For the first time since 1985 the Bibb County High School football program finished the regular season undefeated. All season long, the Choctaws had run over their oponents scoring over 35 points a game on offense, and allowing under 7 points on defense.
Last night head coach Mike Battles and his team got their first challenge all season long.
The Chilton County Tigers who had challenged every top ranked school they played this season did not hand the win over to Bibb County easily. A 65 yard run from Jaquail Rutledge with less than 20 seconds in the first half may have been the difference in the game, as Bibb County won their 10th game of the regular season. Chilton County scored a touchdown with less than a minute to go in the game and were within a touchdown of potentially winning the game. After an onsides kick was recovered by the Choctaws, Bibb County fans breathed a sigh of relief and celebrated the first undefeated season in 24 years.
"This is like Christmas. I am so excited and proud," said Bibb County fullback C.J. Cutts. "I am so happy for our players. They've earned this and they deserve it. These guys have fought hard all season long. It feels great. We are going to celebrate this for about 16 hours and then we're going to start getting ready for the playoffs."
Bibb County High School can celebrate many accomplishments of the 2009 season. The finished the season undefeated. They've defeated every rival. They got revenge on the only team to beat them last year. They defeated 3 upper class teams (Bryant, Northridge, and Chilton County). They answered the running back hole with the departure of Zac Stacy with the new kid in town "Quail Rutledge." They've had a potent offense and a dynamic defense. They are ranked 4th in the state within 4A programs. They will host their first playoff game, as region champs, and their is a possibility fans might see a rematch of the jamboree game (against Handley).
Fans who believe in the curse of BCHS not being able to pass round 2 of the playoffs truely believe this is the year for the Choctaws. Nothing will be more poetic than BCHS finally emerging over that hump and heading into a third round where head coach father (Handley) faces head coach son (BCHS).
First the Choctaws have to win two huge post season games, and so does Handley. Bibb County will host Lincoln next Friday at home for the first round of the state 4A playoffs at 7pm. For more of the celebration and the story in the Chilton County game read the 11/4 edition of the Centreville Press.
Saturday, October 31
Monday, October 26
A companion piece to Waxing Historic...Halloween, myth vs. fact
Daniel L. Bamberg
reporter
The history of Halloween is often misrepresented. Even historians have contradictory ideas of its past. There are certain portions of the day's past which are in conflict with one another. The simple facts are, Halloween is simply a secularized version of three holidays; Samhain, The Day of the Dead, and All Saint's Day.
Samhain is a Celtic holiday which means "Summer's End." Going back to druid beliefs summer represents the season of life. Autumn, on the other hand represents the season of the dying. Celtics, Druids, pagans, Gaelic cultures, Spanish, Portuguese and early Christians celebrated versions of the same idea. The festive time was used in order to celebrate the harvest season, and also it was believed that the dead traveled from the world of the living to the world of the dead during this time. Samhain was celebrated traditionally on November 1st.
The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) is celebrated by Spanish and Portuguese cultures. The Day of the Dead is also known as "All Soul's Day" which is often the improper label some use when discussing the Catholic festival "All Saint's Day". In Hispanic cultures it is believed the Day of the Dead was a time when the spirits of the deceased could visit the living. One of the conflicts with both Samhain and Day of the Dead lies in the intentions of the spirits during this time. Some believe the dead come to visit, while others believe the recently deceased part from one place to the next. In other words in some cultures there is only one passage for the spirit of the dead. In others (the more prominent of cultures) it is believed that all of the dead make this excursion during this time. El Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 2nd.
All Saint's Day was yet another spin on the idea of trapped, wandering, or departed spirits. In this Catholic celebration early Christians believed that this day was for the faithfully departed who had not yet reached heaven. Though many historians simply believe that All Saint's Day was simply a way for Catholicism to incorporate pagan traditions with the new faith "Christianity." Many of those historians believe this due to the intertwining of other pagan traditions with Christianity. Easter and Christmas are both recognized during the same time as many ancient celebrations. Many even further suggest the demonization of Halloween was a reaction from Western Christians who could not seem to shake the pagan traditions of this time of year. All Saint's Day was celebrated on the Eve of November 1st. This is how Halloween became October 31st in modern time.
