Goodwater swears in new mayor, city officers

By Editor | November 7, 2025 | 0

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Goodwater welcomed a new mayor and one new Council member during its organizational meeting Monday, the only municipality in Coosa County to see any changes in elected offices. Pictured from left are James Genovis Whetstone, Mary Graham, Mayor Karleyun Lauderdale, Gregory Jerome Crayton, John Kelley, and Torrey Jones. Photo submitted

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News from Goodwater

The swearing in of Goodwater’s newly elected mayor and Town Council members took place on Monday, November 3, in Goodwater’s Community Center.

The auditorium was packed with Goodwater residents and visitors bearing witness to the change in the town’s leadership.

Karleyun Lauderdale was sworn in as Goodwater’s new mayor.

Torrey Jones joined incumbent Town Council members Gregory J. Crayton, Mary Graham, John Kelley, and James G. (Genovis) Whetstone, who were also sworn in for new terms of office.

The Oath of Office was administered by Chief Clerk Pam Weathers of the Coosa County Probate Office.

The following new business was also voted on and approved:

Councilmember Genovis Whetstone was appointed to serve as mayor pro tempore.
Jason Jackson was appointed town attorney.
Tina Lauderdale was appointed town clerk.
Elmore Unbehant was appointed fire chief for the Town of Goodwater.
Matthew Cook will continue his probationary period as Goodwater’s chief of police.
The mayor and Town Council elected to continue the current schedule of Town Council meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in Goodwater’s Community Center.
A resolution was adopted to reimburse town employees and officials for mileage accrued on official town activities.
Mayor Lauderdale was selected to represent the Town of Goodwater on the Board of East Central Alabama Gas District and the Ashland-Goodwater-Lineville Solid Waste Disposal Authority.