Issuu

SHINING THE LIGHT ON SELMA AND DALLAS COUNTY, ALABAMA June 27, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 22

www.selmasun.com

50 ¢

Search for Selma police and fire chiefs heats up BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

Selma city leaders started discussion this week on how to fill the vacant first responder leadership positions in what is reportedly the first time in the city's history to be without a police and fire chief at the same time. Selma City Council's Public Safety Committee on Monday talked about appointing a search committee and the need to appoint an interim police chief. Council President Corey D. Bowie, who presided over the meeting, said the council would appoint an interim police chief at the council’s regular meeting on June 25. The city already has an interim Fire Chief Chris Graham.

Bowie also suggested the addition of an assistant police chief position to the city's budget. He said it has been five or six years since the city last had an assistant police chief to help with the administrative side of things. Bowie said there will be a search for both a police and fire chief once the positions are posted. "We have to do our due diligence to move forward and find the most qualified police chief and fire chief," he said. The search committee for a new police chief will include two law enforcement personnel, a citizen, the Public Safety committee, a Weed and Seed Committee representative and a representative from business. He said he has also reached out to three former firefighters

to serve on the committee for the fire chief. Monday's meeting was attended by Council members Carl Bowline, Jannie Thomas, Susan Youngblood and Johnnie Leashore. Bowline told the Selma Sun the appointment of an interim chief would not be effective until July 30 because current Police Chief Spencer Collier is scheduled to retire July 30 but is on leave until then under the Family and Medical Leave Act. "My opinion is we need to make sure we do some things to ensure that it is going to be successful instead of trying to do something after the fact," Bowline said. He said the council has time to act, but he would defer to the council president's leadership.

Bowline noted, however, "We're doing everything we can to boost morale in any way we can... We don't need to go down. We’d like it to go up." In other business, Bowie announced the annual community event National Night Out will be held on Water Avenue on Aug. 6. The event will be held for police, fire, the sheriff departments and state troopers to mingle with the public for a good time with food, fun and games. Monday’s Public Safety Committee meeting was also attended by Dallas County Sheriff Michael L. Granthum and the Weed and Seed Committee of Dallas County represented by Executive Director Maggie DrakePeterson, Grace Hobbs and Carolyn Cox.

Selma City Council President Corey D. Bowie talks to the media about searches to begin for a new police and fire chief at the same time. Photo by Fred Guarino

Dozens descend on Dallas County to dig for dino bones BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

Millions of years ago, Dallas County was prime beachside property. In a recent summer camp, students and members of the public worked with University of Alabama scientists to uncover fossils from an era when dinosaurs swam above what are now familiar homes, businesses and farmland. Every year since 1979, The University of Alabama Museum of Natural History has offered Summer Expeditions, a summer camp where middle school and high school students and the

and monuments – of past human life and activities. Todd Hester, the expedition leader, said this year the expedition looked for fossils from the Cretaceous period, which is the geologic period that started at the end of the Jurassic 145 million years ago and ended 65 million years ago with the mass extinction event that included the end of the dinosaurs. During that time, South Alabama, including what is now Dallas County, was under a shallow sea. The white chalk frequently seen on roadsides, especially Highway 80 West and Highway 22 West, and in

Participants found fossil turtles, fish, shark teeth and bones from a cretaceous marine lizard known as a mosasaur. The fossils will go to the UA Museum of Natural History collections, which Hester said is the repository for fossils found around the state. Although the dig was in Marion Junction, the base camp was at Old Cahawba Archeological Park in the same place the camp was two years ago when the dig, expedition 39, was archeology at Old Cahawba. The camp is truly home away from home, complete with shower and bathroom facilities, a dining

tent, a lab tent and tents for sleeping. Water is brought in in a military surplus water trailer affectionately called the “Water Buffalo” that has been on every dig since 1979. There is also a kitchen trailer not too different from the chuck wagon of the 1800s. Propane provides cooking heat, and a generator provides lights and fans when needed. Allie Sorlie runs the camp kitchen and prepares healthy and tasty food, because nutrition and hydration are imperative when working in the summer sun. The Museum Expedition program was started in 1979

The group excavates a mosasaur jaw bone. by historian, naturalist and educator John Hall. His vision was to introduce middle and high school students to the earth sciences with hands-on work in the field with real scientists, helping the researchers get needed manpower and exposing students to real science and discovery. Hall passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through the Museum Expeditions and the many students that have gone on to careers in archeology, paleontology and the earth sciences. Many former campers work at The University of Alabama and other universities in the state. There are quite a few expedition members who work in the earth sciences in other states, including Georgia, North Carolina and even Washington.

Many who have been on one expedition come back for many more. Now, after so many years, the children and even grandchildren of past expedition members are now joining the expedition. Hester said next summer’s expedition may be archeology at Moundville, one of the state’s and nation’s largest Mississippian culture native American sites just south of Tuscaloosa. He said it’s always a good idea to sign up early. This is the link to the facebook; https://www.facebook. com/museumexpedition/ The website is https:// almnh.museums.ua.edu/programs/museum-expedition/ You can also email for more information; museum. expedition@ua.edu Or call (205) 348-7550

Walking the chalk gullies looking for fossils. general public work with scientists in their digs and research. Scientist doing actual research get much-needed help, and the participants get to learn while having a great time. Some years the Summer Expedition is a paleontology dig, and some years it’s an archeology dig. This year, expedition 41, featured a paleontology dig in chalk gullies here in Dallas County. There were separate expeditions for middle school students, high school students and the public during June. To clarify, paleontology is a science dealing with the life of past geological periods as known from fossil plant and animal remains. Archeology is the scientific study of material remains – such as tools, pottery, jewelry, stone walls

fields around Dallas County was deposited during this time. UA’s Dr. Takehito Ikejiri was the paleontologist on this year’s expedition. Dr. Ike, as he is called, is studying the marine life from this period. The chalk is rich with fossils from this period. The actual dig was in chalk gullies on land owned by UA in Marion Junction known as Harrell’s Station. The students walk in the bottom of the gullies looking for fossils and follow them up the gully until they no longer find fossils in the bottom. They backtrack to the point where fossils show up again and start looking up to the walls of the gully to see where the fossils are washing out of the ground. That is where they dig.