When America became a cultural melting pot the Irish brought the traditions of Samhain, the Spanish already had incorporated the traditions of Day of the Dead in their original land, and the European culture brought in the traditions of All Saint's Day. Thus America created the taboo, Halloween. It is the Hispanic influence which brings about the idea of candy. During the "Day of the Dead" goods are gathered as an offering for the spirits. The Irish influence brought about the idea of the jack o lantern. Legend tells of a man named Jack who old his soul to the devil. The only way he could ward off Satan was with a lantern. From this the "Jack o lantern" came. Initially the Irish carved these lanterns out of turnips. When Irish settlers came to America during the potato famine they discovered a shortage of turnips and thus opted to use pumpkins.
Trick or treating has perhaps the most bizarre history. During the middle ages the poor would visit the wealthier citizens asking for food or even money. If they were turned away one of two things occurred. Some believe something similar to "bad karma" would befall them. In other cultures the poor themselves would do mischievous deeds to the property of the rich. This was done during Samhain, All Saint's Day, and All Soul's Day. The idea of wearing costumes or masks comes from several cultures which would mock or imitate the dead on days which celebrated the recently departed.
Again, there is still much debate about Halloween's history. Documentaries have been made, books have been written, and all have been scoffed at by at least some who claim to be Halloween historians. The only truths which remain are; Halloween is an American conglomerated holiday of ancient practices and it is not and has never been evil. Horror films and Haunted Houses have been attributed by nearly one hundred percent to the Americanization of these ancient spiritual holidays. In conclusion whether you celebrate the festive time or not, it is all meant in good fun.
Friday, October 23
BCHS defeats Greensboro is Downpour
Bibb County High School and Greensboro High School faced off on Thursday, October 22. Undefeated, Bibb County had already won the Region 3 4A Championship and clinched a State Playoffs birth.
Both teams had a few aspects pushing against them. Both were used to playing on Friday Nights. Also, it was raining steadily.
Bibb's defense managed to hold Greensboro to under 30 yards total offense in their third shut-out victory of the season. The Choctaws rolled over the Raiders 39-0. Jaquail Rutledge, C.J. Cutts, and Akeem Dobyne combined for 280 yards rushing. Both Rutledge and Dobyne scored a pair of touchdowns, and Cutts again scored first.
Bibb County travels to Chilton County in a 4A vs. 5A match-up to close the final season, next Friday . Many believe Bibb will enter the playoffs undefeated. For more on the BCHS vs. Greensboro game please read the 10/28 edition of the Centreville Press.
River Trips Banned by Board of Education
By: Daniel L. Bamberg
Bibb County Board of Education members have decided to discontinue field trips that placed students in or on any body of water. This ruling came on Tuesday October 12, 2009 in a regularly scheduled meeting. In discussion the board members suggested a value the natural resources and the history of the Cahaba River. They want to continue educational field trips for students to learn from the river. At this time however, all possible trips, which would place a student at risk of falling in the river, have been curtailed.
The decision came four days after 13 West Blocton High School students along with two certified teachers participated in a controversial canoe excursion. The 15 West Blocton High School members were with 2 members of the Cahaba River Society. Multiple canoes turned over (multiple times) placing students, faculty, and CRS members in flooded waters. The incident resulted in a rescue operation organized by the West Blocton Police Department, aided by Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, West Blocton Fire and Rescue, and the Woodstock Police Department.
Several members of law enforcement were emphatic about their disappointment in the decision of WBHS and CRS to place students in what they feel was harm’s way. Many parents and residents of the area were alarmed by the event. Following the disastrous trip, the Bibb County Board of Education began conducting an investigation to determine if the standards in place with such trips were met. If the outcome of the investigation results in a determination that these standards were not met, the Board promises swift and appropriate action. Thus far Bibb County Board of Education has placed one of the two present teachers on administrative leave. The Cahaba River Society met the Board of Education as part of the investigation.
