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SHINING THE LIGHT ON SELMA AND DALLAS COUNTY, ALABAMA July 11, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 24

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Selma residents pitch in to save city sports BY CINDY FISHER Selma Sun Staff

City squabbles over leadership of the Parks and Recreation Department have shut down Selma’s city sports programs, and volunteers from across Dallas County are offering to help keep it alive. The Selma City Council on June 27 defunded the director position of Parks and Recreation, which eliminated the job of Sean VanDiver. Then, last week, Mayor Darrio Melton moved the two assistant directors of Parks and Recreation to the Public Works department, leaving the parks department without leaders to run the sports league that includes football and baseball that would start soon for the fall season. The Selma Sun has left messages for Melton and several City Council members and none were returned by press time. There was a massive outpouring of support on social media this week, with many volunteering to help coach or repair facilities to make sure Selma’s kids get to play sports. Others suggested forming a nonprofit that would run the league. Morgan Academy's Athletic Director and head football coach Josh Thacker said he would volunteer to oversee a city rec league. In a social media post directed to the mayor,

Selma city sports have shut down, including fall sports like football. Photo provided.

Thacker said he has served as an athletic director at two schools for seven years and has extensive experience with budgets and running a league. “I learned under the best coaches in the state of Alabama as to how an athletic department should look,” he said on Facebook. “I would love to talk with you about what could be done to save youth sports in Selma. I would gladly and proudly take over the department and keep it in top shape.” Thacker said he has not received a response from the mayor as of press time. As a coach, Thacker says having kids grow up in city leagues prepares them to play at the higher level, like high school and college. A Fayette native, Thacker said many of his fondest memories as a kid were from playing in his local sports league. “Little League sports are paramount in a community,” he said. “I have a 3-year-old son and I want him to be a part of something special like that too.” Thacker hopes to “rally the city of Selma behind city recreational sports, much like the community did to cut grass at the cemeteries after city workers were laid off late last year. Selma’s city recreational facilities need repairs and upgrades, and a nonprofit would allow fundraising to cover costs, Thacker said.

Selma mayor escapes ‘no confidence’ vote as council urges him to rehire laid off employees BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

The Selma City Council Tuesday showed that they’re losing faith in Mayor Darrio Melton, but not enough to pass a “no confidence” order against him. Four council members voted in the affirmative, but four either passed or abstained

and another council member was absent, so the vote died. Instead, the council said they will continue to try to work with Melton and urged him to rehire the 69 employees he laid off at the end of 2018 citing budget constraints. The council voted unanimously to reaffirm a previous vote that provided funds to cover costs for all laid off city employees.

Council member Angela Benjamin, who voted yes to the no confidence vote, said the council previously approved enough money to cover the positions and it’s up to the mayor now to bring them back. “We don’t have the power to bring them (employees) back. This was a vote in support of a vote we already made,”

she said. “We put the money there for all of the employees to return. It is on the mayor of the city to bring them back or not.” She said Melton has said he wants to bring employees back, “So, he can bring them back.” Many of the laid off employees worked in the public works department and their

return would put manpower back on maintaining city land, including cutting grass at the cemeteries. Volunteers have been cutting grass since May. The rehiring could also restaff the Parks and Recreation department that is now understaffed and has caused a shutdown in kids’ sports team activities.

On the “no confidence” vote, Council President Corey D. Bowie abstained, Carl Bowline passed, Johnnie M. Leashore passed and Michael Johnson abstained. Council member Susan Youngblood was absent. Council members Benjamin, Miah Jackson, Samuel Randolph and Jannie Thomas all voted in the affirmative, but it was not enough.

Best Buy, partners bring high-tech equipment to teach Selma teens BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

Those who have access to equipment and instruction have a better chance of succeeding in this high-tech world. But what about kids in underserved communities who don’t have access to computers and teaching? That’s where Best Buy is lending a hand, and Selma is on the list. Best Buy has partnered with a number of tech companies and opened Best Buy Teen Tech Centers in nearly 30 low-income communities around the country to help fill the tech gap. Through the work of the MJ 93/90 Foundation, in conjunction with Wallace Community College, a Best Buy Teen Tech center has opened

in Selma on the Wallace campus. The MJ 93/90 Foundation was created by Michael D. Johnson, an NFL player from Selma. Adam Pettway is the director and coordinator of the local center. He said these centers are a place for kids to explore a wide variety of tech-related fields in a hands-on environment with mentors available to help if needed. Pettway said the communications industry is represented with programs to handle everything from still photography to videography and audio production. “All of our computers have the Adobe [Creative] Suite, which includes Premier Pro, Photoshop, After Effects and more so students can take their content and edit it,” Pettway explained. He also said they have state-of- the-art video

cameras and a green screen for kids to use in their movie or video production. Green screen is the technology used in television stations to superimpose the meteorologist onto weather maps and radar. Any picture can be used, so students can put themselves in the middle of Rome or on the moon if they choose to do so. An audio booth is under construction. Pettway said Best Buy Teen Tech Centers will also serve kids with interests in other aspects of the arts and sciences. He said the center is always growing and expanding. “If we have a kid come in and say they’re interested in something and genuinely want to know more about it, all they need to do is let us know, and we will do whatev-

er it takes to get them the tools they need to learn more about it,” Pettway said. For example, if a student wants to learn how to put designs on T-shirts, the center will do what it takes to get the proper equipment and materials so students can learn the process, and “maybe turn a hobby into a lucrative career.” At a recent soft opening of the center, some kids were invited to give the center a test run. Thomasine Johnson said that Best Buy and Michael Johnson are working out scheduling conflicts, so the grand opening date is not set, but they are looking at a date at the end of July. She added that students can go by the center anytime it is open. It is located on the campus of Wallace Community College next to the library.

