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.

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.

At their meeting on Mar. 13, the Aliceville Rotary Club welcomed Dr. Fanbin Zeng, the Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Zeng was brought by the Rotary’s former president and member, Connie Marine, International Programs Coordinator at the University of West Alabama, located in Livingston, Ala. This was at the request of Rotary program chairperson of the day, Kathy Marine.  

Shakespeare may not seem like it is for everyone, but on Thursday night, Mar. 15, it became available to all ages within our own small community in Aliceville. The Aliceville Museum, Aliceville Library, and the Pickens County Arts Guild hosted the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Touring Group’s performance of the William Shakespeare play, “Much Ado About Nothing,” an Italianate comedy for the ages.