Dr. Don Elam, Superintendent of Bibb County Schools expressed on Friday, October 16 “We want to continue our partnership with the Cahaba River Society. The personnel within this organization offer expertise about the river and can make available to our students opportunities to learn about the environment, pollution, and other important aspects of the Cahaba River. Our students need to learn about the river and develop an appreciation for the resources we have in our county. The safety of all students enrolled in Bibb County Schools remains a top priority.”
The Nashville Horizon Laced with Purple and Gold
By Daniel L. Bamberg
In Nashville, Tennessee a city thrives on dreams. Some of these are lost on Broadway while others are found on Music Row. On Saturday, October 17th, Country Music’s capital city hosted the dreams and the pride of a small Alabama town.
The Vanderbilt Commodores were hosting the Georgia Bulldogs in college football action. Sports writers would write about the action. Television commentators would deliver the play by play. Meanwhile, nearly 4 hours south, citizens of Bibb County, Alabama were watching this game in anticipation. Under the surface of an SEC game was a story of inspiration similar to those dreams Nashville accommodates. At running back for Vanderbilt was true freshman Zac Stacy from Centreville, Alabama. At center for the Georgia Bulldogs was sophomore Ben Jones, also from Centreville.
For Bibb County Choctaws’ fans, this wasn’t just an SEC match-up, it was a reunion. Two former teammates, two close friends, two high school football standouts were about to reunite on the gridiron for the first time in nearly two years.
Jones came onto the scene last year when he was literally thrown to the wolves as a freshman, earning a starting spot on the Georgia Bulldogs offensive line. At the end of last season SEC coaches selected Ben for the Freshman-All SEC team. Phil Steele of the Sporting News selected Ben to his own NCAA All-Freshman team, and College Football New dot com chose Ben for their NCAA All-Freshman team as well. He’s been a dominant player and leader on the highly regarded Bulldogs’ offensive line. This season he’s done nothing but improve on what is already a great college career. Some say he could be on his way to the All-SEC team. Even others believe Ben could be playing on Sundays eventually.
Stacy entered into Vanderbilt training camp earlier this year. His coaches expected him to get a lot of touches immediately. Stacy had broken rushing records at Bibb County High School and is in the Alabama sports history books near many state records. Running Backs coach Des Kitchings has commented proudly on Stacy’s ability and his character. Several coaches have made comments on their belief in Centreville’s Z-Man. Thus far this season he has rushed for 329 yards on 74 carries with a touchdown. Those statistics include the game against Georgia. His yards per run average have been 4.5. Considering an ankle injury occurring earlier this year, and the below average play of the offensive line, Stacy has been pretty phenomenal in a tandem role with roommate, Warren Norman.
When the whistle blew and the ball kicked off, two of Bibb County’s own were standing across the field wishing the other luck, but obviously hoping for the victory of their own team. “We pull for each other. We want to win, but I don’t have to worry about tackling Zac and he doesn’t have to worry about trying to tackle my teammates. I’m so proud of Zac. He’s doing his thing and I’m doing mine. It’s exciting,” said Jones. “We weren’t just teammates in high school we are friends. We stay in touch with each other. I keep up with what he does and he keeps up with what I do,” said Stacy. When Zac was asked if he’d like Ben to be blocking for him Zac shook his head approvingly and smiled.
Under overcast skies and cold weather, both of Bibb County’s men did their jobs. Ben dominated and controlled the Vanderbilt defensive line. Zac made the most from what his own offensive line allowed him, gaining 39 yards on 9 carries. Zac had a 15-yard burst in the 3rd quarter. In the same drive, he made some fantastic moves in the backfield to get freed up but unfortunately was tripped just before he was clearly about to break a 30-plus touchdown run. Instead, this run only resulted in a 7-yard carry. Stacy pounded the field in frustration.
In the end Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 34-10 but the score did not reflect the game. The Commodores played tough and challenged the Bulldogs. Penalties and lack of offensive execution plagued Vandy all day. “Its frustrating when you don’t put points on the board. The offense that we are running is very good and effective. We just have to stop making mental mistakes,” said Stacy after the game.
