Funeral service for Linda L. Burney will be held on Thursday, February 04, 2016 beginning at 2 p.m. at Moss-Service Funeral Home Chapel
.
Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 03, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Ms. Betty June Mead Underwood, 84 of Hanceville, passed away Monday afternoon, February 1, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Akron Ohio to William Levi and Lola Mae Walker Mead.
Ms. Underwood worked many years in a "care-takers" role in the health care field.
She is predeceased by her parents; husbands, George Underwood, Raymond Vasser; infant twins, Becky & Jimmy Underwood; brother, Frank Mead.
The "Best" Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend and Sister that anyone could ever have is survived by sons, Danny (Brenda) Underwood, Dale (Brenda) Underwood; daughter, Terri (Roger) Holmes; brothers, Jerry Mead, Walker Mead; grandchildren, Cristy, Dale, John, Rachel, Stephanie, Heath, Kenny, Matt; great-grandchildren Camden, Landon, Abby, Emma, Toby, Jace, Wyatt, Lilly, Brayden; and her loving pet, friend and constant companion "Mickey".
Services for Ms. Underwood will be Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Holly Pond Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 12 noon until 2 p.m. funeral time. Burial at Eidson Chapel Cemetery. Rev. Ray Bradford officiating.
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday held his annual State of the State
address launching his 2016 legislative agenda and strategic plan through 2019.
Alabama will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2019, and Gov. Bentley’s Great State 2019 Plan is aimed at fundamentally changing Alabama, opening doors of opportunity, clearing the path to prosperity and solving decades-old problems by the time Alabama celebrates its bicentennial milestone. The strategic plan has a special focus on Alabama’s most rural and underserved areas.
The Great State 2019 agenda includes:
Investing in Alabama’s Education
Increasing the Number of Health Professionals in Rural Areas
Addressing the Prison Problem with Long-Term Solutions
Alabama’s HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) Through Broadband
Other Issues
“The Great State 2019 Plan is aimed at prioritizing greater opportunity and access to a good strong education, quality healthcare and game-changing technology for all Alabamians,” Gov. Bentley said. “There is no better way to celebrate the state’s bicentennial than by working together to make the lives of Alabamians better. Our state’s rich history is made up of a series of Alabamians who have courageously confronted problems and executed the necessary strategies to accomplish much needed solutions.”
Details on Gov. Bentley’s Great State 2019 Plan can be found at http://qrne.ws/govb.
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College in Hanceville congratulates the 749 students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2015 semester. To earn a spot on the Wallace State President’s List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a course load of 12 or more hours. Placement on the Dean’s List is awarded to students maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher while also taking a course load of at least 12 hours.
President’s List
Addison: Maneka ShaLane Blackwood, Matthew Howard Ergle, and Taylor Grace Robinson
Albertville: Shelby Reed Till
Altoona: Ian Alexander, Crystal Katherine Bryant, and Jackson Lee Morton
Athens: Claudia Lemae Bates, Seth B. Mays, and Elizabeth Nicolle O’Neal
Arab: Jared Gavin Chafin, James A. Crawford, Caitlyn Nicole Jett, Laura Faye Lewis, Jessy Ann-Marie McIntosh, Rebecca Irene Owens, John S. Skidmore, Joseph Rodney Turnage, and Chelsea Leigh Young
Arley: Lesleigh Amanda Cleghorn, Jed Hayden Cross, Alexus Shyanne Kilpatrick, Seth R. Newton, and Joseph David Storms
Auburn: April N. Lott
Baileyton: Austin Rafeal Echevarria, and Summer L. Walker
Birmingham: Lisa Hayes Dunn, Alice A. Lowery, William Blake Schilleci, Zohra Vishram, and David Samuel Wilson
Blountsville: Omar Aguilar, Kristen Rheagan Cole, Tucker Cole Heptinstall, Madison Taylor McGee, Lauren Anne McHan, Ashleigh Paige Posey, Annaliese D. Rutherford, and Vernon Larry Smith
Boaz: Whitney N. Nabors
Bremen: Steve Austin Bell, Erin Kaye Langham, and Bailey Madison Queen
Cleveland: Angie Renee Bailey, Cierra Marie Barrios, Amanda Bullard, Fabian Cervantes, Kana Ann Coker, William Reid Graves, James Collin Jackson, Deborah Kay Kilgore, Mary Beth Lawrence, and Howard S. Oden
Crane Hill: Holly Rena Carnagey and Samuel John Carnageym
Cropwell: Joseph Mario Pilato
Crossville: Lacey C. Coffey and Savannah A. Hamilton
Cullman: Scottie L. Bartlett, Megan Lachelle Brown, Mona Lisa Brown, Rachel Lauren Brown, Trevor A. Campbell, Karla G. Contreras, Matthew Paul Creech, Danny Lloyd Currie, Desiree Faye Doll, Ethan S. Drake, William Dean Farrell, Hadyn Whittney Ford, Victoria Leigh Francis, Theodore Hunter Freeman, Josie Lee Gagnon, Christopher Matthew Green, Lindsey Ellen Guy, Jeffrey Taylor Hale, Jimmy Earl Harris, Joshua F. Heatherly, Brian Stephen Hutson, Heather Ashley Johnson, Mason Storm Jones, Ryder D. Jones, Trent C. Key, Ariana M. Knighten, Matthew Hester Lancaster, Levi A. Laney, Grace LeBlanc, Stephen Lee, Amy Elisabeth Leonard, Jake Austin Lindsey, Jennifer Nicole Love, Andrea Ray Lovetto, Blake Edward Lowe, Rodney Bertram Lubert, Megan Renea Marks, Joshua Isaiah Martin, Kayla Lashae Mauldin, Wendell Tyler McCormick, Sarah Catherine McDonald, Kayla Marie Meador, Mayra M. Mendoza, Janna Marie Mickelson, James Christopher Joyce Miles, Mariah Jenkins Miles, Chrystal Marie Montgomery, Haley B. Netherton, Cody T. Norton, Rebecca Annette Oden, Jac E. Ohair, Melanie Kay Patterson, William Gabriel Pautler, Robert Ray Petrimoulx, Kalyn Amanda Rakestraw, Brandon Ellis Roberts, Richard Evan Self, James C. Shavers, Yusuke Shimizu, Reagan Elizabeth Short, Prem Lal Shrestha, Breanna K. Smith, Cecily Leshae Smith, Makenna R. Smith, Noah L. Smith, Robert Theodore Smith, Tammie M. Stanley, Edward J. Stanulevich, Piper Jean Stewart, Erika Suarez, Kayla Marie Sullins, Brett Michael Taylor, Surya B. Upreti, Gregory Michael Vance, Madison Taylor Wilhite, Chelsey Ceara Wright, Christopher Daniel Young, and Palita Montgomery Youngyuen
Danville: Kaitlyn L. Holmes, Kheala Roberts, and Sean Wesley Weaver
Decatur: Erica Frances Barnhouse, and Hayley Blaine Johnson
Dora: Hollie Marie Fuller, Josh Shawn Sanford, and Zachary James Weldon
Double Springs: Makayla Bree Bullock, and Erica Dean Roberson
Empire: Kevin Armes, Joshua D. Byrd, and Mckayla Lauren Carroll
Eva: Anna L. Baker, Zachary Wayne Boldin, Krysten D. Cunningham, and Catherine Malerie Drinkard
Falkville: Kayla M. McDearmond, Amanda Lynn Woodard, and Shaye Elizabeth Yoakum
Fayetteville, TN: Morgan Elizabeth Higgins
Florence, AL: Makaylin D. Abernathy
Fultondale: Sara Megan Muncher
Gadsden: Donna Hilyer Davis and Adam B. Smith
Gardendale: Beverly June Bailey, Ryan Christopher Bradley, Abigail N. Grenade, Aubrey June Green, Tanner Muncey, Shelby Madison Ponder, and Michael Claude Watson
Geraldine: Jamie Elizabeth Pittman
Gurley: Neeki Meshell McNeely
Hampton Cove: Julia E. Dailey
