By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
As the New Year becomes a reality, many will reflect on the year that was. In 2009 Bibb County made state headlines on several occasions and even in some instances, national headlines. There were strange occurrences, moments of triumph, and unique stories. The following are the most memorable twenty stories covered by The Centreville Press in 2009 (reverse order).
20. Two Earthquakes Shake Bibb County
In February Bibb County registered an Earthquake, which as one expert stated, “could not be felt.” On two days in April a pair of earthquakes were not only felt but alarmed many citizens. This gave Bibb a very short-lived media nickname “Earthquake Central” and caused many citizens to become interested in Geology and Seismology.
While earthquakes are not commonly felt in most areas of Alabama, experts claimed Bibb County’s 2009 seismic activity was normal and geologically healthy. In short, there was no reason for any alarm, but it was all the talk for a time.
19. Major Drug Bust
Following a nearly year long sting operation performed by the 4th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, Grand Jury Indictments were handed down in October. In early November 16 arrests were made for several drug charges which included selling drugs near school and distribution of a controlled substance for many of the suspects. The Investigation resulted in the seizing of $2000 in marijuana, $10,000 in crack cocaine, $2000 in cash, some fire arms, and illegally distributed prescription medication.
18. Out of Towner Rescues Local at Cahaba Lilly Festival
During the Cahaba Lilly Festival in June, a Tuscaloosa resident came to the event with no expectations. Roy E. Grose had been encouraged by friends to witness the celebration. Eventually he gave in and came to West Blocton along with several other out-of-towners.
Grose said he enjoyed the event but eventually it was time to leave.
Their departure was halted as Grose began to look in his truck for his missing cell phone. Not long thereafter a voice from the distance yelled, “Oh my God, he is under, someone help him.” An elderly man had fallen into the current and was drowning. Grose emptied his pockets and jumped in the water. He grabbed the man’s cane, asked him to hold on and pulled the elderly man to safety. It was later discovered that Grose was the only person nearby who could swim. The visit that Grose never wanted to make became a moment one citizen could not have afforded for Grose to miss.
17. Dr. Meigs Flies with the Blue Angels
Local family physician Dr. John Meigs was given the rare and distinct honor of flying with a member of the Blue Angels Squadron in one of their jets. This was just before Tuscaloosa’s first ever Air Show which was a successful venture for that community. Meigs was like a kid at Christmas and yet never seemed nervous during this unique experience.
16. Several Local Cemeteries Vandalized
One of the most disturbing occurrences this year happened repeatedly. Several local churches and cemeteries were vandalized this year. Arrests were made, but new acts continued to surface. The most significant of these was perhaps the desecration of the Centreville-Cooper Street Cemetery known by some as “Four Points Cemetery.”
Twenty-five tombstones were disrupted in some way. Not long after, several churches were broken into and wrecked. This most notable of these occurred when copper wiring was stolen from one church allowing gas to seep out which could have easily resulted in an explosion had nobody noticed.
In a story that the press is still investigating, vandalism apparently occurred again at Four Points Cemetery on Christmas Eve. More will come on that story next week.
15. Bibb County Flooded
In September of this year several days of rain, including a day where the bottom fell out, resulted in a mild but visible flooding in the area. A portion of Deer Creek Road was washed away leaving two vehicles trapped in the water. Nobody was killed during this event and the community seemed to rally around one another as several stories of heroism were revealed in the aftermath.
14. West Blocton Canoe Trip Disaster
In October several citizens were shocked to discover 13 West Blocton High School students had turned over on multiple occasions while on a canoe field trip. Two teachers and two members of the Cahaba River Society were with the kids. After law enforcement showed up to aid in the recovery, Bibb County Sheriff Keith Hannah and West Blocton Chief of Police Keith Whatley were horrified and disgusted with the situation. Whatley found the actions of the teachers and the Cahaba River Society to be irresponsible and careless. The following week the Board of Education ruled a ban on all trips to the Cahaba River until further notice and at least one teacher was placed on administrative leave.
