Bibb County Airport to receive grant

U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) last week announced that the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $718,840 to local airports for necessary improvements.

Of that federal funding, the Bibb County Airport will receive an $87,470 grant for apron improvements and a runway extension study.

“A strong transportation infrastructure is critical to attracting new businesses and industries,” said Shelby.  “These important grants will help the airports in the region make necessary improvements for their safe and trustworthy operation.  Such improvements are essential to ensuring that these airports remain efficient transportation hubs for those traveling to, from, and through Alabama.”

Bill Hubbard, featured artist at Kentuck Gallery in April

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Centreville wood turner and carver, Bill Hubbard’s work will be featured at the Kentuck Gallery in downtown Northport during the month of April, beginning on Thursday, April 7 until April 30^th. 

Hubbard is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in geology.  He has served as director of the Alabama Woodturners Assocaition and as a program dir

ector of the Black Warrior Woodturners. 

Hubbard will be showing more than twenty pieces of his work during the show. Some of the items will be fore sale.  The local wood turner donates the commission from his sales go to the Bibb County Schools foundation. 

Vera Sailors honored by County and State for 100 years of life

By Daniel L. Bamberg

In 1983, Willard Scott began honoring centenarians (those 100 years and older) for their birthdays on the Today Show.  Bibb County resident, Vera Sailors was only 72 years young.  After February 26, 2011 Sailors turned 100 years of age and received an autographed letter from Scott, honoring this milestone.

At the age of only 100 Vera is still very active, explains her family.  On her birthday friends and family of this honorable Bibb County educator gathered at the Cahaba Shoals Country Club in Centreville to celebrate her life of service, kindness and her spirit.  Bibb County Judge of Probate, Jerry Pow proclaimed the day to be “Vera Sailors Day,” in her honor.  State Senator, Cam Ward introduced a resolution to the Alabama legislature honoring her, and Governor Robert Bentley sent Vera a letter honoring her century of life. 

Senator Ward sponsoring anti-bullying legislation

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Alabama State Senator Cam Ward is sponsoring a bill, which will tackle an old issue but something that has only recently become a part of the social conscious.  It is an anti-bullying law and if made law, will require public school employees to report and react to child bullying. 

The Bill is being called the “Alex Moore Anti-Bullying Act.”  It will require the state department of education to develop a statewide policy and post it on their website. 

At the age of 15 years old Alex Moore jumped to her death off of a Interstate 65 overpass in Jemison.  Her parents and independent investigations conclude that Moore was the victim of high school bullying.  

ALERT FM eight county expansion will include Bibb

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Bibb County will soon join in on a radio alert system covering all of southwest Alabama during emergencies, state and county officials said Friday.

The ALERT FM emergency notification system will soon include Baldwin, Bibb, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties.

This effort utilizes special FM radios to deliver notifications to residents and agencies regarding severe weather warning, school closings, Amber alerts, or any potential public safety advisory.

BLOOD DRIVE

Brent Wal-Mart Supercenter Blood Drive
Location: American Red Cross Bloodmobile
This Friday, March 18, 2011
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
OUR GOAL IS 17 PINTS!
COME OUT AND SUPPORT BIBB COUNTY RED CROSS

Make sure you bring your picture ID or your Red Cross donor card.

AT&T offers reward for information in Bibb copper thefts

By Daniel L. Bamberg

According to sources at AT&T someone has been stealing copper from their underground lines in the Bibb County area.  On Thursday, March 10^th AT&T announced a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for these thefts. 

Media spokeswoman for the major communications company, Sue Sperry explained that the combination of a weakened economy and a steady rise in the copper market value may be leading people to take extreme measures.  This is not only including thefts of copper underground but from inside homes and from telephone poles. 

BCHS senior projects will impact community

By Daniel L. Bamberg

For the last three years BCHS faculty have been actively involved in “High Schools that Work” training program.  HSTW was a program developed in 1987 to help states transform public high schools into places where students learn at a high level.  Since Principal Lee Van Fle

et and his faculty began this summer study course, many ideas from HSTW have been implemented into the daily routine.  Until this year however, one of the ideas that the school wasn’t putting into place were senior projects. 

This school year has been the inaugural year at BCHS for what HSTW experts explain is one of the key ideas in motivating students to concentrate on their futures and molding them into the communities many of them will continue to be a part of.