Hanceville: Bryce A. Allen, Savanah Alexandria Allred, Martha F. Armstrong, Tyler Samuel Baker, Christina Marie Bowlds, Laura Nicole Campbell, Ricky Dewayne Cason, Nathan Wesley Choisser, Caleb Dean Downing, Ronnie Lee Gregory, Ashlee Elizabeth House, Anthony Jimenez, Madison Lyndsay Johnson, Destiny G. Quick, Jennifer Beth Roberts, Brianna L. Sims, Lee D. Stansell, Cyndi Turney, Briana Nicole Vincent, and Caleb Joshua Woods
Hartselle: Russell Blake Adams, Sarah Ellen Battles, Morgan R. Corum, Jordan Hailie Johnson, Karessa R. Kelley, Jake Guston Nelson, Rachel A. Ryan, Ned Anthony Stephenson, and Jordan Cade Wilemon
Hayden: Heather L. Adams, Robin Nicole Akins, Noe Chavez, Alexander Everett Hays, Clay M. Morrison, Michael Anthony Renda, Michael Colten Snow, Alan Keith St. John, Becky L. Sullivan, and Kayla Brooke Tucker
Hazel Green: Stephanie Eckerd
Headland: Elizabeth Ann Chancey
Hokes Bluff: Kelsey Leigh Cooper
Horton: Whitney F. Stevens
Hueytown: Shelby Nicole Brown and Heather R. Hawkins
Huntsville: Nicole Sarette Brown, Mary Rebekah Miller, Timothy Dwight Robinson, and Brittany Nicole Wills
Iron City, TN: Alana Marie Hill
Irondale: Terry B. Standridge
Jacksonville: Ashton Leigh Gaddy
Jasper: Brandy Lynn Crawford, Allison Goforth, Donald Wayne May, Amber N. Murray, Amber Dawn Peltz, and Karissa Leeann Windham
Joppa: Samantha Burns and Karley Lynn Camp
Killen: Michael Lynn Johnson
Kimberly: Mackenzie H. Singletary
Locust Fork: Cara MiShea Beasley, Tori Abriell Beasley, and Stormie D. Copeland
Logan: Tyler Ryan Elrod
Loretto, TN: Elizabeth Ann Hemmen and Melissa Renee Quillen
Madison: Chelsea Lynn Haines and Allen Jeremy Knowles
Montgomery: Tracey Michele Campbell
Morris: Jordan E. Barr, Alexander J. Gonzalez, Carol Ann McClendon, Jennifer L. Merrill, Morgan C. Riddlesperger and Christopher K. Stone
Mount Hope: Lelia Brooke Daniel
Mount Olive: Pennye J. Conner, Shiann B. Harper, Joseph Aaron Oakley, and Jeri L. Todd
Mountain Brook: Lucy T. Burrett
Muscle Shoals: Anna Catherine Thompson
Nauvoo: Anna Katherine Guthrie and Lindsey Karyl Manasco
Oneonta: Rachel M. Awtrey, Alberto Chavez, Elizabeth Ashley Harvey, Olivia Nevada Henry, Dustin Scott Hogeland, Grace Tillie Lohner, Logan Richard McDerment, Angela McAuley Moody, Juan A. Sanchez, Vicki Shannan Seale, Laura A. Sweatt and James Heith Williams
Owens Cross Roads: Christopher Josef Dunseith
Pinson: Rayme Richelle Davis and Shelby Diane Reid
Pisgah: Jeffrey Keith Mitchell
Rainville: Jessica Janet Ruiz
Remlap: Casie Lynn Hall and Jeffrey Benjamin Horsley
Scottsboro: Marty Duran Bishop
Sheffield: Eleanor Grace Robbins
Somerville: Tina Marie Boles, Nicole R. Hollingsworth, Morgan L. Lemons, Lucas Eli Randolph, and Jordan Ashley Seago
Stevenson: Savannah Paige Stubblefield
Sumiton: John Micah Oliver
Tallassee: Mary Catherine Rushton
Town Creek: Claire Margarette Boston
Trafford: Shelby Lynn Hancock and Heather Lynn Harrell
Trussville: Jonathan Blake Campbell, and Daphne Nadine Eggleton
Tuscaloosa: Abigail Elise Hensley and Megan J. Quimby
Tuscumbia: Kayla Jane Elom
Union Grove: Jamie Brooke Owens and Morgan N. Warren
Vinemont: Lindsie P. Barton, Mackenzie Baswell, Maria Deolinda Cipollari, Erin LeeAnn Handley, Joshua R. Kent, Gregory Collin Milligan, Nathan Scott Persall, Emily F. Sandlin, Angela Owens Stout, and Micah Logan Suits
Warrior: Angela Juanell Andrews, Skyler Brian Cherry, Spencer A. Crane, Maegan E. Dailey, Rebecca Horton, Bradley Austin Norris, Amairani Neyed Rodriguez, Tamara Powell and Rush William Valenta
Weaver: Anna Catherine Davis
Southside: Braxton Kane Light
Spencer, WV: Carla June Chandler
Warsaw, NC: Xavier Johnte McCoy
Woodville: Brandon Lewis and Katelyn R. Anderson
Dean’s List
Adger: Erin Brooke Benson
Alabaster: Jasmine Ciara Holmes and August Newberry
Albertville: John Alan Sanders, Jr., Kendall Leigh Wallace, Savanna A. Wolvington and Thifany C. Nelson
Altoona: Hannah Marie Williams and Karanina Tatyana Short
Arab: Justice Wade Bradford, Blake E. Hicks, Andrew Z. Walker, Andrew Laurence Harnack, Lucas Chandler Smith, Christopher A. St. John, Patrick W. Hammond, Matthew James Bell, Zachary D. Weaver, Jennifer Leigh Latham, Leah Brianne Price, Abbe Gayle Gresham, Kristen Marie Allred, Logan B. Gibbs, Alison Nicole Owens, Jolene Nicole Chasse, Samantha Faith Shell, and Baili Charis Calvert
Arley: Roger Keeton Cleghorn, Brooke Chase Ary-Maze, Maggie Renee Frederick Wright, Mallary N. Guthrie, Maci E. Parris, and Sara Christine Gladney
Athens: Kaleigh B. McMeans
Auburn: William Kelley Eiland, John Bradford Norman, Jonathan Bernard Smith, and Mark Allen Brown
Baileyton: Justin Daniel Clayton-Hodges, Matthew A. Adge, Taylor D. Edge, Kylee R. Yancy, and Macy Alexis Ray
Bessemer: Jason Thomas Carrell
Birmingham: Hayward A. Black and Briana Monique Toliver
Blountsville: Garrett Wayne Hamrick, Kerry Daniel Adams, Nathan Earl Sansing, Justin Rilee Johns, Connor Dungan Franks, Lana Charlene Price, Chasey Lane Alldredge, Ashley Dawn Billings, Joshua S. Misenhimer II, Darby E. Hamm, Dana Victoria Willingham, Georgia Taylor Flowers, Casey Brooke Smith, and Brittany Orion Suhy
Boaz: Savanna Marie Hughes, Nikki E. Gunter and Leigh Allison Reaves
Bremen: James Austin Moore, Erika Gabrielle Nix, Gregory Allen Dean, Michael Scott Sullivan, Keegan L. Johnson, Britney Nicole Anderson, and Cinda Marie Simmons
Bryant: Hannah A. Vest
Carbon Hill: Joseph T. Howard
Chickasaw: Austin Jacob Miller
Cleveland: Andrew Garrett Hawkins, Gwin Daniel English, Samuel SHavez Mendoza, Joel Chacon, Kristin F. Cook, Victoria Katelyn Hollingsworth, Jessica Acosta, and Leandra Mendoza
Collinwood, TN: Alissa Michelle Littlejohn
Courtland: Tammie Mckelvy Johnson
Crane Hill: Marcus Alan O’hair, Destini H. Williamson, Savanna A. Blackmon, and Anna Michelle Waldrep
Cullman: Nathan Eli Marty, Paul Duke Cleghorn, Tyler Delane Townson, Maison Clark Goodwin, Devan G. Parker, Bryant Jon Farley, William Zachary Brooks, Jacob William Powell, Benjamin Robert Hamner, Cody James Stewart, Landen Jace Ballew, Charles Herman Paine V, Christian Ty Livingston, Charles Randal Nelson, Jr., Michael Kirven Addison, Nathan T. Ashton, Lance Stuart Cleveland, Riley Voce, Clayton Rodney Hooper, Drake Alan Powell, Gary Wayne Sanders, Tyler Eugene Heflin, Justin H. Turner, Sarah Elizabeth Mayo, Lara Renee Frost, Jenny Perkins, Angela M. Miller, Krystal Lashay Baker, Brandy Michelle Luna, Saschia Eaden Wilbanks, Desiree Elise Thomas, Amber N. Murphy, Alexus Gabrielle Cagle, Sarah Leann Rosen, Katie Rose Edmondson, Summer Elizabeth Neal, Tiffani M. Rowan, Taylor Denise Ruehl, Kristin Kayla Evans, Katherine Taylor Sexton, Morgan B. James, Courtney Lynn Walker, Kaitlyn G. Stephens, Adriana Suarez, Kaci N. Waters, Kelly Sorrow Prince, Danielle Denise Gremillion, Emily J. Laney, Caitlin Netherton, Olivia C. Law, Abby B. Nelson, Chloe N. Smith, Sarah L. Bagwell, Katelyn Ann Downs, Haley Regina Jacobs, Sadie E. Wise, Alexis A. Bell, Lilian M. Hardman, Ashton B. Laney, Madison N. Mcelroy, Maria K. Owens, Rachel E. Kincade, Lindsey Mae Pope, Courtney Elizabeth Burgette, Alyssa Clark Remington, Tabitha Brooke Taylor, Alena Evgenevna Katana, Cerri Clark Harbison, Courtney Creel, Madison Brooke Wren, Amanda Laprade, Alixandra B. Young, and Anna L. Trevarthen
Danville: Whitney L. Greenhaw
Deatsville: Cassidy E. Dooley