Working in the lab tent.

Subscribe today at

www.selmasun.com

June 27, 2019

SELMA SUN

COMMUNITY Visually impaired Selma resident William Bowman finds ways to put success in sight

William Bowman uses technology like this digital video magnifier to read.

William Bowman serves as an advocate for the blind and visually impaired, with appearances on TV and speaking to groups. BY CINDY FISHER Selma Sun Staff

It’s not easy being visually impaired anywhere, but William Bowman said he finds it even more challenging in Selma and Dallas County. Born mostly blind, Bowman has had 44 eye surgeries in his lifetime and is in a record 19th year with a cornea transplant in his left eye, the only eye that functions. Since childhood, Bowman never accepted no for an answer and created some amazing experiences that many told him could never happen. He learned to farm, went to college and founded a nonprofit that helps others in Selma and Dallas County with sight issues to be independent like he is. Bowman started the nonprofit VIP (for visually impaired people) Organization Inc. in 1995, partly because he was struggling to find a job in his hometown that would work around his disability. Many of Selma and Dallas County’s eye care professionals are members of VIP’s board and refer patients to Bowman for a support group he hosts and for demonstrations he gives of technology that is available for the visually impaired. VIP has an office at the health department, where Bowman introduces those who are visually impaired to the latest devices and to methods to live more independent lives and be more competitive in the workforce. The goal is independence, but Bowman is quick to say how difficult it can be to remain independent in

a rural area like Selma and Dallas County. One of the biggest challenges is transportation. In rural areas, services like Uber and Lyft are not options. Those with disabilities in larger cities also have grocery shopping services like Shipt where you order groceries online and the order is shopped and delivered by a representative. That service isn’t available in Selma. Bowman used to have his parents to drive him places, but his father passed away in 2017 and his mother at 82 had to give up driving last fall. Now he pays $8 an hour for someone to drive them to the store or to events, but he says it is hard to find and keep good people. Bowman gets around using many of the common technologies, such as a talking phone and a digital video magnifier that helps with reading. Bowman has also come up with his own ways to get around his home and their 160 acres. He puts dot stickers on the washing machine dial to know where to start the spin cycles. He has dots on his laptop keys. And he memorizes where the numbers are on the microwave. He cuts the grass on a riding lawn mower, but it has to be at noon so the sun is at its brightest and he can see where he has already cut. As a boy, his grandfather taught him to farm and led him toward his passion of growing fruits. His family has had cattle and 600 plum trees at one point. They grew muscadines they sold to grocery stores. The plum trees died since his father passed away, but the muscadines are still growing. He often hosts

school groups to come pick them in the fall when they’re ripe. Bowman is not the type to give up easily. As a student at Selma High School, he wanted to be a part of the basketball team and talked Coach Andrew A. Sewell into letting him serve as an assistant. Sewell told him he should have the opportunity to fall on his butt just like the 7-foot-tall center on the team. So he had Bowman sweep the floors. “I wanted to help with basketball because I wanted a place to be a part of something,” he said. Bowman loves to sing country music, but his high school choral teacher discouraged him from trying out for a vocal scholarship at Wallace Community College. He tried out anyway and got it, which helped pay for this first two years of college. Bowman didn’t stop there. He went to college at Auburn University at Montgomery and, while there, wanted to work again with a basketball team. The coach let him help load the bus before they left for away games. Then one game, the videographer didn’t show up, and Bowman said he would do it. He took his own equipment and became their videographer for all the games after that. He was able to watch the games by plugging a big screen TV into the recorder to make the images bigger. “I like to point to young people to be prepared for whatever your talent is, because you never know when someone won’t show up and then need you,” Bowman said. He graduated from AUM with a degree in mass communications and speech. He is a

William Bowman still maintains his family’s 160 acres that includes muscadines. weather watcher for WSFA, which requires him to call spotters throughout his coverage area and send the information to the TV station. Bowman serves as a motivational speaker throughout the country to show others not to give up.

After the American with Disabilities Act was approved in 1990, Bowman was one of two students named to a task force at AUM to identify ways to improve accessibility around campus. For most of his life, Bowman has jumped hurdles that being legally blind pre-

sented, whether he saw them coming or not. He said he has had people tell him he wouldn’t amount to anything, but he chose to listen to mentors like Coach Sewell, who told him he has rights like anyone else and should have the chance to succeed or fail.

Pic of the Week

Welcome to the Selma Sun’s feature “Pic of the Week,” that spotlights a beautiful photo that depicts the best parts of Selma and Dallas County. You can find each

week’s winners online and in the print edition. Think your photo should be considered for the Selma Sun’s “Pic of the Week”? Use these hashtags #SelmaAlabama

#SelmaSun when you post your favorite photos! This week’s Selma Sun “Pic of the Week” is from @cmendonca17 “Sunday morning in Selma @ The St. James Hotel.”

SELMA SUN

June 27, 2019

NEWS Morgan Academy baseball phenom Gunnar Henderson to play for Baltimore Orioles Decision made:

BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

John T. Morgan Academy shortstop Gunnar Henderson made it official and has chosen to go pro and play for the Baltimore Orioles under a $2.3 million signing offer. Henderson, who signed a scholarship to play baseball for Auburn University, was named 2018-2019 Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year and was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft, made it official on Sunday. After much consideration, he will forego playing baseball with his brother at Auburn University and will play pro ball for the Baltimore Orioles. Henderson told the Selma Sun Sunday night that he’s playing for the Orioles if his physical goes well. He said he

expected to leave for Baltimore this week. Henderson said he asked God for “a clear path” and felt going pro was “the right decision” for his family and him. The star Morgan Academy baseball player said he was offered $2.3 million by the Orioles. He said he felt being offered a scholarship by Auburn University was “a true blessing.” Auburn was his favorite school growing up and having a chance to play ball with his brother, Jackson Henderson, meant everything to him. But he said Jackson, who will be a senior at Auburn, “supported me on my decision.” Henderson went number 42 overall in the MLB draft. It was announced on May 23 that he was the 2018-19 Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year, which made him part of a 30-year legacy that included

