Bibb County Commissioners to serve with ACCA

Bibb County Commissioners Ricky Hubbard and Al Green were recently elected to positions in the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama (ACCA).  Both will be serving in District 6 which includes Bibb, Chilton, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties.  For the complete story and more on Bibb's recognition by the ACCA read the September 2 edition of the Centreville Press.

Unemployment still rising, emergency benefits made available

By Daniel L. Bamberg

reporter

The unemployment rate in the state of Alabama has increased to 10.2% a 0.1% increase from last month.  This translates to 215,377 unemployed persons.  The sectors mostly affected by losses were financial activities, construction, information, education, and health services.  Meanwhile, sectors such as manufacturing, business and professional services, along with leisure and hospitality services experienced gains. 

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees stated, “Although we still experienced an increase in our unemployment rate, it’s not nearly as large a gain as we have been seeing this year, on a month to month basis.  The important thing for unemployed Alabamians to remember is that there is help available to them, and we at the Department of Industrial Relations are here to make sure they receive all the benefits for which they qualify.” 

Here on the home front, Bibb County saw a decrease in unemployed citizens.  Last month the area held a 16.1% unemployment rate, while this month was at 12.6%.  The rate is determined by the amount of residents employment and not by in county jobs.  According to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Bibb County’s shift was mostly due to the calling back of employees of Mercedes-Benz who were temporarily laid off in the previous month.  At the same time there has been a small increase in local business, which in part has contributed to the gain of employment. 

For those who are seeing the worst of these down economic times, the Alabama Legislature created recent relief.  Last week, a law was passed, adding up to an additional 20 weeks of “emergency benefits” for unemployed Alabamians.  These federally funded benefits are available to anyone who has exhausted all 59 weeks of their interests on or after March 29, 2009.  Claimants who are eligible for additional benefits will be notified in writing by DIR by August 28, 2009, and given instructions on how to file for them.  Any questions pertaining to these emergency benefits can be answered by calling 1-877-490-1642.

 

 

Bus Shop sold to Amerigas could employ up to 20

By Daniel L. Bamberg

reporter

AmeriGas has been in operation since 1959.  As the largest marketer of propane in the U.S., they currently supply over 1.3 million customers across the nation.  With that said it was the pleasure of Bibb County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Don Elam to announce the sell of the old BOE bus shop to the company.  AmeriGas will be coming to that building soon.  They expect to be fully operational by December 2009 and no later than January 2010.

This will not only bring a new business to the Bibb County area but according to AmeriGas Regional Manager, Robert Showman it will employ “north of eleven jobs” to the area with hopes of potentially hiring up to 20.  “One of the main attractions we had to Centreville was the job pool.  There are plenty of quality hard working good people in that area,” said Showman. 

The function of the new location will be to take propane cylinders, which have been returned, refill them and fix them.  The building will serve cylinders for the South Central region, which includes: Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Pan Handle, and Kentucky.  This operation was being conducted out of Bessemer, but according to Showman they have outgrown that location.  The manager of the Bessemer location, Sheila Marchant will be transferring to Centreville to run the new base. “We are absolutely excited about this.  It is the best thing we could do to service our area.  We are looking forward to it,” said Showman. 

This is yet another high profile move by Board of Education which could change the outlook of the County over the next few years.  In addition to this there has been a new Bibb County High School Facility built, repairs to West Blocton High School, as well as additions and remodeling to the elementary and middle schools in the area.  Just a few weeks ago the recent project design of a new Board of Education building was conceived to replace the historic Junior High building.  Add all of that to the establishment of several functions at the old Health Tex building, including a Senior Citizens’ Center through Brent and Centreville used within that building. “This is exciting news.  Anytime you talk about new business in the community and in this economy, its great news,” said Centreville Mayor Tom Bamberg.

Don Elam expressed sincere enthusiasm about the selling of the bus shop and expressed that the old Health Tex building was serving well in terms of adequacy and function for the Board and community as a whole. 

 

 

 

Assault, raising awareness on dog abandonment issue?

