The Centreville Press/Bibblogger Newsworthiness Awards

While visiting Bibblogger please cast your vote for “Bibb County Moment of Year” and “Bibb County Newsmaker of the Year.” 

These awards are voted upon by readers only and will be featured as Centreville Press/Bibblogger’s first annual Newsworthiest Awards.  Candidates were selected based upon community importance, story impact, conversations generated amongst the community, and comments received by this office either by email, phone or in person.  Your vote does matter and you can only vote once.  So please make it count. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND WHY WE CHOSE THEM PLEASE CLICK "The rest of the story" link below.  

From the ashes of loss comes a new building

By Daniel L. Bamberg

It was exactly two years ago this week when Bibb County residents witnessed a place full of fond memories burn before their eyes.  Some wept openly but most were shocked and dismayed.

When the smoke settled there wasn’t a way to salvage the old building, which stood for nearly 98 year-old building.  It was a historical building, which stood through two world wars and the great depression.  It was a place that represented historical when desegregation came south.  It was a High School, a Junior High School and finally burning to the ground as the offices for the Bibb County Board of Education.  A historical landmark of the county seat, Centreville was in ruins. 

From the ashes arose a phoenix, on Thursday, December 16^th.  Atop the front steps and beyond the iconic pillars, oddly similar to that of the given up ghost, a new building stood proud. It was the grand opening for the new Bibb County Board of Education building.  

Kyli picks winner of rifle raffle

Kyli Steele selects the winning raffle ticket for a fund raising benefiting cancer research at First United Security Bank in Centreville on Saturday, December 18^th.  Her older sister, McKenzie holds the box.  Kyli who was diagnosed with Lukemia nearly 6 months ago has been a source of inspiration for her family as well as the community. 

 

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Kyli Steele may only be three years old but she is wise enough to not allow her conidtion to take away her Christmas spirit.  She is the daughter of David and Jennifer Steele.  Six months ago she was diagnosed with cancer.  Since her diagnosis members of the community have rallied around her in support of a girl whose very presence seems to bring warmth even on a very cold day.

Since being diagnosed her condition has been improving.  

Energy assistance provided by Project SHARE again this year

The Bibb County Chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting applications on Jan. 3^rd for Project SHARE, the enrgy assistance program for low-income elderly or disabled individuals. Residents of Bibb County can set up an appointment by calling the Project SHARE office at 926-5702.

As the organization responsible for administering Project SHARE funds, a Red Cross representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance in paying their energy bill. For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.

Graduates of the old BCHS attend Grand Opening

Six graduates of the old Bibb County High School Building, which was destroyed by fire two years ago, were on hand for the grand opening of the new building built atop the old building’s remains.  They were: (left to right) Jim Oakley, Faye McAfee, Cleo Medders, Pat Duke, Bob Jamison, and Centreville Mayor Tommy Bamberg . The new building is the Bibb County Board of Education office but will also dub as a Bibb County Schools Museum, and it includes a community stage theatre with 600 affixed seats.  

New polls up

The Christmas polls are officially closed.   You will notice that there are 3 new polls for our readers.  We hope you will all participate.  You, our beloved citizens and readers have the ability to select Bibb County's "Moment of the Year" and "Newsmaker of the Year."

The candidates have been selected on a number of criteria.  For "Moment of the Year" stories which seemed to have a greater emotional impact and which were endearing in some way to the community made the list.  Some made the list due to the amount of conversation and buzz it generated.  

For "Newsmaker of the Year" we decided to select candidates who generated positive stories and who made a shining impact on the community.  The winner will be given the title of Bibblogger first Annual "Newsmaker of the Year" award.  

"Newsmaker of the Year" will be final on January 31st.  Moment of the Year however must be selected by no later than December 31st.  Look for a 2010 in Review article to appear in the Centreville Press over the next 2 weeks and an extended version of these to appear on Bibblogger.  

There is also a final poll for you all to let us know if you plan on resolving something for 2011.  Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve from the County Seat

Holiday Polls and "Opining" My Gifts

By Daniel L. Bamberg

It's 3:00 a.m. here in Centreville and officially Christmas Eve.  The holiday season is in full swing and will come to a close on January 1st.

It has been a strange year here in Centreville, so Bibblogger readers can look forward to a 2010 re-cap soon.  Meanwhile, we thought it would be interesting to get a real sense of our readers during the holiday season.  