Decatur: Eric Anthony Marchan, Rockale Deshar Lyons, Jon Braxton Lemley, Lawrence Bruce Hartman, Christen Ashley Stevens, Emily Annette Davis, and Autumn G. Guyse
Dora: Kortney A. Glover and Macie L. Calvert
Double Springs: Amy Lynette Crow
Empire: Caleb Seth Grayson
Eva: Samuel Lee Martin, Faulyn Skye Cagle, and Josie Lee Frost
Falkville: Kenneth R. Potts, Benjamin Jake Oden, Lyndsey Breann Smith, Katrina Elizabeth Koerber, Avery Goodwin Swader, and Sydney Louise Shields
Fayette: Valarie Ann Barnes
Florence: Kendall N. Scott, Elizabeth Rena Daniel, and Amanda Christine Burgess
Foley: Laura Ann Chambers
Fort Payne: Autumn M. Clark and Summer Lee Anne Phillips
Frisco City: Melanie Kaye Harris
Fultondale: Jamie Walker, Nijma S. Thabata, and Twanna Renee Washington
Gadsden: Justin Ryan Gramling, Patty Lynette Burns, and Susan D. Johnson
Garden City: Joshua Brooks Arnold
Gardendale: Christian Blake Abston, Jarred Wesley Rizzo, Adrian Christopher Thomas, Hunter Zane Herron, Benjamin Austin Myers, Jeremy Michael Dunn, Caroline Marie Wilkerson, Mary Elizabeth Wilkerson, Cassidy L. Hughes, Kelci A. Tuggle, Lindsey Gilbert, and Emerald H Fines
Geraldine: Makenzie Bearden
Grant: Winter Chase Bolding
Guntersville: Kyle Matthew Rice, Natalie Elizabeth Marion, Haley Mackenzie Flack, and Melissa A. Ramos
Gurley: Christina Anne Staggs
Hanceville: Brody Lee Quick, Eric Hadyn Jackson, Maxim V. Mansoorov, Isaac E. Teichmiller, Garrett Braden Henry, Darren Deunn Williams, Michael Lenn Trimble, Bryan Heath Pirkey, Michael J. Mendonca, Dusty Stine Alexander, Lance K. Kean, Royce Alex Sutton, Cory Gage Madison, Francis Grabriel Mendonca, James Clinton McCormick, Kimberley Breanna Baggett, Cassandra Marie Campbell, Taylor Nicole Chambers, Ashley Sherrill, Taylor LaShea Cupp, Makenzie M. Dunn, Ashley M. Fincher, Julie Newton, Kaylee N. Natt, Haley Michelle Johnson, Amber Nicole Norris and Meagan Diane Corum
Hartselle: Trey J. Moody, Timothy Toby Swims, James G. Roberts, Anthony Kim Sanders, Hilary Ann Eason, Lindsey Taylor Romager, Kelsey Leigh Winton, Jami-lyn Rose Letson, Kristen Ashley Basden, Asa Brooke Parkman, Sullivan P. Wilson, Chelsie Danielle Owens, and Cristal Rios Ruiz
Harvest: John David Clem
Hayden: Thomas Clay Phillips, Tyler Keith Wix, Nathaniel Chayse Walker, David Austin Horton, Jordan Scott Thomas, Nathan A. Duffel, Elisabeth J. Phillippo, Kelsie R. Salvage, Hannah E. Padgett, Amanda Marie Pearson, Devon A. Goodwin, and Janessa Leanett Adams
Hokes Bluff: Courtney N. Bearden
Holly Pond: Saegan T. Daugherty, Taylor Danielle Chestnut, Kelly H. Powell, Taylor L. Rowell, and Rachel B. Weaver
Homewood: David Carlyle Galloway and Catherine L. Sellers
Hoover: Brantly Kyle Ballenger, Emily Candace Day, and Vi Thi Vo
Hueytown: Lane M. Wallace
Huntsville: Peyton Lodge Hayes, Dana M. Brooks, Sarah Marina Gregory, Staci Nicole Baker, and Heather Blair Owen
Jacksonville: Mallory Patterson
Jasper: George Brendan Voce, James M. West, Kaitlyn Aaron Wilson, Kelsey N. Hester, Lisa M. Sanchez, and Amanda Jo Gosa
Joppa: Nathaniel Carroll, Aubrey Lynn Humphries, Hannah Victoria Howard, and Terance Maze
Kimberly: Ryan Kendall Tucker, Reid Austin Billitz, Jacob T. Agnesia, Morgan Ashley Cantrell, Melinda Christine Hosche, and Jessica Lauren Lee
Leeds: Anthony Wayne Marting, Jr. and Lauren Makenzie Pintaro
Lenexa, KS: Chloe Rachelle Kraus
Lexington: Alicia Nicole Plum
Lithonia, GA: Tareka Sade Cameron
Logan: Christopher Treece and Zachary Dakato Richter
Loretto, TN: Brinlee L. Glass
Louisville, KY: Mackenzie L. Henderson
Madison: Bradley T. Landin, Claire O. Yates, and Susannah R. Delaney
Mansfield, TX: Lane Alexander Meyer
Maylene: William Denver McCaig
Memphis, TN: Andrew Barksdale Plunkett
Meridianville: Taylor K. Shewbart
Montgomery: Jaylen M. McCoy
Moody: Cristen Alexandrea Holloway
Moreno Valley, CA: Molli Breane Garcia
Morris: David Wayne Cole, Jr., Will Garrett Brown, Holli Michele White, Ellen Gayle Fricke, Brenna Katelyn Noles, and Susan Diane Loggins
Moulton: Jesse Aaron Childress, Jackie Renee Thompson, and Natalie A. Johnson
Mount Olive: Austin J. Perkins, Holly Thomas Chapman, Lana Kate Riley, Judy Shelby Painter, and Maura Nicole Curtin
New Market: Ryan A. Shields and Kaylee Amber Davis
Northport: Timothy D. Costello
Oneonta: Keaton Wallace Jones, Evan James NeSmith, Robert Preston Murphree, McKenzie Orion Robbins, Devin Michael Sherrer, Trevor R. Yates, Stacy Michelle Howard, Kelsey Taylor Mallon, Kristen H. Cox, Jennifer Nicole Bates, Taylor P. Brock, Yessica Chacon, Gaudalupe Chacon, Andrea Tafolla, Sarah E. Lowe, Lori R. Mckoy, Jadey B. Walker, Bethany Nicole Murphree, Maria Fernanda Espinoza, and Bailey Mackenzie Moody
Owensboro, KY: Bailee M. Daugherty
Owens Cross Roads: Larry Dale Pinkerton and Jennifer Lynn Celeski
Pelham: Ashlin Alton Robins
Phil Campbell: Crystal D. Henley-McClelland
Piedmont: Tracie Alexandra Donaldson
Pinson: Brandon Riley Mooney, Joel David James, Andrew P. Garrison, and Rebekah Anne Williams
Providence Forge, VA: Natalie Rose Cross
Quinton: Christopher James Thacker
Reform: Ann Margaret Heritage and Terri Ann Booth
Remlap: Andre Lee Smithey, Logan Blake Huffstutler, and Reagen Brianne Smith
Rising Fawn, GA: Lauren Elise Breeden
Rogersville: Walker Ray Gordon
Scottsboro: Brittney Lynne Miotke
Section: Jessica Lynn Gray
Sheffield: Treasure S. Mayfield
Somerville: River Nevada Shadix, Caleb Andrew Dunaway, Cody Easton Wimberly and Riker D. Tanner
Springville: Tyle Joseph Dennis, Jordan LaRae Hardiman, and Isabella Marie Smith
Sulligent: Kristin Briana Colvin
Sylacauga: Kayla Dyann Wilkinson
Sylvania: Allison R. Stubblefield and Ashlyn Lee Shirey
Tarrant: Daniel Derrell Nixon
Trafford: Jeffrey B. Forte, Douglas Paul Wolfe, Grady Freeman Bannister, Michael D. Johnson, and Baylee Anne McCay
Trinity: Joshua E. Holcomb and Lexie Suzanne Green
Tuscaloosa: Christopher Seth Patterson and Emily Noel Giles
Tuscumbia: Sydney P. Ellis
Trussville: Emily Grace Baldridge, Ashley Marie Bishop, and Madison Ruth Wright
Union Grove: Hannah Faith Black and Angela Marie Murphree
Valley Head: Bethany Ashton Dailey
Vinemont: Blake Edward Kimbril, Arthur Clinton Watson, Jr., Nickolas K. Nuss, Justin K. Burnett, Nicholas Thomas Parrott, Jacob Thomas Andrews, William G. Wrenn, Daniel C. Moss, Sarah Renee Barnett, Vanessa Murphree Shedd, Samantha Karon Sanford, Josie Brooke Wilson, Mackenzie Leigh Bryson, Courtney Marie Andrews, Kaleigh A. Looney, Ashley Nicole Chambers, Laura Susan Jane Hood, Autumn Brooke Tankersley, Courtney E. Carpenter, Sarah Katherine Dyer, Katelin Brooke Martin, Caitlin Michele Carini, and MiKayla Shauntel Waters
Waterloo: Mackenzie Brooke Frederick
Warrior: Gregory Keith Ernst, Seth Cole Reno, Kevin Gene Knoop, Hunter S. Graves, Jennifer Renee Campbell, Courtney Rae Ritchie, Raven McKenzie Freeman, Jessie Ann Bender-Gladys, Tayler E. Blalock, Madison K. Miller, Kayla D. Byrd, Kaitlin McKenzie Parr, Zoey Nicole Scheetz, Savana L. Sullivan, Brandi B. Green, Lauren Ashley Box, Christina Deone Justice, Summer Mahtei Haggenmaker, and Ashley Nichole Stephenson
Wellington: Melinda Dale Currie
West Blocton: Tanner Cail
Wildwood, GA: Sarah Anne Reid
Woodville: Katelyn Renee Anderson and Brianna Nicole Geiger
Photo shows Beasley with his granddaughter many years ago. His granddaughter is now 18-years-old.