Daniel L. Bamberg

reporter

 

Animal ownership is a responsibility to the pet and more importantly to the community one lives in.  That’s certainly no matter of opinion, when you consider the incident, which occurred on 

Monday, August 17 off of Primitive Ridge in West Blocton.  Resident Larry Belcher was out walking his dog a Chow and Dotson mix around 4:30 p.m.  The route he took was the one he treaded three times, everyday.  It was normal for Belcher and his dog to come across a neighborhood stray pit-bull and a Labrador.  It was not unusual for those two animals to growl as they passed by.  On this afternoon, for whatever reason, the pit-bull decided to attack Belcher’s dog, without so much as a warning.  The lab also joined in.

In an attempt to rescue the family pet Belcher himself was attacked incurring a broken wrist, a strained leg, and a bite on his neck.  Belcher’s dog spent the night at the local veterinarian being treated for trauma and a deep gash over the eye.  Animal control was notified and currently has both of the attacking dogs in custody.  Mr. Belcher’s wife, Sharon expressed concern about there not being a stricter policy against vicious animals outside of the city limits within the county. 

One area resident, which notified the press about the issue, is concerned about dog abandonment in the area of Primitive Ridge.  She stated that many dogs seemed to be getting dropped off in the area.  While Primitive Ridge is indeed a rural and wooded area, people who are abandoning their animals may not realize how many children and families live in the area.  Vicious animals like pit bulls are unpredictable by nature, and could attack seemingly without warning.  Citizens of the area plan to address the county commission in the near future about the issue in hopes of getting some sort of countywide ordinance passed pertaining to vicious animals and pet abandonment.  

Week 1 of High School Football in Bibb posts victories for both

The Bibb County Choctaws came back from an early first half scare against the 6A Paul Bryant High School Stampede, winning their season opener at home 19-7.  Tailback, Jaquail Rutledge rushed for 161 yards on 29 carries with a touchdown aiding them to victory.  For the full story read the September 2nd edition of the Centreville Press.

The West Blocton Tigers totaled 445 yards of offense as they rolled over Dallas County in their Friday night 

season opener at 

home.  Backs James Kelser, D.J. Ward both cleared the 150 yards rushin

g mark.  Meanwhile, quarterback  Jacob Lindsey rushed for 114 yards on only 6 carries.  The final score, West Blocton 42, Dallas County 18.  For the full story read the September 2nd edition of the Centreville Press.

City of Centreville now has a "show place"

The City of Centreville recently leased Cahaba River Historical Park from long time owner and operator, Cecil Crews.  The decision was made by Centreville Mayor Tom Bamberg and Centreville's City Council.  It was made official at the Centreville City Council meeting held on August 4th with city lawyer Mike Hobson on hand.  "This can be a show place and something our citizens can be proud of," said Mayor Bamberg regarding the lease agreement to the park.

Scrap copper value rises, criminal values remain bottomless

By Daniel L. Bamberg 

daniel@centrevillepress.com

There’s a scene in the film “The Dark Knight” where the late Heath Ledger as the Joker suggests, “this town needs a better class of criminal.”  Certainly that sentence is oxymoronic in nature.  There are some acts of criminality, however which many find to be more classless than others.  Take the recent local thefts of copper wire for example.  It’s as one local said recently, “These thieves are working harder at stealing than they would likely be making an honest living.”  Last week it was discovered at Bethlehem Baptist Church and the Pinetucky Volunteer Fire Department, someone stole copper wiring.  With a minimal rise in the value of scrap copper, wiring theft is on the rise.  According to Bethlehem Baptist’s Treasurer and Music Director Robert Poe while the theft will probably only earn the thieves around $30 to $40 it has cost BBC nearly $1,500 in damages. 

The church is located on highway 219 just outside of the Bibb County area.  They along with the PVFD, are the third and fourth targets in the area within less than two weeks.  Just inside the Bibb County line on 219 Tabernacle Baptist Church along with the home of Aubrey Cash experienced similar thefts only days before. 

Over the past few years an alarming sense has come over the Bibb County community that simply once did not exist.  Places once considered sacred are no longer safe from criminal irreverence.  Many remember the church burnings in the area just a few years ago.  In Bibb County during 2009 year alone, there have been two reported cemetery vandalisms, and now four church vandalisms.  This is just what has been reported.  The possibility that some incidents have gone unnoticed is certainly not fantastical. 

