someone else dreams of starting a business or building something better.

What can we do?

• Advocate for stronger city codes — and fair enforcement

• Show up at city council meetings and ask for progress reports

• Support and celebrate those investing in downtown revitalization

💧 “Can We Trust the Water?”

Tap water concerns popped up again — from taste to safety.

And when people lose trust in something as basic as water, that’s not just a utility problem. That’s a quality-of-life issue.

What can we do?

• Push for regular, transparent water testing and reporting

• Prioritize water infrastructure in city and county planning

• Don’t assume someone else is handling it — ask questions and expect answers

🚧 “Why Do Things Feel... Stuck?”

Some folks love the quiet charm of Lawrence County — and there’s nothing wrong with that.

But others are frustrated by a sense that we’re stuck in neutral, resisting change instead of planning for thoughtful growth.

Rough roads. Nowhere to live. Limited jobs.
It’s not about wanting a Moulton that looks like Birmingham — it’s about wanting a Moulton that works for us.

What can we do?

• Elect leaders with vision — not just a name we recognize

• Think long-term and demand real plans for housing, roads, and development

• Ask how every decision builds a future where our kids want to stay — not one they want to escape

💊 “We Can’t Ignore Addiction”

Drugs — meth, fentanyl, opioids — came up in dozens of comments.

This crisis has touched too many families in LC to be ignored or downplayed.

What can we do?

• Support recovery programs, not just punishment

• Partner with churches, schools, and nonprofits to educate and intervene early

• Create public support for second chances and pathways forward

🧑‍💼 “Where Are the Jobs and Support for Local Business?”

Several business owners shared how hard it is to start or grow something here — especially if you’re not “from the right family” or don’t have deep pockets.

But LC is full of hardworking, creative folks with big ideas.
We just need systems that welcome and support them.

What can we do?

• Push for economic development that supports small businesses — not just big factories

• Invest in broadband, infrastructure, and startup support

• Promote local business, shop local, and speak up for entrepreneur-friendly policies

🙌 So… Is Anything Going Right?

Absolutely.

Here’s what y’all said you love most about LC:

💬 Friendly people who still wave from their porches
🎓 Schools and programs that include everyone — not just athletes or honor students
💒 Churches and communities that rally around families in need
🎉 Events like Christmas on the Square and the Strawberry Festival that still feel homegrown
🤝 A spirit of support when it matters most

We’ve got good bones. And we’ve got a community that still believes in each other.

✍️ Here’s the Bottom Line:

It’s easy to point fingers.
It’s harder to roll up your sleeves.

At LCtoday, we’re not here to stir up drama.
We’re here to shine a light — on the problems, yes — but more importantly, on the solutions and the people willing to do the work.

So if you’re tired of keyboard warriors and stuck mindsets, let this be your sign:

You don’t have to wait for permission to make a difference.

✅ Ask a question
✅ Show up to a meeting
✅ Share your skills
✅ Support your neighbors
✅ Vote smart
✅ Stay kind
✅ And if you feel called — consider running for office yourself. We need more everyday folks with heart, honesty, and vision to step up.

Lawrence County’s future isn’t just in the hands of officials — it’s in the hands of all of us.