Work of West Blocton alum forever featured on U of A Walk of Champions

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Many people from West Blocton know the name, Jeremy Davis.  A graduate from West Blocton High School, he left his mark in drawings and murals of the tiger mascot across the facility.  Today, as many of you read this Davis has come from hometown boy, to home town hero, to hometown legend – a legend that seemingly will only keep growing. 

In July of 2010 Jeremy was commissioned by the Univeristy of Alabama Atheletics department to conceive a statue for Nick Saban to be placed in the Walk of Champions next to statues of every Crimson Tide National Championship winning coach.

On Saturday, April 16 just before the University of Alabama A-Day Game (scrimmage game) a large bronze version of a clay based model sculpted by Jeremy was unveiled. Currently the West Blocton favorite will now be known by many former strangers as the guy who built the model in the most coveted enshrinement in our state of who is arguably the most respected and feared college football coach in the game today.

The University of Alabama Athletics Department contacted the Art Department for suggestions about the construction of the Nick Saban statue.  Jeremy’s name was brought up and on a Thursday evening he was contacted about doing some sketches.  The next day he presented a few ideas and the Athletics Department along with Terri Saban looked over Jeremy’s ideas.

“Mrs. Saban loved them so much that she decided to go with me,” explained Jeremy.  “It was a surprise that she looked at them and it is an honor that she had such a hand in approving me for the job."

After being commissioned in July, Jeremy began doing sketches.  After the proper sketch was approved he began sculpting.  The project took about 3 months.  One of the details which was Jeremy’s own idea, is in setting Coach Saban’s watch to one o’clock p.m. also known as thirteen hundred hours in military time was, representing Saban’s national championship, the school’s thirteenth.

Matt Downs off to an ASTROnomical start in 2011

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The way the San Francisco Giants moved former Bibb County High School baseball sensation Matt Downs around in 2009 and 2010 it might have seemed convenient if he had changed his middle name to Upsand. 

The well liked, hard hitting, and hard nosed infielder was placed in impatient situations and while showing signs of potential he was never seemingly given enough stage time at the show (Major League Baseball) to prove what he was all about.

Severe Friday weather rampage in Bibb County

Eoline, Pondville and West Blocton receive majority of damage

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The Friday morning of April 15 may have been a fairly normal beginning for citizens in Bibb County.  By afternoon however, citizens of Eoline, Pondville, and West Blocton would be standing face to face with serious weather on the verge of crisis. 

As storms crossed into Alabama at the Southwestern most corner from the Southeastern most area of Mississippi several areas across the state prepare for the inevitable damage which occurred in other states.

A tornado touched down in Tuscaloosa causing a lot of property damage and heading on a direct path to some of Bibb’s rural areas.  Meanwhile more severe weather was coming out of Greensboro. 

Seven arrested on drug related charges by Brent PD

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Following an extensive undercover operation Brent Police Department arrested seven individuals on Tuesday, April 12 for drug related charges.

According to Brent Chief of Police, Terry Nichols Assistant Chief Ricky Heard has been working with the 4th Judicial Alabama Drug Task Force for several months on this sting.

Assisted by the Alabama Beverage Control Board and the Bibb County K-9 the Brent Police force arrested the following:

Earnest James, 78 of Brent was charged with 2 counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine), 1 counts of selling alcohol without a license, one count of possession of untaxed liquor, and one count of unlawful alcohol with attempt to distribute.  He is currently out on $132,000 bond.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Imagine Life With Autism

 Dr. Caroline Gomez, State Autism Coordinator and State Senator Cam Ward

Close your eyes and imagine for a moment that as a child you are woken in the morning after sleeping for only a few hours. Exhaustion. You get out of bed, but have no idea where you are going that day. Anxiety. Someone helps you get dressed, but the tag in the back of your shirt feels like a pin pricking your skin over and over. Discomfort.

You sit at the table for breakfast, but can’t eat because your feet don’t reach the ground and you begin to feel dizzy. Confusion. You ride in the car without knowing where you are going. Distress. You sit in the grocery cart as told, but the florescent lights overhead cause your head to begin throbbing. Pain. Now imagine that all of this takes place and you have no way to tell anyone that you are experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, discomfort, confusion, distress, and now intense pain and this was only the first hour of your day. How would you “communicate” your desperate need to get out of that grocery store before your head explodes? It sounds like a nightmare for many of us but it is a living reality for many children.