past winners such as Peyton Manning, who played 18 season for the Indianapolis Colts; Abby Wambach, American retired soccer player, coach and two-time Olympic gold medalist; Karl-Anthony Towns of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves; and Derek Jeter, who spent his entire 20-year MLB playing career with the New York Yankees. Henderson helped lead the Morgan Academy Senators to a 30-2 record and runner up for the AISA Class AAA State Baseball Championship. He had a .554 batting average, hitting 11 home runs, 17 doubles, nine triples and 75 RBIs while scoring 69 runs. He got 56 hits in 101 opportunities at the plate and stole 31 bases. At the time of his Gatorade selection, Morgan Academy head baseball Coach Stephen Clements described the award as “a huge accomplishment for

an amazing young man. I am so excited for Gunnar and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.” Clements said Henderson has high morals and a great work ethic, and “his athletic ability is the best I've ever seen.” Morgan Academy Headmaster Mark Knight agreed. “Gunnar is an outstanding athlete, student and Christian young man,” Knight said. “He handles himself with class in everything he does. He works extremely hard and deserves all the awards he has received. We are proud of Gunnar and wish him the best.” Henderson thanked God, his family and his team for his success. “It is just a huge honor being considered one of the top athletes in the state,” Henderson said. “I just want to thank all

After a phenomenal career with the Morgan Academy baseball team, Gunnar Henderson is taking a $2.3 million offer to play for the Baltimore Orioles in the Major Leagues. my teammates and my coaches and my family for all helping me get there, and just want to

thank God, as well, to bless me with the ability to receive such an honor.”

REPRESENTING

Effective Lawmaking

BY PRINCE CHESTNUT

State Representative, House District 67

WHEN YOU NEED TO COOL THINGS OFF AT HOME Specializing in Residential and Commercial Installation

State Licensing Board for General Contractors: 37505 Alabama Board of Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors: 83239 Alabama Board of Refrigeration Contractors: 51829 Alabama Master Plumber/Gas Fitter: 17-0149

This session was bipartisan for the most part, but when we differed it was severe. The tone of the session was mostly good. More is accomplished when actual communication takes place and laws are vetted by different people who see through different lenses. Because of my skill set, I am often sought out by my peers on both sides of the aisle to review their bills and advise on the constitutionality, legality or unintended consequences. There are less than a handful of us who hold this distinction in the House. Concerning sponsored legislation, I have been thoughtful, diligent and efficient. You must be mindful of the customs, culture, mores and players of the Legislature to be effective. A legislator who does not understand the customs, culture, mores and players will not be effective. Lawmaking is a complex, intense and dutiful process. State or federal legislative office should not be sought

by persons who do not have a strong skill set or understanding of sociology, psychology, policy, reading comprehension, writing or analytical reasoning. Those who show up with a lack of such skills or understanding are limited in the legislative forum. You can make up for it with being inquisitive, courteous, likable and relying on others who have an understanding or related skills; but, you are also prone to being manipulated by more skilled and cagey legislators when you have those limitations. That does little to help constituents or the State. Effective lawmaking requires you to consistently read, consider, communicate and build consensus. When you work on a bill from the beginning, you should research, bring people together who are knowledgeable in the area and gauge the position of select legislators who represent a larger group of legislators on where they might stand on a bill. If you are a Representative you not only have to do this in the House, but you must also do the same in the Senate. An effective lawmaker must be a distance runner, not a sprinter. You should master the material, understand the different forums you must appear in, establish good connections with staffers, committee members, colleagues and sometimes even bug people a little bit in order to get your bill on agendas or

on the floors of the House and Senate. Some members of the legislature are busy leading; some are busy following. Some are busy taking cues from lobbyists. Some are busy meeting and greeting various groups at the State House; some are busy staying quiet and focusing on what is going on back home with constituents. Some are focused on partisan bills because they watch political cable TV shows; some are busy worrying about al.com reporters; some are busy making decisions based on social media polling; some are busy following neo-conservative think tanks and carrying their pre-packaged bills. Some are busy deciding what bill they will oppose next; some are busy waiting to get payback on another legislator for not supporting a bill he or she brought earlier. Everyone, however, has his or her place. To be effective is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. Some constituents are fine with a person holding office even if he or she gets nothing substantial done as long as that person shows up for events and is omnipresent in the district. However, that is not being effective in my view. Being effective means getting things done that are directly related to the function of the office—lawmaking. We must raise the bar and expect meaningful action. We must work together and push each other to be better.

VOICES Accolades for Alabama’s Economic Development Success Keep Coming BY PAUL DEMARCO Publisher: Cindy Fisher

Contributors: Todd Prater Chico Cleveland Nathan Prewett Fred Guarino

Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part other than for personal use is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher Kingfisher Media LLC The Selma Sun is a news source for the community of Selma and Dallas County, Alabama. Information gathered for coverage of Selma-Dallas County is from sources that are considered reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Issues with accuracy or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at publisher@selmasun.com. Email news tips to news@selmasun.com The Selma Sun (USPS) is published weekly for $26 per year by Kingfisher Media, LLC, 711 Alabama Avenue, Selma, AL 36701. Periodicals postage (USPS #21110) at Selma, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Selma Sun, PO Box 476, Selma, AL 36702-0476. Published by: Kingfisher Media LLC 711 Alabama Ave. Selma, AL 36701 Stay up-to-date on Selma News at SelmaSun.com Subscribe for only $26 a year at selmasun.com/about

Over the past 25 years, Alabama has had its fair share of problems it has faced - public corruption, prison overcrowding, woes with public education and the ever increasing cost for Medicaid. Where Alabama has shined is economic development and job creation. Since MercedesBenz selected Alabama as the site of its first ever American manufacturing facility in 1993, thousands of jobs have been created in the state. With the addition of Honda, Hyundai, and the joint venture of Mazda, Toyota, Alabama has one of the largest workforce in the Nation for automotive manufacturing. Thus, it is no surprise that Alabama was the recent recip-

ient of the Golden Shovel Award from business publication Area Development for the state’s results in recruiting new companies for the state. There was $8.7 billion in new investment in the state last year and over 17,000 new jobs created in 2018 alone. All of this has led to record low unemployment rates and more Alabama residents working than ever before in the state’s history. Yet, Alabama’s success has not been limited to auto manufacturing, as the aerospace and aviation industries are becoming an even larger segment of the state’s economy. In addition, the technology companies Google, Amazon and Facebook have also invested in Alabama. Alabama’s trophy case for economic development contin-

ues to grow and providing good jobs for Alabama residents is something we can take pride in as we seek solutions to address Alabama’s future. Paul DeMarco is an attorney in Birmingham who served in the Alabama Legislature.