So we polled our readers on a few pressing holiday questions.  How much Christmas shopping did you do inside of Bibb County?  What are your 3 favorite spiritual Christmas songs?  Then, there was the most pressing:  What stirs up your bah-humbug?  

Fifty-one readers proved what many already knew.  There isn't a lot of holiday shopping done in Bibb County, even from its residents.  Just over 27% of Bibblogger readers said they did most or all of their Christmas shopping inside the county.  A staggering 54% of readers admitted to doing little to no holiday shopping inside Bibb, with 15 readers suggesting they didn't spend a dime on shopping in the county they call home.   Just under 18% suggested they did about half of their shopping inside Bibb County.

Annual Christmas Fish Fry still brings a crowd

Bibblogger Exclusive

Below are scenes from the Annual Fish Fry held by three of Bibb County's prominent business owners. Scott Davis and Herbie Burkes.

Initially this event was created as a Christmas party to thank the employees of the businesses owned by these men, but has become a community event.  Since it's first event, 8 years ago it has also become a community event as community leaders, including local politicians and police officers along with other well known names have received invitations.  

We could not find out exactly how many pounds of catfish were cooked each year for this event but can promise you it is a great deal.    

Bibb Schools - weather or not to send a child home?

By Daniel L. Bamberg

On Monday evening, November 29 a weather event was expected to occur the following morning.  Some school systems in central Alabama counties made a decision to close or postpone the opening of school for Tuesday.  Bibb County Schools was not among those who made such a decision.

Bibb County Schools made no such decision at 7:45 a.m.  It was business as usual. Schools systems around Bibb County’s were closing or delaying, but Bibb County Schools were opened. 

At approximately 8:15 a.m. a tornado-warning siren was sounded by way of the Bibb County EMA Office.  Bibb County schools and the Bibb County Board of Education office was contacted.  Upon this contact there was no decision to close schools.

FFA (Future Farmers of America) recently delivered fruit cases recently to those who purchased them in fundraising support of the organization.  Roger Brothers explained that with the combined efforts of the middle school FFA group they sold nearly 900 cases.  Pictured: (L to R) Dustin Rominger, Hunter Langford, Amber Belcher, Walter Morris, Alan Rogers, Lee Holt

Theft in Talladega National Forest under investigation

U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers are investigating a recent theft that occurred in the Talladega National Forest, Oakmulgee Ranger District office in Brent. 

According to officers, the theft is believed to have occurred between the dates of November 24-29.  The stolen property is valued at approximately $11,000. The missing items are; a green Kawasaki utility terrain vehicle (3010 series mule), a black 6 x 12 single axle trailer, and a 50-gallon aluminum encased skid sprayer (King’s Poly Tank)

A Forest Service district employee reported the incident when items were discovered missing around 9 a.m. on November 29.

“Each piece of equipment we utilize on our district is a necessary tool that helps us effectively manage the forest,” said Cynthia Ragland, Oakmulgee district ranger.  “It is something that is unfortunate and puts a strain on the limited resources we have to do our job.”

Theft of government property carries a minimum fine of $1,000 or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both.

If you have any information, which may lead to the recovery of the property, or the apprehension and conviction of the parties involved, please contact Brent Police Department at (205) 926-4647, Bibb County Sherriff’s Office at (205) 926-4683, or the U.S. Forest Service at (205) 926-9765 or (334) 832-4470. 

 

Second Annual Drive-Thru Nativity a success

By Daniel L. Bamberg

McDaniel Memorial United Methodist Church along with Centreville United Methodist Church continued where the left off last Christmas season, presenting a live drive-through nativity scene.

Last year was a trial year for the event.  “I think a lot of people were more skeptical last season than this season,” explains Reverend Elaine Hagenbuch.  “It was such a hit last year that everyone is much more excited.”

The actors for the live nativity scene, which included the edition of a Census Taker’s booth this year, have been braving harsh weather.  

Nine train cars derail in Brierfield

At 10:35 a.m. this morning, Nine Norfolk Southern rail cars derailed this morning in Brierfield .

The train was southbound for Selma.  It was operated by 3 locomotives and carried a total of 93 cars.  Only 5 of the nine derailed cars turned over on their side.  Three of the overturned cars were empty and one contained paper.  Another however contained a hazardous product.  Norfolk Southern expressed that there was no release of any harmful materials during the accident.   Norfolk Southern announced they would be repairing the tracks this afternoon.  They are currently investigating what factors may have instigated the derailment.  