Teens in Dallas County now have access to high-tech equipment thanks to Best Buy and Michael Johnson’s Foundation MJ 93/90.

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July 11, 2019

SELMA SUN

COMMUNITY Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma campus saving lives from drug addiction BY FRED GUARINO Selma Sun Staff

Inspired by a Pennsylvania preacher who helped write the famous book “The Cross & the Switchblade,” the Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma Men’s Campus is putting young men to work helping others. Joseph Smith is the program director for the Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma Men’s Campus located at 3888 County Road 261 in Jones, Ala. He said the Teen Challenge Program began with an article in Life Magazine about founder David Wilkerson, who wrote “The Cross & the Switchblade” with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. Smith said Wilkerson was an Assembly of God pastor in Pennsylvania, who read an article about seven gang members on trial for murder in New York. Wilkerson went to New York in 1958 to help them or men like them who were involved in drugs, crime and gang activity. Smith said the men were members of a gang referred to in the book as “the Dragons.” The news media, Smith said, wanted to make fun of Wilkerson and his mission and took a photo of him holding his Bible. The media coverage had an unexpected consequence. Smith explained that the gang members came to believe that if police and media didn’t like Wilkerson, he must be one of them. When gang leader Nicky Cruz threatened to kill Wilkerson, Wilkerson responded, “You could cut me in a thousand pieces and lay them out in the street, and every piece would love you.” And, at that moment, Smith said, Cruz “broke.” Smith said “The Cross & the Switchblade” is now required reading for all Adult & Teen Challenge students. It also was a popular movie in

1970, with crooner Pat Boone playing the role of Wilkerson. Smith said from the first Teen Challenge in Brooklyn, New York in 1958, “We have over 1,100 Teen Challenge Centers worldwide. We’re in more than 90 counties.” The Teen Challenge center in Selma is for men only. There are also men’s centers in Alabama in Bay Minette and Lincoln and women’s centers in Hayden and Brundidge (Troy area.) Smith explained that because Adult & Teen Challenge is faith based, it doesn’t receive any government funding. It is funded by donations and love offerings in return for rally church services where the Teen Challenge story is told and testimony given. It is also funded by work done by the young men, including a lawn and landscape company which now has a contract with the Selma City School System, trash pickup for International Paper and the city of Valley Grande, church cleanings and such work for individual and businesses. “The guys come into our program from all walks of life,” Smith said. “And some of them have been expert carpenters, plumbers, electricians, professional people who just for whatever reason fall into drug addiction,” Smith said. “We understand that drug addiction is not the main issue; there is always an underlying moral issue in people’s lives. And drug addiction is just a symptom of that.” Smith, originally of Cullman, said he went through the program himself and graduated in 2012, and his wife, Rhonda Smith, the family support coordinator for the Selma Men’s Campus, went through the program and graduated in 2016. They have been married for two years, he said. Smith described himself coming into the Selma Men’s Campus in 2012 in handcuffs

having been in jail for 14 months when Jason Easter was program director. Five years later, Smith became director and has been the director for two years. Smith said for nearly 20 years he was a professional Gospel singer who wrote, sang and recorded. He called himself, a “polished, professional Christian.” He said, “I looked the part. I was shinny. I looked perfect, had everything together.” However, he said at 34 he was prescribed opiates after a surgical procedure and became hooked. “And for three years I did whatever I could to get them – beg, steal, borrow, whatever.” Smith said he was “hopeless and helpless.” And, he said he realized he had been performing, but did not have a relationship with God. But when he got to Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama, he surrendered. After he graduated, Smith said he wanted to serve the ministry that “saved his life.” Men come into the Teen Challenge Program through court-ordered or family-ordered participation as a “last stop.” He said it is a yearlong, faith based, 14-book program that is Bible based. And it is under the umbrella of the Assembly of God. The Selma Campus has 28 beds and currently houses 25 students who range in age from 18 to 60. He said the students who don’t have a high school diploma are enrolled in the GED program at Wallace State. The students have classes at the campus on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, weekly chapels on Wednesday, Friday and Sundays with outside speakers, and one-on-one sessions with life coaches. Smith said the first six months of the program is the induction phase, the last six months is the training phase and at month 10 students become seniors working on

Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma men’s campus intern Melvin Davidson shows off the Teen Challenge bus.

Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma Campus past graduates perform a moving scene for church members at a rally church service.