When the game ended Zac and Ben met each other around the 40-yard line nearest to the locker room. They shook hands, embraced and carried on like it had only been yesterday since they had seen one another. “We talk on the phone all of the time. Zac’s been to my house (in Bibb County) many times. We haven’t lost touch,” said Jones.
Both young men feel settled into the roles on their respective teams. “I’ve overcome the butterflies for the most part. The main thing that’s different is the speed of the game from high school to college. The game does slow down with each game once you get a little experience,” Stacy commented.
When asked about the play of Bibb County High School football this year Jones and Stacy both smiled. The expressions suggested portions of their heart were still in Centreville no matter how far away they were physically. “I try to listen to them on the radio on Fridays. It is good to hear they are doing really well down there. I just want to wish them luck and tell them to keep up the good work,” Stacy stated. Jones also admitted to keeping up with his alma mater. “They are doing a great job. I believe they’ll keep it up,” said Jones. Stacy was asked about the job of Quail Rutledge this year. Rutledge had some big shoes to fill replacing Z-man. “I knew Quail was going do what he is. I tell him all the time he’s got the same line I did with more experience. So he should get more touchdowns than me, more yards than me. He knows what to do. We talk about it all the time. He’s going to get the job done and he’s going to continue to get the numbers. I’m proud of him.” Some weren’t sure if the spot vacated by Stacy would be filled efficiently, but the numbers Rutledge has put up have been eerily similar.
As the dreams of a state championship tempt the imaginations of Bibb County Choctaws players and fans, two of the football program’s finest lead on at the next level. Ben Jones and Zac Stacy are humble people. Perhaps in heart they are average guys living a dream. Here in Bibb County, Alabama they are reminders that hard work and solid effort can lead to places many only dream of.
Thursday, October 8
Zac Stacy versus Ben Jones "We Are There"
On Saturday, October 17th the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Georgia Bulldogs will square off on the gridiron in Nashville. This brings two former Bibb County Choctaws teammates back together but on opposite sides of the field. The Centreville Press will be there to cover this story for the community. We hope you all look forward to the October 21st edition.
Success Brings Busy Days for Choctaws
The Bibb County Choctaws have received yet another "team of the week" award. This is their second of the season. Earlier this year they were presented a trophy for WTXT radio and The Athelete's Foot. On Thursday October 9th, they were given another trophy, this time by KWJK "JACK FM" radio and Wendy's restaurants. For more on this read the October 14th edition of the Centerville Press.
More in depth coverage of BCHS football coming throughout the season. On October 7th we released a story on Choctaws' outstanding running back Jaquail Rutledge. Several more sports features are planned before the season is over. Bibb County will travel to Holt this Friday night looking for another regional victory at 7 p.m.
Bibb County's Walking Dead Man Sentenced to 2 Years.
On Tuesday, October 7th ten members of the Bibb County community traveled to Arkansas in order to testify on behalf of Timothy Dehart, a convicted felon who had spent five years hiding in Centreville with the false identity (Chris Sullivan), escaping justice. Two were allowed to testify on behalf of Timothy Dehart's character, the other eight wrote letters accepted by the judge.
Dehart had previously been convicted of bank fraud in the state of Arkansas and was on probation at the time of his faked death off the coast of Mississippi. On Thursday October 8th Dehart was sentenced to 2 years in a Federal Prison for violation of probation. He is also facing charges in the the states of Alabama and Mississippi and could serve a total of 10-15 when all three cases are over. According to U.S. Marshall Bob Clark and investigation is still underway in order to uncover any possible crimes he commited during his 5 years on the lamb.
A full story including previously undisclosed information will be featured next week in the Centreville Press October 14th.
Centreville Press Staff Takes Rare Flight
Members of the Centreville Press staff were recently treated to one of the perks of the job. Bibb County’s community newspaper along with other members of the media, including WTXT, and the Tuscaloosa News were invited to ride the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel Blimp on Friday, September 25. Photographer and Bookkeeper Carol Belcher, her husband Jamie, and Reporter Daniel Bamberg took the hour-long tour over the city of Tuscaloosa at 9 a.m.
