A great crowd gathered in the halls of Sylacauga High School Monday (7/15) afternoon as the second CVMC Chair was presented by the Sylacauga City Schools Foundation. But this one was different, this one was special – it recognized the contributions made by the hospital’s food team, the Hickory Street Cafe!
Author: Tom Roberts
12 Alabama school districts score 20% improvement in third-grade reading
Jim’ Zig’ Zeigler – His beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama. He writes about Alabama people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected]. Find the original story HERE.
The welcoming introduction Monday to 2,900 educators at the annual “MegaConference” was indeed welcome news. State School Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey opened the 2024 MegaConference on Monday by announcing that 12 Alabama school districts gained a remarkable 20% or higher in reading scores for third graders.
The conference, called the largest gathering of educators in Alabama, celebrated its 25th anniversary with its largest annual attendance — roughly 2,900 educators. They are meeting all week at the Mobile Convention Center. There are 100 school districts represented.
Mackey had the attendees from each of the twelve improved districts stand and be recognized:
The reading test is administered to all public school students toward the end of their third-grade year. A student reading at grade level is promoted to fourth grade. If a student is not reading at a third-grade level, he is either held back or other “good cause exemptions” are imposed.
Mackey also announced that the Orange Beach School District had 100% of its third-grade students reading at grade level.
The theme of the 2024 MegaConference is “Unlocking Potential: The Power of Education.”
The keynote speaker for the MegaConference was Dr. Susan Pepper, author of the book “Teaching in the Fast Lane.” The conference gave out copies of her book there. 1819 News will write a book review for later publication.
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The Weekend in Pictures
Childersburg Council accepts $200,000 from IDB & transfers to CDA for downtown rehabilitation
The Childersburg City Council held their 2nd June regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18th at 6:00 p.m.
In New Business, the Council approved Resolution 2024-07 to accept $200,000 from the Childersburg Industrial Development Board and designating those funds to the City Commercial Development Authority. The funds will be used for the purpose of downtown rehabilitation and economic growth.
The Council took care of regulatory paperwork with the passage of Resolution 2024-08, which approved the FY 2025 Rural Transportation grant operating budget.
Training was approved for Childersburg Police Chief Keven Koss to attend the AACOP Summer Conference at Orange Beach from July 28th through August 1st. The cost includes $200 registration, 4-nights lodging at $1,076, and per diem.
Approval was given to repair a 2021 Ford Police Interceptor, performed by Collier Motors at a cost of $2269.21.
The Council also approved payment of Invoices in the amount of $210,920.05.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
Three Georgia suspects arrested as a result of a commercial burglary in Alabama
Acting on a tip from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department in Alabama, three Tallapoosa, GA residents have been arrested by the Haralson County Georgia Sheriff’s Office. Douglas Boatright, Kohlton Sheets, and Krista Bradberry have been charged with stealing a Penske truck on June 11, 2024.
Shortly after their arrest, a search warrant from Alabama led authorities to find items from Randolph County, AL inside the truck, along with masks, tools, and a small quantity of methamphetamine.
The trio face charges that include obstruction of a law enforcement officer, theft by bringing stolen property into the state, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of the tools for the commission of a crime, possession of methamphetamine. Boatright and Sheets also face probation violations. Boatright, the drive of the truck, also faces charges of reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude charges.
It is not clear if or when Alabama authorities will file charges in connection with the arrests in Georgia.
Scenes from the Fed Up Shipping Ribbon-Cutting & Grand Opening!
Happy 100th Birthday!
Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Sarah Miles of Childersburg!
Born June 11, 1924, Ms. Miles celebrated THE milestone birthday over the weekend with family & friends!
Reading Fun for Kids!
There’s a fun, new reading contest in play for kids from age 3 to 18 at the B.B. Comer Memorial Library! The “Book Scavenger Hunt” has begun and runs through July 31st!
Book Scavenger Hunt forms are available at the library and participating businesses. Match the book number and name with the clue. Book posters are in business windows on Broadway Avenue between and including the library, the Sylacauga Board of Education, and the Sylacauga Municipal Complex.
Sylacauga Farmers Markets celebrates another Opening Day!
The 2024 Season of the Sylacauga Farmers Markey kicked off Friday morning (5/31) in Central Park, across from Blue Bell Creameries. The Market operates on Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon until at least mid-August. Check out the slide show at the bottom to see what you’ll find!
Pete Baker’s 4-Mile Farms Produce is a long-time SFM vendor with fresh-picked produce from his farm in Bonair. But, you need to catch him early, as he generally sells a full truck in no time at all!
Charles & Margaret Courtney of Courtney Farms is another long-time SFM vendor with all sorts of farm-fresh produce. But, let’s be real… It’s those delicious peaches from their farm in Chilton County farm that is their greatest draw!
Teresa Vise is the host from T’s Produce. Her fresh-picked produce is highlighted from a long list of available fresh herbs & spices!
Alivia Hardy spends her time in the kitchen, produced baked goodies & candies for WillowBugs Baking!
SFM Manager Will Brooks says they’ll be adding more home-baked goods, plants, and produce in the coming weeks!
Old Town Liquors celebrates Grand Opening with a Ribbon-Cutting
Andy Patel has again invested in the Childersburg business community, opening Old Town Liquor (33588 US Highway 280). He also owns the Subway franchise location next door.
Conveniently located, brightly lit, with friendly, welcoming staff, and an incredible selection of “spirits” and so much more!
They’re open 9:30 to 9:30, Monday through Thursday; 9:30 to 10:00 on Friday & Saturday; and 12:00 noon to 9:30 on Sundays.
Stop by soon and welcome Andy Patel and his Assistant Manager, Avi Borade!
Pictured during the Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting are (L-R) are; Travis Mizzell, Mel Bordon, Franklin Flanagan, Shaunta Williams, Rajeesh Patel (father), Ava Hamilton, Andy Patel, Jashoda Patel (mother), Mayor Ken Wesson, John Mark Freeman, Andrea Morris, Stacy Knight, Annie Lawler, Diane Kay.