Joseph Smith, program director for the Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama Selma Men’s Campus in Jones, Ala., shows a photo of founder David Wilkerson who wrote “The Cross & The Switchblade” with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. Photos by Fred Guarino

Valley Grande fireworks wowed July 4 crowd A huge excited crowd found its way to Valley Grande for the city's Fourth of July fireworks display that lasted nearly 30 minutes. While the display was launched from Valley Grande City Park at 9 p.m., carloads of excited spectators also jammed into nearby church

and business parking lots to see the show. The show was put on by ARC Pyrotechnics, and the Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Department both volunteered services. - Fred Guarino

their exit plan. Once a student graduates, they are given $1,000 over a course of four months. If they have fines or obligations such as rent their pay goes directly to the creditor or to the court system. Smith said that each day is strictly structured for the students. “Our success rate has greatly increased,” Smith said. “And the reason for that is because three months from graduation, we are intentional about what is going to happened to them when they leave. We just don’t throw them back out to the wolves. We help them find a place to live. We help them find jobs. We hook them up with an outside life coach that has to report monthly (for six months).” The Selma Campus has an entertainment area, recreational area, study area, an exercise and weight room, kitchen and sleeping area. “There is so much accountability” with the program, according to Smith. He said the students are drug tested. At 60 days they are allowed a three-hour onsite visit and two phone calls a week. At 90 days, they are allowed a 12-hour visit, and at four months they get monthly 48-hour weekend passes to go home, but they must stay with their assigned host and

no contact with the opposite sex if they are not married. Matt Johnson is the labor coordinator who takes students to the job sites and checks on them. There is someone with them, and they have chirpers to communicate any problems, but they can’t carry money or cell phones, and they have no Facebook or Internet access. To contract work, Smith said, one must call the Teen Challenge Center. He said the rate is determined by Teen Challenge. The prices are by the hour and are negotiable. In addition to four life coaches, Smith said some people who graduate can stay on as an intern for a year receiving a salary that increases every four months. They can then interview for a staff position. Currently there are six staff members. Intern Melvin Davidson is glad to be with Teen Challenge. “It means a lot to me because it saved my life,” Davidson said. “I stayed here 12 months. Now, I’m an intern doing things for others that Teen Challenge did for me.” The executive director for the Adult & Teen Challenge of Alabama is Ed Wilson of Millbrook, Ala. The number to contact the Selma Men’s Campus is 334-872-0133.

SELMA SUN

July 11, 2019

NEWS Tax free back-to-school shopping weekend coming up July 19-21 BY BRAD FISHER Selma Sun Staff

Shoppers in Selma and Dallas County can do their back-to-school shopping tax free July 19 through July 21 as Alabama holds its 14th annual sales tax holiday. The Alabama Retail Association reports that shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers and clothing free of state sales tax, and Selma and Dallas County are not collecting sales tax on qualified purchases either. The tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July

19 and ends at midnight on Sunday, July 21. To qualify, clothing items must be $100 or less per article of clothing. Clothing is defined as all wearing apparel suitable for general use, including footwear, outerwear and even diapers. Accessories like cosmetics, handbags, jewelry, sewing equipment and supplies, and eyewear are taxable. Protective equipment and sport or recreational equipment are also taxable during the holiday. The Alabama Department of Revenue defines “computer” as a laptop, desktop or tower computer system that consists of a central processing unit and its related devices with a sales

price of $750 or less. Computer parts and devices sold without a CPU will not qualify for the exemption. Software and school computer supplies, including a printer, will be tax free, but cellphones are taxable, as are furniture, software for recreational use or video games of a non-educational nature. School class supplies, art supplies and instructional material with a sales price of $50 or less are exempt. Magazines and newspapers are taxable. For a complete list of items that are and are not eligible for the tax holiday, go to alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays.

Pepsi Selma celebrates 65th anniversary of its plant opening with community party on July 17 SPECIAL TO THE SELMA SUN This summer marks the 65th anniversary of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Selma operating out of its plant on West Highland Avenue. To celebrate the milestone, Pepsi is hosting a communitywide celebration at the building on July 17, three days after the original grand opening on July 14, 1954. The building, at 1400 W. Highland Avenue, was constructed in 1954 and was originally outfitted with mixing and bottling equipment, as well as a warehouse and office space. Hot dogs and free drinks will be served from the Pepsi wagon from 9-12. Prizes will be given throughout the event. Sheryl Z. Smedley, Executive Director of the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, will present remarks to mark the occasion. Cheyenne Bradford, Vice President and Director of Operations at Pepsi Selma, said, “Like a number of our employees, I have spent my entire career with Pepsi Selma. We’re proud of our company and that we’ve been operating continuously on

Highland Avenue for 65 years. We invite all members of the Selma community to join us on July 17 to celebrate this milestone.” The Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Selma, Inc. was founded during World War II to provide soft drinks to the people of Selma and its surrounding communities. In 1954, Pepsi Selma was awarded the exclusive rights to sell and deliver Pepsi products in Selma and all or parts of Dallas, Perry, Marengo, Wilcox, Hale, Greene and Clarke counties. Pepsi Selma is one of the relatively few remaining independent Pepsi bottlers in the Southeast and employs 41 employees at its Highland Avenue location. Sylvia Smith, Vice President and Director of Administration at Pepsi Selma, added “We have been a part of the Selma business community for over 65 years. We’re proud of that history and the community support we’ve been able to provide to Selma and Dallas County over the years. We hope people will join us on July 17 to celebrate our history.” In addition to carbonated soft drinks, Pepsi Selma today sells, delivers and markets

The grand opening of the Pepsi plant at Highland Avenue was held on July 14, 1954. juices, teas, sports drinks, coffee, energy drinks and bottled

water. Among its most popular brands are Pepsi, Mountain

Dew, Dr. Pepper, Sunkist, Lipton Tea, Gatorade, Canada Dry,

Starbucks, Aquafina water and Community Coffee.

