SELMA SUN | April 23, 2020

SHINING THE LIGHT ON SELMA AND DALLAS COUNTY, ALABAMA

www.selmasun.com

April 23, 2020 | Volume 7 Issue 17

75 ¢

Dallas County COVID-19 cases climbing

BY CINDY FISHER

Selma Sun Staff As Southern states discuss reopening businesses that closed to slow the spread of coronavirus, Dallas County's cases of COVID-19 continue to climb.

The first two cases in Dallas County were confirmed on March 25 and has grown by 14 times to 28 as of April 21, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division.

The largest jump in confirmed cases has been in the last two weeks, with a quadrupling of reported cases from April 8 to April 21.

Dallas County has two deaths related to the coronavirus so far, a number that has held steady since April 15.

Of the state's 67 counties, these statistics rank Dallas County 39th for number of confirmed cases, according to Vova, a health care technology firm that uses data from the New York Times, the State Government and Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dallas County has tested more than 300 people, and many say the number of confirmed cases will increase when more tests are given.

Vaughan Regional Medical Center says it is set in the next few weeks to get new tests for the coronavirus that will give faster results. These faster tests have been OK’d by the FDA and are “pretty accurate,” CEO David McCormack said.

The current tests take days to get results.

The Dallas County Health Department offers drive-thru testing on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

There are 5,181 cases in Alabama. There are 176 reported deaths in the state with 144 directly related to the virus, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Neighboring Wilcox County has had double the cases Dallas County has experienced, with 49 confirmed cases and one death. That ranks Wilcox 21st in the state. Perry County, however, has had nine confirmed cases steadily and no deaths. That ranks Perry 63rd out of 67 counties.

In a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey did not announce plans to reopen the state, saying the stay at home order will remain in place at

COVID-19 cases in Dallas County as of April 21

least through April 30.

Governors in Tennessee and Georgia announced Monday they were reopening portions

of their businesses. Alabama officials released a report that suggests reopening businesses.

See a story about that report

on Page 8.

Check in at SelmaSun.com for regular updates on confirmed cases.

New Cancer Center to open in Selma next month Dallas County residents with cancer will soon have the option for treatment closer to home

BY BRAD FISHER

Selma Sun Staff Two medical services Dallas County residents have had to go to other cities to receive will be opening offices in Selma next month.

Dallas County patients will soon have the option of going to a cancer treatment center and a urology clinic at Vaughan Regional Medical Center instead of traveling.

The Cancer Care Center of Selma will open in the professional office building on the campus of Vaughan Regional Medical Center on May 18.

Medical oncologist Dr. Ashvini Sengar said the center would have opened this week if not for restrictions related to the coronavirus.

“We will offer a fully staffed oncology product,” Practice Administrator DeAnna Oswalt said. “We will offer chemotherapy and infusion therapy two days a week and radiation oncology two days a week” when new equipment is installed this summer. She said they hope to offer radiation oncology starting Sept. 1.

Selma hasn’t had its own

Cancer Care Center of Selma will open in the professional office building on the campus of Vaughan Regional Medical Center on May 18. cancer center in several years.

A Montgomery medical practice operated in Selma, but it discontinued medical oncology and later shut down its radiation oncology service and removed the needed technology, a linear accelerator.

The new Cancer Care Center of Selma is moving into the vacated space in Suite 110 of the professional office building at 1023 Medical Center

Parkway and will install a new linear accelerator “with all the bells and whistles” in the now-vacant vault.

In addition to the Cancer Care Center, a Tuscaloosabased urologist will come to Selma at least once a week starting on May 18. Dr. Ingrum Bankston said he will offer a full range of urology services at the clinic, including treatment for cancer of the kid-

neys, bladder, prostate and testis. He will also offer treatment for noncancer issues like kidney stones, incontinence and male and female reproductive health. Urology services have not been available in Selma since a urologist who ran a clinic here moved to Tupelo, Miss.

Oswalt said patients from Dallas County and surrounding counties currently go to Birmingham, Montgomery or Prattville for cancer treatment.

“Sadly, some don’t go anywhere, because they can’t travel,” Sengar said.