Under Van Fleet BCHS educator, Denise McMillan was given the responsibility of gearing teachers and students towards the concept of senior projects. 

Each senior is expected to conceive a project, which will either provide a service or a product to the school or community.  According to McMillan, the possibilities are limitless.  Each student is paired with a mentor, which is a teacher.  The mentor is to help their assigned students see their ideas through.

The students are to keep a portfolio detailing their project from conception to completion.  They are graded at the end of the school year and are allowed to use that grade in the class of their choosing.  The grade’s power is equivalent to that of a major test score.

McMillan suggested that even though this is the first year the program has been implemented, many students have responded enthusiastically and come up with big ideas.

Josh West decided to compose a scaled drawing of the old Bibb County Junior High Building, which burned down in 2008.  He used a photograph from a 1973 Bibbonia (year book) to measure his sketch precisely to the scale of the canvas.  The picture will be framed and hung in the High School upon completion.

Girls from the Career Tech cosmetology school are giving manicures and hair for the elderly.  Taylor Morton is forming a Christian themed social event and speaking engagement entitled “Converge Bibb.”  His idea is to bring Christians from every denomination and even some who aren’t exactly of the faith, under the same building for a positive community outreach.  Some students are doing displays for the Hospital and Nursery Home.

Ashton McDonald discovered that there wouldn’t be a Randolph Elementary School Fall Festival this year (an annual event that was to fall through due to many factors).  For her school project she decided to put the event on herself due to her love for kids and her desire to keep a tradition going.  It was a big success.

CSP to host mobile food pantries in Bibb County

Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSP), Inc. will host mobile food pantries throughout Bibb County. The mobile food pantries are designed for food distribution to households in various areas of the county and not just one centralized location.  These mobile pantries will come to Bibb County on  Thursday, March 31, 2011 New Life Assembly of God, 27039 Hwy 5, Woodstock and Thursday, April 28, 2011 Randolph Baptist Church, 7156 Hwy 36, Randolph.

In order to receive food items, please contact the Bibb County CSP office at (205) 926-9384 or visit our office at 200 2^nd Street, Centreville, AL 35042. You will need to present proof of income for prior month for all adults in the household, social security cards for all household members, proof of county residency (household bill in your name with current address), and picture identification. Quantities are limited to 200 households per food pantry.

Everyone is encouraged to apply.

CIVIL WAR PRESERVATION GROUPS TO CLEAN UP TANNEHILL STATE PARK

Almost exactly 150 years after the first shots of the Civil War were fired, another wave of volunteers is about to descend on America’s storied battlegrounds – only this array of dedicated men and women will be armed with paint brushes, trash bags and weed whackers.

On Saturday, April 2, 2011, history buffs and preservationists from around the country will team up with the Civil War Trust to help clean and restore America’s priceless battlefields, cemeteries and shrines.  The nationwide effort – dubbed Park Day – is underwritten with a grant from History™, formerly The History Channel, and has been endorsed by Take Pride in America, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Park Day, now in its 15th year, is an annual hands-on preservation event created by the Trust to assist local groups with the maintenance of Civil War sites.  

Bibb County Extension to Host Prostate Cancer Awareness Program

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Prostate Services in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Cancer Control Coalition are partnering to help save the lives of Alabama males.

Twenty-five men (or spouse) ages forty and above are invited to “Help Create a Buzz about Blue” by attending a Prostate Cancer Awareness program on Wednesday, March 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at Four Points Baptist Church, 75 Maple Street, Centreville, AL 35042.  Registration begins at 8:30am, and the program will be held in the church gymnasium.

Rep. Weaver’s first bill clears committee on day one

Small business owners/employees to get larger tax deductions

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Alabama Republicans moved to a historic victory over the State House and Senate in November.  Since then they have been busy generating their “handshake bills.”  These bills are based on promises made during the 2010 campaign, according to House Speaker Mike Hubbard.

On Tuesday, March 1^st the Regular Session of Alabama’s legislature convened.  When the day was done 6 of 7 bills introduced as part of these “handshakes” passed through committee.  Among those was HB 61 sponsored by Bibb County’s own Rep. April Weaver.  This bill will allow small business employers and employees to deduct 200% of the amounts they pay in health insurance premiums from their state income tax.