Rep. Weaver and Sen. Ward take self-imposed pay cut

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Last week Bibb County’s own, Alabama Representative April Weaver and Shelby County’s own, Senator Cam Ward whose district includes Bibb County, volunteered to 15 percent pay cut.

They did this along with other members of the Shelby County Legislative Delegation.

“If we are to truly lead by example we should be willing to share the burden with everyone else who is struggling,” explained Representative Weaver.  “The pay issue is something we felt needed to be addressed and we as legislators should be doing all we can to help those we are elected to represent.”

Gun stolen nearly 8 years ago found by Brent Police

If ever something has been stolen from you, and the police seemed to be unable to recover it here is proof that sometimes even the most lost items are recovered.

Brent Police Department recovered a .223 black Remington 700 while investigating another case.  The gun was reported stolen from an automobile on November 26, 2003 after a break in at the former Hilltop Apartments (now Cahaba Glades). 

Photo: Brent Police Chief Terry Nichols poses with the gun reported stolen in late 2003, which his department recently recovered.  

Hubbard warns commission to slow down general fund spending

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Bibb County Commissioner Ricky Hubbard is rarely a man of few words during a Commission meeting.  On Tuesday, April 12 he was a man of very many words.  Many, which echoed the same sentiment,  “We must pay closer attention to what we are spending from the general fund,” expressed Hubbard. 

In 2010 the county’s general fund was nearly a quarter of a million dollars in the hole and Commissioner Hubbard pointed this out on several occasions during Tuesday’s meeting.

It began with a request from Leadership Bibb to approve the tuition for “Your Town Alabama” an event, which educates leaders of the community.  The total of the tuition was $195.

Commissioner Al Green explained that having been through the training himself and qualifying it as a great help to him as a county commissioner, he saw the service as valuable.  Green, asked the commission to invest the money.  Commissioner Walter Sansing who said he had also been through the training, also recommended it.

Rep. Weaver praises colleagues for Handshake with Alabama

“I am proud to participate in such a historic milestone.” – April Weaver

On Wednesday, April 6^th, State Representative April Weaver of Brierfield, praised colleagues for quickly passing each of the Republican Handshake with Alabama public policy agenda items during the first ten days of the 2011 regular legislative session and said she was proud to participate in such an historic milestone event.

The Handshake is an omnibus platform of specific, issue-oriented bills that GOP House candidates across the state campaigned upon during the 2010 election cycle and promised to pass in the early days of the session.  Democrat Party leaders have credited the Handshake with helping Republicans win supermajorities in both houses of the Legislature for the first time in 136 years.

“I joined with my fellow Republican candidates across the state in pledging to pass the Republican Handshake and begin fundamentally changing how Montgomery operates,”  Weaver said.  “It is important for the citizens of Alabama to judge us not only by what we say, but also by what we do, and we have kept the promise we made to them.  I believe history will look back at this session and say this is the point Alabama turned a corner and began to live up to its full potential.”

Donner Replaces Blake in West Blocton Council Seat

On Thursday, April 7, 2011 Gary Donner was sworn in as Town of West Blocton, District 5 Council Member.  Councilman Donner was appointed by unanimous vote of the town council to serve the remainder of the term of Greg Blake who resigned after being elected Superintendent of Bibb County Schools.

The new council member is a supervisor at Phifer Wire Products in Tuscaloosa.  His wife Tammy works at West Blocton Middle School and his twin sons, Garrett and Christian, attend West Blocton High School.

“I am honored to be appointed by the Mayor and Council as a Councilman and will do his best to serve the citizens of West Blocton,” said Donner.

Friday's Storm damage in Bibb County

Photos of the damage left behind from Friday's weather rampage.  Read the full story in this week's Centreville Press.

Bibb Student Serves as Page in Alabama House

Bibb County High School student Savannah Stripling on Friday completed a week-long stint as an official page of the Alabama House of Representatives. Stripling, 15, is the daughter of Brent Mayor Dennis Stripling and his wife, Lori.
 
State Representative April Weaver, who sponsored Stripling to page for the House, thanked Stripling for her service to the Legislature saying the young lady made her hometown proud.
 