The blimp was in town in order to work the Alabama vs. Arkansas game on the following Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Wind Creek Casino and Hotel is located in Atmore, Alabama and is operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It opened in January of 2009, providing the luxuries of a stylish hotel, casino gaming, and numerous dining options. Wind Creek is a 17-story glass structure located on 35-acres of property. The facility itself is 225,000 square-feet with 57,000 of that dedicated to their gaming floor. The hotel offers 236 rooms and suites with valet parking and 24-hour room service.
Wind Creek’s very unique blimp is a twin-engine A-170 Lightship. What makes it special is on the outside it features the world’s largest television screen. Thousands of Americans throughout the Southeast are expected to see the airship fly over major events this year and next year alone.
The blimp consists of a large, helium filled balloon made from advance technology fabrics. At the back, four fins with rudder and control surfaces are attached. A nose dish is used to moor the blimp when it is on the ground. Located at the bottom of the aircraft is the passenger area, also known as a gondola. The set-up of the passenger area is set to provide everyone on board with the most breath taking view of all things below. The airship can travel up to 70 miles per hour but generally travels not much more than 30 mph. Its maximum altitude is 5,000 feet but due to its ultimate nature as a mobile advertiser they stay low to the ground so people can see. During events, most blimps do not travel above 1,500 feet.
The Lightship Group is the company contracted by Wind Creek to fly the blimp. Georgia native and Anniston resident, Robert Carl Harbuck pilots this orange and brown air spectacle. Harbuck is a former Naval torpedo man who served aboard the USS Virginia, a nuclear powered guided missile cruiser. During his service he received the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. After leaving the Navy Harbuck with The Dynamite Man Inc, as a civilian explosives expert. In his spare time he also flew commercial hot air balloons for BellSouth, Naturally Fresh Foods, and Hooters.
In 1987 he joined the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot and was the Honor Graduate of his first class. In his first year he flew the Uh-1 Huey, then was accepted to fly the AH64A Apache. Eventually Harbuck became an instructor pilot for the Apache.
In 1997, Harbuck joined The Lightship Group as an airship pilot. He has flown blimps for Budweiser, Blockbuster Video, Koc, Bell Canada, Met Life, Holden, Saturn, DIRECTTV and others. He says he has flown over virtually every inch of the United States and most of Canada.
Harbuck currently holds the world record for an airship endurance flight (which is a flight non-stop without refueling). The previous record was 14 hours. Harbuck’s mark is now at 24 hours, 39 minutes, and 55 seconds. He was commended in the Congressional Record for his aerial law enforcement assistance during the 2002 MLB World Series. He also holds the honor to have been the pilot to fly John Glenn aboard the Saturn airship. Harbuck has spent 22 years as an aviator. In that time he has recorded over 8.300 hours piloting air ships, 1,000 hours in helicopters, and 130 hours in hot air balloons.
As for the members of the Centreville Press who were given this rare treat, everyone enjoyed it. The experience was safe, relaxing, refreshing, and exhilarating, as advertised.
The browning of Bibb County and the killing of frogs
By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@centrevillepress.com
On August 19, following several concerns voiced by citizens we printed a story about areas of Bibb County receiving an herbicidal treatment along the rights of way. Mostly this seemed to be occurring in rural areas. County Road 20 (Antioch Road) was one of the major spots where this was occurring. Citizens were upset about the appearance of the scenic areas once green, now dead and brown. Some have called it “tacky” and even “pathetic.” Others were concerned about potential dangers with some of this spray seeping into the ground and even the water in places. Alabama Power was contacted and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations were investigated. It was revealed that this treatment was apart of an EPA approved series of methods known as “Integrated Vegetation Management” or IVM. These practices claim to have an ultimate goal of beautification, control of pests, and of coarse the clearing of rights of way for utility companies to access them. Other methods used in areas include, controlled burning and mowing. According to Alabama spokesperson Keisa Sharpe the herbicidal treatment is not practiced by them, but rather contracted to a company, which does this work. Sharpe however explained that the herbicide used was not much stronger than over the counter products such as “Round-up.”