CULLMAN– Jeremy Hogan is known for helping fellow Marines, but just recently he came across someone who needs a lot more help than he alone can give. What started out as a simple project to build a wheelchair ramp for a local Vietnam veteran has turned into a crusade for Hogan to help his brother-in-arms get everything he needs.
U.S. Marine Cpl. Kenneth Beasley has been down on his luck for quite some time. He lost his left leg to diabetes and is about to lose his right foot to gangrene. He has been having mental health issues and is not able to take care of himself. When Hogan first heard that Beasley needed a new wheelchair ramp, he went right to the man’s house to see what kind of supplies he would need. When he arrived, he saw a veteran, a hero, who was in dire need of much more help than just a new ramp. He needed help to survive.
“When I found him he was living in filth and his right foot has gangrene set up in it,” said Hogan. “I talked him into letting me get him some hospital care, so I contacted the VA’s care advocate who helped me get him into the hospital where he is getting the healthcare he needed.
“Cpl. Beasley has been having a rough time taking care of himself,” he continued. “He has gone too long without help and feels the government has failed him. Let's show him that the American people haven't failed him.”
When word spread of Beasley’s situation, people from all over Cullman County began offering their help. On Saturday, Jan. 30, volunteers met at Beasley’s residence and began cleaning up the property, as well as the home.
“We have started cleaning, which will take until this next weekend to finish up,” Hogan explained, “then we will move to the repairs. Once we get the place clean we will then do some tree trimming and yard excavation to help with water and tree damage. Next we will build two decks, one 12x10 with a ramp and then one a 10x10 with ramp. The windows and doors might need replacing. Carpet and flooring are needed, as well as metal siding and gutters for the roof and skirt going around the outside.”
“His bathroom needs to be handicap-accessible, so we need a bathtub he can get into and rails put in, along with a wider door to get to the bathroom,” he continued. “His washer and dryer need replacing and he has little or no kitchen utensils, a garbage can, cleaning supplies, food and mattress for his queen bed. He needs living room furniture and all light fixtures replaced. The outside needs painting as well as the inside. Plumbing needs to be checked. His heating and air conditioning need to be replaced, and the driveway needs asphalt and grading work. We also need to dig a ditch around his home and driveway to give the water a place to go besides under his house and down his driveway.”
Hogan hopes to have all the repairs completed before Beasley is released from the hospital. In the meantime, he can use all the help he can get.
Below is a list of materials needed for Cpl. Beasley’s home:
Types of companies from which the group is hoping to get donations (need contacts):
Volunteers with the following skill sets are needed:
From one American hero to another, Hogan has chosen to do what it takes to help a fellow Marine. Humble and kind, he takes no credit for the good work he has started, but rather chooses to use his works as a way to glorify God.
“I pray to our Lord and Savior that he will guide each and every one of us in the path he so chooses and allows us to shelter this great American veteran and his family,” he smiled warmly. “I pray that God will give me the strength to keep doing what I am doing to help this man.”
Those who are interested in volunteering should call Hogan directly at 352-440-4076. For more information, visit http://qrne.ws/marine. There is a work day scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Click here for more details and to sign up: http://qrne.ws/workday.
Photo shows Gov. Robert Bentley, left; State Auditor Jim Zeigler, right
MONTGOMERY - In an unusual move, a Republican elected official gave a rebuttal to Gov. Robert Bentley’s “State of the State Address” today.
Republican Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler attended Bentley’s speech, but then gave his own rendition Wednesday, saying, “The state of the state is a mess.”
Two conservative groups requested Zeigler respond to Bentley’s address, the Alabama Tea Party Conservative Coalition and the Common Sense Campaign.
Spokesman for the groups, Dr. Lou Campomenosi, said, “Tax-paying, anti-establishment conservatives have a right to hear a rebuttal from one of their own.”
Zeigler rejected Bentley’s call for an $800 million bond issue that would pay for four new state-of-the-art prisons to replace all of Alabama’s current prisons. He instead proposed a cost-free reduction in prisoners termed “voluntary relocation.”
Zeigler said the state’s costliest agency, Medicaid, could saves tens of millions a year with a plan he calls the “Live at Home Plan.” He says Medicaid home care for seniors is less than half the cost of nursing home admission.
Zeigler’s rebuttal can be read in its entirety below.
For more information, contact Zeigler at 251-656-0292 or jim.zeigler@auditor.alabama.gov.
Read Zeigler’s rebuttal:
The State of the State is a mess. This could not have been made more clear as Governor Bentley once again betrayed Alabama taxpayers with plans for bigger government and increased spending as a solution to our problems. This embrace of Democrat principles comes in the wake of a tumultuous 2015 in which Gov. Bentley disappointed Alabamians with flip-flopping and repeated betrayal of our values and his campaign promises.
This stew needs to be stirred. As the Governor said: “The urgency, the challenge is now.”
The legislature has received budget requests that are out of balance. They are about $225 million in the hole on day one. The Governor decided not to present any plans for solving that shortfall. The good news is that he did not propose any tax increases. The bad news is that he did not present any plans for saving money in state government by eliminating:
Waste, mismanagement, duplication, and low-priority spending.
And he did not present any plans for promoting: New efficiencies, cost-savings, and better ways to get things done for less money.
We have an admission by the Governor that there is a huge imbalance in budget requests over revenues. We have the Governor’s decision not to do anything about it.
What we saw was a complete abandonment of budgetary duties by the Governor. He has abdicated his leadership.
One of the problems in the Bentley administration is that the Governor and his advisers believe a budget shortfall can be solved only in two ways – by raising taxes on the citizens of Alabama or by cutting services to the citizens. As a result of this misconception, we saw six state parks closed by the Bentley administration. We saw a bungling attempt to close drivers’ license offices in 31 counties. And we saw the State Auditor’s office cut by about 25%, much more than any other agency was cut.
I suggest a third alternative – not raising taxes on the public and not cutting services to the public – but a better option I call THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX is delivering needed state services at a lower cost. A substantially lower cost. This cannot be done with the same old approaches that got us into this deficit situation. It will take entirely new approaches. Thinking outside the tax.
One example is the state Medicaid budget. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing parts of Alabama’s general fund budget. With the growth of our elderly population, the Medicaid budget by itself has the potential to bankrupt state government. Unless we think outside the tax.
I have an option for consideration of the legislature and the Medicaid agency. I call it the LIVE AT HOME PLAN. Right now, it costs the Medicaid agency around $6,000 a month to pay for a Medicaid patient in a nursing home. And for the rest of the seniors’ life no matter how long they live. Granny would prefer not to go to the nursing home.
She and her family would rather she live and die in the comfort of her own home.
Unfortunately, Alabama Medicaid pays for only a small number of patients on home care. The irony is that home care can cost Medicaid less than half of what the nursing home costs. Around $3,000 a month or less, rather than $6,000.
A few baby steps have already been taken toward Medicaid home care. This has been enough to show that home care works. It is cheaper – half price or less. And the seniors and family are happier with Granny living at home.
What we are suggesting is not an unrealistic, novel program but an aggressive stepping up of Medicaid home care that has already been proven to work.
Nursing homes and their important lobby should not be opposed to the Live at Home Plan for two reasons. One, many nursing homes are at capacity and have waiting lists. As the number of seniors increases, the waiting lists will become longer. The Live at Home Plan can help solve this problem of growing waiting lists. Second, a small but growing number of nursing homes are diversifying and adding home care services in addition to the residential nursing care, a logical extension. The legislature should look at an automatic or expedited certificate of need approval for nursing homes wanting to add Medicaid home care. This provision could help win support of the important nursing home lobby.
The Live at Home Plan would save Alabama Medicaid tens of millions of dollars a year, starting immediately. THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX.
A second large and growing area of expense is state prisons. The Governor proposed a bond issue for prisons, which would of course have to be repaid by obligating Alabama taxpayers over 20 years.