In last week’s theft of wire from BBC the crime could have certainly become more severe had a church member not smelled gas.  During the taking of the copper wiring from the heating and air unit propane was released.  “They didn’t have the decency to turn the gas off.  Instead they let it escape which could have caused an explosion.  This could have been much worse,” said Poe.  One of our members got to the church and smelled the gas.  Another thing was these thieves ran the risk of electrocuting themselves because the wires were still hot when they removed them.  All they did was trip the breaker,” he furthered.  Poe also expressed that in a conversation with the church’s insurance company the agent he spoke with mentioned there had been 15 cases of copper wiring theft with clients of that office last week alone. 

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the break in and theft of BBC and PVFD.  Meanwhile Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is doing the same with the Tabernacle Baptist and Aubrey Cash residence situation.  According to these sources these senseless acts have not just been criminal but careless and could have resulted in something much more severe.  If anyone has information regarding these incidents they are encouraged to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (205) 926–4683 and/or the Perry County Sheriff’s Office (334) 683-6534.

Full Story on West Blocton Dollar General Robbery

“I was just passing through,” Roderick Moore explained to West Blocton police.  Moore, a forty-five year old black male from Birmingham, is suspected of robbing Dollar General in West Blocton Monday, August 10, 2009 at approximately 11:30 a.m.  According to West Blocton Chief of Police Keith Whatley, the suspect entered the store and walked around for a while, presumably, to allow customers to leave. Eventually, he made his way up to the register, which was being attended by an eighteen-year old employee. Moore then paid for an item. As the register opened, he reached across the counter grabbing the cash drawer and fled the scene.  A few customers in the parking lot witnessed him drive off in his 1994 Ford Ranger, he had originally parked behind the store. 

Chief Whatley, along with Officer Jonathan Mitchell, intercepted the vehicle on Highway 5 North.  Eventually, Moore abandoned the vehicle, running off into the woods in Woodstock.  Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, along with Lakeview and Woodstock police, arrived to assist in the manhunt. Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Department assisted from the sky via helicopter. 

According to Whatley, Moore had been spotted a few times in the woods and on the railroad tracks around Sable Steel.  The manhunt lasted under two hours, coming to a close at approximately 1:20 p.m.  Employees of Sable Steel had informed authorities that they had spotted him. With this information and the combined efforts of the police departments, his precise location was pinpointed.  The suspect is currently in custody at Bibb County Jail, charged with third degree robbery, and third degree burglary.  There has been no court date set as of yet.  Moore is already on probation and parole in Jefferson County, and has therefore been placed on hold. 

Initial reports last week indicated the suspect had been armed.  Confirmed reports after press time revealed that he had in fact not been armed.  “We appreciate everybody’s efforts and assistance.  The departments worked well together.  We also appreciate the assistance of the employees at Sable Steel.  Apprehending this criminal safely and efficiently was a combined community effort,” said Chief Whatley.

The Remainder of Tiny Gods

Daniel L. Bamberg

columnist 

This week's edition of "Everybody Has One" features a bit of tough language for people who place their kids on "God-like" pedestals.  It is not a surprise that some of you got a bad taste in your mouth and others had furthering questions.  Let me first explain that yes, the opening quote "My children are my god" has been spoken to me many times.  I have also read or seen of where celebrities have said this.  

It is obvious this might be a generational thing.  With that possibility I will so stipulate it as such.  Perhaps this began with my ridiculous generation.  Either way, this mentality is out there and is becoming more and more prevalent an idea as the days go by.  I however must suggest 

it may have begun with a similar notion which occurred before my generation came of age.  This said idea was "my child is my friend first, and my kid second."  While these two statements may seem as an apple and orange scenario, I feel it is more like a tangerine to tangelo comparison.  

Some have called me on the fact that I am not a parent.  I will not argue that and will even suggest I should not be expressing how I feel one should raise a child without this experience.  Yet my column did not approach parenthood on a personal level at all.  It approached it on a social one.  It is society which is being extracted from these ideals.  Never would I tell someone how to discipline their child, but to me there is a social duty to express as a human being that parents should "discipline their children."  Never would I tell someone how to feed their child, but there is a social duty for one to express parents should "feed their children." 

