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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

On Mar. 13, Pickens County Deputies responded to an assault at Oak Grove Road in Gordo.

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.

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.