Engagement: Brasher/Madison
Brasher/Madison
Mrs. Pamela Brasher and the late Jeffrey Brasher announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter Jennifer Leigh to Matthew Allan, son of Ronny Madison and the late Rosalyn McDaniel.
Embrace Leadership at Your Library: Celebrate National Library Week
During the week of April 8-14, the member libraries of the Pickens County Cooperative Library System – Aliceville, Carrollton, Pickens County Cooperative, Reform, and Ruth Holliman/Gordo – will join libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries lead their communities through the transformative services, programs, and expertise they offer.
Gary Peaks Arrested for Felony Warrants
Gary Scott Peaks
Gary Scott Peaks, a resident of Lamar County, Alabama was arrested Friday March 23 on warrants out of Lowndes County for felony aggravated assault and warrants out of Lamar County for fugitive from justice.
Prison Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty To Impersonation
In November of 2016, Christopher H. Gordon, a Corrections Officer at FCI Aliceville, was pulled over in the city of Reform for driving 73 miles per hour in a 45-mile-per-hour speed zone. He immediately identified himself as a Federal Officer working with the Marshal service.
Commissioners Promote PALS Campaign
Pickens County Commissioners finalize business at the Mar. 27 meeting. From left are: Randy Dillard, District 5; Drew Elmore, District 3; Jerry Fitch, Chairman and District 4; and Bobby Bain, District 1. Absent was Robert Kennedy, District 2.
The Alabama People Against A Littered State (PALS) campaign will be coming up officially from April 21-April 28. However, looking at the sides of the highways and county roads and their littered conditions, you realize this is a year-round problem that needs year-round solutions.
Aliceville City Council Hires New Position
At the Aliceville City Council meeting on Mar. 28, council members heard from committee spokesman, Donny Sanders, regarding the committee’s recommendation for a new full-time Chamber-City Liaison Director and Industrial Recruiter.
Mayberry Sock Hop Hosting Andy’s Daughter, Dixie
Dixie Griffith and father, Andy Griffith.
Dixie Nann Griffith, the only daughter of Andy Griffith, will be coming to Gordo’s Mayberry Sock Hop, April 21, from 7-10 p.m. in the Gordo Elementary School Auditorium. Ms. Griffith was gracious enough to talk with me via phone call last Thursday night, Mar. 29, from her home in Colorado.
AES Student Awarded in SmartArt Contest
AES fourth grader, Kayla Phillips, is pictured with AES School counselor Jennifer Sterling.
Aliceville Elementary School congratulates Kayla Phillips on being awarded $100 towards a CollegeCounts 529 Fund account for her participation and successful placement in the SmartArt Contest.
Kayla is a fourth grader at AES and is the daughter of Adolph and Beverly Phillips. She enjoys playing with her Legos, her Barbie dolls, and playing video games. Her favorite subject is Reading.
Bon Ami Civic & Service Club Celebrates Black History Month
The Bon Ami Civic & Service Club recently held their annual Black History program at Franconia CME Church in Aliceville. This year’s theme was “African Americans in Times of War”. Club Member Cynthia Gilmore served as the program’s mistress of ceremony.
Throughout this program, the crowd was entertained by the harmonic sounds of the A.E.S. Voices of Inspiration. Introduced by his brother, Naeem Corder, the guest speaker for the afternoon was Seliman Corder, formerly of Aliceville.
ACH Interact Club Students Serve Meals to 200 in Community Service Project
Aliceville High School Interact Club students served meals to approximately 200 citizens at the Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl.
Aliceville High School Interact Club students served meals to approximately 200 citizens at the Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl, and visited and thanked America's Veterans at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center for their Community Service Project.
Gordo’s Tribute Artist Bringing Mayberry Friends to Sock Hop
The Gordo Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a Mayberry Sock Hop featuring Mayberry tribute artists on Saturday, April 21 from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. at Gordo Elementary School’s Auditorium. Gordo’s very own Otis Campbell, also known as Kenneth Junkin, sat down with me to talk about some of the artists coming to perform and the special things that will be happening during the Sock Hop and throughout that weekend.
Pickens Co. Farmers Federation Announces Scholarship Opportunity
The Pickens County Farmers Federation is now accepting scholarship applications at the Pickens County Extension office in Carrollton. Applications can be picked up at school counselors’ offices, ALFA Insurance offices in Reform or Aliceville and Pickens County Extension office in Carrollton. Deadline to apply is April 20.
Scholarship Criteria
• Applicant’s parents or legal guardian must reside in Pickens County or the applicant must have graduated from or be currently enrolled in a Pickens County High School institution.
Toddler Bitten and Mauled by Pit Bull
According to Sheriff David Abston, a 17-month-old child was bitten and mauled by pit bull mix dog on Friday, Mar. 13. Pickens County Deputies rushed child to Pickens County Medical Center and the child was transported by AirEvac to Children’s hospital.
The incident occurred on Cunningham Road near Lamar County line. A witness shot at the dog. Law enforcement and neighbors are looking for large light brown pit bull mix. The child sustained severe injuries to the face, neck, and head.
Housing Authority of Reform Receives ALM President's Risk Management Award
The Housing Authority of Reform was recently awarded a President's Risk Management Award by the insurance divisions of the Alabama League of Municipalities.