“Savannah is a bright, capable young woman who I know has a bright future,” remarked Representative Weaver. “The Legislature can be an intimidating place, but Savannah handled herself with the upmost composure and professionalism. I know Mayor  and Mrs. Stripling are proud of their daughter, as they should be. I appreciate Savannah’s willingness to serve her state, and I hope she found it to be a rewarding experience.”
  

Green Pond native inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame

By Daniel L. Bamberg

She was born in Green Pond in 1913 and graduated from the Alabama College for Women (now the University of Montevallo). Following her introductions to life and then into adulthood Ada Ruth Stovall went on a path, which would land her in the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame for 2011.

Milla Boschung of the College of Human Environmental Sciences at the University of Alabama inducted her in a March 10, ceremony held at Judson College in Marion.
"Ruth established herself as a pioneer for women and was a true Southern lady," said Boschung.

Stovall became renowned for enacting certain legislation in education as well as her extensive classroom work and authorship of text books.

After teaching home economics at the high school level, in three separate high schools Stovall was appointed District Supervisor of Home Economics over twelve Southwestern counties by the Alabama Department of Education. At the time, she was only 28 years old. Later she served as Assistant and Associate Supervisor in Home Economics for the state.

Brent and Centreville...2,000 plus ft. above

Bibb County Airport Authority member Mike Culliton and Dixie Aircraft of Tuscaloosa were graciously invited Centreville Press reporter, Daniel L. Bamberg for a flying lesson and a trip above and around Centreville and Brent to take some aerial shots.  Below are the best of the aerial shots gathered during the flight.  

All photos by Daniel L. Bamberg

Wednesday night bomb scare, a sophisticated hoax

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The evening of Wednesday, April 6th was no ordinary time for the city of Brent.  Those who were making routine visits to the local Wal-Mart from about 6:45 p.m. and beyond would discover that an emergency situation was underway.

After a shopper discovered what appeared to be an explosive device authorities were contacted.  Officers from Brent Police Department arrived on the scene immediately following the call.

The device, which would eventually be proven non-explosive, looked like two cylinders attached to one another and wrapped in electrical tape.  Officers on the scene stated that it was either a bomb or was made to look like a bomb. 

Centreville not pleased with County’s new tax plan

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The Bibb County Commission recently composed a plan that according to Centreville City Attorney Mike Hobson will take away revenue, which comes from real estate tax from Centreville, Brent and West Blocton. 

This will not affect Woodstock due to the town not having an ad valorem tax (tax based on the value of real estate and personal problem).

Hobson explained that the operation of the tax assessor’s office is apportioned to the county in the general fund under the current law.  Meanwhile the tax assessor’s salary is covered by the proceeds rather than by the county itself. 

Local youths participate in All-State Children’s Honor Choir

Alabama Baptist All-State Children’s Honor Choir (L to R)(front row) Gracie Woodruff, Jordan Harrison, Abbi Johnson, Amelia Park  (row 2) Lydia Caddis, Sarah Jane Kemmer, Brooke Hill, Laura Beth Lawrence, Will Hyche, Faith Johnson  (row 3) Mychael McMillan, Wilson Pate, Jacob Tucker, Matt Hiott, Anna Suttle, Maci Wallace, Mary Ashtyn Bamberg (back row) Dylan Hudson, Kixavier Washington, Eric Woodruff, Carson Park and Connie Hale (Datton Stockli does not appear in the photograph)

Alabama Baptist All-State Children’s Honor Choir performed in Panama City, Florida and Enterprise on March 5^th and 6^th.  The concert was presented at First Baptist in Panama City, Panama City Mall, and First Baptist in Enterprise.

Woodstock Elementary students walk a mile with Senator Ward

top photo - 460 plus participated in this year’s annual Wellness Walk at Woodstock Elementary.  The walk is a 2-mile (1 mile each way) stretch, which is conducted by the WES lunchroom staff in order to promote health and exercise. 

By Daniel L. Bamberg

left photo - Senator Cam Ward walks with Woodstock Elementary students during Friday’s annual Wellness Walk. The walk sponsored by the WES lunchroom staff stretches for one mile down Eastern Valley road from the school’s entrance to the rail road crossing.  The road is closed during this event from the fire department to just beyond the tracks. 

Eastern Valley Road in Woodstock was partially shut down for a short time on Friday, April 8^th as students from Woodstock Elementary School, along with faculty and parents completed their annual Wellness Walk. 

Each year WES attempts to get a local celebrity to walk with the children.  This year State Senator Cam Ward attended the event enthusiastically. 