This is a pretty basic example of what I was suggesting with the column "When Tiny Gods Look Up and Find Nothing."  It is not my purpose nor privilege to suggest what priority a parent places their children.  It is my duty as a member of the human race to express a child can not in any way possess an authority on society.  Someone mentioned the baby Jesus.  I must sarcastically cut that off by explaining Jesus reached adult hood and before that he wasn't posting authoritative positions in the world.  

I am not a parent.  This is another reason why I take such comments personally.  I look around and those given the privilege and opportunity to raise a child.  This may or may not be something I will eventually get to experience in my lifetime.  There is a certain envy I possess for parents.  This is why I take a certain degree of personal insult to those who should not be raising a child.  I am sorry but any person who calls their child a "god" is unworthy of the responsibility and the gift of parenthood.  I will not move on that, even if my critics must expel my words with a dismissive label of "envy."  

Finally, in reference to those who suggested I misinterpreted the real meaning behind the statement; "my child is my god..."

Perhaps the intention is to say "my child is my top priority" or "I would die for my child."  Yet it is so much easier those things than it is to say "my child is my god."  This statement is first meant to blaspheme the possibility of a higher power and shock those who believe in such.  Secondly it is meant to suggest "My child is the being who motivates and defuse my actions."  I understand that mentality but again the child must be motivated and defused by his/her guardian and cannot rightfully do so if said guardian is looking to them for the next move.  Parenthood, I am sure is an inspirational life changing moment, but it cannot be a religion.  A parent cannot submit to a child.  This is simply the loss of the very essential key in being parental.  

This blog should lead nicely into next week's piece which is the second part of the three part series I am doing on the Modesto City School Board.  I would like to thank those of you who have expressed interest and concern in that piece.  I finally got official comment on the record and the three-parter continues next week.

Occupational tax for JeffCo Passes the House

The Alabama State House has passed the Jefferson County occupational tax bill and accountability bill.

On Wednesday morning, after debating the occupational tax bill, the first attempt to pass the bill failed on a 14-15 vote. A motion to reconsider the vote was made and the bill was passed on a 17-15 vote. This means the House has approved the Jefferson County occupational tax at .45 percent and will include professionals and could be voted out by citizens by 2017. Rep. Jack Williams from Vestavia Hills was the only Republican to vote for the occupational tax bill.
After a quick debate, the accountability bill was passed 25-1 with Rep. Mary Moore being the only one voting against. Rep. Paul DeMarco, who sponsored the accountability bill, was blasted during the debates by Moore for introducing the accountability bill but not voting for the occupational tax bill.
The accountability bill will now force Jefferson County to hire a county manager by 2011 and a comptroller sometime this year.

 

Courtesy of myfoxal.com

Armed Robbery in West Blocton leads to Monday morning manhunt

By Daniel L. Bamberg

reporter

At approximately 1:20 p.m. on Monday, August 10^th a black male was taken into custody by the West Blocton Police Department.  He was the suspect of an armed robbery occurring at the new Dollar General in the area, earlier that morning.  According to sources the man entered the store robbing them at gunpoint.  He fled the scene by vehicle and according to authorities bailed from the car on foot leading to a nearly two-hour manhunt.  

Through the cooperation between West Blocton PD and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department the suspect was apprehended.  No further information was obtained by press time.  Any further developments will be published next week.

MORRISON, AMONG WEST ALABAMA SOFTBALL’S BEST

Tuscaloosa News Sports Writer Aaron Suttles, has completed his selections for West Alabama’s Best in softball and baseball.  Bibb County High School’s Morgan Morrison (back row, second from left) was tapped for the Softball squad. Morrison as a junior hit .400 with 7 home runs and 40 hits.  She has been a starter for the Lady Choctaws since the eighth grade and is the school’s all time leader in hits with 186. Her selection along with the earlier selection of Jeremy Hobson for the baseball squad displays the solid production of athletes from our community.