“People have to drive an hour or an hour and a half for cancer treatment,” Vaughan Medical Center Administrator David McCormack said. “Some can’t afford to do that.

Especially folks who have to drive every day for radiation.

This is going to be incredible for people in our region.”

Bankston, the urologist, agreed. “It’s a lot easier for one of us (physicians) to come to Selma than to have a ton of these patients to come here,” Bankston said. “It’ a huge convenience for them.”

Sengar said the Cancer Care Center will offer outpatient care, and Vaughan Regional Medical Center will be able to “provide for most of our needs” for patients who need inpatient treatment. McCormack said he expects the Cancer Care Center will generate some additional radiology and lab referrals along with some inpatient visits for Vaughan. The hospital may also see some additional procedures related to the urology clinic.

Cancer Care Center of Selma will be the 10th clinic operated by Southeast Physicians Network. The Tuscaloosa-based company operates cancer centers in Tuscaloosa, Winfield, Demopolis, Montgomery, Sylacauga, Anniston, Gadsden and Ft. Payne.

Sengar noted that most of the clinics operated by Southeast Physicians Network are in cities about the size of Selma.

“We know the flavor of small-town oncology delivery,” Sengar said. “If you practice in a small town, you come across a different set of problems” than physicians who practice in a big city.

“In a big-city oncology practice, there are things you do not have to think about,” Sengar said. “Like a patient not being able to travel five or 10 miles.

Few people (in a big city) are not able to do that. In small towns, people may have to travel 10 to 20 miles, and that’s a ‘no go’ for a lot of patients. That’s ‘real world’ medicine.”

Sengar said the staff of the Cancer Care Center of Selma is aware that poverty is often an issue for patients in rural areas. “One of our strengths is a lot of our nurses and billing staff are geared toward finding help” for patients who need it, Sengar said. “It increases the workload, but it’s very satisfying to get help to a patient.”

Four members of the staff who have already been hired live in Dallas County, and one lives in Camden, according to Oswalt. Sengar will commute to the clinic from Tuscaloosa, as will radiation oncologist Dr. Shelby Sanford.

“Our physicians are used to driving,” Sengar said. He said he’s been driving to the Montgomery cancer center, so he’s looking forward to a shorter commute to Selma.

Three Morgan Academy seniors speak about shortened 2020 sports seasons

BY FRED GUARINO

Selma Sun Staff “I feel like I got robbed.”

That’s how Morgan Academy pitcher Jeremy Lee described losing his senior year of baseball to the coronavirus that closed schools on March 19.

“It really stinks,” Lee said.

“You work your whole life to play your senior year because it’s supposed to be your best year. I think I got to play eight or nine games, and it feels like I got robbed.”

But in one of those games, Lee struck out 20 of 22 batters on the way to a 7-0 no-hit win over Fort Dale at home on Tuesday, March 10. He said after the game that Morgan had a lot of “momentum.”

“We were confident,” Lee said after the March 10 win. “We knew it wasn’t going to be a season like last year. We weren’t going to go undefeated in the regular season.

But we knew once we got into the

playoffs anything could happen. I felt like we had enough pitching to go really deep.”

Fellow Morgan pitcher Matthew Davis said, “It was very unexpected and disappointing that my friends and myself, who are seniors, didn’t get to finish our senior year like we expected to. I feel like we had a pretty good team this year and could have done pretty well.”

Lee and Davis signed early Division 1 college baseball scholarships on Nov. 20. Lee will play his college ball at South Alabama, and Davis will play for Arkansas Little Rock.

Morgan Academy head baseball coach Stephen Clements said Lee and Davis were the two best “true pitchers” that Morgan had returning for their senior year from a 30-2 team.

He said at the time that this coming year’s Morgan baseball team will be as good as they want to be. “If we work and do things

Matthew Davis with parents Richard and Phyllis Davis signs a scholarship to play college ball for Arkansas Little Rock. Jeremy Lee with his parents Lisa Easterling and Joseph Lee as he signs a scholarship to play college ball for South Alabama as his. File photo by Fred Guarino. the right way, I think we’ll make a little noise.”

Of course, the complete 2020 baseball season was not to be.