The road was closed from the Woodstock Fire Department to the railroad crossing as approximately 460 people, including 340 students, over 45 faculty members, and about 75 parents trekked 1 mile in one direction and a mile the opposite way.

Rep. Weaver’s first legislation passes the House

By a vote of 83-6, the House passed Rep. April Weaver’s (R-Brierfield) first piece of sponsored legislation on .  Her bill, HB61, allows qualifying employers and employees to deduct from their state income tax an additional 50 percent of the amount spent on health insurance premiums. Qualifying employers are those with less than 25 employees, and the qualifying employees are those whose annual wages do not exceed $50,000.

The bill would help the smallest; most vulnerable, yet essential employers provide health coverage to their employees. The measure is considered an incentive for job creation and a way to reduce the number of citizens who otherwise would be added to the State's Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan) rolls.

First steps for tort reform in Alabama

On Thursday, the Alabama Senate Judiciary committee passed a series of comprehensive tort reform bills that will improve the court system in Alabama.  The Judiciary Committee is chaired by Senators Cam Ward and Ben Brooks.

"We listened to all sides," said Senator Ward. "Everyone had a seat at the table. These changes will better serve all Alabamians and promote justice."

Centreville bumps heads with PBS film crew

By Daniel L. Bamberg

A PBS film crew and Pulitzer Prize winning author believe that the city of Centreville kept them from filming at Cahaba River Historic Park over the weekend of Saturday, March 27^th. 

Filmmaker Sam Pollard, along with producers and crewmembers for the upcoming documentary, “Slavery By Another Name,” were in Centreville with great interest in using the park.  The film is based on Douglas Blackmon’s Pulitzer prize winning book of the same name.  Blackmon who is a Senior National Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal is also a producer for the film, and was the person who directly contacted Centreville Mayor Tommy Bamberg about using the recreational facility.

According to Blackmon when he first asked to use the facility, he was informed that the park’s pavilions had been booked for the length of time that the film crew would be in town.  Blackmon further suggests that when asking Bamberg if there would be a more suitable time for the park to be used in the filming, the Centreville Mayor began stating his personal objections to the film’s content.

Local Extension’s “Prosper” concludes as a success

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System began working with educators at Centreville Middle School and community volunteers to strengthen families through the Prosper program in January.  Bibb County Extension agents, Erica Rhine and Joy Maxwell helped organize the program with the help of volunteers from Bibb County High Schools, the Bibb Belles and other volunteers.

On Thursday, March 24 five kids and their parents concluded the seven week program with an obvious enthusiasm and a renewed since of strength in their spirits.

The Prosper program, which is funded through the extension, was initially developed out of Penn State University and was then accepted at Iowa State until making its way to Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension. 

The goal has been to lessen the amount of substance abuse and other concerns with today’s youth.  The program is a flexible concept with the ultimate goal of opening real dialogue between children and adults, to break down some of the barriers, which separate the parent/child relationship, and to ultimately strengthen communities.  It targets middle school aged children and their parents.  Researchers believe pre-teenage and early teenage adolescence are the key years to recognize any situations taken for granted in the family structure, which may lead to social problems.  The ultimate purpose as with most Cooperative Extension programs is to strengthen the overall communities.

Image of Progress

Passers-by of the overpass on Highway 25, which crosses Highway 82, have been witnessing a scene of progress.  After years of discussion work is being done to extend Highway 82 from Centreville to the Prattville area.  This will create a faster route to the state’s capital, Montgomery.  The road extension, which is expected to expand commerce into rural Bibb County, has been long awaited.  (photo by Daniel L. Bamberg)

Ward introduces bill to protect Alabama from Sexual Predators

On Tuesday, March 29, Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) and Representative Blaine Galliher (R- Gadsden) introduced new comprehensive legislation that would close loopholes for sex offenders and further protect Alabamians.

“This standard enables law enforcement and district attorneys to better enforce the sex offender statutes in Alabama, thereby protecting our most vulnerable – our children,” Ward said. “We need to pass this bill in a timely and official fashion.  I will never waiver in my support of children and families.”

SB296 strengthens the current law by expanding the registration information that a sex offender must give local law enforcement when registering vehicles, telephone numbers, Internet information and email addresses.  The bill also closes loopholes by requiring that all offender registration information be stored electronically and immediately available to the public. Finally, it positively impacts law enforcement by reducing the time to 30 days, instead of 180, for sex offenders to register prior to release from incarceration.