June 27, 2019

SELMA SUN

COMMUNITY NFL player Michael Johnson brings first Empower Music Fest to Selma with mix of genres and outreach efforts BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

A new festival is coming to Selma July 4-6 called the Black Belt Empower Music Fest and it expects to be big. It is being put on by NFL standout and Selma native Michael Johnson’s MJ93/90 Foundation. Johnson said there will be plenty of music, but there are important issues he and his team want to address. Issues like health and wellness, mental health, financial literacy and more. The Festival will kick off July 4 with a military walk over the Edmond Pettus Bridge at 10 a.m., after which there will be a financial literacy and entrepreneurship expo at the Carl Morgan Convention Center at 11 a.m. That evening, the Riverwalk Amphitheatre will be alive with music from many genres like rock, country and R&B. Johnson said multi-platinum recording

artist Silk will be the headliner, with many other groups from many different genres taking the stage starting at 7 p.m. There will also be a music showcase at Songs of Selma Park at the foot of the Edmond Pettus Bridge leading up to the big concert at the amphitheater. July 5 will focus on local music with an open mic day from 1 to 7 p.m. at Songs of Selma Park. July 6 will be a big festival day with a parade at 8 a.m. then a battle of the bands and a car show. After the winner of the battle of the bands is announced at 9 a.m., the first of four full-length family feature films will be shown beginning at 10 a.m. The movies are The Lion King, Sing, Ferdinand, and Cars. Johnson said the Empower Music Festival is meant to help create more positive thinking. He pointed out that Selma “can’t rely on people from the outside coming in and saving us so to

speak.” Johnson said when people get their health and finances in order, they feel better about themselves and the community around them. With a positive view and attitude, he said people will take more pride in their communities and not allow the negative to happen. Much of the information that will be presented in these seminars are recaps of past events put on by the MJ93/90 Foundation like the Youth Empowerment Summit and the Health and Wellness Expo. Johnson wants this to become an annual event, saying there is no reason Selma cannot have bigname groups come each year. He called the Empower Music Fest “just the tip of the iceberg” and that he hopes to see many other events spin off from this one. One new program the MJ93/90 foundation already has in the works is the Best Buy Teen Tech Center in conjunction with Wallace Community College Selma.

Johnson called himself blessed to be able to bring these events to the people of Selma, and he reiterated the Empower Music Festival and other events are not for him but for the people of Dallas County. He said his first blessing is his parents, Thomasine and Sam Johnson. He said they are the reason he is what he is and they instilled in him the realization of how important it is to take care of your home. Johnson said he wants to continue to do things that will lift up his home. “I’ve been around the world, but I still get excited when I cross the Dallas County line because I know I’m home,” Johnson said. “Selma is home.” MoredetailsareattheFacebook page https://www.facebook. com/events/616836832161744/ To lean more and to purchase tickets go to www.empowermusicfest.org or www.empowermusicfest.net

NFL star and Selma native Michael Johnson is hosting the first Empower Music Fest in Selma.

Turner Chevrolet celebrates 71 years in business BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

Saturday June 22 was customer appreciation day at Turner Chevrolet in Selma. A good crowd came out to enjoy grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and a great car show.

The Capitol City Corvette Club out of Montgomery brought a nice selection of Corvettes. There were also cars from all over, including one from Linden as well as quite a few local cars. Turner Chevrolet General Manager Larry Taylor said customer appreciation day was a great success.

“Sometimes you just have to say thank you to the community for supporting us for 71 years. This is our way of thanking everyone,” Taylor said. W.M. “Mack” Turner opened Turner Ford in downtown Selma in 1948. Milam Turner Jr. and Paul James moved the dealership to the current location on Highway

14/80 in 1974. They switched to Chevrolet in 1979. Currently Turner Chevrolet is run by the third generation of Turners, brother and sister team of Francis Turner and Milam Turner III. Taylor said the response this year was so good that he expects next year’s customer appreciation day to be bigger and better.

The car show featured vintage vehicles.

Turner Chevrolet saw a great crowd for their customer appreciation day.

Many cars were set up for visitors to get a peek under the hood.

The Capitol City Corvette Club out of Montgomery brought a nice selection of Corvettes.

There were some creatively designed cars that participated in the car show.

SELMA SUN

June 27, 2019

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF COMPLETION Smitherman Brothers Construction Company, 110 Cecil Jackson Bypass, Selma, Alabama 36701, has completed its work on the Laforet Estates Emergency Drainge Project; ORA Project No. AL-53981 in Selma, Alabama for the City of Selma. Any person having a claim should notify HSA Engineers, Inc., 1 Satterfield Street, Selma, Alabama 367020929 in writing or call at (334) 875-1960. June 6, 13, 20, 27

day of April, 2017, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Dallas County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 1555 Page 170; the undersigned American Advisors Group, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, on August 7, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Dallas County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 13 of Block C, according to the Map of Kingswood Park, Plat No. 4, recorded in Map Book 5, at Page 185, in the Probate Office of Dallas County, Alabama. Property street address for informational purposes: 412 Woodrow Ave, Selma, AL 36701 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN â€œAS IS, WHERE ISâ€? BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/ OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mort-

gage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds made payable to Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address indicated below. Sirote & Permutt, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. American Advisors Group, Mortgagee/Transferee Elizabeth Loefgren SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/ Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 450464 June 20, 27, July 4

Office of the Judge of Probate of Dallas County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 1451 Page 253; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, on August 21, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Dallas County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot I and J, of Block 2, according to the Redivision of Osburn Property in the S 1/2 of Block 1 and Block 2, Harris Addition, Selma, Alabama, which said map is recorded in Map Book 3, at Page 77, in the Probate Office of Dallas County, Alabama. Property street address for informational purposes: 507 6th Ave , Selma, AL 36701 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN â€œAS IS, WHERE ISâ€? BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/ OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) in certified funds made payable to Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Sirote & Permutt, P.C. at the address indicated below. Sirote & Permutt, P.C.

reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Mortgagee/Transferee Ginny Rutledge SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/ Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 451105 June 20, 27, July 4

sive bidder. Each BIDDER is required to file with his or her Bid either a Cashierâ€™s Check drawn on an Alabama bank or a Bid Bond executed by a surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in the State of Alabama, payable to the WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD OF THE CITY OF SELMA for an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance as required in the Bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. All BIDDERS bidding in amounts exceeding $50,000 must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and must be licensed for the type of work on which the Proposal is submitted. BIDDERS must show evidence of license before bidding or Bid will not be received or considered; the BIDDER shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. No BIDDER may withdraw his or her Bid within ninety (90) days after the actual date of the opening thereof. Robert Allen Chairman WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD OF THE CITY OF SELMA June 13, 20, 27

West Dallas Water Authority: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Rural Utility Service, USDA ACTION: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utility Service (RUS), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, is issuing an Environmental Assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by West Dallas Water Authority (WDWA), of Sardis, Alabama. The proposal is for construction of water mains along county roads to improve flow, serve new customers and to replace filter media. WDWA has submitted an application to RUS for funding of the proposal. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nivory

Gordon, Jr., Area Director at USDA, RD, 321 Depot Street, Camden, AL 36726, 334-682-4116 Ext. 110 or via email at Nivory. gordon@al.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: WDWA proposes to construct new 3-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch water mains along County Roads: 3, 29, 152, 182, 186, 189, 350, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 375, 814, 834, 894, and 989. The project also includes replacement of the filter media at the AL Highway 22 treatment facility. Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., an environmental consultant, prepared an environmental assessment for RUS that describes the project, assesses the proposed projectâ€™s environmental impacts, and summarizes as applicable any mitigation measures used to minimize environmental effects. RUS has conducted an inde-

Notice to the Creditors of ESTATE OF ADOLPHUS SMITH, SR., DECEASED, Letters of Testamentary upon the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of June, 2019, by the Probate Judge of Dallas County, Alabama, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn, to the Probate Court of said County within the time allowed by law or same will be forever barred. BRENDA McCANTS, EXECUTRIX Alston Keith, Jr. Keith & Keith 711 Alabama Avenue P.O. Box9 Selma, Al. 36702 (334)874-6617 June 20, 27, July 4 MORTGAGE FORECLOSUREÂ SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Eula F. Swift, unmarried, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Advisors Group, on the 13th

MORTGAGE FORECLOSUREÂ SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Wilma Perry, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Alliance Financial Resources, LLC, on the 18th day of February, 2011, said mortgage recorded in the

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS THE WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD OF THE CITY OF SELMA POST OFFICE BOX 326 SELMA, ALABAMA 367020326 Separate sealed BIDS, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received for the â€œADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING IMPROVEMENTSâ€? project. Bids will be received by the WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD OF THE CITY OF SELMA, 1600 SELMA AVENUE, SELMA, ALABAMA 36701, until 2:00 P.M. C.S.D.T., TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS (Plans, Specifications, and Bid Proposal Documents) may be obtained at the office of HSA ENGINEERS, INC. at #1 SATTERFIELD STREET, SELMA, ALABAMA 36702-0929, (334) 875-1960 upon payment of $100.00 for each set. All BIDDERS submitting a bonafide bid who return Plans and Specifications to ENGINEER, in useable condition, within ten (10) days of the Bid opening will receive a full refund. Nonbidders will receive no refunds. A $25.00 shipping and handling fee will be charged for shipment of all Plans and Specifications. The OWNER reserves the right to waive any informalities, or reject any or all Bids, and to award the Contract to the lowest responsible, respon-

Notice to the Creditors of Estate of: CLARENCE ARTHUR SMITH, deceased. Letters of Administration upon the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 17th day of June, 2019, by the Probate Judge Jimmy L. Nunn of Dallas County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same, duly sworn to, in the Probate Court of said County within the time allowed by law, or else same will be forever barred. CHELSEA SMITH Personal Representative CHARLES H. SIMS, III Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 1432 Selma, AL 36702-1432 June 27, July 4, 11 DE PART ME N T OF AGRICULTURE Rural Development

pendent evaluation of the environmental assessment and believes that it accurately assesses the impacts of the proposed project. No significant impacts are expected as a result of the construction of the project. Questions and comments should be sent to RUS at the address provided. RUS will accept questions and comments on the environmental assessment for 14 days from the date of publication of this notice. Any final action by RUS related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with all relevant Federal environmental laws and regulations and completion of environmental review procedures as prescribed by 7 CFR Part 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures. A general location map of the proposal is shown below

AlabamaPublicNotices.com Public notices from Alabama newspapers Â‡ $FFHVV SXEOLF QRWLFHV VWDWHZLGH Â‡ )5(( PDQXDO VHDUFKHV Â‡ 6HDUFK E\ NH\ZRUG FRXQW\ RU SDSHU Â‡ 0XOWL FRXQW\ RU FURVV UHIHUHQFH VHDUFKHV

AlabamaPublicNotices.com public notice affects you

June 27, 2019

SELMA SUN

LIFESTYLE 5 Delicious Low-Carb Recipes 3 Ways to Make Perfect for a Cookout

SPECIAL TO THE SELMA SUN 1

StatePoint Media

16 19

20 26

28 30

32 34 39

ACROSS 1 This, for example, with "the" 4 Satisfied a craving 7 Shower alternative 11 Support for a bill 12 Assortment of chocolates 13 It's measured in square units 14 Do dinner 15 Adversary 17 An hour of prime-time TV, often 19 It's a boy 20 Infielder's mistake 22 Take the money and run 25 Gave high honours 28 Do some piano maintenance 29 Nursing home aid, perhaps 30 Sagelike 32 Test 33 High-pressure weather system 34 Tabloid 35 Undergo a chemical transformation 39 Natural desire 43 Slew 44 McCoy adjective 45 Pile up debt 46 Type of wind 47 Word repeated before "moons ago" 48 Auction action 49 "___ in the Family"