Sen. Ward, among the appointed to reapportion Alabama

On Thursday, March 3, Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey announced the appointments of eleven Senators to the Reapportionment Committee.  Among those is Senator Cam Ward whose district includes Bibb, Chilton, Jefferson, and Chilton Counties.

The Senators appointed are as follows: 1st Congressional District – Sen. Trip Pittman (R.-Daphne); 2nd Congressional District – Sen. Jimmy Holley (R-Elba); 3rd Congressional District - Sen. Gerald Dial (R-Lineville); 4th Congressional District – Sen. Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville); 5th Congressional District – Sen. Bill Holtzclaw (R-Madison); 6th Congressional District – Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster); 7th Congressional District – Sen. Linda Coleman (D-Birmingham). In addition, the Lieutenant Governor appointed 4 at-large members: Senator Vivian Figures (D-Mobile); Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur); Senator Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa); Senator Bryan Taylor (R-Prattville). 

“The purpose of reapportionment is to ensure fairness in elective representation in the legislative branches on the state and national levels,” said Lt. Governor Ivey. “We are going to diligently re-draw districts that are equal in population and homogeneously representative of the people.”

Sen. Ward co-sponsors job creation incentives bill

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Alabama State Senator Cam Ward along with Alabama State Senator Phil Williams have introduced a bill which they say will give employers incentives to create jobs.  These bills will give tax credits to employers who meet criteria of employers or business expansion for new jobs.

“With unemployment being at 9 percent, nothing is a cure-all, but this will help a lot,” explained Senator Ward whose district includes industrially underdeveloped and economically distressed Bibb County.

West Alabama shrinks, Bibb County grows

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The U.S Census results recently revealed that most counties in West Alabama with the exception of Bibb and Tuscaloosa saw decreases in population from 2000 to 2010.  Bibb County’s population revealed an increase of 10 percent.  With the town of Woodstock (split between both Bibb and Tuscaloosa) showing the greatest growth in population at just fewer than 45%.  Brent saw the second greatest increase with nearly 23% and Centreville increase almost 13% in population.  West Blocton was the only Bibb County city, which saw a decrease, the city lost nearly 10% of its population from 2000.

Marion girl killed in Saturday afternoon accident

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The afternoon of Saturday, March 5th brought about a tragic event on Highway 5 just a few miles south of Brent.

Jessica Hughey was killed in an accident while traveling with her father Jerry Arnet Hughey Jr., both of Marion.  Jessica was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa but unfortunately her young life could not be saved.  She was only 8 years old.

Second Shadrick pleads guilty for murder of David White

By Daniel L. Bamberg

In 2007 Billy Joe Shadrick and his wife Wanda were arrested were arrested once investigators suspected them of setting fire to the home of West Blocton resident David White, who died in the fire. 

The couples were charged with capital murder and arson.  Nearly a year ago, Wanda pleaded guilty to felony murder.  Authorities believe that she was involved in a relationship with the victim at the time of his murder. 

Despite his wife’s plea, Billy seemed to want a trial.  In a surprise turn of events on Monday morning, February 28 he plead guilty to felony murder.  Following a pre-sentence investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s office, both Shadricks will be given a sentencing hearing.  They each face 10 to 99 years in prison.

Vietnam MIA soldier’s remains discovered, to be buried in Bibb County

By Daniel L. Bamberg

photo - Kathy Strong holding a picture of and wearing the MIA bracelet of U.S. Army Green Beret SP4 James Moreland.  She has been wearing the bracelet since receiving it as a teenager for Christmas in 1972.  She vowed to wear it until the soldier was discovered and brought home.  On May 14th Moreland's recently discovered remains will be buried next to his parents in Ashby.  Strong will attend the ceremony and place the bracelet with Moreland's remains.

Lying at rest in Ashby Cemetery are Fred and Gladys Moreland, longtime Brierfield residents.  Just next to them is an empty spot, which is marked for their son, U.S. Army Green Beret SP4 James Moreland, who was declared missing in action in Vietnam on February 7, 1968.

Now Moreland’s remains have been discovered, retrieved and will be placed in their proper final resting place in Bibb County.  This ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 14^th.

Sp4 Moreland was presumed dead after a battle occurred at Lang Vei in South Vietnam. 

“It was emotional coming up on the 43^rd anniversary,” explained Moreland’s sister Linda Brown, who now lives in the state of Washington close to another Moreland sister, Edna LaMoine.