Return of the American Chestnut

Dan James, Bibb County landowner; Mac Phillippi, President of the Alabama Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation;  Tim Albritton, State Forester for the Natural Resources Conservation Service;  Wylie Johnson, Bibb County landowner where the American Chestnut seedlings were planted;  Kent McCray, District Conservationist in Bibb County for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ben Johnson, son of Wylie Johnson.

On March 15, 2011 a small group gathered in Bibb County to perform a seemingly insignificant task.  This event was attended by several foresters, a representative of a little known non-profit organization called the American Chestnut Foundation, the 92 year old land owner, Wylie Johnson, and members of his immediate family.  After some brief remarks, 2 small trees were planted.  After adding mulch and deer protection the group departed leaving the seedlings to settle into the new surroundings.

The trees planted were American chestnuts and are the result of 28 years of breeding effort by the American Chestnut Foundation to produce chestnut trees capable of surviving an attack of a blight that eliminated this important species from the Eastern United States.  The planting was undertaken because Mr. Johnson remembers the American chestnut and wanted to be a part of larger effort now underway to correct a mistake that resulted in what is perhaps the greatest ecological disaster to ever hit the North American Continent. 

CCA Students celebrate birthday of remarkable 17 year old

Wednesday, March 30^th was a special day for a special person at Cahawba Christian Academy. Ryan Davis was surprised with a party celebrating his 17^th birthday. Even though Ryan is a junior class at Bibb County High School, he has found a home with CCA. Born two months premature, Ryan has far surpassed the minimal expectations of a child with multiple disabilities.  Deaf in his right ear, and impaired in the left, this Down's Syndrome young man has proven to be a positive addition, not only to his family, but also to the Cahawba Christian Academy Chargers.

When Ryan was born to Richard and Becky Davis, they didn’t believe his diagnosis at first since he shared many outward traits of his three older siblings. But Ryan’s older brothers, Scott and Sean, embraced him as special from the very beginning. When Ryan was three months old, Scott went with him when he began the RISE program at the University of Alabama. Scott and Sean helped him in every phase of life – learning to sit, stand up, walk, play baseball, bounce a basketball, and everything else a little brother should do. They have patiently nurtured him despite his minimal communication (he uses only a few words), but his brothers say he speaks with his eyes, actions and heart all the time – he’s always smiling!

BCHS Graduate initiated into prestigious honor society

Leanna Kornegay, a 2008 graduate of Bibb County High School, was among the top few students at Troy University to be tapped for membership in Mortar Board, a prominent national honor society for college seniors. 

Leanna is majoring in elementary education at Troy University, from which she plans to graduate in May 2012. She was selected for Mortar Board as a result of her outstanding academic achievements, devotion to service and exceptional leadership skills.

In addition to Mortar Board, Leanna is also involved in Alpha Delta Pi sorority, serves as a resident assistant and is on the Relay for Life committee. She has been presented with numerous honors including being named: to the chancellor’s list, to the provost’s list and as a chancellor’s scholarship recipient. Leanna is also a member of Alpha Lamba Delta, an honor society for first-year college students. She is the daughter of Donna Kornegay and Sammy Kornegay of Centreville.

Youth Leadership students give Tabermill Road a makeover

Bibb County Youth Leadership (BCYL) 2011 removed one ton of household garbage from Taber Mill Road in less than an hour on Tuesday, March 29.  BCYL filled up the dump truck, and then some, as part of their program curriculum.  Some of the participants will continue the cleanup at the location in mid-April as a class project.   Matt Hartzell at the Bibb County Extension Office expressed gratitude to the Bibb County Commission and Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) for their support of this effort.

The bright blue bus that delivers bright white smiles

The Sarrell Dental Bus arrived at West Blocton Elementary School on March 22. The dental bus travels around the state providing children in need with dental care.

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Buses are certainly not an uncommon sight at West Blocton Elementary School but those buses are yellow.  It was a surprise to many students in the school when a bright blue bus pulled up to the front lawn.  Perhaps even more bizarre the bus wasn’t filled with uncomfortable green bench seats but rather; dental chairs, dental equipment, a dentist and her staff.