Sharpe’s response to the press did not satisfy every citizen who complained initially. Instead more citizens came forth with stories of dead birds being found where the spray was used. It was even revealed that this practice of herbicidal treatment was being used within the city limits. Others reported that personal flowers and bushes were destroyed in their yards, which were barely on the right of way. None of this could be actually confirmed by the press. We could confirm, however that several dead frogs were found in the area near Scottsville Road where one particular citizen had been so afraid of this poison’s potency that he would not let his children play near the areas sprayed.
“If you go south of Brent on hwy 25, past Piggly Wiggly, you come to South Scottsville Rd on your right. It is the first of 2 entrances of the housing authority. Turn onto Scottsville next to the small metal shop and go to the end of the street, which is blocked by a gate to the toy plant. To the left, approaching the gate, you’ll see the dead vegetation including a beautiful old European rose that was sprayed. I've had to stop my children from riding bikes there because of the large number of dead frogs that were in and around the spring,” said Kenny Davenport of Brent.
A resident of Tapper Road who preferred anonymity said this was a reoccurring problem in his area. The citizen expressed every time the frogs seem to be coming back they get killed. One of the major concerns for the Tapper Road resident is that this poison is running off into a nearby spring. In the earlier report a resident of Six Mile believed the water was running into a spring, which provided drinking water to the area. Even some have had their gardens sprayed. Jamie Belcher of Six Mile has a pig that was in a single pen about 8 feet from a right of way sprayed for a single vine. According to Belcher the pig has begun developing sores. Belcher also lost an entire season of squash from plants he had within a few feet of an on-property right of way. This particular light pole was also sprayed for a single vine. “That vine clearly by anyone’s logic could have been pulled up by hand. Not just that but it had a long time to grow before it was going to become a problem,” Belcher said. Belcher and his wife got two batches of squash from their rows before the spraying. Since the herbicide was used, according to Belcher, they’ve had nothing.
As this story developed into something bigger and even more important to the community the shift of blamelessness has been abundant. Alabama Power could not confirm anything after our first article. After the Alabama Department of Transportation was seen using herbicide trucks in the area by citizens and staff of the Centreville Press they were contacted repeatedly. The “person in charge” of such things changed names and positions like chameleons change color. It took nearly 4 weeks to get any official word from ALDOT. When they finally agreed to go on record, it was through email. Nobody actually answered anything directly. Instead some questions remained unasked and unanswered. ALDOT did however take the opportunity to express the only areas they spray are state and U.S. highways. ALDOT went on to suggest they were not aware of any problems in Bibb County. According to Patsy Harris of ALDOT, “ We have one herbicide truck that assists in the vegetation management in both Chilton and Bibb Counties.”
Who is spraying these areas? Apparently every herbicidal truck witnessed by a citizen is not the culprit. Is an invisible entity with an unknown agenda; killing frogs, killing birds, killing roses, scaring citizens, and destroying the beautification of this community? More information will come concerning this ongoing story.
Local ladies invited to meet Earl of Spencer
Five ladies from Bibb County were invited to meet the late Princess Diana’s brother, the ninth Earl of Spencer Charles Spencer, who was in Birmingham promoting a line of furniture.
Betty White, Jean Goodson, Charles Spencer, Lane Patridge, Emily Hornsby, and Bernice Stacy traveled to Birmingham Wholesale Furniture to meet Spencer and preview the items from the furniture collection. The line of furniture will feature reproductions of furnishings from his family’s 501 year-old home, Althorpe Estate in England.
Spencer is promoting the furniture to raise money for the renovation of the estate. His family has occupied the Althorpe Estate for 19 generations and is the final resting place of Princess Diana.