DOWN 1 Studied visually 2 Close to home 3 Statistical information 4 On the ferry 5 Acme 6 Got really angry 7 Boston or Chicago 8 Equal 9 Five-sixths of a dozen 10 Magician's stock item 16 Sculler's gear 18 A ___ technicality 21 Gospel 22 Period of success on Broadway 23 Unified 24 Oyster's place 25 Work on Broadway 26 It's more than a mere battle 27 This or that 28 Support for a tire swing 31 "I'm with you!" 33 Snitcher 34 Put faith in 36 Where Borneo is 37 Poky part 38 Like most N.B.A. players 39 Bench-pressing limb 40 Sweet flower 41 Prospector's tool 42 Mixed doubles team

Sudoku 5 1

3 6

6 1 1

8 2

5 9

3 6

Solutions

Food on the grill, carb-loaded side dishes and high-sugar desserts are at the center of most seasonal cookouts. But this doesn’t mean you need to avoid those countless neighborhood barbecues to ensure you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle. Courtney McCormick, manager of Clinical Research & Nutrition for South Beach Diet, recommends these five lower-carb recipes that are great to bring along to any cookout. • Shredded Chicken Chili: Just toss some chicken, beans, tomatoes and a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano in your slow cooker and let that magic machine do all the work. Six hours later, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and plenty of flavorful fixings for fewer calories than a chicken prepared in a sugary or cheesy sauce. • Avocado Tuna Sandwiches: Mix lemon juice, avocado,

Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and add canned tuna fish. Scoop onto a slice of whole grain bread with arugula, sliced cucumbers and red onions and you’ve got yourself a delicious sandwich to eat in place of that hamburger. • Skinny Shrimp Fajitas: You won’t miss the tortilla with this recipe! Combine shrimp, onion, bell pepper, olive oil and dry fajita spices such as chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin and paprika in a large bowl. Pour into a veggie basket or place on skewers and let the grill do the work for you. • Pesto Cilantro Dip: Bake walnuts at 275 degrees until golden brown, then chop cilantro, garlic, and walnuts in a food processor for about 25 seconds. With the machine running, pour olive oil in a steady stream. Add sour cream, lemon juice and salt. Pulse a few times to combine and you’re done! Serve with fresh veggies. “This recipe is quick and simple,” says McCormick. “It contains minimal ingredients and it is packed with healthy fats. Plus, it keeps five days in the refrigerator and freezes for up to a month.” • South Beach Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a BBQ staple and this recipe for a lighter version of it is easy as 1-2-3! Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, celery seed and a sugar substitute. Add cabbage and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve. For more details on these recipes and other great tips and tricks to lose weight and live healthier, visit South Beach Diet’s website The Palm at palm.southbeachdiet.com/cookout-low-carb-recipes. Remember, cookouts don’t need to wreak havoc on your healthy diet. By making some simple swaps and choosing healthier options, you’ll stay on track while still enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

the Most of Summer Produce SPECIAL TO THE SELMA SUN StatePoint Media

Summer can be all too fleeting, but one of the best ways to ensure you make the most of the season is by enjoying the generous harvest of fruits and vegetables it brings. Here are three simple ways to make the most of summer produce: GET PRODUCE AT ITS PEAK Produce tastes best when enjoyed during its peak season. Before shopping, check produce guides to see what’s at its peak near you. A few easy ways to be sure you’re getting the cream of the crop are to join a CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) group, visit a farmer’s market and to simply look for the local label at your supermarket. In a culinary rut? Because CSA members don’t always have the option of selecting the exact items they receive, a subscription is a particularly good idea for those with adventurous spirits looking to expand their horizons. BE SAFE In your efforts to feed your family nutritious produce this summer, be mindful that many fruits and vegetables contain contaminants like pesticides, wax and soil on their outer layer. While independent studies show that washing produce with water or bleach solution still leaves behind large traces of pesticides, there is now a better way to protect your family. With just a spray and rinse, Arm & Hammer’s Fruit & Vegetable Wash safely eliminates more than 90 percent of residue from the commonly used pesticide thiabendazole, when used as directed -- four times better than water alone. Made with pure and simple ingredients like Arm & Hammer baking

soda, water, salt and lemon oil; and free of harsh chemicals, it’s easy to stock your kitchen with it and make it a part of meal prep. For more information, as well as cleaning tips, visit armandhammercleans.com. USE IT UP Don’t let any produce go to waste. Here are five fun uses for fruit and vegetables: • Fruit popsicles: Chop fruit into small chunks and mix with juice and even a bit of honey. Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze. You’ll have a delicious, healthful snack for later. • Fruit or veggie kebabs: The grill is not just for burgers and dogs. Make veggie skewers using mushrooms, zucchini, green peppers and onions. For a light dessert, grill pears and peaches to be eaten on their own or topped with a bit of ice cream. • Pesto: Go beyond the classic basil recipe to get creative with your pesto sauces. From cilantro to spinach to mint, many of summer’s richest green herbs and vegetables make great stand-ins. • Cold soups: The weather may be hot, but that doesn’t mean you need to put soup on the back burner -- or any burner at all. From gazpacho to borscht served chilled, you can cool down with soup this summer. • Preserves: Certain fruits -such as strawberries -- can technically be found any time of year, but are absolutely unparalleled in summer. Capture that magic for the months ahead by turning your favorite fruits into jams. With a bit of planning, you can thoroughly enjoy the vast array of fruits and vegetables harvested during the summer months.