WHEN YOU NEED TO COOL THINGS OFF AT HOME Publisher:

Contributors:

Cindy Fisher

Todd Prater Chico Cleveland Nathan Prewett

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Installation

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

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

July 11, 2019

SELMA SUN

VOICES REPRESENTING

VOICES

Family Away from Home

Legislative session for most part successful, especially for Gov. Kay Ivey

You have another family during session; one that is bigger and more prone to outside influence than your family at home. You talk, share ideas, ask questions, assert beliefs, argue, give advice, eat, laugh and go through a range of emotions together. A friend, who is a party leader, has given significant time and used his talents to help the party. This time has taken away from his family at home. I am thankful for his leadership, but I am certain his nuclear family would like to see him more. Another legislator, who was attempting to help me a few years ago, told me to avoid certain assignments or appointments because there is a lot of work associated with them. This is a way of thinking of a lot of elected officials. After all, you do not have to do all of the extra things because it is not like you get any points or additional pay for it. I was astonished when I arrived at the State House to find that people with stalwart reputations in certain communities were essentially skirting their responsibilities and being ineffective; they were either on weak committees or no committees. One elder legislator with

legendary status would essentially show up only on days where there were controversial issues and he would step to the microphone to take us all down memory lane. He gave incredible sound bites and frequently made the news. At least one freshman legislator is a vegan. We sometimes tease him about not eating meat or inquire about his special order lunches. A few legislators are like grandparents: they say anything to anyone and you just listen and say nothing back out of respect, but it seems as though they are not being respectful to others at times. There is another freshman legislator who is a dapper dresser; he looks like a guy who is modeling for an esquire magazine except he sports a bald head with a beard and at times looks similar to a member of the “Duck Dynasty” family. Other legislators/pseudo-family members simply like to be recognized. No matter who presents a bill, they will go to the well, question the bill and attempt to gain recognition. Even when all of their questions are answered, they will not concede anything because they are there to be recognized. There is one legislator that may not recognize your existence one day but may become euphoric the next and say only good things about you; it is at least borderline schizophrenic. Together this interesting mix of people and family away from home has to make government work in the best interest of all Alabama families. Prince Chestnut is State Representative of the House District 67.

BY STEVE FLOWERS The 2019 Legislative Session was one of the most controversial yet productive sessions in memory. Governor Kay Ivey’s first Session of the Quadrennial was a roaring success. It’s hard to remember a governor getting everything they wanted since the George Wallace heydays. Wallace in his prime simply controlled the legislature. It was more like an appendage of the governor’s office. Kay Ivey has apparently taken a page from the old Wallace playbook. By the way, that is probably apropos as Kay cut her teeth in Alabama politics working for and learning from the Wallaces. Governor Ivey started out the session by passing a gas tax increase which will fund major transportation/highway needs in the state. She ended the last week of the session by garnering legislation to give the governor control of the Pardons and

Parole Board and then topping that off with legislation that will allow a vote next March on Alabama having an appointed state school board rather than an elected one. If this controversial amendment is approved by voters, then the governor will make most of the initial appointments. One would have to say that Kay Ivey has pretty much got a lot of influence with this Legislature. Kay’s years of experience and probably more importantly her relationships with legislators is paying dividends for Alabama’s female Republican governor. Any legislative session could be considered a success if both budgets pass. It is, by the way, the only constitutional mandate for a regular annual session. The Education Budget is record breaking. It is a $7.1-billion-dollar budget with a $500 million dollar increase over last year’s budget. This largest in history budget gives teachers and education employees a four percent cost of living raise. It will also increase funding to the state’s heralded pre-kindergarten program. Alabama Community Colleges will get a significant increase. Legislators seem to realize the importance of technical training in the state in attracting manufacturing jobs. State Senator, Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Representative Bill Poole (RTuscaloosa), the Chairmen of the Education Budget Committees in the Senate and House did an excellent

job of shepherding the school budget through the legislative labyrinth. The General Fund Budget which generally lags behind the Education Budget was also passed on a positive note. The budget calls for spending $2.2 billion dollars. It includes a two percent cost of living increase for state employees as well as an eight percent increase for the state’s understaffed prison system. Representative Steve Clouse (R – Ozark) is the veteran chairman of the House General Fund Committee. One of the downsides of the Session was the Legislature’s inability to pass a Constitutional Amendment to allow Alabamians to vote to have a lottery like 45 other states, including all of our neighboring states. It would pass overwhelmingly if put to a vote. Alabamians are simply tired of seeing their money going into the state coffers of Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida. State Senator Jim McLendon (R-St. Clair) offered the best opportunity and most modern and profitable lottery proposal. However, his Bill was ignored in deference to the Indian Casinos legislation which was overtly written to continue to give these Indian Casinos a monopoly on electronic gaming in the state. The Indian casinos arrogantly flaunted their influence in the Legislature by offering a watered down, archaic, paper only lottery that would be obsolete within five years.