The Alabama Mobile Access to Dental Care Act was made law in 2008 to provide dental care for children who could otherwise not receive the proper care.  Since that time, Sarrell Dental Center, a non-profit group has been running a dental bus and touring the state to serve the needs of Alabama’s children.  

Two local educators appointed to County positions

By Daniel L. Bamberg

After the untimely passing of Reverend James McBride the Bibb County Board of Education was faced with the difficult decision of finding his replacement.  Former Bibb County educator, Elaine Stoudemire was tapped on Thursday, March 24 as his replacement.  Stoudemire has over served as a teacher at Brent Elementary School until resigning in June of 2009.  She will serve at least he remainder of McBride’s term through 2012.

With Centreville City Councilman, Kenny Hicks rolling off of the Bibb County Airport Authority, a decision was made last week to replace Hicks with retired Bibb County educator, Dr. Eddie Brown.  Brown served as principal of Bibb County High School until deciding to run for Superintendent of Bibb County Schools in 2006.  He was not elected and chose to continue as a teacher at BCHS until resigning last year.  

PHOTO - Mrs. Elaine Stoudemire was sworn in on Thursday, March 24, 2011, 2:00 to serve on the Bibb County Board of Education. Mrs Joyce Rice, her sister, swore her in. Stoudemire will replace the recently deceased, Reverend James McBride.

U.S. Forest Service offers reward for Brent arson

U.S. Forest Service firefighters responded to an arson set wildfire in the Talladega National Forest, Oakmulgee District on Tuesday, March 22.  The 128-acre wildfire that was contained by firefighters was approximately six miles southwest of Brent, near Forest Service Road 742.

According to Oakmulgee District Ranger Cynthia Ragland, the incident was reported to the Forest Service on March 22 at 6 p.m. 

“Arson fires pose many risks, namely the potential for smoke along highways at night,” said Ranger Ragland. “Regard for human safety is our highest priority and it will continue to guide fire management.”

Forest Service law enforcement determined that the cause of the wildfire was arson. They are working with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department to continue the investigation. The public can help prevent wildfires by reporting arson activities, checking fire restrictions before visiting a national forest, control campfires by making sure they are out and crushing cigarettes in ashtrays. We can work together to prevent wildfires.

A $500 reward is available to anyone who has information in connection with this criminal act that leads to the recovery, apprehension and conviction of the parties involved.  Please contact the 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. 

 

Edmonds recognized by Alabama Baptist for service and contributions

By Daniel L. Bamberg

The Alabama Baptist, a weekly statewide spiritual publication, recently recognized well-known local businessman, Hugh Edmonds.  The paper’s Board of Directors passed a resolution in a recent meeting, which declared March 5, Hugh and Magaret Ann Edmonds Day.

Edmonds served on the Board for 16 years and before his roll off from the Board he made a contribution to the Board, which helped with new offices. 

“Of all of the things that he (Hugh) has done in his life, he loved serving on that board more than most of what he has one,” explained his wife Hugh Edmonds.

Massachusetts college students spend spring break getting hands dirty in Bibb

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Ten students from Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts decided not to spend their spring break on the beach and sewing wild oats.  Instead, they will be working in the Talladega National Forrest here in the Oakmulgee District of Brent, Alabama. 

Through the Alternative Spring Break Program, students spend spring break helping others through a variety of service projects.  The group of ten community minded young adults spent the week of March 20 – March 25 clearing a trail path and building bridges and walk ways to provide accessibility for everyone to experience the beauty of the forest.

“The Alternative Spring Break Program began 11 years ago with a group of students who wanted to do something different on their spring break, something where they could give back and help others,” said Jillian Strycharz, a senior at Western New England College and team leader for the program.

50 years ago Bibb Citizens honored an unknown youth

A tombstone marked “unknown” in Centreville Four Points Cemetery remains the symbol of one of Bibb County’s greatest mysteries and some feel a great triumph of the County’s heart.  An unknown boy 14-17 years old in age was killed in an accident on March 27, 1961 he was never identified.  His funeral and tombstone was paid for as the tombstone reads “by Bibb County’s citizens who love children.”

By Daniel L. Bamberg

It is perhaps the greatest mystery in the history of Bibb County, Alabama.  Beyond the surface however, it is to many one of the most heart breaking and yet somehow heart warming stories ever written in our local newspaper.  Sunday, March 27 marks the 50^th anniversary of the accident, which took the life of Bibb County’s unknown friend in death, a bizarre circumstance but a symbol of a community’s heart.