Friday, October 2
Choctaws' Rutledge Tuscaloosa News Feature Story
Bibb County's starting tailback, Jaquail Rutledge has rushed for 866 yards on 99 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns and 6 two-conversions thus far in 2009. For Quail's stellar mid season stats Sports Writer Aaron Suttles of the Tuscaloosa News featured #11 in top story for Friday October 2nd's sports section. You can read it there or visit www.tuscaloosanews.com
Also Bibb County's former tailback and current Vanderbilt tailback Zac Stacy was featured in an excellent piece recently published in The Tennessean. This is a compelling heartfelt story about the relationship between Stacy and his younger brother, who has down syndrome. You can read it buy visiting The Tennessean's website.
West Blocton High School Senior Homecoming Court 2009
(left to right): Johnel Smith, Alicia Weems, Alexius Rutledge, Courtney Pounds and Julie Ryals
The Saturation of Bibb County
Bibb County School systems announced closings around 5 a.m. on Monday September 21, due to the concerns of flooding in the area. This followed a weekend of two consecutive torrential down pours. Monday morning began here in Bibb County, Alabama with the Cahaba River at a 21’ stage. Flood stage is 23’. This was before even more rain. Bibb County wasn’t alone in this, nor was Alabama. A large portion of the southeast was experiencing a rain that just would not stop. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday would bring the worst. Many called it “monsoon” weather. Once the rain began on Friday night it didn’t seem to stop until nearly 24 hours later. In less than ten hours after that it was raining again. Sunday night more rain came, and Monday morning just added insult to injury. Bibb County, has long had many flash flood areas, but this was the first time in a while that it lived up to those expectations. Portions of Holly Hill Road in Brent were consumed by rapidly running creeks of water. Ditches were over filling yards looked like lake front property, others looked like floating on-lake property. This was only the beginning. Cahaba Christian Academy’s front yard looked like a river, portions of Pondville and Six Mile took on the various looks from, rivers and creeks to rice fields and swamps. What was little known by many of the local public, Brent PD along with members of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department had already made nearly 25 rescues over the weekend, 6 of which had to be retrieved with flat bottom boats. Portions of Highway 219 had become compromised with water early on Monday and Millpond Road was a mess. Meanwhile in Six Mile, Old Six Mile Road had an entire section washed away and a red pick up was trapped in a steady rush of powerful floodwaters below. Unconfirmed reports were abound throughout the day, but perhaps nothing was more chilling than the thought, which cradled in the back of everyone’s mind. This wasn’t it. The grounds were slowly saturated for nearly a month with sporadic, and then finally the bottom fell out. We all know you can’t add water to a full glass. When you do all that remains is a mess. More rain is in the forecast over the next few days, as of our press time. A more detailed report will be in the Centreville Press next week.
Living Dead Discovered in Centreville
Living Dead discovered near Bibb County Airport
By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@centrevillepress.com
He isn't Elvis Presley, Tupac Shakur, or Jimmy Hoffa. Timothy Dehart isn't a celebrity at all. He was an ordinary guy who found himself on the wrong side of the law. Then he decided to fake his own death. In Bibb County, unlike Tupac and Elvis sightings if you ever heard "I saw Timothy Dehart at the gas station a few days ago" it was a strong possibility this person was telling the truth. That is, however before September 10, 2009. On that date U.S. Marshals arrested a man calling himself Chris Sullivan, as he was checking the mail at his residence near the Bibb County Airport in Centreville.
It was a rather unceremonious ending to a very strange story. Many who knew a man whose face and name had become synonymous with the Bibb County Airport appeared stunned. Chris Sullivan did not exist. The name and identity was simply a mask for a man named Timothy Dehart.
In 2004 Dehart was convicted of bank fraud in Paragould, Arkansas. The conviction came after he had sold equipment financed through his excavating company, which had not been paid off. The federal judge ordered him to pay $29,000 in restitution and placed him under 5 years of supervised probation. His problems did not end there, however. According to authorities Dehart was also nearly $300,000 in debt to creditors.
In September 2009 Dehart went to Gulf Port, Mississippi, in violation of his probation. Perhaps, it didn't matter to the convicted felon that he was committing another crime because soon he'd be dead. After his wife reported Dehart missing his empty boat was found doing circles off the coast. His truck and boat trailer were parked at a nearby dock.