McLendon’s Bill would have generated $250 million. The Indian Casino’s Lottery would have given the state a paltry $100 million at best for a few years. The House Democrats boldly and wisely killed the Bill with the hopes that if you are going to approve a lottery, that it would be one that would benefit the state and not the Indian gambling syndicate. In essence, the Choctaw Indian Casino’s in Mississippi killed the lottery 20 years ago with last minute money before balloting. The Poarch Creek Casinos beat it this time before it could get out of the gate. The power that the Poarch Creek Indian casinos are building in the Alabama Legislature is dangerous. CBS 42 in Birmingham took a poll the last week of the session asking how their viewers rated the Legislature and Legislative Session. It was 86 percent negative. However, this is nothing new. Alabamian’s have always rated the Legislature negatively. However, if you ask them about their own legislators, they will either not know who they are or they like them. Steve Flowers has analyzed Alabama politics for national television audiences on CBS, PBS, ABC and the British Broadcasting Network. Steve has been an up-close participant and observer of the Alabama political scene for more than 50 years and is generally considered the ultimate authority on Alabama politics and Alabama political history.

SELMA SUN

July 11, 2019

Legal Notices

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

Notice to Creditors of the Estate of JAMES CHARLES UTSEY, Deceased, Letters of Administration upon the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of June, 2019, by Honorable Jimmy L. Nunn, 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, in the Probate Court of said county within the time allowed by law, or else same will be forever barred. SIDNA DANIELLE UTSEY,

Personal Representative VIRGINIA L. BLACKWELL BOZEMAN & BLACKWELL, LLC Attorneys at Law P. O. Box 592 Selma, Alabama 36702-0592 Attorney for Personal Representative July 4, 11, 18

â€˜Sensational Summer Funâ€™ continues at library BY TODD PRATER Selma Sun Staff

Sensational Summer Fun at the Selma Dallas County Public Library is one of the most popular local summer programs for kids. Library officials say this year was another good one, and itâ€™s not over yet. Library Director Becky Nichols said Sensational Summer Fun was well attended again this year through June. The program included puppet shows, magic shows, a petting zoo and even STEM science fun to name just a few events. There are usually two sessions per day. The morning usually starts at 10 a.m. and the afternoon at 2 p.m. Some sessions are designed for specific age groups so no one is left out. Nichols said as they wrap up the program for this year, the final week will focus on â€œhow sensational Selma is with local artisans teaching their skills to the kids.â€? The summer program is not the only program at the Selma Dallas County Public Library. The Book Bunch meets every Wednesday at

9:30 a.m. in the Vaughn Room to share favorite titles and authors and talk about books they have recently read. There is also Lunch at the Library where you can have a lunch and hear a guest speaker. The next one is Sept. 19. Thereâ€™s a section in the library just for kids with programs and activities that encourage reading. Selma Library also has a tech center with computers and wifi available. Patrons can access the Alabama Virtual Library, Learning Express Library and Ancestry Library Edition. The Edwin Condie Godbold Local History Room holds a collection of histories, genealogies, periodicals, census records, vertical files, maps and photographs focusing on Selma and Dallas County. Nichols said even after the summer program is over for the year, there will still be plenty to do at the library. To find out more about what is happening at the Selma Dallas County Public Library, go to www.selmalibrary.org. Selma Dallas County Public Library is located at 1103 Selma Avenue next to Selma City Hall.

The summer program has included puppet shows, magic shows, a petting zoo and STEM science.

Prison reform will dominate discussions in Alabama state capitol in coming months BY PAUL DEMARCO The state is in the midst of negotiating with the United States Justice Department on how to solve Alabamaâ€™s chronic prison overcrowding. This past April the Justice Department released the results of a two-year investigation of the stateâ€™s prison sys-

tem and their belief that the conditions in the prisons are unconstitutional. The allegations against the stateâ€™s corrections systems include understaffed prison staff, overcrowding, violence, illegal drugs and weapons. There has been threat of a federal lawsuit against the state, but

state leaders and the Justice Department are collaborating to determine what reforms will be considered to address the problems. This past session more money was added to the upcoming state budget to increase the number of corrections officers in state prisons. There has been discus-

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sion the governor will call a special session this fall or early next year where legislation will be introduced to attempt to solve these issues. However, legislation alone is not the only proposal on the table. In the past week, the governor issued a request for qualifications to eventual-

ly build three new regional prisons. It has been estimated that the new facilities could cost up to $900 million. The Department of Corrections Commissioner has said the cost to build the prisons will be made up in savings from running more efficient operations and consolidation of prison cost. The

goal is to have those new prisons open by 2022. Definitive proposals to address Alabamaâ€™s prison system will be revealed soon, so you will start hearing and reading more about these reforms in the coming months. Paul DeMarco is a former Alabama State Representative.