South Bibb Rescue seeking community’s help

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Many people in the southern portion of Bibb County are familiar with the name, South Bibb Rescue.  This volunteer rescue group appears at every call in the area, and even many in surrounding areas.  What many may not know is that the group is in desperate need of volunteers.

In fact SBR is on the verge of going under according to members, EMT Gail Hughes, Chief Steven Stano, April Stano, Ryan Thompson, Ed Pendley and Chris O’Neil. 

“We do not receive the funding that Volunteer Fire Departments get because we are not recognized unless we are incorporated with a VFD,” explained Hughes.  “If we do not increase our membership we will be forced to shut down.”

BCHS / WBHS Hoops

Bibb County 59 – West Blocton 38
Choctaws topple Tigers in physical hoops match

By Daniel L. Bamberg
Less than a week after suffering a heartbreaking semi-final state championship loss in football, some Bibb County High School athletes were ready to join in on a new season. Basketball season had already begun, but players like Jalen Goree, Tevin Crews, Marvell Bell, Andrelle Smith and J.J. Rutledge had not yet made the transition from gridiron to wooden court. That all changed on Thursday, December 2nd. It was time for hoops and for them; there were not many opponents better to begin with, than county rivals, the West Blocton Tigers.
“The football loss last week effected many of our players,” explained BCHS head basketball coach, Terry Morton. “It’s tough to go from the kind of season they had directly into another sport. These guys play with a lot of heart and character. We have a complete team right now, and we are going to get better as the year goes on.”

CCA Chargers Hoops Season Begins

Basketball is in full swing for the Cahaba Christian Chargers. On Monday, November 29th , CCA played the Hope Christian Eagles at Samford University. JV Boys won 36-28 with Andrerius Cutts the high scorer with 18 points. Varsity Girls lost 15-37 with Katie Crocker scoring 9 points. In the Varsity Boys game, CCA ended up on top 37-31 with Matthew Allen scoring 10 points and Kyle Johnson 8 points.

Blocton Bullets Win Ole Mill Invitational

The Blocton Bullets traveled to Griffin, Georgia on November 27, 2010 to participate in the Ole Mill Invitational Progressive Position Air Pistol match. Results for standing supported: 1st Ronnie Pierson, 2nd Layne Smith, 3rd Chase Terry. Results for basic supported: 1st Alex Gardner, 2nd Cheyenne Vaughan, 3rd Chance Mizzell. Finals results Standing Supported: 1st Ronnie Pierson, 2nd Layne Smith, 3rd Chase Terry. Finals results basic supported 1st Alex Gardner, 2nd Chance Mizzell, 3rd tie Cheyenne Vaughan and Seth Belcher.

Red Cross Launches 2010 “Gifts that Save the Day” Holiday Giving Effort

National survey shows many people plan cuts in holiday gifts; fewer cutting donations to charities

from press release

The Bibb County American Red Cross recently launched its holiday giving campaign, urging residents to make a gift that could save the day for someone in need.
The Red Cross campaign features a holiday giving catalog, www.redcross.org/gifts. A Spanish-language version of the catalog is also available, www.cruzrojaamericana.org/catalogo.
The gift catalog has more than 20 gift ideas — such as assisting someone in the military with a phone card or supplies, providing food and shelter to a disaster victim, covering the costs of snacks at a blood drive, or giving basic necessities to a family in another country.
“The holiday season is a time of hope, and a gift to the Red Cross provides hope when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbor’s house burns down, when someone needs life-saving blood or when a child needs a hug and a blanket,” said Mary Kinard, Executive Director. “A gift to the Red Cross can save the day for people in need, whether they are down the street, across the country, or around the world.”

Makeover winner pays it forward every day

By Billy Coley

Holly Lewis, 25 of Centreville never dreamed anything like this would happen to her. “Why me?” she kept asking herself. Holly was the winner of “Operation Diva” sponsored by The Haven in Centreville. Holly received a complete makeover from The Haven (a massage, manicure, pedicure, a complete wardrobe from Ashley’s courtesy of stylist Linda Renn) and front row seats to the Doug McCormick concert after the Christmas parade.
It all started with an idea from Haven stylist, Tara McMillan and her daughter Savannah, 13. They got their idea from the movie “Pay it Forward” as well as a well known radio ministry. Tara said “We wanted to do something for someone well deserving in our community. We knew we had the ability to do hair and makeup, we just needed help in a few other areas. After speaking with the Haven owner, Linda Renn and with help from the Haven staff, they were able to do the transformation for Holly.
Holly won the makeover as a result of a letter submitted by her husband, Tony Lewis.