Community Calendar The Dallas County Commission, in conjunction with the Dallas County School System, will be sponsoring a summer food program to provide free meals until July 3 for children up to 18 years old. Serving meals at the following locations; House of Prayer, Keith High School, Sardis Unity Fellowship, Bruce K. Craig Elementary School, Southside Primary School, Salem Elementary School, TiptonDurant School, Pine Glen Community Association and New Vernon Church. Lunches served between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the various locations. Contact Liz Smiley at 334-3270171 for more information. Register for the 2nd Annual AIM for Excellence 5K 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk scheduled for August 3 at 7:30 a.m. at Bloch Park. All ages welcome. Registration $10 and up. Virtual Run available. For more information and to register at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Selma/ AIMFOREXCELLENCE5K or call 334-874-1600. Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Nov. 15 from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until the last vendor sells out. The market is located at Bloch Park on Dallas Avenue in Selma. For more information or if you have questions, please contact the market manager at 334-518-0346. Registration is now open for the 2019 Sadie Moss Summer Learning Institute for children ages 6 to 8. Scheduled for May 28- June 28 - Tuition is $100 per student. Snacks, meals, and transportation for field trips included. Limited space per age group. Contact McRae Gaines learning center at 334-8728078 for registration information. 2601 Marie Foster Street in Selma. Register for the Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA Summer Camp at 1 YMCA Drive, Selma happening June 3 - August 2. Cost $85 per week for members and $95 per week for non-members. Summer Day Camp will operate Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.6 p.m. Official start time is 8

a.m. and pick up time is 5 p.m. For more information call 334375-8301. June 2019 - Dallas County Family Resource Center The Whole Parent Classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning June 5 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Dallas County Family Resource Center, 10096 AL Highway 14 W, SelmaLunch provided-A GRACO Pack N’ Play given to all qualifying participants. Call the Dallas County Family Resource Center to reserve a spot in the class 334-874-7785. Dallas County Family Resource Center -Money Smart Classes Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Dallas County Family Resource Center, 10096 AL Highway 14 W, Selma. To reserve your seat in these classes call 334-874-7785. Water and light snacks provided. American Red Cross Seeking Volunteers- Volunteers needed for Disaster Action Team, Office Support, Volunteer Services Recruitment Lead, Service to Armed Forces, Biomed/Blood Services, Disaster Services-For more information contact Sandy Zuiderheok at 334-201-1620 or sandy.zuiderhoek@redcross.org. To apply, visit www.redcross. org/alabama/volunteer. SAG-The Selma Art Guild Summer Juried Art Exhibition. Call for entries. Receiving May 31, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and June 1, 12p.m.-4 p.m. at the gallery. Pick up on June 8, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Reception on June 9, 2 p.m.4 p.m.- Awards presented at 3 p.m. Pick up on July 27, 12 p.m.4 p.m. For further information, contact Gena Clements at selmabelle@yahoo.com or selmaartguild@yahoo.com. Black Belt Community Foundation now accepting applications for a free Preschool program for children ages 3-5-Enrolling at the following locations: Easterseals 2906B Citizens Parkway, Selma; Keith, 1166 County Road 115, Orrville; Southside, 3104 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma; Choctaw, 201 Tom Orr, Butler, AL; GP Austin, 550 Martin Luther King Dr., Linden, AL; JE Hobbs, 30 Claiborne, Camden,

AL-Bring Proof of residency, verification of birth, parent/guardian ID, proof of family income, and current shot record to complete an application-To schedule an appointment please call 334-431-3706 For more information, visit www.blackbeltfound.org. Pre-K Registration 20192020 Byrd Pre-K Program. Selma City Schools will continue to offer our premiere First Class Early Learning Program. Online registration available at https://alprek.asapconnected. com. Open to all children four years of age by Oct. 1. Copy of birth certificate and two proofs of residence required. Visit www.children.alabama.gov and see Pre-Registration Info under First Class Pre-K. Please call 334 874-1620 for any questions or www.selmacityschools.org. The Dallas County School District is offering Free Introductory Computer Classes to all parents and guardians with children in the county school system. Participants will learn the basics of how to use a computer in a funfilled atmosphere, introduction to Microsoft Word 2016, Internet and more. Classes will meet every Tuesday, beginning Sept. 5 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Dallas County Learning Resource Center, located at 5570 Water Avenue and from 3 p.m.5 p.m. at Keith High School. For more information, or to enroll, call Dorothy Irvin or Ivery Williams at 334-872-6251. Through the McKinneyVento Assistance Act, the Dallas County School District is actively seeking to identify and enroll all students who are living in a homeless situation that reside with Dallas County School’s jurisdiction. To be eligible for local services, students must meet the criteria of homeless and attend school. For questions or assistance, of knowing of a school-age child who needs assistance in enrolling and attending school, contact Dorothy Irvin at 334-8726251 or a local school. Backyard Bible Club from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Moody Circle at Craig Field, Sardis Community

Center, and Water Avenue trailer Park. Sponsored by United for the City. Register for the 2nd Annual AIM for Excellence 5K 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 7:30 am at Bloch Park, Selma, AL-All ages welcome-Registration $10 and up-Virtual Run available-For more information and to register https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Selma/ AIMFOREXCELLENCE5K or call 334-874-1600. Ready to Work Training is a free program available to people who are unemployed, seeking entry-level skills, or want to re-enter the workforce. The mobile training unit is located behind the headquarters building at 48 Fifth Street, Craig Field. Classes begin Monday, April 15 from 8:30-11:30 am, Monday through Thursday. The ready to work program provides trainees the entry-level skills required for employment with most businesses and industries. Specific training is in the following areas: Communication skills, conflict resolution, and financial management, problem solving strategies, computer technology skills, decision-making, career exploration and teamwork. For more information, call Kimberly Walker-Crowe at 334-874-7419.

June 17-June 21 Art Camp 2019-Camp OneMonday-Thursday at 9 a.m.2 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. with Charlie” Tinman” Lucas at 9 Lauderdale Street or Dallas Academy-For ages 8 -16-Lunch and snacks included. Fee is $125.00. Enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis. Payment of the camp fee secures your space. For more information call 334-412-8550. Tickets Available for the Empower Music Festival 2019 Happening July 4-6 in Downtown Selma, AL-Musical Guests include Silk, Sean Mac Trio, Dani, and Taylor Hunnicut. For more information visit www. EmpowerMusicFest.net

4 7

9 3

5 9

2 1

3 2

4 6

1 8 2 3 6 4 5 7 9

7 5 4 6 8 9 1 3 2

3 6 1 4 7 2 8 9 5

2 9 8 1 5 3 7 4 6

6 4 7 8 2 1 9 5 3

5 1 9 7 3 6 2 8 4

8 2 3 9 4 5 6 1 7

A W A

47 44 39

29 25

14 11 1

A T A 3

E R

B A

12 4

O 19

X 6

L L A T

33 20

O W E

34 32

N O

D E B

E 9

T A H

SELMA SUN

June 27, 2019

EDUCATION

Second Aim for Excellence 5k set for August Selma City Schools holding uniform drive BY NATHAN PREWETT

The second annual Aim for Excellence 5K hosted by Selma City Schools is set for Aug. 3 at Bloch Park. Race coordinator Jill Burt called last year's event a success. “Last year’s 5K was an outstanding experience for all

of the participants," she said. "This year, we aim to raise the bar. We want this to be a community supported activity.” The goal of the race is to raise funds to support teachers in the school system and for athletics as well as to promote health in the community. Sponsors are currently being sought for the next event.