The first clue for many investigators regarding the potential that it was all a hoax came when they could not find a laptop computer he owned. It was not in his car, his boat, or his residence.
Investigators believed that unless Dehart had been kidnapped there was no reason for the computer to have gone missing. Investigators also discovered that an unknown alternate bank account in Dehart's name had been emptied not long before his suspicious disappearance.
After an extensive search performed by the Coast Guard and other authorities, Timothy Dehart was declared dead. Simultaneously he was climbing the ranks of Arkansas’ most wanted criminals. Dehart’s wife eventually moved on, marrying another man who had children of his own.
There is no certainty from investigators as to how soon Dehart decided to make Centreville his home after disappearing. What is known is he had a Chris Sullivan driver's license from New York and Tennessee.
Once here and as Sullivan however, Dehart wasn't about to simply vanish into obscurity. He made himself known to business owners and political leaders of the community. He began working with the Airport Authority in 2007, and also helped start a business with a local woman Tanette Eyres. This business would be called "Boneyard Acquisitions LLC." The company did work for the Bibb County Board of Education and others around the area. Boneyard purchased a private airplane, reported average annual revenue of over $100,000, and had recently received an SBA loan for $50,000.
U.S. Marshall Bob Clark believes Dehart may have gotten "too greedy." His name (as Sullivan) and phone number were posted on aviation sites listing him as the airport manager. He appeared before local government bodies on behalf of the Bibb County Airport Authority requesting further funds. He had first hand knowledge of the seasonal revenue of the airport. He presented ideas on how to expand the runways and upgrade the lighting of the small airport. According to U.S. Marshals Dehart in his own words suggested he helped the airport get federal grants. Both Walt Williams and Kenny Hicks from the Airport Authority deny Dehart aided them with any grants. Both also deny Dehart was a manager of any sort at the airport.
Did Dehart actually begin to believe he was someone else? Had this guise of Chris Sullivan actually become a reality for the fugitive? According to an anonymous high school friend, Dehart he was adopted and had several personal problems growing up.
One fact which has been raising suspicion about Sullivan's/Dehart's intentions, is that Dehart's wife was to receive nearly $500,000 in life insurance 5 years after his disappearance. Dehart was arrested just days before his wife would've collected that money. While several media outlets are reporting, "law enforcement believes he was about to cash in on his own death", there is no proof to support that.
In fact investigators are denying all together any suspicion of his wife's knowledge or involvement.
“We believe she is innocent. She was not involved in any way and had moved on with her life,” said Clark. "At the same time, the investigation is ongoing and this is not a possibility we are ignoring."
Tim is facing a weapons charge in Alabama for having a firearm on his person as a convicted felon. He is also likely to face charges in Mississippi. Investigators do have reason to believe that his involvement with the airport and "Boneyard" may have been plays of a con man.
“This man is a true con man, but more than that he is dangerous," Clark expressed. "He is ex military and has made comments in the past, which show a violent nature. Weapons were found on his person. The man Centreville citizens knew is not the real man. Con mans are typically charming and very likable, that is how cons are pulled off.” said Clark.
Though nothing confirms he had any intention to con either the airport or Boneyard's owner Eyres out of money. Certainly his past lends support to those notions.
Other publications have reported that Dehart is in Arkansas awaiting trial. As of Monday, September 21 he is still in custody of authorities in Alabama. He will face weapons charges here. U.S. Marshall Bob Clark said Dehart would be extradited soon, but there is no date made certain. There is still an ongoing investigation exploring many avenues in the strange case of Timothy Dehart and Chris Sullivan. As it is gathered here, so it will be reported to you.
Bibb County Airport Authority member, Chris Sullivan was arrested by U.S. Marshals on September 10 and revealed to really be Tim Dehart. This Scooby-Doo-esque moment was courtesy of his staged death nearly five years ago. Dehart is a convicted felon, found guilty of bank fraud who also owed creditors $300,000 at the time of his disappearance.
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