Davis said he thought signing to play college ball early was a good thing.

“I really wasn’t sure at first where I was going to sign or how

early I was going to sign,” Davis said. “But looking back at it now, I guess it worked out how it was supposed to.”

Davis said playing college ball will be “exciting” and “a lot of fun.” He said while it would have been nice to have a season to work on, he is still working and practic-

ing now “throwing with some of my buddies and staying in shape working out. So, I don’t think it has really set me back any.”

Lee said that since the season was cut short, he’s staying in shape by throwing and doing five workouts per week that his South Alabama coaches have sent him.

Judy Assaad said the shortened tennis season was “definitely upsetting, especially because it was my senior year. I am glad we were able to play as much as we did, though.”

She said she had high hopes for the 2020 season because “Morgan Academy has a wonderful tennis team led by an excellent coach, Baxter Stinson.”

“I was shocked when my senior year came to an abrupt halt,” Assaad said. “I couldn’t believe this was happening. I am thankful that this happened at the end of the year instead of the beginning.”

Assaad said, “I miss Morgan Academy very much but find

Tennis player Judy Assaad missed her senior year of tennis due to school closing. comfort in the fact that we will have a graduation, even if it has to be postponed to later in the summer. I am so grateful for the faculty and my friends at Morgan Academy, and can’t wait to see them again!”

Assaad said she intends on concentrating mostly on academics going forward. But, she said, “I would like to play tennis as a hobby instead of a competitive sport.”

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2

April 23, 2020

Selma Sun

COMMUNITY

Creative Quarantine Photo Contest finalists named The Selma Sun hosted a photo contest this month to share images of creative projects by Selma and Dallas County kids during the quarantine. Our three finalists are above.

Theorie Sullivan, an Easter Seals Head Starter, and Elisha Sullivan, a Milly Pearce made Easter party to-go baskets for all of her friends in leu Elizabeth Graham and Anne Bennett making happies for their friends to first grader at Clark Elementary School, show their creative flow during of the class party scheduled at her home. She included supplies for a brighten their days! glow-in-the-dark egg hunt and other fun quarantine activities.

Selma City Schools Remote Learning School Spirit Week.

Staff with Edmundite Missions wear the masks made for them by volunteers.

Edmundite Missions Board of Directors member Mina Roussell sewed these masks for staff members working in Lowndes, Wilcox, and Monroe counties.

With the pandemic raging on, Edmundite Missions’ Bosco continues to serve those who are hungry. Residents Teresa Casey and Susan Chance made masks for Bosco staff to wear while serving grab and go meals.

THANK YOU DR. CHARLES LETT

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Medical Staff and Hospital Staff at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, we would like to thank Dr. Charles Lett for his many years of dedication to our hospital and community. After serving Selma/Dallas County since 1979, Dr. Lett has announced his retirement.

Dr. Lett has earned the respect and admiration to all with whom he has came in contact whether as a patient or acquaintance. Dr. Lett has held many leadership roles at Vaughan including Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. His leadership will be greatly missed.

Congratulations on your retirement and we wish Dr. Lett all the best.

10 questions.

6 minutes. $13 billion for our state.

Complete your census at my2020census.gov

Selma Sun

April 23, 2020

3

NEWS SRA discusses grants, branding and strategic planning

BY FRED GUARINO

Selma Sun Staff The Selma Redevelopment Authority had a full agenda as it met for the second time by teleconference due to the coronavirus shelter-in-place order.

The SRA approved a memorandum of understanding with the Selma Center for Nonviolence Truth and Understanding, discussed possible façade enhancement grant recipients, Queen City branding, as well as strategic planning retreat options

during its regular April 16 board of directors meeting.

During Thursday’s meeting, the board unanimously approved the signing of an MOU with the Selma Center for Nonviolence Truth and Reconciliation in order to receive $10,000 for the SRA’s façade enhancement project on Water Avenue and Broad Street. The MOU states the SRA is encouraging tourism in the city of Selma because it enhances downtown.