13. Board of Education Superintendent Assaulted
If you want a bizarre story look you need look no further than May 6, 2009. After the Board of Education chose to demote Brent Elementary School Principal, Dr. Cheryl Fondren, her husband Tony went to the residence of Superintendent Don Elam. What happened while he was there has yet to be determined by the court system. Fondren did however turn himself in to authorities shortly there after on assault charges. Then he posted $10,000 bail. A Grand Jury indicted Fondren in October. According to court documents he faces two counts of assault. One count was for assaulting Don Elam and another was for assault Elam’s wife, Mary.
12. South Bibb Dixie Youth Wins State Championship
On July 18th the South Bibb Dixie Youth AA baseball team won the State Championship in Athens, Alabama by defeating Mobile’s Municipal American team. The team, which is made up of 7 and 8 year-olds, made the front of the News Courier in Athens and the front page of the Centreville Press.
11. Teenager Drowns in the Cahaba River
The saddest story of the year occurred in April, when a student from Tri-Wil Porta Cras (West Blocton) drowned in the Cahaba River. A group of teens were on an outing with two house parents at the Cahaba Rive National Wildlife Reserve, commonly referred to as “Piper.” While walking along the shoals, a 13-year-old slipped and fell between the rocks. One of the other boys attempted to rescue him, but unfortunately the teen eventually slipped and went under.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, with aid from Tuscaloosa Sheriff’s Department and Rick Lecroy, searched for the boy until it was too dark. The BCSD Dive Team discovered the boy on the following day near noon. Tri-Wil Executive Director Jim Brown spoke highly of the child’s character and called the death a surreal and terrific loss.
10. Local National Guard Unit Deployed to Iraq
The most touching and patriotic display of the year came in June. The 129th Medical Company of the Alabama National Guard (one of the local units) was deployed to Iraq. During the Deployment Ceremony emotions were high as families came to see their loved ones off. On hand for the ceremony were Senator Hank Erwin, Brent Mayor Dennis Stripling, Centreville Mayor Tom Bamberg, West Blocton Mayor Jabo Reese, and Probate Judge Jerry Pow. Senator Erwin spoke saying, “ Remember where you come from. You come from the United States of America, the greatest country on Earth. Take care of it so you can pass it on to the next generation.” Children of the Unit’s members were given pins and American Flags and mothers of those in the unit were given a banner by the Blue Star Mothers of America. The 129th Medical Company of the Alabama National Guard is set to return home in June of 2010.
9. Local Slumlord Exposed
Trussville resident and owner of Highfield Properties, Ricky Shaw has been exposed as a potential slumlord in the media. Shaw is the landowner for Shady Oaks Estates, a trailer park in West Blocton.
Following the entire trailer park losing water, the media was contacted and an investigation to further claims of “unsafe living conditions” went underway. During the investigation several major sewage leaks in the general area were discovered. Also some residents were without hot water and were given no intent from the landowner to fix the problem. Black mold, holes in the floor, faulty wiring, roach infestations, leaking roofs and windows were also common problems. The Centreville Press broke the story in December. WVUA-TV followed with another report. Currently other media sources claim to be investigating the landowner as well. Other properties in other areas are also being investigated following accusations that Shaw suggested Shady Oaks wasn’t the worst place he owned. A follow-up to this story is currently in the works.
8. Bibb County High School Opens New Facility
In May, Bibb County High School opened its doors to a brand new state of the art school facility. Several conditions of the old building resulted in the beautiful and technologically adequate new building. 9th graders currently attend school in the newest portion of the old building while the rest of it is utilized for special events, and the old lunchroom is the new weight room. Of the many strides made by the present Board of Education administration this was their landmark achievement.
7. Six Mile Gets a Fire Department
After years of trying to do it on their own the Six Mile community were finally able to get their own community volunteer Fire Department. It came with help from their big brother, Brierfield Volunteer Fire Department. BVFD Chief Spruce McRee spoke to the Six Mile Community in early March presenting them an offer to become a second station for Brierfield. This action would allow Six Mile residents to serve fire protection to their own community without having to pay out the high cost of it all. The only negative would be the loss of exclusive identity. Following a 41 to 2 vote in later March, among Six Mile residents a momentous decision had been made. The Six Mile Community Center now hosts Brierfield Volunteer Fire Department – Station II Six Mile. The two groups train together, co-host events, and combine their efforts in fund raising.