(left to right) are: back row--Michal Robertson, Morgan Morrison, Lara Fleenor, Christianna Denelsbeck, Allison Rice, Jordan Patterson, Bailey Braughton, Mallory McGee; middle row--Laken Hancock, Kristina Kelly; seated--Chandler Dare. Photo by Dusty Compton courtesy of Tuscaloosa News

School Year Begins with Two New Principals

Woodstock Elementary and Brent Elementary Schools will begin the 2009-2010 school year with new principals. Mrs. Shea Moody Essman will head up Woodstock Elementary School and Dr. Mechelle Hollifield will be at Brent Elementary School.  

Mrs. Essman received her certification in administration and supervision from the University of Montevallo in 2005.  She also holds a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the University of Alabama; and a Master of Early Childhood Education from the University of Montevallo. 

She comes from a long line of educators.  Her grandmother, Essie Moody, was a teacher at Eoline and at West Blocton Elementary School; her mother, MaryAnn Moody was Special Education Coordinator; her father, Morris Moody, is a former West Blocton High School principal; and her sister, Tish Elmore, currently teaches math at West Blocton High School.

Mrs. Essman has taught for the past fifteen years within the Bibb County School System, the same system in which she began school as a kindergartener and received her high school diploma, which she earned at West Blocton High School. 

“It is a great honor to be a leader in the same school system that provided so much for me,” said Essman.  “It is my goal to make each student feel capable of success and to realize their full potential.  I look forward to working with my fellow teachers, parents and the community in order to help each child at Woodstock Elementary reach their fullest potential.”

Mrs. Essman is married to Chris Essman, also a West Blocton High School graduate.  The Essmans have three daughters: Amanda, Kristen and Kathleen.

Dr. Mechelle Hollifield, also a Bibb County native who graduated from Bibb County High School, has taught within the Bibb County School System for 20 years, beginning her career as a teacher at Brent Elementary School. She has also served as assistant principal and as principal at Brent Elementary. She has also been an instructor at the University of Alabama. 

Dr. Hollifield earned her Bachelors of Science, Masters of Education and Education Specialist Degrees from University of Montevallo, graduating with Highest Honors (1992 & 1994).  She earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Elementary Education Graduate Student in 2001. Lastly, Dr. Hollifield underwent Classroom Organization and Management Training with the University of Vanderbilt.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hollifield has earned the following honors:  Most Outstanding Elementary Education Graduate Students 2001; Jacksonville State Teacher of the Year Runner-up; National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certified; and Bibb County Teacher of the Year.

“I am very excited to be back as principal of Brent Elementary,” said Dr. Hollifield. I have always thought that successful schools were built by caring individuals, not by expensive programs. Since I've been back at Brent Elementary, I have been greeted by caring and dedicated faculty and staff members. I've witnessed these teachers give up their summer vacations to train, plan and prepare for a successful 2009-2010 school year. I am really looking forward to the coming year and leading this dedicated and caring team of teachers.”

Dr. Hollifield is married to Joe Hollifield, of Brent, and they have two daughters, Haleigh and Kelly, who are both students at Bibb County High School.

Dr. Don Elam, Superintendent of Bibb County Schools, stated “We are fortunate to have two individuals of such high caliber moving into leadership positions at Woodstock Elementary and Brent Elementary Schools.  Mrs. Essman and Dr. Hollifield have served the district with integrity during their tenure in the Bibb County School System.  I am confident that they will continue to serve our students and the communities with credibility, and will provide prudent leadership in their new positions.”

WEST BLOCTON CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

A special program was presented during Wild West Day to commemorate West Blocton’s 125th Anniversary.  All town officials were recognized, they included Mayor Jesse Reese, City Clerk Pam Morse, Bookkeeper DeLane Johnson, Superintendent Jerry Fondren, city council members: Greg Blake, Howard Franks, Myrtle Jones, Fred Lynch, and Mark Wooten.  Dr. Lisa Buck was the M.C. She presented Mayor Reese with a framed certificate commendation. Special recognition was presented to Elbert James who represented the building of the community and its Coal Mining connections. James has lived in Blocton all of his life and is 93 years of age.  A Certificate of Recognition was also given to Emma Hicks for the future project of a new building for the Public Library. Charles Allen, Chairperson for the Coke Oven Committee, was also recognized with a special certificate relating to the future development of the park and its significance to the town's future.