Category: Community News

After witnessing tragedy, a call for help…

It is after 11:00 tonight (Tuesday, 10/1), and I am sitting in a recliner drinking iced tea and watching a little bit of TV while being very comfortable with an air conditioner blowing and the roof over my head and a plate of good food I had ate earlier. I have just returned from a deployment with Childersburg Rescue Squad into Erwin, Tennessee and this same scene I am fixing to talk about is playing out in many small towns as well as large ones at this moment.

When the hurricane hit it dumped enormous amounts of rain and brought about a lot of destruction with mudslides swollen creeks dàm breakage and a host of other things. Erwin was basically wiped out by flash flooding along with a few other natural disasters.

Their whole infrastructure is completely gone. There is no water to drink, no sewer system to be able to flush a toilet, no electricity, no cell phones, etc. Yet, here I am sitting here in a chair with all of these things. Just a few short nights ago the citizens in that area had the same thing, but tonight everything they do water-related from having water to drink to cooking, brushing their teeth, to even taking a bath for the next several months will be done with bottled water.

TV is not existent as they’re all in the ditches or in the river. Many are looking for loved ones that they have been disconnected from and not knowing where they are. Food is at a premium and gas is almost non-existent. Shelter is practically nonexistent, and they are living at this point in the most primitive of scenarios. Yet through all this tragedy, they are still reaching out to each other with neighbors helping each other.

I’ve witnessed very horrible things, but I saw the good things in a lot of people. With all the different drives going on for supplies please pick carefully who you donate to. Many agencies only get a portion of what is donated to those that are needing it or some send everything you donate.

If you have not considered donating, please do because a simple thing such as a bottle of water or a pack of crackers might be the difference between somebody living or dying. There is still hope for many people there, but they need our help desperately.

When I got back home the clothes I left in days ago are the clothes I came back home in. When I stepped into the shower, and I had plenty of water and hot water at that, it was a gentle reminder of how blessed I am. I have the love of my life beside me, and I have a TV that I’m looking at, and my home is comfortable and all of those people had that same thing just a few short nights ago, but not any more.

If you cannot give anything, take the moment to pray, because prayer will change many things. We serve a mighty God. He never promised us an easy road, but He did say we would never be alone. Keep the prayers coming for them because they are desperately needed.

Jim Dennis, Childersburg Rescue Squad

Sylacauga Community Forum on Immigration

First Baptist Church of Sylacauga hosted State Representative Ben Robbins, Sate Senators Keith Kelly & Lance Bell, and a host of other officials representing the city and county to discuss local issues with immigration.

After officials provided their current assessments, the floor was opened to citizens for remarks, as well as a question & answer session. You can watch the video of the event below. It is also available, along with other community shows on the “TGOIS Channel” on the GCV-TV Network on Roku.

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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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.

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.

Huntingdon College Announces New President

Huntingdon Board of Trustees Chairman Leura Garrett Canary ’78 announced to the College community today a transition of presidential leadership to take place this summer. This morning, the Huntingdon Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Anthony Leigh to serve as the 15th President of Huntingdon College beginning July 1, 2024. Dr. Leigh currently serves as Huntingdon’s Senior Vice President for Student and Institutional Development and Dean of Students. Effective July 1, 2024, Huntingdon President J. Cameron West will assume the role of President Emeritus and Senior Advisor for United Methodist Polity.

In making the announcement of the appointment of Dr. Leigh to serve as President, Canary stated, “Dr. Anthony Leigh has demonstrated an unmatched passion and enthusiasm for serving Huntingdon students. He is a gifted administrator, and he clearly understands the internal operations of the College and effectively communicates the mission of the College to external constituencies. He is deeply respected and admired by students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and across his vast network of contacts. For 15 years, he has been an integral part of the success of President West’s leadership, and we are confident that he is the leader Huntingdon needs to propel the College to its next chapter of excellence and to champion the Heart of Huntingdon campaign.”

“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as the 15th President of Huntingdon College,” stated Dr. Leigh. “I’ve had a front row seat to the transformational experience a Huntingdon education offers our students. Huntingdon changes lives. Thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff, Huntingdon graduates are prepared to be difference makers in the communities and in the career fields in which they serve. Some of the finest people I know are Huntingdon alumni, and the world is a better place because of the lives of service of Huntingdon women and men. The College enjoys a respected reputation across Alabama and beyond, and I look forward to celebrating and advancing the greatness of the Huntingdon experience around the region. Serving Huntingdon students fuels me, and I’m excited about working with our dedicated faculty and staff in this new role and leveraging the resources of our alumni and friends for the benefit of our exceptional student body.

“Today is a great day at Huntingdon College,” West commented. “The Board of Trustees has named a superbly gifted higher education leader to serve as the College’s 15th President. Dr. Anthony Leigh knows and loves Huntingdon College, has been a trusted colleague to me in crafting and operationalizing the College’s mission, and is a wise counselor in all matters internal and external in the life of this thriving institution of teaching and learning. Huntingdon College is enjoying a bright present and will enjoy a bright future with him at the presidential helm.

President Emeritus and Mrs. West will continue to reside in The Delchamps Residence on the Huntingdon campus until his employment with the College concludes on June 30, 2025.