New Possibilities Summer Camp at Edmundite Missions last week featured sports.

The students got golf lessons in Montgomery, swam a YMCA of Selma-Dallas

Selma Sun Staff

“We believe that our efforts would go even further with community organizations partnering with us as official event sponsors,” said Community Engagement Specialist Courtney Washington. The 5K race will have a 1 Mile Fun Run and a virtual run option for those outside of Selma who still want to participate.

The event will feature a Back-to-School Bash and uniform giveaway after the race. The race is set for Aug. 3 at 7:30 a.m. To register, visit the runsignup account. To become an event sponsor, contact Courtney Washington at 334-874-1600 or 334-419-1994 or email at courtney.washington@selmacityschools.org.

BY NATHAN PREWETT Selma Sun Staff

Selma City Schools is holding a uniform drive and the public is encouraged to donate new and used uniforms at the central office.

The central office for Selma City Schools is located at 2194 Broad Street and is open Monday through Thursday at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Lorraine Capers at 334-8741600.

County and learned lacrosse sponsored by Brunswick School.

James learns to use a lacrosse stick. Photos provided. Ariana focuses as her turn approaches.

Ja'quan and Jeremiah running drills.

Students attending New Possibilities Summer Camp

Selma students among those named to dean’s list at University of Alabama SELMA SUN STAFF Nine scholars from Selma were named to the President’s List or Dean’s List at The University of Alabama for the spring 2019 term. A total of 11,406 students enrolled during the 2019 spring term at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean’s List with an academic record of 3.5 or above, or the President’s List with an academic record of 4.0 (all As).

Felix Heights is part of the Selma Housing Authority.

The AKA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., sponsored a Reading is Fun event at Felix Heights. Photos provided.

The UA Dean’s and President’s lists recognize fulltime undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or to undergraduate students who take less than a full course load. The spring 2019 list includes from Selma, Bart H. Adams Jr., Eddie T. Ford, Margaret C. Jackson, Margaret A. Palmer, Anna E. Williard and Jaliyah R. Tabb, President’s List; Frances B. Henry, Keyonsis J. Hildreth and Catera Pettway, Dean’s List.

June 27, 2019

SELMA SUN

COMMUNITY Project with four-minute videos of Selma prompt tough talk on the city’s past and future BY CINDY FISHER Selma Sun Staff

Films made by Selma residents and advocates stirred a crowd of 150 gathered at Arts Revive last week to talk about ways to revitalize Selma. The four-minute films were part of Selma 200: Stories of Revitalization. They were organized and edited by Blue Magnolia Films, whose three leaders have overseen projects like this is Mississippi. Chandler Griffin of Blue Magnolia Films said it’s best to have locals tell the story of their town instead of hearing the version seen by national news agencies who often skew issues. The eight videos featured themes such as Old Cahawba, Temple Mishkan Israel and St. James Hotel. The videos are made up of 30-40 photos narrated by a voiceover by the Selma resident who took the photos. It was an arduous process, Griffin said, because many participants took 3,000 photos that had to be narrowed down to the ones used for a four- to five-minute slideshow on film telling their story of Selma. Linda Derry, who runs Old Cahawba Park, said the filmmakers taught her how to see the park in a new way. “When you see something every day, you need someone to point out (what to photograph) to you,” she said. The film about Temple Mishkan Israel sparked interest in renovating the building, which is more than 100 years old. Ronnie Leet, a longtime member of the temple, said he liked how the project allowed

More than 150 people came to see the films that were unveiled last week at Arts Revive. him to record history so it could be preserved. It also shows the sometimes surprising history of the longstanding Jewish population in Selma. At one point, half of the downtown businesses were Jewish-owned.

Many in the crowd asked if there were plans to restore the temple. Leet said discussion has started on that, with plans to establish a Jewish Legacy Museum there that will cost $6 to $8 million to accomplish.

A video by Afriye We-kandodis on the importance of healing through the memory of slavery in Selma impacted many in the crowd, bringing some to tears. She used shackles in her photos, some around her ankles and her neck. We-kandodis moved to Selma in 2004 from Chicago when she moved her mother here, back to her hometown. She says God tricked her into moving here, but she knows God has something great in store for Selma, and she wants to be here to watch it unfold. After the videos were shown, the crowd walked across downtown where 21

photos linked to the videos were unveiled in windows of businesses around Selma. The pictures include QR codes that send people to the film related to the photo. The videos are sharable on social media, and the goal is to get those shown outside of Selma so the rest of the country can see the how the locals view their often-misunderstood city. A map in the window at Gallery 905 shows where the 21 photos are located. The Selma 200: Stories of Revitalization project started two years ago when civic leaders from Selma met Allison Fast, founder of Blue

Magnolia Films. Fast has undertaken similar projects in Mississippi to celebrate their bicentennial. Participants are Afriye We-kandodis on The River Center for Humanity; Patty Sexton and Beth Spivey on the St. James Hotel; Joanne Bland and Kimberly Smitherman on Journeys for the Soul; Vicky Stoudenmire on Arts Revive; Clay Carmichael on the Blackbelt Benefit Group; Linda Derry on Old Cahawba; Jawana Jackson and Pride Forney on the Jackson Foundation and Museum; and Ronnie Leet and Amy Milligan on Temple Mishkan Israel.

Chandler Griffin of Blue Magnolia Films removes the cover of one of 21 photos in windows around Selma promoting the films.

Selma residents took photos of the window promotions of the films about Selma.