July 11, 2019

SELMA SUN

LIFESTYLE

Ways to add flavor to grilled meals this summer Since celebrating the 4th of July, I've been asked by a few people, “What can I do to my grilled food items to make them more exciting?” I have the perfect solutions for you. These marinades below are not only different, they also fill your food with flavor. If you want to keep your food the same, but just want to add more flavor, you should try this recipe below for "Mushroom Sauce." If you have an exciting recipe to share in 2019, then please send it to me at P.O. Box 693 Leeds, Alabama 35094 -Andrew M. Armstrong MUSHROOM SAUCE 1 Pound of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and diced 1 stick of butter 2 Tablespoons of flour 1/2 Cup of milk 1 Cup of heavy cream

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ACROSS 1 Louisville Slugger 4 When doubled, it means quickly 8 Lower in the meadow 11 Campout fallout 12 Flying solo 13 Reverent feeling 14 Inventive account 15 Lead off 16 Word with cent or herring 17 Symbols of gentleness 19 Made use of a divan 21 Raise the roof 24 Green activity 27 Every dog has ___ day 30 Like some resorts 32 Unvarying 34 Watch from the bushes 35 Slangy "Really?" 36 Fodder 38 __ green 40 Stud earring parts 44 Cartography sample 46 China problem 49 Leader's position 50 Copper source 51 Dash or marathon 52 Paleozoic ___ 53 Word with rock or roll 54 Saw 55 Parker or Waterman

DOWN 1 Cinderella's delight 2 Great Wall continent 3 Joyce Carol Oates novel 4 Least distant 5 Bounce like a rabbit 6 ___ Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 7 Farm features 8 Egg holders 9 Be a little shy? 10 Bring together 18 The x in '2x4' 20 Prior to this moment 22 Emblem on Canada's flag 23 Word with "express" and "shipping" 25 Pass again in a race 26 Take wing 27 Like unfriendly stares 28 Dactyl, e.g. 29 Broke suddenly 31 Like Mayan pyramids 33 "Tonight ___ Comes" (hit by the Cars) 37 Accomplish 39 It's quite a lot 41 Baby-book first 42 Flew 43 Year, e.g. 44 Al Capone's gang 45 ''Chances ___'' 47 It's pitched on a field 48 Swelling aid

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SPICED CHERRY MARINADE 1 large can of cherry pie filling 1/2 teaspoon of cloves 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/8 teaspoon of all spice 1 teaspoon of vinegar 1/4 Cup of red wine 2/3 Cup of water Mix together and pour over your meat. Marinate for 24 hours and then grill. PURPLE PLUM MARINADE 1 large can of purple plums, pitted

1/4 Cup of oil 3 Tablespoons of onions, minced 1/4 Cup of lemon juice 1/4 Cup of brown sugar 2 Tablespoons of chili sauce 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon of ginger 1/2 Cup of water In a blender combine the ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour over your meat and marinate it in the fridge, covered for 24 hours. POPPY SEED MARINADE 1/3 Cup of brown sugar 1 teaspoon of dry mustard 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of paprika 1/4 Cup of vinegar 1 Cup of olive oil 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced

Mix all the ingredients together and pour over your selected meat. Marinade for 24 hours, covered in the refrigerator, before cooking. RICOTTA CHEESE MARINADE 1 Cup of olive oil 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian seasonings 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon of thyme 1/2 Cup of white wine 1 Tabl e s p o o n of Worcestershire sauce 1 clove of garlic, crushed and minced 1 package of ricotta cheese 1/2 teaspoon of sugar Salt and pepper to taste Add all the ingredients together in an electric blender. Blend smooth and pour over your selected meat. Marinate for 24 hours, before grilling.

Community Calendar

1 Tablespoon of red wine Salt and pepper to taste Sauté the mushrooms in the butter. Blend in the flour, cream, salt and pepper. Cook, until smooth and thick. When it's almost ready add in the wine.

Solutions

Register for the 2nd Annual AIM for Excellence 5K 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. at Bloch Park, Selma. 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 Season begins Saturday, June 1, 2019- The market opens on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturdays beginning June 1 – 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. Register for the Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA Summer Camp at 1 YMCA Drive, Selma happening through Aug. 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. 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 334-8747785. 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. 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 2019-2020 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 334-8726251. 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. 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 a.m., 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.

July 8 - July 12 Art Camp 2019-Camp TwoMonday-Thursday 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. Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation Train the Trainer Institute Level II with Dr. Bernard Lafayette & Team at Healing Water Retreat Center, 8 Mulberry Rd, Selma, AL-$450 which includes breakfast and lunch daily. Full scholarships are available for Selma residents and reduced rates for others based upon need. Must have completed Level I to qualify for Level II training and includes learning on the go with visits to historical sites in the region-

Register at https://tinyurl. com/KingianNVre g-online, BOConner@SelmaCNTR. org or 334-526-4539 Ext. 3. For more information, visit www. SelmaCNTR.org.

July 9 Selma City School “Chat and Chew” at 11:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334-8741600.

July 10 Comedy Night at Crosspoint Christian Church at 6 p.m.Free popcorn, coffee shop open 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m.-Childcare for age five and under.

July 11 Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Ticket Prices: Ages 3 to 12 $6.00 (Matinee $5.00), Ages 13 and up $8.50 (Matinee $7.00), Senior Citizens (ages 65 & up) - $6.50, Military & Students (with ID) - $7. Matinee Movies starting before 3 p.m. - $1. City of Selma Entertainment Tax will be added to all tickets purchased. Call 334-878-3456 for group rates. Purchase tickets online at www.tickets.waltontheaterselma.org -For ALL events , plan to arrive 30 minutes before show time to avoid line- Doors open for ticket purchase one-hour before show time. For more information, visit the theater’s Facebook page or www.waltontheaterselma.org. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Selma City School “Chat and Chew” at 9:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334-8741600.