6. WWII Era Guns Found in Creek
During a routine bridge inspection in April members of the Alabama Department of Transportation discovered some guns in Shultz Creek just off of a bridge on Highway 219 in Centreville. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Department was notified and the Dive Team discovered more guns after searching for a few hours. A total of ten weapons were discovered including a Thompson .45 Caliber Semi-Automatic, a pilot’s survival gun, and a Japanese anti-tank cannon. These weapons were all from the World War II era, making them very valuable and historically important.
In a combined effort between the A.T.F. and the BCSD the guns were donated to museums and the Thompson was donated to the Sheriff’s Department. The story made state headlines, some national headlines, and was featured in a handful of magazines published for gun enthusiasts.
5. Zac Stacy Makes Waves at Vanderbilt
Former Bibb County football standout Zac Stacy made a splash in major college football early this season. Before suffering a knee injury he had become the ‘go to’ back for Vanderbilt’s new offense. His personality and charm thrust him into the media spotlight, as he became one of the most often interviewed players on the team. Coaches and players alike have been raving about Stacy’s talents since he arrived. Nashville’s weekly newspaper “The Tennessean” and the Tuscaloosa News both included major write-ups on Zac this season.
The Centreville Press was given the honor of covering a reunion of former teammates, however, when Georgia faced Vanderbilt in October. Ben Jones, former teammate and starting center for Georgia, suggested, “I am so proud of him.” So, this season was the community.
4. Sammie Hill and Matt Downs Go Pro
Former West Blocton High School stud, Sammie Lee Hill was drafted earlier this year into the NFL. The Detroit Lions picked up the former Tiger in the 4th round in what some referred to as “a steal.” Sammie’s successful summer workout resulted in a starting position on the Lions defensive line. He has been impressive thus far and appears to have a bright future ahead with a 3-year contract signed not long after pre-season began.
Native of Centreville, Matt Downs became the talk of the town earlier this year when he was called up to the San Francisco Giants. During a brief stint he didn’t post an impressive average but accomplished many things. Downs has major league hits, a major league stolen base, major league RBIs, and a major league home run. Giants’ management spoke highly in regards to Downs’ ability and character. He was called up one more time in an even shorter trip before the season ended. Perhaps there will be more of Downs as a Major Leaguer in 2010.
3. Willie Gardner Jr. Memorial Bridge
Willie Gardner Jr., a local Vietnam hero who died in the war, was given a distinct and historic honor in May. He became the first black soldier in Bibb County to have a memorial dedicated in his honor. Following a ceremony in front of friends, family, and brothers in arms, Haysop Creek Bridge was permanently changed to Willie Gardner Memorial Bridge. State Representative Cam Ward, who had a lot to do with the moment becoming, spoke at the ceremony. “It is very seldom that I have the opportunity to really be as honored and humbled as I am here today. God is indeed shining down on us with his arm around Willie Gardner,” said Ward.
2. One of Arkansas Most Wanted Discovered Living in Centreville
One of the most peculiar stories this year was that of Tim Dehart. The man locals referred to as Chris Sullivan, a member of the Bibb County Airport Authority, was actually Tim Dehart of Paragould, Arkansas. Also unknown to local residents he was a wanted man. Dehart had disappeared off the coast of Mississippi five years before being arrested in Centreville. At the time of his disappearance he was in violation of probation and owed a large sum of money for bank fraud. His arrest came just days before his wife would have received full payment on an insurance claim for his “staged” death.
The story made state and national headlines and became one of the most talked about stories of the year here in Bibb County.
1. BCHS Undefeated for First Time in 24 years
The Bibb County High School football team became the talk of West Central Alabama after finishing the regular season undefeated. This happened for the first time in 24 years. There were other accomplishments however. Running Back Quail Rutledge led the region in rushing and the Bibb County defense never fell from the top 4. For the first time in the program’s history the Choctaws made it beyond the second round of the playoffs but lost valiantly in the third round to Jackson.
Many members of the community were inspired and enthusiastic about the success, which came from the efforts of a solid team. With that community pride came a community bonding and with that came Bibb County’s greatest story of the year.
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