Fifty years ago, Bibb County residents were shocked to hear reports about a 14-17 year old Caucasian male hitchhiker who died in a crash when the vehicle he was being escorted in collided with the bridge rail and plunged into the Cahaba River near River Bend.  The young boy drowned.

Small-town hero recognized by Postmaster General

Last week was a big one for West Blocton Rural Carrier Barbara Pope. First, she received a letter from Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe thanking her for saving a customer's life.

An excerpt from the PMG's letter to Barbara, states, “I want to commend you for your heroism and selfless display of civic duty. Your attentiveness and the quick actions you took to rescue a woman who was frantic and wounded saved her life. I am proud of how you handled this heinous situation and for the care you extend toward the citizens in your community.”

Then, she received a certificate of commendation from the Alabama District. Area III Acting MPOO Larry D. Muse arrived at the West Blocton Post Office Thursday morning, March 17, to present Barbara with the award and some other gifts, and West Blocton Postmaster Daphne McClain arranged breakfast for the entire office in honor of the occasion.

The event came as a complete surprise to Barbara, who remained speechless, even after Muse finished presenting her with the award.

Photos courtesy of Marvin Owens, PostmarksAL.com

Centreville Resident authors new book

By Lorrie Rinehart

Centreville resident, James Perry, has authored a new book titled, “Practical Awareness of Living in the Presence of God.” Mr. Perry has also penned “Consider These Things With Me” and is in the process of writing: “The Right Course and The Only Choice.” He has served as a Pastor or 47 years and is a Minister in the Presbyterian Churches of America (PCA).

His current book focuses on the need for a Practical Awareness in terms of the Presence of God. There are no shortcuts to righteousness, holiness or godliness. It requires a commitment and a choice of lifestyle that will cause one to know and experience greater conformity to the image of Christ on a daily basis. Too many look for an “easy fix” and are reluctant or hesitant to take up the cross of Christ daily and follow Him. 

Proposal to make church desecration hate crime in Alabama

By Daniel L. Bamberg

State lawmaker, Senator Geral Dial of Linevile is proposing a piece of legislation which will make burglary and any desecration of religious property a hate crime in Alabama.  Therefore, these acts would become felonies. 

"We hope this is a deterrent for people to rob (churches)," Dial said. "They take copper and sound equipment. We just hope this will protect people in the rural area from doing that." 



Church arsonist asks for a reduced sentence

By Daniel L. Bamberg

In 2007 Russell DeBusk pled guilty to burning 5 Bibb County churches.  Now, he is asking for a shorter sentence.

The terms of his plea agreement state, DeBusk was to serve seven years in federal prison, to be followed by two years in state prison.  He is now asking Bibb County Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins to make the two-year state sentence run concurrent with his federal sentence.  This would in effect, shorten his combined sentence by two years.

Since his incarceration, his attorney Brett Bloomston suggests that DeBusk has made a complete turnaround.  According to Bloomston, the arsonist has a 4.0 GPA in college correspondence courses and is now a supervisor in the prison industries program.

New ‘bath salts’ drug now being controlled

By Daniel L. Bamberg

A new drug has been making its way into the hands of children but state health and law enforcement officials are acting quickly.

In 2010 the drug referred to as “Salvia“ was marketed across the state as a incense with the knowledge growing more common that drug abusers were using this substance to get high and hallucinate.  After state health officials declared the drug unsafe it was made illegal.  Now comes a new concept.  A drug referred to as “Red Dove, Vanilla Sky, and Bliss” among other names has been marketed across the state and the U.S. recently as a bath salt.  Yet, this synthetic substance is not being used for healthy soft skin.  It is being used to inhale in powder form as a hallucinogenic drug. 

Gov. Bentley’s education budget concerns Bibb Schools Superintendent

By Daniel L. Bamberg

Daniel@Centrevillepress.com

Governor Bentley’s recent Alabama education budget proposal has raised a lot of questions across the state regarding the public school system.  Statistically speaking, rural counties such as Bibb will suffer greater with the economic loss, which has already begun with 3 years of state proration, and now with Bentley’s budget, Bibb County Schools Superintendent Greg Blake has found reason for alarm. 

Recently Blake contacted State Representative and State Senators in hopes that they will consider adjusting some of the portions of the new budget.