July 15 Ward 3 Quarterly Meeting at 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre, 1000 Selma AvenueThis meeting will discuss upcoming Ward 3 projects and to address the citizens’ questions and concerns. Hosted by Councilwoman Miah Jackson. For more information, call 334431-5557.

July 16 Selma City School “Chat and Chew” at 11:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334-874-1600.

July 17 Pepsi Selma 65th Anniversary Celebration from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come join us for hot dogs, pizza and plenty of soft drinks distributed by Pepsi Cola of Selma. Dixie Country will be broadcasting live with your chance to play “Balls to Win”.

July 18 Selma City School “Chat and Chew” at 9:30 a.m. in the Command Center at R.B. Hudson Middle School. For more information, call 334-874-1600. Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Show Dogs” at 10 a.m. at the Walton Theater Selma on 1000 Selma Avenue. Doors

open at 9:30 a.m. $5 (includes small popcorn & small drink). Movie subject to change due to availability. For more information, visit www.waltontheaterselma.org or Walton Theater Selma on Facebook. Movies every Thursday for the months of June and July. Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information Lunch and Learn at 11:30 am at the Centre for Commerce at 912 Selma Ave. Lunch provided. Limited seating-Call 334875-7241 to RSVP-Join the Chamber of Commerce and the University of West Alabama Disadvantaged Business Enter prise Supportive Services (DBE) as we discuss ALDOT DBE Certification and the benefits of being certified. Selma Redevelopment Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Eyemax Office, 2401 Medical Center Parkway, Selma, AL, 36701- For further information please contact Juanda Maxwell, Chair, juandamaxwell@gmail.com

July 19—July 21 Alabama Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Sunday at midnight. No sales tax on $100 or less per item of clothing (including diapers) or footwear; $50 or less per item school supplies; $750 or less on single purchases of computers/computer equipment; $30 or less on any book. $50 or less on textbooks. Visit www.alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays. For more information call 334-2421490 or 1-866-576-6531 MondayFriday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

July 25 Summer Movie Blast at the Walton Theater showing “Christopher Robin” at 10 a.m. at the Walton Theater Selma on 1000 Selma Avenue. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.-$5 (includes small popcorn & small drink). Movie subject to change due to availability. For more information, visit www.waltontheaterselma.org or Walton Theater Selma on Facebook. Movies every Thursday for the months of June and July.

July 27 Wannabe Rescued Annual Yard Sale at 7 a.m. at Westwood Baptist Church, 4085 Highway 80 West (Across from the Old Taylorville). Accepting taxdeductible donations of items until July 21. For more information, contact Rotton Weiler at 251-610-5758, Jeni Saylor at 251-581-2454, Beverly Huffman at 334-239-1039, or Lorraine Alexander at 334-412-1963. All proceeds benefit homeless, sick, and abused animals of Dallas County. Michael Johnson 93-90 Foundation Family Fun Day/ Back to School Giveaway from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the YMCA, located at 1 YMCA Drive, Selma. 2019 Gospel Summer Fest at 5 p.m. at the J.A. Pickard Auditorium, located at 400 Washington Street, SelmaAdvance tickets $25. At the door $30. For more information call 334-419-0609.

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SELMA SUN

July 11, 2019

EDUCATION

Selma City Schools designate â€˜academiesâ€™ for elementary schools starting in fall 2020 BY CINDY FISHER Selma Sun Staff

Selmaâ€™s elementary school principals have chosen an â€œacademyâ€? for their schools to focus on starting in the 2020-2021 school year that Superintendent Avis Williams introduced as an innovative way to make learning work. The chosen Academy of Excellence will be hosted at their school and the recommendation to the Board of Education was to develop an open enrollment policy for students to apply to the school of his or her choice within the academies in next yearâ€™s school year. â€œWith that type of process, it will allow families to choose the program that will interest their child the most,â€? Williams said. The academies are: Clark Elementary â€“ Academy of Social Justice Edgewood Elementary â€“ Career Academy of Commerce & Entrepreneurship Knox Elementary â€“ Academy of Performing Arts Meadowview Elementary â€“ The Lionsâ€™ STEM Lab Payne Elementary â€“ STEAM Academy

Sophia P. Kingston â€“ The SPK Collaboratory â€œThe theory behind the Academies of Academic Excellence is to create distinctive and appealing schools, for all scholars, with strong instructional programs while offering the Selma community educational options,â€? the district says in a handout. â€œMoreover, the planned outcomes for offering the academies to SCS scholars and their families include enhancing student learning while narrowing the achievement gap, incubating innovative instructional strategies and practices to raise the bar for all schools, and most importantly, enriching learnerâ€™s exposure through multiple personalized pathways.â€? Principals researched options for academies starting with a survey of parents in December and January to learn more about their childâ€™s academic interests. The leaders researched other academy programs and conducted site visits to those schools. In a previous Selma Sun interview, Williams said she wants Selma to take an innova-

Scholars at Knox Elementary School made paper mache 3D solar systems last spring. In the 2020-2021 school year, Knox will be the Academy for Performing Arts. tive approach to learning and see the academies as a way to give children real world experi-

ences through hands-on learning. Academies should help administrators engage with the

families at a deeper level for success, she said. The schools will still focus

on literacy and math skills, which is important at the elementary school level.

