The rising price of gasoline/fuel has had an effect on not only the nation, but the local economy as well.

We rode around the Centre area on Wednesday and found prices averaging between $4.26 to $4.29 per gallon, with diesel prices averaging right at the $4.99 per gallon mark.

We spoke to Cherokee County Chief Deputy Josh Summerford about how rising fuels costs will affect emergency services at the sheriff’s office –

He told us “We do not have any plans to alter the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office. We requested additional funding last year in the budget for fuel, in anticipation of higher fuel prices, and the Commission granted that. We have an important job to do in providing public safety we will continue to do that.”

We also talked to State Senator Andrew Jones by phone and he sent us a statement saying –

“The recent spike in fuel prices, coupled with our troubling reliance on Russian oil and gas, has showcased now more than ever the importance of American energy independence. The Biden administration must immediately open up our production in the U.S. to full capacity to counter these crippling prices.

We in the Alabama legislature are doing our part by taking up legislation that would prohibit cities and counties in Alabama from enacting New York-style laws which would ban or restrict the use of certain types of energy.  I will also do everything in my power to help our first responders who are being negatively impacted by this surge in fuel prices.”

We will have more from other county and state officials regarding this matter in our upcoming newscasts.