SB1 passes!

Thank You! from Cam For Senate on Vimeo.

The Best of 'Everybody Has One'

as originally printed in the January 6, 2010 edition of the Centreville Press

Project: Dehumanizer…of Labels and Contradictions

By Daniel L. Bamberg

In my short life I have seen sparks become embers, then ash and eventually forgotten dust. Thoughts are the revolutionary flames which burn the wick of labels, but contradictions typically extinguish the thought and so continues the cycle of dehumanity…a project we all partake in apathetically.

In our bold attempts to become something magnificent we have lost passion, humility, and charm. Since the discovery of fire we have sought more ways to burn. Since the invention of the gun we have sought more ways to kill. Since the discovery of faith part of humanity has sought more ways to use it for control. Others have sought ways to blame faith for everything wrong. Since the idea of freedom became so profound we have done nothing more than bastardize its very nature.

The Best of "Rambling Thoughts"

As originally printed in the June 3, 2009 edition of the Centreville Press

By Jim Oakley Jr.

A very wonderful event took place in Bibb County last week and it is something a lot of people will long remember. The bridge across Haysop Creek below Brent has been designated the "Sp.4 Willie Gardner, Jr., Memorial Bridge.” Sp. 4 Gardner was killed in combat in Viet Nam. Willie graduated from Faucette High School in Brent and enlisted in the Army on June 14, 1970. He was killed in action on February 12, 1971, eight months after he joined the Army. For his meritorious service he has been awarded the Silver Star, one of America’s most distinguished honors. He also received numerous other awards for valor. I think one of the most impressive things to me was the fact that seven of his fellow servicemen came to Brent for the occasion. These men came from places like South Carolina, Illinois, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Massachusetts. What a wonderful thing for these men to do so long after the war has ended and so much time has passed. These men must have had tremendous respect for Willie and their attendance testified to that. Signs will soon be in place with the name on them.

Senator Ward sponsoring new state ethics reform

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Currently in the state of Alabama 11 people, including lawmakers, lobbyists, state employers and business people are under federal indictment for charges of bribery, extortion and perjury.  For this reason, Governor Bob Riley (R) has called a special session this week, to overhaul Alabama’s ethic laws. 

Governor Riley has made past attempts to change Alabama’s ethic laws.  Bills such as these have passed the House in years past, but did not go beyond that point, dying upon reaching the senate floor.

Community steps up to save puppies

By Daniel L. Bamberg

A few months ago Green Pond Fire and Rescue adopted hound that hung around the station and never left. 

The dog, which they named Ember, was already a fixture with the Department when it was discovered she was pregnant.  Three weeks, ago Ember gave birth to 7 puppies. 

A week later Ember died leaving 7 tiny orphaned precious puppies.

GPF&R started putting the word out around the community.  They posted this story on the Centreville Press facebook page, and then asked the newspaper to print the story in last week’s edition.  On Thursday, only one day after the Centreville Press hit the street caring citizens had adopted all of the puppies.  These citizens understood that extra time would have to be taken up in order to raise newborns.

The Centreville Press wants to applaud the efforts of the Greenpond Fire Department as well as the citizens of Bibb County for doing a wonderful job in protecting the lives of innocent animals.  

Banks Chapel residents feel passed over by county

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Residents on Banks Chapel Road in West Blocton have become more and more frustrated with the County Commission and Engineer as days go by.  They believe their road should be paved. Even more, they believe the road should have been paved a long time ago.

The road is just over 2 miles of dirt, filled with ruts and covered in black coal dust that has some residents concerned about what they are breathing.  Banks Chapel services 2 churches, a community center, a cemetery, a school, three businesses and at least 34 houses.  Every surrounding and connecting road is paved.  It is literally an island surrounded by pavement. 

Reverend John Banks recently spoke about his frustrations with what he considers a wrong that gone without a righting for too long.  Rev. Banks is a descendent of the Banks family, which inherited land following the passing of a slave owner in the 19^th century.  The slave owner willed 2,000 acres to his former slaves.  For generations the Banks Chapel community was predominately African-American.  

Dream season ends abruptly as Tigers stun Choctaws

Thomasville 38 – Bibb County 14

By Daniel L. Bamberg

“Let’s hear it for the your 2010 Bibb County Choctaws, and the best season ever,” requested BCHS football field announcer Judge Jack Meigs on Friday night in Centreville.  It was the first time Bibb County had ever reached beyond the quarterfinals in the State Playoffs.  It was also, unfortunately the end.