Studies have concentrated primarily on how to solve the prison crowding problem in order to avoid a potential federal court takeover. What the studies largely did not do was THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX.
Alabama taxpayers provide more money each year for a prisoner than for a school student. And more money for a convict that for active-duty military. Alabama taxpayers do not want to pay more for inmates than for students and military.
We badly need a return to old, time-honored approaches to corrections. Approaches that cost far less than providing the present prison facilities. THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX.
We will ask the legislature to consider a far cheaper way to safely reduce our prison population than simply building more facilities at taxpayer expense. So-called experts have had years to come with solutions to Alabama’s prison crowding problem. They have not done so, at a risk of federal court intervention. When those failed experts hear of this novel approach, which is actually an adaptation of an old-fashioned, time-honored approach, they will scoff and make fun. Don’t listen to these business-as-usual failures. Consider the common sense approach I have named “VOLUNTARY RELOCATION.” Here is how it could work, with emphasis on WORK: Qualifying inmates who have served a certain amount of time would be allowed to VOLUNTEER for voluntary relocation. As a condition of early release, they would agree to go at least two states away from Alabama and not return. They can make their own arrangements for work and living arrangements there. Or they can go, with private business assistance, to one of those places in the U.S. which have a large immediate need for unskilled labor. For those healthy, non-violent, non-addicted inmates who qualify, they can have a good job waiting for them. The employer would agree to transport the workers there.
If an inmate on voluntary relocation violates his terms of release and is caught back in Alabama, he will be revoked to serve out the rest of his original term.
I fully expect the so-called experts and political commentators to thoughtlessly scoff at my voluntary relocation plan. The taxpayers will not. They would prefer a program at no taxpayer expense to get the inmates away from Alabama rather than the big tax bill to keep building prisons and pay for an all-expenses-paid stay in the prison motels. THINKING OUTSIDE THE TAX.
The Governor made no mention of the proposal for “Zero-Based Budgeting” to significantly reduce the cost of providing services by each state agency. We support that proposal and insist that it be true baseline budgeting and not in name only.
The Governor made no mention of the state parks which he earlier threatened to close unless the legislature passes additional taxes. The closure last year of six state parks was not necessary. The parks internally generate around 85% of the funds needed for their operation. With minor tweaking, the parks can become self-sufficient, requiring no taxpayer funds. That is our proposal to the legislature.
The legislature has before it a bill to enable the Governor to appoint a “Taxpayer’s Advocate.” We are 100% against having the Governor make this appointment. To have Governor Bentley appoint a Taxpayer’s Advocate is like having the fox guard the hen house. We will seek to amend the bill so that the State Auditor will appoint the Taxpayer’s Advocate subject to ratification by the Alabama Senate. If this is not done, the Legislature could save the salary and benefits of the Taxpayer’s Advocate by simply vesting its duties in the State Auditor, who is already salaried. Merely put the duties and staff of the proposed Taxpayer’s Advocate under the State Auditor, who is already performing taxpayer advocacy above and beyond what that office had done in the past.
Appointing a duplicate Taxpayer’s Advocate could itself be a waste of taxpayer’s money.
The Governor made no mention of the important second-amendment rights to allow Alabama people to better defend themselves and their families. We will support the bill to recognize the right to carry a gun in your vehicle without a gun permit. We ultimately support universal carry, recognizing the God-given and constitutional right to keep and bear arms with no permission needed from the government. We call this “Constitutional Carry.”
The Governor made no mention of the vital issue of pro-life and stopping the abortion industry in Alabama. We support the bill to stop abortion clinics within 2,000 feet of a school.
The Governor made no mention of preserving our heritage and stopping the politically-correct obliteration of monuments to Veterans and other historical items. We support SB13, which would make it illegal to remove or tamper with monuments to Veterans without approval of the legislative council.
We will also seek to add an addition to this bill that would mandate that the portraits of Governors George and Lurleen Wallace be returned to their legal and historical spot in the capitol rotunda.
The Governor made no mention of the 23,000 Alabama families who prepaid for their children’s college tuition only to have the state lose much of that money with ill-advised investments. These families are not receiving what they paid for and what the state had agreed to provide – four years of college tuition. We have a plan to have the colleges simply honor those contracts and admit the qualifying students who have already pre- paid. It will cost no taxpayer dollars.
The Governor made no mention of The Student and Parent Privacy Protection Act. We support this bill by Rep. Arnold Mooney to restrict what data on students that schools can gather and share.
The legislature has before it legislation to prevent Syrian refugees from coming into Alabama. We support a stronger, more effective approach. We are against Syrian refugees coming into the United States anywhere. If an Islamic militant comes into the United States elsewhere, he or she is mobile enough and well-financed-enough to travel to Alabama. The French terrorists had come into Greece disguised as refugees and they easily got to France. We need to support America first and keep the refugees out of our country, not just out of Alabama.
We call for an independent investigation into the state’s new STAAR software. It does not work. Millions in state bills have gone unpaid or late. The procedures by which the contract was awarded are questionable. We ask the legislative branch to designate an investigative team consisting of one member of the house and senate, the state auditor, and a representative of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office. Notice that we have purposefully left out the State Attorney General’s office. They have had ample time to do something about this already and have no interest in this major problem. We do not want an AG on this investigation.
The State of the State is a mess. The taxpayers ask the legislature to exercise their constitutional checks and balances with the strongest steps to right the ship of state.
Jim Zeigler, State Auditor
HANCEVILLE - Wallace Statebaseball was a win shy last season of claiming its first conference title since 2006, finishing as the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) runner-up for the second time in four years.
Coach Randy Putman and the Lions hope last season’s late push translates into a bigger prize in 2016. Wallace State hosts Motlow State at 2 p.m. Friday for the season opener and also welcomes Volunteer State to James C. Bailey Stadium over the weekend, hosting a doubleheader on both Saturday and Sunday.
“I think being in that championship game gives these sophomores hope and motivation to take the extra step this season. The conference tournament run was a great one for us. We were playing good early in the season and then didn’t get on the field for 31 days (because of inclement weather). We hit a lull halfway through the season, but played a whole lot better in all phases of the game as May approached, and the game became fun again,” said Putman, whose team clinched a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season. “Baseball is all about consistency. You’re only going to be as good as your pitching staff, and I think we have the right mix of sophomores and freshmen to make another strong run this season.”
Wallace State, which went 29-24 last season, has 15 sophomores on its 2016 roster, including returning pitchers Garrett Suchey, Will Eiland and Jansen Acton, outfielder Turner Vincent, catcher/third baseman Stephen Dobbs and first baseman Lance Cleveland.
Suchey, Eiland and Acton should anchor a deep pitching staff along with freshman Jesse Scott, an Auburn transfer, and Zack Moon, a freshman from Grissom.
Suchey, who sat out last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is in the mix to be Wallace State’s ace after a strong fall season and signing with Alabama for the 2017 season.
Suchey, an ASWA honorable mention All-State selection out of Mortimer Jordan, pitched in seven games during his freshman season in 2014, tossing 21 2/3 innings before experiencing elbow troubles.
“Garrett Suchey has responded well from Tommy John and did an excellent job in the fall. He’s a lot more mature than he was two years ago. That third year allows guys to grow up some,” said Putman, who has led Wallace State to the postseason in 24 of 26 previous seasons.
Eiland, an Auburn native, and Acton, a Saraland grad, should also register significant innings for the Lions.
Eiland, who has already signed with South Alabama, pitched primarily out of the bullpen last season, compiling a 2.37 ERA. Acton, who has signed with Georgia State, struck out 16 batters in 20 1/3 innings last season out of the bullpen.
Lane Wallace (Hueytown), Brantley Ballenger (Hoover), Wes Crawford (Mortimer Jordan) and Lane Meyer (Mansfield, Texas) round out the sophomore pitchers.
Scott, a freshman lefty who transferred from Auburn, is expected to be a big piece of the pitching staff after helping Cullman High win its fourth state baseball title last May. Scott was a Class 6A first-team ASWA All-State selection in high school.
Putman also believes Moon can be a freshman arm to lean upon.
Vincent and Dobbs return to the Wallace State lineup after both were named to the ACCC all-tournament team last season. Vincent hit a team-leading .337 with three homers and 17 RBIs.
Cleveland, a Cullman grad, returns at first base after leading the Lions in RBIs as a freshman.
Versatile outfielder Darien Prewett and utility men Ryan Goodman and Chris Steele are also back for their sophomore seasons.
Freshman Cole Collins, the 2015 Class 6A Hitter of the Year at Cullman, should be penciled in at second base for the Lions, while Brad Norman, an Auburn grad, will rack up a lot of innings behind the plate.
Putman said Mason Goodwin, another Cullman product, had one of the best individual fall seasons on the team and should see time in the outfield along with Tennessee transfer Andrew Plunkett.
Putman believes his hitters can create havoc on the base paths this season.