Chargers, ACEA State Basketball Champs!

The Cahawba Christian Academy Chargers of Centreville, Al won the Alabama Christian Education Athletic Association’s Division II Region B State Title in the state tournament on February 18-19^th in Oxford, Alabama. In their first game against Marion Academy from Marion, AL, big Ben Smith led the Chargers with a career high 32 points and 21 rebounds.

Late in the 4^th quarter the Chargers came from 9 points down with 2 minutes to go and forced overtime. Tee Jay opened the scoring in overtime with a layup and scoring was closed out by 2 free throws by Matthew Allen. Final scoring stats for the team were: Tee Jay Cutts – 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, Hunter Marlow – 11 points, 12 rebounds, Matthew Allen – 10 points, 4 assists and Kyle Johnston – 6 points and 4 assists. With the final score CCA 75- Marion 70, CCA qualified to play in the state championship on Saturday against Mountain View Baptist Academy from Trussville, AL.

Over 100 gather at Linn Park vigil to celebrate Desta Dodson Byrd

An overwhelming need for justice

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The birds in Linn Park began to sing.  The wind above the treetops began to slowly rattle the remaining dead leaves in the trees above.  These things didn’t seem to occur during Saturday night’s prayer vigil held for Desta Dodson Byrd, but immediately after friends and family members were dismissed.  Those in a certain state of thinking might see this as Desta’s spirit either leaving the gathering or perhaps dancing to the music of her favorite group Def Leppard, which began to play as those in attendance mingled or departed. 

The ceremony organized by family members and a awareness group called, Justice For Desta.  Was held to mark the 12th anniversary of Desta’s murder.  Her husband Jody discovered her dead near the driveway of her Brierfield home on February 26^th 1999.  This, an untimely tragedy that has yet identify the name of the person who pulled the shotgun trigger that took her life at the young age of 29.  

Meigs Wins Tagged for Greatness Scholarship

Jacob Meigs of Centreville was presented with a Tagged for Greatness Scholarship at the 68th Annual Alabama Cattlemen's Association Convention and Trade Show.

Jacob is the son of Jack Meigs of Centreville, AL in Bibb County.  He will graduate this year from Bibb County High School with a 4.0 GPA and 31 ACT.  Jacob is involved in NHS, Bibb County Youth Leadership, Senior Council, and FFA, among others.  He was also Yearbook Editor and Class President this year at his school.  Jacob will attend the University of Alabama to major in Computer Engineering and wants to work for Microsoft or the government in the future.

Each year, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation awards Tagged for Greatness scholarships to deserving youth from Alabama’s livestock industry.  These scholarships are funded through the sale of the “Cowboy Tag” which is available at your county’s tag office and is approved for vehicles up to 10,000 pounds. 

The beef industry is the second largest segment of Alabama’s farm economy representing a $2 billion industry with annual sales of cattle and calves exceeding $450 million.  The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, founded in 1944, is one of the nations largest state cattlemen’s association with an annual membership of 12,000.  For more information, visit the ACA website at www.bamabeef.org. 

Man on probation caught with meth lab in home

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Joseph Clay Fancher, 45 of Brent was arrested on February 11^th and charges with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The Bibb County Sherriff’s Department were assisting parole officers who were conducting a random home check.  Fancher tested positive following a mandatory drug test.  Following this BCSD searched the residence.  A meth lab was discovered inside the home and one was discovered behind Fancher’s home in a wooded area.  Deputies also recovered finished meth product.

Joseph Ingram and wife caught making meth

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Joseph Fred Ingram of Centreville was arrested on February 15^th and charged with: 1st degree unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, 1^st degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bibb County Sherrif’s Department were assisting the ATF execute a warrant for a firearms charge.  Ingram is a convicted felon and therefore cannot possess a firearm legally.  

100 days...100 years

Vance Elementary kindergarten kids celebrate milestone birthday of Bibb educator

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Former principal of the no longer existent Six Mile Elementary, Vera Sailors turned 100 years old on Saturday, February 26^th.  To honor her milestone birthday and the 100^th day of school she recently visited the classroom of her great great grandson, kindergartener, Brodee Hyche. 