Chat and chew with Dr. Williams BY AVIS WILLIAMS

Superintendent of Selma City Schools I can hardly believe itâ€™s July already! Summer is zooming by and Team Selma is actively preparing for the next school year. In effort to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the community, I hope to see you at one of the Chat and Chew events scheduled in the next two weeks. Why chat and chew you might ask. What better way to converse than over a light snack in a comfortable setting? And if you havenâ€™t been to the Command Center at R.B. Hudson lately, you are in for a real treat!

Chat and Chew came about because one of our parents suggested that it might be a great way for parents with children entering middle school to learn more about what to expect during the upcoming year. The thought of entering middle school can be a bit daunting at best and perhaps downright scary at its worst! This is especially true when the middle school is rumored to be unsafe. I want to address this concern head-on. Team Selma owns our challenges and we know that in order to be responsive to needs of our community, we also have to be transparent. School safe-

ty is too serious of an issue to NOT discuss openly. During these meetings, I also want to hear any questions or thoughts about athletics in our school district. I have a few questions for parents and I hope that they have some ideas for me that will improve the overall participation, school spirit and level of pride in our schools around our athletic programs. Be assured though, Chat and Chew is not just about discussing problems. Team

Selma has worked intentionally to improve all aspects of our district and I plan to share some of this with our participants. Parent University, Academies of Academic Excellence, School Resource Officers and Read, Selma Read are just a few of our exciting initiatives that will be shared. With the opening of schools just around the corner, we will also talk about ways that families can help prepare for an amazing school year.

Chat and Chew is also not just for parents. All community members are invited to participate. Do you have other topics of interest? If so, please join me because I would love to hear from you. Chat and Chew is on Tuesdays July 9th and July 16th at 11:30am and Thursdays July 11th and 18th at 9:30am. All sessions will be held at the Command Center of R.B. Hudson. I hope to see you there! For more information, email me at avis.williams@ selmacityschools.org.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214 HELP STOP THE ABUSE IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereâ€™s no excuse for ELDER ABUSE â€œThis project was supported by Subgrant #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.â€? The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication / program / exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.â€?

AlabamaPublicNotices.com public notice affects you

July 11, 2019

SELMA SUN

SPORTS

Selma youth football coach finds way to take kids to Nick Bell’s All-Star Camp in Birmingham BY CHICO CLEVELAND Selma Sun Staff

With youth sports currently under a cloudy forecast in Selma, youth football coach Thomas Badie looks to be a bright spot for Selma’s youth. “Young men of Selma are lost without something positive in their lives. (Many of) our crimes are by young teens,” Badie said. “It’s sad to hear. That’s all kids have to hear about every day.” Badie is the head coach of the Selma Rebels of the city recreation league. He has been coaching young athletes for over eight years from ages 5 and up. The mayor and city council have cut funding for the top leadership position of Parks & Recreation and the two assistant directors have been moved to the public works department, leaving an uncertainty of whether Selma city sports will continue after the summer. Badie took on sports camps in the summer because he is concerned with the youth having too much idle time during the summer months. “They can’t go outside and play, so I pick up players every day to train.” The players are excited to see their coach arriving at the curbside and always have something to share. Badie said he’s heard his share of con-

Coach Thomas Badie and his staff raised funds to take nine players to Bessemer for a football camp organized for the former Mississippi State player, the late Nick Bell. cerns from the young players, and he’s tired of hearing “coach, they were shooting last night by my house,” he said.

“They feel safe on the field of play because coaches like yourself (Chico) and I, we give our all to make sure they are

safe and become better men of tomorrow.” So this June, coach and his staff were able to acquire the funds to

travel nine players to Bessemer for a football and cheer camp organized for the former Mississippi State player, the late Nick Bell.

“It’s not just football to these kids; it's a way out of the norm. We have to let a kid be a kid.”

Wallace Community College Selma to announce service area expansion

Students in Edmundite Missions’ New Possibilities Summer Camp learned to golf recently.

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Wallace Community College Selma is set to announce that it will expand its service area to several counties in the fall. The announcement will be made at 11 a.m. July 18 at the Demopolis Higher Education Center in Demopolis. In the fall season of 2019, WCCS will extend its service area to Marengo, Sumter, Greene, Hale, Lowndes and Wilcox counties. "A sound educational system is necessary for communities to achieve or sustain

economic growth," WCCS officials said in a press release. "WCCS is excited about the opportunity to continue providing access to higher education and innovative technical training to these counties." "The Higher Education Center will serve as a central location for offerings of academic, technical, dual enrollment and short term programs. WCCS will begin offering courses this fall and continue to add additional courses in the spring of 2020.”

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ARLINGTON 334-385-2106 BUTLER 205-459-5585 CAMDEN 334-682-9655 LINDEN 334-295-5585 MARION 334-683-4977 SELMA 334-878-8000 • 334-526-4575