“We tried to become a little more athletic than we were last year. We tried to recruit some freshman guys who can go first to third easily instead of playing station-to-station baseball. We want to put pressure on the other team,” Putman said. “The teams who have won here in the past have always been able to hit and had strong pitching. Last year’s team struggled to hit at times. I feel we are now capable of scoring runs in multiple ways.”
Wallace State’s roster includes four players (Cleveland, Collins, Goodwin and Scott) from Cullman High and three from Auburn High (Eiland, Norman and infielder Jonathan Smith).
Pitchers on the roster not previously mentioned are Neal Collins (Gadsden City), Blake Schilleci (Oak Mountain), Jake Nelson (Hartselle), Parks Shoulders (Mountain Brook), Peyton Hayes (Grissom), Chance Holliman (Cleveland) and Braxton Light (Southside-Gadsden).
Position players on the roster not previously mentioned are Blake Helton (Northgate, Georgia), John Sklopan (Saraland), Briley Reeves (Rogers), Kristian Franklin (Milton, Georgia), Tanner Moye (Oneonta), Gerrio Rahming (Bahamas) and Will Wren (West Point).
Wallace State begins conference play on March 17 at Calhoun. The home conference opener is March 19 vs. the Warhawks.
Putman, a NJCAA Hall of Fame coach, enters his 27th season at Wallace State with a 939-425 career record, guiding his teams to seven ACCC championships and six NJCAA Division I World Series appearances.
“I love being on the baseball field every day, whether it’s the first season or 27th. Like Nick Saban referenced, I’ve always been involved with a team since I was 6 years old. I can’t see myself doing anything else,” said Putman, who has coached six players at Wallace State to make the major leagues, including Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, Texas Rangers starter Derek Holland and Brewers infielder Jake Elmore.
Chad Shannon enters his second season as Wallace State’s pitching coach, and Luke Satterfield returns to the coaching staff for the third consecutive year.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit http://athletics.wallacestate.edu/.
I'm just crazy in love with Jesus and the people that he created to love him and serve him! I just hope that the JOY that Godhas given me will rub off onto others!”
Justin Truett, youth pastor
Photo shows Chelsea and Justin Truett.
SIMCOE - Even though Simcoe Worship Center was damaged in a huge fire in January, the spirit of the congregation remains strong, if not stronger, in the community. Because their motto is, ‘CALL, CONNECT, CARE!’ they believe in calling on God, connecting with God and caring for all people. By spreading the Word of God to those around them, there have been many people throughout the community who have been either touched, blessed or helped by them.
God calls very special people to tend his flock. Justin Truett, for example, is one such person. Truett is the church’s youth pastor and he has a special knack with teenagers. He relates to them in a way that allows him to bring Jesus into their lives – and they love it!
Truett and his wife Chelsea both work with the youth. The two have been married for six and a half years and have two beautiful children, 4-year-old Kaylee and 2-year-old Judah. Truett was born in Montgomery, but grew up in Prattville where he graduated from Prattville High School in 2002. He moved to Arab eight years ago and currently works for a government contractor at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
“I knew at a young age, probably around 14-15, that God had a great calling on my life to preach his word,” Truett began. “Thankfully, I grew up in a Christian home where my parents loved Jesus. My PawPaw, Reverend Donald N. Denmark, was an amazing man. He was actually the greatest man I've ever known. He was a dedicated, passionate and loving Church of God pastor for over 30 years. MawMaw, to this day, is the sincerest and Godliest women I have ever met,” he smiled as he thought about his religious upbringing. “I'm just crazy in love with Jesus and the people that he created to love him and serve him. I just hope that the JOY that God has given me will rub off onto others.
“As a teen, I was given the opportunity to preach at my home church, Church at the Brook, in Millbrook, Alabama, under an amazing man, Bishop Randy Eubanks,” he continued. “When we later moved to Guntersville, I became the junior high youth leader at The River Church of God. We were there for about seven years,” he smiled warmly. “Those seven years were the greatest years of my life; it is where God TRULY changed my life. He gave me the grace to fall in love with the Word of God. It’s where I truly started learning, growing and functioning in the call that God had on my life! It’s where my wife and I got married and where our children were born. If the Lord had never led me to The River COG, my life would NOT be great like it is today.”
Truett is extremely passionate about his role in the church. He takes his responsibility very seriously and works hard to help the youth understand that God truly loves them.
“If God has a plan for someone's life, I believe that there needs to be people to encourage them along the way,” he grinned. “Someone needs to tell them things like, ‘If God is for you, it doesn't matter who or what is against you’ and ‘Nothing is impossible with God, and nothing is impossible for those who believe in Jesus!’ In this evil and twisted world we live in, the people of God MUST be ENCOURAGED! That's my goal in life, and it’s one of my biggest goals for the youth at Simcoe Worship Center. They can do anything if they simply trust in the Lord with all of their heart. As youth pastor I am there to help lead them, but I always want to encourage them.”
Simcoe Worship Center holds a special place in Truett’s heart and it shows when he speaks of it. He gets excited and beams when he thinks of what his church means to him.
“We are a spirit-filled, Holy Ghost- and fire-baptized group of people wanting to see lost people saved,” he roared. “We want all people to be changed and set free by the power of God - that is the greatest thing I can say about Pastor Heath Tinker and the people of Simcoe Worship Center; they truly cry out and call on God, just as the Bible speaks of God's people doing! God’s “will” be done at and through Simcoe Worship Center,” he grinned. “My wife and I are excited about what God has in store for everyone at SWC, as well as for those lives that God is going to change around us!”
A fire may have damaged Simcoe Worship Center, but it’s not done a thing to destroy God’s Spirit within the church. The church needs your good thoughts and prayers in the coming months as they work to rebuild. To keep up to date on their progress, follow them on Facebook at http://qrne.ws/swc.
CULLMAN– Many people think of February as the month of valentines and pink hearts, but the Cullman County Public Library System thinks of it as something a little different. For CCPL, February is Love My Library Month, and from Feb 1-28, CCPL will be forgiving all overdue fines.
“Patrons have the whole month of February to ‘feel the love’ that the library has for the community,” said Library Director Sharon Townson. “Patrons can eliminate overdue fines by simply asking for fine forgiveness. They can call or come by any one of the five library branches or even email the request to cullmanpubliclibrary@gmail.com. With a simple request, all overdue fines will be forgiven.”
Fees for lost or damaged items will not be forgiven, only those for overdue items.
“It can be difficult to remember to return library materials; before you know it the fines have added up,” she continued. “We want everyone in the community to have access to materials in the library. By giving patrons a one-time fine forgiveness, we are able to get them them back to the library where they can check out the materials they may want for personal reading or, as more often the case now, job searches and employment help. With this promotion we can eliminate that $7 overdue fine that may have kept someone from checking out that resume writing book or a small business startup book.”
Now is the time to return those long overdue items and ask for fine forgiveness. Also, for people who may have lost their library cards, the library will replace them for free in February.
“The Cullman County Commission and the City of Cullman make sure that the library has what it needs to help improve the quality of life for the citizens in our community, and we want to do what we can to get the right information into the hands of the people who need it,” Townson added.
For more information, visit http://www.ccpls.com/ or your local CCPL branch:
Cullman County Public Library Main Branch
200 Clark St. NE
Cullman, AL 35055
256-734-1068
Garden City Public Library
Garden City Municipal Building
501 First Ave. S
Garden City, AL 35070
256- 352-4552
Guy Hunt Library
60 Lions Park Road
Holly Pond, AL 35083
256-796-5226
Hanceville Public Library
201 Commercial St.
Hanceville, AL 35077
256-352-0685
Tom Bevill Library - Colony
Colony Educational Complex
151 Byars Road
Hanceville, AL 35077
256-287-1573
CULLMAN - Agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team
(CNET) and deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested nine individuals for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia today after executing a search warrant in the 800 block of County Road 1319, also known as Basch Road.
Arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia:
(Mewbourn also had a warrant for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia)
Arrested for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and also had warrants for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia:
The operation that led to the arrest of the nine suspects was executed in the 800 block of County Road 1319, also known as Basch Road, on Thursday, Feb. 4. CNET and CCSO deputies made entry into the residence and arrested those suspects who had warrants. While inside, CNET and CCSO deputies located multiple suspects, as well as meth and other drugs and drug paraphernalia.
CCSO seized approximately 10 grams of meth, syringes, glass meth pipes, straws and marijuana.
“I believe any time you can arrest a large number of drug pushers and several of them are not from our community it sends the message we don’t want your drugs in Cullman County, and if you come here you will go to jail,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I would also like to thank CNET and our deputies for the great job they did on this arrest,” added Gentry.
HANCEVILLE- The Mortimer Jordan Blue Devils were on fire from three-point land in the first quarter of their matchup against the Hanceville Bulldogs on Thursday afternoon. Their first nine points came by way of the three, but Hanceville kept pace with quick drives to the bucket and transition shots. The two teams kept pace the entire quarter and played to a 15-15 stalemate after one.