Brodee’s teacher Mrs. Watson turned over her classroom to the former educator and resident of the Antioch community.  Mrs. Sailors read aloud to the student, “The Foot Book,” a Dr. Seuss classic.  The kindergarteners made her birthday cards and Mrs. Watson served a birthday cake.  Mrs. Sailors capped off her day by eating lunch with the class and her great, great grandson, who is the son Krystle and Justin Hyche. Krystle is an employee of the Bibb County Board of Education.  

Top WBHS student nominated for Bryant-Jordan

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Breann Pope is a senior cheerleader at West Blocton High School.  She was voted as the school’s Homecoming Queen.  She is a West Blocton Ambassador.  Currently she is in a dead heat with another student for top class academic honors.  Over the past weekend she was in Orlando, Florida with the rest of the WBHS cheerleading squad to compete in the National Championship.  Something as small as being nominated for the Bryant Jordan Achievement Award shouldn’t slow her down, right?

The only problem with that idea is that Bryant Jordan awards are not small and they don’t fall out of the sky.  The award itself was created to honor those who excel in academics and athletics but have also overcome an obstacle. 

Breann lost her mother and brother in an automobile accident but according to West Blocton Principal Doug Milligan she never let that become a reason to underneath a tragedy.

Local Guardsmen among Alabama Units selected for specialized recovery team

Spc. Brian C. Canady 440th Chemical Company

The premier response force for defense support for civilian authorities for the state of Alabama is what government leaders are calling the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERF-P). There are currently only sixteen other states that have this specialized group of emergency responders; Alabama makes seventeen. The units selected for this mission include the 145th Chemical Battalion, Centreville, Ala.; the 440th Chemical Company, Vincent and Clanton, Ala.; the 690th Chemical Company, Mobile, Ala.; the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Ala.; and the 117 Air Refueling Wing, Montgomery, Ala. These units were selected due to their specialized nature and training in chemical and medical operations.

Paint the Town Purple!

The Relay For Life of Bibb County volunteers are creating a lot of excitement with the “Paint The Town Purple” awareness campaign February 25 – March 4.  Volunteers are contacting businesses and residents to encourage everyone to take part by donating $5 to the American Cancer Society to receive a bright purple bow to display in support of the fight against cancer.

Vickie Brown to Present at International Conference

Vickie Brown of Brent has been selected to present at the 8th International Conference on Positive Behavior Support in Denver, Colorado in March.  Brown is Director of Student Services for the Tuscaloosa City Schools and will be presenting the nationally recognized program" Helping Education/Linking Parents "(HELP) program.  The program is a collaborative effort between Tuscaloosa City Schools, the city of Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's office and is a proactive, preventive approach to addressing out of school suspensions.  Brown has been Director of Student Services for Tuscaloosa City Schools since July of 2007 and was previously a special education teacher and Special Education Coordinator in Bibb County Schools for 27 years. 

Cahaba River Runners Complete Mercedes Marathon

Photo: L-R: Clay Williamson, Bryan Filgo, Greg Caldwell, Alesa Judd, Mike Oakley and David Steele

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Cahaba River Runners participated in and finished the Mercedes Half Marathon, which is a 13.1 mile run. The event was held on Sunday, February 13, in Birmingham.

Ten years ago, a father whose Down syndrome son was in need of open-heart surgery created the marathon.  Since then this Birmingham tradition has become a staple to raise money for local charities.  

Coach Colburn Selected to Officiate at SWAC Championships

Coach Barry Colburn, of West Blocton High School, has been selected by a group of his track and field peers to officiate at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s/Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships. The competition will be held on February 26-27 on the LSU Campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Coach Colburn has coached numerous NCAA Men and Women All-American’s and individual National Champions. While coaching at The University of Alabama, Troy State University, Rhodes College and Texas A&M, he coached 5 Conference Championship Teams, as well as, five top five NCAA Championship Teams. 

Local Volunteer Fire Fighters Honored at Annual Banquet

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The heart of what is perhaps our nation’s most valued trait, volunteerism was honored recently at the 6th Annual Brierfield/Dry Valley Volunteer Firefighters Awards Banquet in the University of Montevallo’s Ann Irvin Hall on Saturday, February 5th.

This ceremony pairs Bibb County’s Brierfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue with the Dry Valley Fire Department of Shelby County.

The banquet began with the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance, lead by Pelham Fire Department.  Local radio personality, Dollar Bill Lawson explained, “Communities tend to take firefighters for granted, especially the volunteers.