Bibb County had suffered a heartbreaking loss at home, to the Thomasville Tigers.  While the score was 38-14, the lopsidedness wasn’t reflective of the local team’s passion or character.  For it is clear that this team, not unlike last year’s Choctaws brought a community together.  There was a sense of pride in the air, even in the face of defeat.  

Oakley named to publication's Board of Directors

Jim Oakley has been named to the board of directors for The Alabama Baptist. He will serve four years.

The Alabama Baptist is a Christian newspaper serving the Baptists in Alabama and has a subscription base of nearly 100,000. Its office is located in Homewood. Bob Terry serves as president and publisher of The Alabama Baptist.

Oakley joins three other newly elected board members to make up the 16-member board.

As the career development director for the Communication Student Services Department of the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama (UA), Oakley helps the 2,000-plus communication students at UA find internships and jobs. He also teaches basic reporting classes as needed.

Oakley has worked with UA since 1985 and has taught other communication courses over the years.  

Local Cause says, "We got your back"

By Daniel L. Bamberg

“If everyone gave a little none would do without,” explains Centreville resident Stephanie Bamberg.  This is a philosophy she learned while spending the summer in Mobile, Alabama for the 3.0 Missional Internship Program.

3.0 Missional Internship is an extension of the United Methodist Church, and is a mission of spreading the message of Christ through charity.  It is sponsored by the Quad W Foundation, which was established in memory of a 19-year old osteosacrcoma victim, Willie Tichenor.  The story of Tichenor has been motivating young people to create positive changes in their environments.  Tichenor spent his short life with the knowledge of his terminal illness to help living people rather than concern himself with death.  

“The internship program motivated me to come home and do something,” explains Stephanie.  “I wanted to be a part of something which helped people.”

Her idea was simple and it has now become a regular part of her life. She, her boyfriend Edward (Scooter) Lee and his parents Suzie and Butch Lee have founded a cause that directly impacts people in their own backyard. They call this ministry, “We got your back.” 

The Best of "Rambling Thoughts"

Originally printed in The Centreville Press December 20, 2008

By Jim Oakley Jr.

I surrender. I have done all I can to fight our fight to get our gasoline prices in Bibb County down to the same price in surrounding counties. Last week I called for our elected officials, mayors, council, superintendent of education and county commissioners to face some of our gasoline distributors face to face. They did this last week by way of a round-the-table conference telephone call. The result was a lot of discussion, no concessions by the gasoline distributor, and the price went up a dime in Bibb County the next morning. 

Obviously there is no good faith discussion left with these distributors. The prices escalated again this past weekend and though it was predicted, again the prices here are higher than they are in any surrounding county. I hate this because our cities and school system depends on gasoline taxes to operate.  There are a lot of Bibb County people working in these stations too.  There has been a lot of talk about gasoline price gouging. I called the Attorney General’s Office last week and one of the clerks read me the law about “gouging.”

The Best of Bibb 'Out of the Box'

As printed originally in the May 20th 2009 edition of The Centreville Press.

Etta Ann Murphy
"Suriving tragedy and teaching through experience."

By Daniel L. Bamberg
Sesame Street character Edith Ann played by actress Lilly Tomlin once said, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” 

Recently, several Bibb County High School students contacted us with enthusiasm regarding one of their teachers, Mrs. Etta Ann Murphy. Raving about her fresh approach to education and her passion for science, they enthusiastically agreed her entire life was “Out of the Box”. 

Murphy is the winner of 2 Teacher of the Year awards, loved by nearly every student and faculty member, and one of Bibb County's most shining examples of a survivor. She is not exactly an ordinary teacher and the story of her journey to becoming an educator is quite extraordinary.

She is a graduate of Bibb County High School and the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in anthropology and a minor in microbiology. Her intentions were to become a doctor but once she entered Pre-Med she found a bump in the road.
“They told me you’ve got to get tougher,” Murphy explained. “You’ve got to become hard hearted in order to make it through. I realized if I had to change the basic fabric of who I am maybe this wasn’t cut out for me.”

After leaving medical school in 1988 she opted to receive her masters degree in business. Not long after, she began working with Gulf States Paper Inc. in Maplesville.
Murphy would be there for 12 years and see several promotions and career changes. During this time, she began working with another passion, horseback riding, in this she gave lessons, her first steps in her road to becoming a tracher.

Murphy's equestrian passion would be halted upon the unfolding of a personal tragedy. Murphy was be involved in an accident which placed her entire life in perspective.