Mortimer Jordan continued to shoot well in the second, pulling ahead by as much as 13 early in the frame. Hanceville settled in at the midway point of the quarter, trading baskets with the Blue Devils but found themselves down 11 at the half.
The third was chock-full of fast-paced play, with each team streaking up and down the floor, but it was the Blue Devils that extended their advantage by one, 48-36, heading to the fourth.
Hanceville cut deeply into the Blue Devil lead thanks to a quarter opening 7-0 run that pulled them to within five. Mortimer Jordan pushed it back seven before Hanceville rattled off another four points to briefly cut the deficit to three. A foul on a three-point shot put the Blue Devils at the line. All three free throws sank and the lead was pushed back six with 1:59 left to play.
The next few possessions were spent trading baskets before Isaac Weissend drilled a three from the right wing to pull Hanceville to within just a pair of points. The very next possession he hit another from the exact same spot to give Hanceville their first lead of the game, 56-55, with 26.5 left in regulation.
Justin Anderson was fouled on the Mortimer Jordan end and he sank both shots from the charity stripe to give the lead back to the Blue Devils with just 3.9 seconds for a shot. Jose Orozco's half-court shot missed it's mark and Mortimer Jordan took the game 57-56.
HOLLY POND - The Lady Broncos controlled the tip and secured a quick lay-up from Molly Gambrill but had major trouble scoring for the remainder of the first quarter- until Ruth Horton got involved that is. After the Lady Broncos went 0-4 from three-point land to open the game, Horton finished the quarter 3-3 to make the game dead even at 13 all after one.
The Scottsboro Lady Wildcats started the second quarter with a flurry, going on a 5-0 run before Horton hit her fourth three to close the gap to two. After a Scottsboro miss, she immediately drilled another to put Holly Pond on top for the first time since the game's opening possession.
Charleigh Bailey hit a three of her own to snatch the lead back for the Lady Wildcats. Three times and three lead changes later it was Holly Pond on top 26-25 heading to the half.
The second half mirrored the first to open the quarter, but it was the Lady Wildcats who took advantage of Holly Pond's streaky third quarter shooting, scoring 12 points while the Lady Broncos scored just five. Scottsboro held the advantage, 37-31 going to the fourth.
Scottsboro quickly pushed the lead to 11 on a deep three by Bailey, a two-point jumper by Jasmine Branford and a lay-up by her older sister Janez. Holly Pond fought back but could not get the game closer than 10. Scottsboro took the win by a final score of 52-40 over Holly Pond.
BOYS
The Broncos jumped out in front of the Wildcats early Thursday night thanks to a 5-0 run to start the contest. Scottsboro hung with them, however, and tied the game at nine midway through the frame. Holly Pond fired right back and finished the quarter on a 9-0 run to take an 18-9 advantage after the first eight minutes of play.
Scottsboro stood strong in the second, chipping away at the Broncos’ lead. They were able to pull to within two thanks to back-to-back threes from Malik Talley, including a deep, buzzer-beating shot. Holly Pond took the marginal lead, 30-28, to the locker room at the half.
The Wildcats took the lead for the first time on the night at the 5:40 mark, but in an instant, Holly Pond took it right back. The Broncos pushed the lead to seven but Scottsboro kept chipping away, shrinking the deficit to just one, 41-40, going to the fourth.
The fourth was a whirlwind of action, with points by both teams each trip up and down the floor halfway through the quarter. However, the last four minutes belonged to Holly Pond. They controlled the game on the boards, in the paint and from the three-point line. They finished the game on a 12-4 run to take the 62-50 victory.
VINEMONT– No county team is playing better basketball since the Cullman County Tournament ended than the Fairview Aggies. After getting ousted in the first round by Cold Springs on Jan.18, the Aggies have become a different ball club with the opposition getting to see it.
On Thursday night, the Aggies completed their first regular season under coach Eddie Groves by defeating Vinemont 55-43. That capped off four straight for the Aggies with the Vinemont game being their first road win since a 46-38 triumph at Good Hope in the first week of the season.
Fairview is alive with confidence going into the 5A, Area 14 tournament next week. The Aggies meet No. 1 seed West Point at Jim Boyd Gymnasium, but believe they have a chance for an upset due to the current performance of senior forward Austin Fletcher and others who have been inserted into the lineup.
Fletcher has demonstrated his ability to score. In the four-game winning streak, Fletcher has ripped apart the opponent for 104 points, an average over 25 per game.
He took care of Vinemont Thursday night with 32 points, 21 in the second half and all nine in the fourth quarter to protect a 46-35 advantage.
With Fairview leading 29-27 at halftime, the plan was to get the ball into the hands of Fletcher as much as possible in the second half. In the third quarter, the Aggies did that with Fletcher scoring on six of eight made shots and giving the visitors a 43-27 lead with 2:12 to play in the period.
Then he could not be stopped in the final stanza. He started the fourth with a three-point play and it was 49-38, and every time Vinemont made a run, he would put it to a stop on the offensive side.
He scored four straight from the line in a 15-second span with the last two coming at 0:27 and the game was out of reach for the Eagles.
The 32-point outing by Fletcher at Vinemont came three nights after he lit up Hayden for 29 on senior night in a 70-53 romp at Joe Shults Gymnasium.
Truman Boyd got eight points for the Aggies with Luke Yarbrough just coming off the county championship freshmen team and adding six to the total.
Vinemont was led by Corbin Barnett with 16 and Hunter Green 11.
Fairview 63, Vinemont 12 (Girls):
Following the first 5:00 of a hotly contested battle, the Fairview Lady Aggies made it a rout of Vinemont, ending the first with a 9-0 run for a 20-10 lead and scoring 19 in the second, keeping the Lady Eagles off the board for a 39-10 halftime cushion.
It became a 56-11 lead following the third with Fairview on its way to a 20-win season in the third year of the Mary Lauren Hartline era.
Center Abbi Taylor contributed 10 to the victory, but reserve Daiyla Dean pitched in nine as eight reserves accounted for 31 points to help the Fairview starters who racked up 32 on the evening.
Fairview now gets ready to go to Moulton for the 5A, Area 14 tournament Monday with a 6 p.m. assignment against Russellville. The Lady Aggies were second in the area regular season at 4-2 to Lawrence County’s 6-0 record. Lawrence County and West Point play at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral service for Martha May McKoy will be held on Saturday, February 06, 2016 2 p.m. at Moss-Service Funeral Home Chapel.
Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 05, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Photo shows a helicopter delivering HVAC units to the top of the Heidrich Building at St. Bernard Prep.
CULLMAN - Construction crews arrived the first week of October to begin restoration of St. Bernard’s main library building. Under the direction of general contractor Eidson and Associates, workers began the demolition phase on Oct. 8, 2015. With the recent completion of this phase, work has now begun on the construction phase. The 333 Club has been established to raise the remaining funds necessary for completion.
During construction, the interior of the library will undergo a complete renovation. In order for the building to meet today’s codes and requirements, new electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning are required. In addition, a new roof and new thermal windows will be installed. An elevator and public bathrooms on every floor are among the new features being upgraded and added.
In the great room on the library’s first floor, the cross by Fr. Timothy Harrison will be restored and a balcony on the southern wall will be constructed. Archways and a grand stairway will provide access to both the monastic and school libraries. A board room, an alumni/benefactor room and the Abbey archive will round out the features of the first floor.
The classrooms on the mezzanine and top floors will be outfitted with the latest technology needed for the education of students. An office for the faculty and the school administrator will be among the additions as well.
“It’s exciting to see this library come back to life,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, development director. “For over 30 years we have not had a central library. Now, with the growth in our enrollment and expanding needs of our Abbey, this building will truly become a center for the liberal arts on our campus.”
To provide funds for the renovation of the library and other capital improvements at St. Bernard, the Campaign for St. Bernard began November 2012. The early donations to the campaign were used to create the Abbey Byre, a reception hall for the Abbey and the center of the drama and music programs for the school.
“The library will be completed by the end of June and our goal is to complete the campaign at the same time,” said Fr. Marcus. “We have already received pledges of $4.3 million toward our $5.2 million goal. To help us close the campaign and complete the renovation of the library, we’ve established the 333 Club to raise the last $900,000. St. Bernard needs 300 friends and alumni to pledge $3,000 payable over the next three years. We’re close, and I know with the help of our supporters we’ll reach our goal.”
For more information about becoming a member of the 333 Club, please contact Fr. Marcus at 256-531-2010 or frmarcus@stbernardprep.com. All donations made to the campaign and to the 333 Club are tax deductible.
Photo shows Walker Caretti.
BIRMINGHAM - The AHSAA Indoor Track & Field State Championship kicked off today in Birmingham at the Birmingham Crossplex. The two-day meet features some of the top high school athletes from around Alabama, many from right here in Cullman County.
Cullman High athletes competing for top state honors are Ann Carol Braswell, Tally Wilson, Tanner Jackson, Austin Elrod, Lexi Daily, Lexie Marks, Tayla Sparg, Savanna Canter and Walker Caretti.
