Month: August 2025

There was a steady traffic of local citizens during a Public Involvement meeting held Thursday afternoon (8/28) at Childersburg Church of Christ, located on Alabama Highway 235, for which the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has proposed traffic changes.

Maps were available for both current and proposed changes, as well as about a dozen ALDOT representatives that answered questions posed by meeting visitors. A written explanation of the proposal from ALDOT officials said that the project was to, “improve traffic flow and decrease congestion along AL-235 near Childersburg.”

That same document said that the project will consist of safety countermeasures to include: resurfacing, traffic striping, guardrail and guardrail-end anchors, geometry corrections, and a 2-foot safety widening. To affect that 2-foot safety widening, the existing four (4) travel lanes will be reconfigured to two (2) travel lanes and a center two-way turn lane.

Childersburg city officials as well as the local legislative delegation have been united in their opposition to the proposed changes, specifically the lane reduction.

“One of the major advantages our industrial park offers to current and future industries is the current four-lane highway access to US Highway 280,” said Mayor Ken Wesson. “We are currently making upgrades to the roads inside our industrial park to allow a pair of our currently expanding industries to take better advantage of that four-lane access to Highway 280. We feel that this proposal from ALDOT compromises that.”

AL-235 is frequently referred to as “Plant Road” due to numerous industrial sites along the road. We spoke with Sebastian Kidd, the Domtar Coosa Pines Mill Manager, who attended the gathering to study the maps and talk with ALDOT officials about their proposal.

“It’s certainly a lot to take in and consider for our operations, as well as for our neighboring industries,” said Kidd.

Kidd said that his initial observation was to inspect the provided maps for changes proposed for the entry and exit points that Domtar traffic uses on a daily basis, “We also have to look at what the proposed changes will mean for heavier industrial-related vehicles and their ability to get up to safe travel speed.”

Kidd pointed out that the new middle left-turn lane will help anyone needing them to turn left, but added that there are a number places where local traffic might need to make right turns, “I can see a number of deceleration lanes for those right turns, but is that enough to avoid the issues that right turns can create on a two-lane road? There are a lot of important things to consider from our industrial traffic point of view.”

ALDOT provided comment forms for those who attended the meeting. They accepted some written responses during the gathering and asked that others be mailed to the address provided within ten business days after the public meeting. Project information and comment forms can also be accessed from: www.ALDOTinvolved.com

The Sylacauga City Schools Foundation presented its 70th chair this week, honoring the Hodges Family. Don and Lynn Hodges were surrounded by a host of family members as the chair and plaque were unveiled in the Sylacauga High School foyer.

The Hodges have been tied to the Sylacauga community since the late 1960s, with Don Hodges having served the region as a teacher and coach before becoming a Balfour representative for decades, and Lynn Hodges as a teacher and administrator for 25-years in the Sylacauga School system.

The Hodges legacy continues today with dozens of Sylacauga High graduates, with several still serving as employees of the local school system. Those family members have been a part of every fund-raising effort put forth by the Sylacauga City Schools Foundation since it began in 1988.

The 70th Chair presentation represents more than 32 years of financial support for the state’s oldest such foundation.

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – As a proud graduate of Leadership Sylacauga, you remember the power of the connections built within your class – the stories shared, the laughter, the growth. Now it’s time to expand that circle. There is a special afternoon, designed to bring together alumni from all class years for a dynamic session focused on connection, collaboration, and leadership renewal.

The gatherig will explore “The Power of You & Making a Difference” – a reflective and energizing session that will help you assess your natural talents, refocus on your purpose, and reengage with your ability to lead and make an impact in your community and career.

This session will be facilitated by Teri Smiley of Starfish Partnerships, known for creating meaningful, high-energy leadership experiences that bring teams together and spark lasting impact.

Expect a fun and welcoming space to meet fellow alumni from other class years, along with interactive team-building activities that build trust, spark laughter, strengthen collaboration, and a lot more.

Join fellow Leadership Sylacauga Alumni on Wednesday, August 27th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for this special Leadership Sylacauga alumni experience. Come ready and please dress in very casual clothes and tennis shoes. You will need to comfortably move around for the team building activities!

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Schools Foundation is hosting their 70th Chair presentation next Wednesday, August 27th, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sylacauga High School foyer. This milestone Chair is honoring a very special family for not only the Sylacauga community but Sylacauga City Schools as well.

Lynn Hodges, a current SCSF board member, was a teacher and administrator in our school system for many years. Don Hodges was the Balfour representative that provided senior class rings and graduation invitations for decades of graduates, their two children (Bill and Donalyn) are graduates of Sylacauga High School as are their children, they both assisted in the family business at Balfour, and Donalyn’s husband (Chad Wilkinson) is our Athletic Director. This family depicts Sylacauga Aggies through and through.

“When I was recruited to organize this monthly event – the 3rd Thursday Block Parties in downtown Childersburg – the idea was to call attention to the growing number of businesses, a good time for the community with a purpose,” said Tom Roberts. “And this month it’s all getting bigger.”

New and existing businesses have two new neighbors, The Nevermore Bar & Grill along with Salon Paragon, both on 8th Avenue, across from another new entry, Another Level Cards. And a couple of other new Childersburg businesses are joining the big night as vendors.

“I talked with Felling Ranchy this morning, and they’ll be showing off their line-up of western fashion and consignment goods from their Highway 280 store. Hooked up with The Bargain Barn Liquidations to bring out some of their growing inventory from their amazing new store in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center – brand new goods at liquidation prices.”

Regular vendors will be joined by several farmers market favorites with farm fresh eggs and home-cooked breads and treats, plus lots more new arts and crafts vendors, and even a bouncy house for the kids. All the candidates for next week’s municipal election have been invited to either set up tents, or chat with visitors on their own.

“And, besides our downtown eateries – The Chicken Coop and Domino’s Pizza – we’re expecting a trio of food vendors, plus the Pelicans SnoBalls truck,” added Roberts. “Bring the family for a fun night out and experience all that downtown Childersburg, and beyond, has to offer!”