Approximately 770 public entities participate in one or both of the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) sponsored insurance programs which are the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund (MWCF) and the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC).
Pickens Co. Youth Receive Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Scholarships
Pictured from left, SLE President Walter Crim, Briley Newman, Carson Shepherd, and PBCI Elder Billy Smith.
Two outstanding Pickens County youth in livestock were awarded scholarships by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) for their participation in Alabama’s livestock industry Saturday, March 17 at a luncheon held in coordination with the Alabama Jr. Beef Expo and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo.
Carson Shepherd of Reform, was awarded the County Star Junior Cattleman award while Briley Newman of Gordo, received the County Premier Exhibitor award.
PCMC Gets $150,000 Supplemental Grant
Students from Pickens Academy applied for and received a grant of $150,000 to help Pickens County Medical Center. The grant is issued by the University of Alabama. Pictured, from left are: Hamner Allen, Olivia Lewis, Lindsey Hardy, and Allie Wilson.
BY GENA HUFF, Editor
Four students of the Senior class of Pickens Academy collaborated and submitted a supplemental grant to the University of Alabama on behalf of the Pickens County Health Authority, specifically the Pickens County Medical Center (PCMC), for a $150,000 grant geared toward the hiring of a new administrator to fortify and rejuvenate the PCMC.
Aliceville Park Needs Work Before Season Begins
Bailey Gibson Dixie Youth Field’s press box at Aliceville City Park may contain the switch for the scoreboard on the far side of the field, but entry is blocked off and the door padlocked. A scoreboard is a necessity if the city is to host any All-Star games.
BY GENA HUFF, Editor
Alabama Dixie Youth Baseball games will kick off mid-April, and Pickens County is gearing up for another great season. But to provide comfortable surroundings and facilities for spectators, parents, coaches, and kids, some parks will need a bit of rejuvenating to achieve success. Aliceville will be hosting not only their own city’s league at the park, but Reform’s city league will be playing at the Aliceville park as well.
Lakitha Bell Named New EMA Director
Pickens County’s new Emergency Management Agency Director, Lakitha Bell.
BY GENA HUFF, Editor
Lakitha Bell, a native of Carrollton and graduate of Carrollton High School, has been named the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director for Pickens County. She began work on Feb. 26 this year and is taking on the challenges of her new job with gusto.
PCMC Welcomes New CEO
The Pickens County Medical Center Board of Directors welcomes new CEO to PCMC. Pictured from left: Mark Prater, Shawn McDaniel, John O’Neal, Sue Russell, JoAnne Colvin, Bob Brooke, Kathy Marine, Gail Beams, James Kirkland, and Manly Sullivan.
BY GENA HUFF, Editor
On Mar. 19, Pickens County Medical Center (PCMC) welcomed its new CEO and President, John O’Neil. Mr. O’Neil has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, serving as the CEO of St. Vincent’s hospital from 2009 to 2015 and most recently served as a consultant for UAB Health System. While at UAB, O’Neil assisted in developing and implementing strategic plans for rural hospitals across Alabama. Mr. O’Neil holds a B.A. from the University of Iowa and a Masters Degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University.
Year-Round Pell to be Implemented at Shelton
TUSCALOOSA — Shelton State Community College will begin implementing year-round Pell grant funding in summer 2018. With careful planning, Pell grant recipients may be able to complete their degree earlier by taking advantage of this new regulation. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and explore their eligibility.
PCHS Receives Grant from Alabama Power
Andrea Ellis, Manager of the Reform/Aliceville Alabama Power business office, presents a $2,500 Power to Play grant check to Pickens County High School Band Director Thomas Hargrave on Tuesday, Mar. 13. Hargrave says the grant will be used to purchase instruments for the school’s music education and band programs. Pictured, from left, Craig Perrigin, PCHS Assistant Principal; Jamarian Cohen, student; Andrea Ellis; Thomas Hargrave; Ariana Hathorne, student; Keaysha Jones, student; SheMia Wilson, Principal; Caleb Yarbrough, student.
Pickens County High School was awarded a $2,500 Power to Play grant from the Alabama Power Foundation on Tuesday, Mar. 13. Thomas Hargrave, PCHS band director, said the grant will be used to purchase instruments for the music education and band programs at the school.
Sheriff’s Beagles’ Training Pays Off
On Mar. 13, Pickens County Deputies responded to an assault at Oak Grove Road in Gordo.
Aliceville Corn Grower Earns First Place in State
Seth More of Aliceville, placed first in the state in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Class of the National Corn Yield Contest. The contest recognizes farmers from across the country for their exceptional efforts and is held annually by the National Corn Growers Association. Farmers are encouraged through the contest to utilize new, efficient production techniques.
Neglect of Garbage Payments Results in No Pick Up
During the Pickens County Commissioner’s formal meeting on Mar. 13, Commissioner Drew Elmore brought to attention garbage customers, within Pickens County, who have neglected payment of their AmWaste garage bill for the last two months, will not receive garbage pick up until the bill is paid in full.
Gordo City Council Helps Out Dixie Youth League
At their meeting on Mar. 12, Gordo Mayor Craig Patterson brought to the attention of the City Council members the help needed by the Dixie Youth Park. “We try to help them every year, and it (the Dixie Youth Season) is about to get kicked off,” said Patterson.