Today, the first day of competition, Tally Wilson won the 6A State pole vault title with a personal record of 11'3”, with teammate Ann Carol Braswell finishing third with an indoor personal record of 9' 6”.
Walker Caretti, coming back from an injury in the outdoor track season, placed third in the 800-meter run with a personal record of 1:59.
Canter and Sparg both qualified for the 60-meter hurdle finals tomorrow. Canter ran a 9.41 and Sparg 10.14. Canter is seeded third and Sparg is seeded eighth.
“I am really proud of our kids and the way they have competed. It speaks volumes about Walker's resiliency and toughness to be able to overcome injury last year in the outdoor season and to be able to run in the top three today. Tally and Ann Carrol both were able to come in and set personal records today. Tally won the pole state championship in Michigan last year. She improved her height by three inches. Tomorrow Garrison Hill is the heavy favorite to win the boys’ 6A pole vault,” said Cullman High School Assistant Principal Mark Stephens. “We are proud of all of our kids. Congratulations to Coach Trent Dean and Coach Kristen Barnett for the outstanding job they do with our athletes.”
Complete results and details can be found at http://www.xpresstiming.com/Live/2016/Indoor/AHSAA/.
Photo: CRMC employees show their support in the fight against heart disease on National Wear Red Day.
CULLMAN - February is National Heart Month, and Cullman Regional Medical Center employees recently joined together to raise awareness and support the fight against heart disease by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 5, 2016.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease is the number one killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Heart disease causes more deaths than all forms of cancer combined. It is often a silent killer with no symptoms.
The AHA and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute began National Wear Red Day in 2003 and encourage everyone to wear red on the first Friday of every February to increase awareness and promote healthy lifestyle changes, specifically for women.
The two organizations have also been raising awareness of heart disease through their Go Red for Women program since 2004. You can “Go Red” by eating healthy, exercising, knowing the signs of a heart attack, knowing your heart score, wearing red and spreading the word about heart disease.
For more information about National Wear Red Day and Go Red for Women, visit https://www.goredforwomen.org/.
For more information about Heart Care at CRMC, visit http://www.crmchospital.com/heart.
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State’s baseball team lost its season opener Friday, falling to Motlow (Tennessee) State, 4-2, at James C. Bailey Stadium.
Wallace State freshman Cole Collins was 2 for 4 in his collegiate debut, scoring a run in the first inning for the Lions.
Wallace State led 1-0 through four innings behind starter Braxton Light. He recorded four strikeouts in five innings, allowing two runs to Motlow State in the fifth inning.
The Lions tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth after Stephen Dobbs scored on a wild pitch.
Motlow State regained the lead in the seventh, tallying a run on a wild pitch of its own against Wallace State’s Will Eiland. The Bucks added an insurance run in the ninth on Casey Wehrhahn’s sacrifice fly.
Dobbs had an RBI single for Wallace State in the first.
Wallace State hosts Volunteer State for a doubleheader on both Saturday and Sunday. The twinbill begins at 1 p.m. each day.
Wallace State basketball teams sweep Gadsden State on road
Wallace State’s basketball teams earned their first road sweep of the season at Gadsden State on Thursday night.
Wallace State’s women’s team won its third conference game in a row with a 57-52 victory, and the 20th-ranked men continued to roll with a 79-62 triumph over the Cardinals.
Janese Richardson finished with 13 points and seven rebounds for Wallace State and Jemaiya Lee added 10 points and eight boards as the Lady Lions (11-14, 3-3 Alabama Community College Conference) overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to also earn their fifth win in six games.
Morgan Higgins had seven points and 12 rebounds for Wallace State and Kelsey Houston contributed five off the bench.
Wallace State led 20-17 after the first quarter and 32-24 at the half.
Gadsden State made a strong push early in the second half, outscoring Wallace State 19-8 to grab a 43-40 edge after three quarters.
Wallace State had the final run, however, using a 17-9 push in the fourth quarter to secure its first road win in league play.
Wallace State outrebounded Gadsden State, 60-42.
Jaide Walker led Gadsden State in the loss with a game-high 16 points.
Men’s Basketball
Wallace State 79, Gadsden State 62
Sophomore forward Tyrell Clary poured in a career-high 20 points off the bench, propelling the Lions to a season sweep over Gadsden State.
Sophomore Marcus Barham added 13 points and reserve point guard Darren Williams had 12 points and five assists for Wallace State, which has won four consecutive games and 13 of 15.
Wallace State (21-4, 6-1 ACCC) led 46-38 at the half, two days after being ranked at No. 20 in the NJCAA poll.
Derylton Hill, Xavier Mills and Kylen Butler finished with eight points apiece for the Lions. Hill also had 10 rebounds and Mills dished out eight assists.
Wallace State’s bench scored 38 points.
Both Wallace State teams continue conference play Monday, traveling to Southern Union for a doubleheader.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit http://athletics.wallacestate.edu/.
WEST POINT– Seth Swalve and Gage Goodwin are a one-two punch for the Cullman Bearcats offensively. The two seniors made it count in the second half to help their squad turn back West Point 67-57 Friday night at Jim Boyd Gymnasium.
Both combined for 24 points in the second half and shot 100 percent combined from the foul line in the fourth quarter. Their leadership enabled the Bearcats to pull away and end the regular season with 19 victories and momentum going into the 6A playoffs next week.
Cullman will play the Area 15 Tournament at Austin High School, getting an assignment in the semifinal round with Decatur. A win gets the Bearcats qualified for the sub-regional the following week at a site to be determined.
The Bearcats overcame a 13-12 first period deficit to the Warriors, leading 34-26 at the half by outscoring West Point 22-13 in the second quarter.
Goodwin and Swalve had just 10 points at the break, but the key for the Cullman offense was Jacob Heatherly’s three shots from three-point range, two in the final 2:00 of the first half to extend the lead for the visitors.
Swalve started to heat up with eight in the third as Cullman kept the lead secured, holding a 47-36 advantage when time ran out.
Then in the fourth, Goodwin went to work with 10 points, scoring six from the line while Swalve added six and was four of four at the stripe.
Swalve finished the game with 18 points, Goodwin 16, Heatherly and Fletcher Reeling nine apiece.
The Bearcats have won their last three games following a slight slump in the later part of January.
Tanner Rusk hit 18 in a losing cause for the Warriors (14-12) and reached 1,000 points in his career. He was honored by the school after the game. Seth Parker delivered 13 points with Kobe Smith getting eight.
The Warriors will try to end a two-game losing streak when they host the 5A, Area 14 Tournament on Tuesday. West Point has Fairview, who has won four in a row, for a 6 p.m. game in the opening round.
Cullman 65, West Point 59 (Girls):
With a 70 percent free throw accuracy (26-37) and four double-digit scorers, the Lady Bearcats ended Jessica Posey’s first regular season with a hard fought victory on the West Point campus.
Posey watched Taiya Ponder, Christina Skinner and Kennedy Wren combine to shoot 21 of 24 from the line with Ponder the most effective by knocking down nine of 10 including eight in a row.
Cullman led 31-28 at the half and was able to stay in front of West Point, ending the third with a 45-43 cushion. Half of the 20 points in the fourth for Cullman were at the foul line with Ponder getting four down in crunch time to secure the fourth win of the season for the Lady ‘Cats.
Ponder keyed the scoring with 14, Skinner scored 14, Anna Evans had 13 and Victoria Barker 10. Wren’s scoring was from the line with five of six in the second quarter.
Freshman Olivia Ball put on a shooting clinic for West Point, scoring 20 in her last home game, hitting five shots from three-point territory. Jeri Beasley accounted for 11 in her final game as a senior for the Lady Warriors at home with seventh-grader Alexia Shaddix scoring 10 and senior Tess Hembree knocking down seven.
Mrs. Annie Marie Makemson of Gold Ridge went home to her Lord on February 5, 2016. She was 82 years old. She was born on March 12, 1933 to Ralph and Gladys Brock of Cullman Al.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 8 years, Willard Parker and also by her husband of 37 years Angus Makemson. She was also preceded in death by two brothers: Connor and David brock and one great granddaughter: Finley Auburn Baker.
She is survived by 3 Daughters: Hilda Chambers. Donna (Terry) Gorham and Vickie (Darrell) McHann, Son: Michael (Cathi) Parker. 2 Sisters: Mary Stuard and Doris (Van) Scott. Nine grandchildren: Jamie (Kecia) Baker, Brooke (Jeff) Gorham, Jeff (Noi) Baker, Justin Parker, Nicholas (Tifanie) Parker, Amy (Jim) Krell, Andrea McHann, Matthew (Sheila) Parker and Adam McHann. 10 Great Grandchildren and a Host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Makemson was a Licensed Cosmetologist in the Gold Ridge Community for many years. She was also a lifelong member of Center Grove Baptist Church.
Funeral Services will be held February 7, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Center Grove Baptist Church with interment in the adjoining cemetery. She will lie In State at the church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with Rev. Stanley Kilgore officiating.