Juanda Maxwell, SRA board chairman, recently appointed a committee composed

of Johnny Moss Jr., Clint Wilkinson and Harold Speir to come up with list of potential buildings for a façade enhancement project on Water Avenue and Broad Street. The grants from the SRA would include $5,000 from the Dallas County Commission and $10,000 from a nonprofit entity through EFA for a total of $15,000 for the entire project.

Maxwell received unanimous consent from the board on Thursday to seek a legal opinion to avoid any conflict of interest regarding façade enhancement grant funds.

Speir reported on possible façade grant recipients. And Maxwell reminded everyone that the grants will be made on a two-to-one basis with recipients putting up twice as much as they receive in grant funds for façade enhancement.

“At this point, we want as many (participants) as we can accommodate because I think this is good for Selma and it’s good for us (the SRA) and it’s a worthy cause because it will make our downtown area look just a little bit better,” Maxwell said. “So I think this

is a win-win for everyone.”

Maxwell reported that she would speak to the Selma City Council by Zoom Video Conferencing about adopting the SRA’s Queen City branding campaign for the SRA to confirm its contact with Design Alabama.

The board also discussed a virtual Strategic Planning retreat to be held in June with Autumn Sanders Foster and Quire Consulting. The retreat will be conducted by Zoom and Google Documents at a total cost of $23, 875 and is slated for the SRA to receive

EAF grant funds.

Maxwell said she would seek a reduction in cost for a virtual as opposed to an actual meeting with Quire.

However, she was asked by SRA board members to see if the retreat is necessary due to the coronavirus since board members already went through an interview process with Quire.

Attending the April 16 meeting by teleconference were phone were Maxwell, Clint Wilkinson, Speir, Billy Young, Johnny Moss III and Johnny Moss Jr.

National Guard to assist in Selma Housing Authority cleaning nursing homes, issues guidelines for training staff on PPE use pandemic, closes main office

BY NATHAN PREWETT

Selma Sun Staff The Alabama National Guard will be deployed to assist in disinfecting nursing homes and train staff on personal protective equipment or PPE, according to a press release from the state public health department.

“The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Gov. Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” said Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, who

is the adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard.

“Our specially trained soldiers are prepared to assist nursing homes as they fight the spread of COVID-19.”

Specifically, personnel from the National Guard will clean nursing homes that have had residents and employees test positive for the virus. Personnel will also train nursing home staff on “donning and doffing” PPE. “Our members are grateful for this assistance from Gov. Ivey, the Alabama

National Guard and ADPH,” said Alabama Nursing Home Association president and CEO Brandon Farmer.

“Alabama nursing home caregivers have been working hard since February to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This service will greatly supplement our infection control efforts and allow us to focus on caring for our residents.”

In the press release, ADPH stated that the Alabama National Guard will assist nursing homes as long as the pandemic continues.

BY NATHAN PREWETT

Selma Sun Staff Selma Housing Authority has announced that it will be closing its main office and all complex offices until further notice as the coronavirus pandemic continues. ”The well-being of our residents is of utmost importance to my team and I,” said SHA Kennard Randolph. “We take this moment very seriously and have put guidelines in place to stay safe.”

In a press release, SHA

stated that rent can be adjusted for those who have lost jobs or had a reduction in wages if they speak with a complex manager. SHA also stated that the maintenance department is only addressing emergency work orders.

Those in a household who are believed to have been exposed to the virus are asked to call the SHA main office at 334-874-6271.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, SHA addressed the current stayat-home order issued earlier this month, reinforcing the

prohibition of gatherings of nine or more people that cannot maintain a distance of at least six feet.

"Residents and their visitors or guests cannot engage in any activity which violates the State of Alabama’s stayathome executive order or that which violates the curfew imposed by the city of Selma,” Randolph stated in the release.

According to the release, those who violate the order and curfew will be subject to citation, fines or eviction.

Secretary of state explains process for election runoff, absentee voting and voter registration

BY TODD PRATER

Selma Sun Staff The Coronavirus pandemic has forced adjustments in almost every aspect of life, including Alabama’s runoff election.

State officials moved the runoff election to July 14 due to the state of emergency because it is the latest the runoff could be held and not interfere with the general election, which is set for Nov. 3.

Secretary of State John Merrill said in a recent interview on Kix 101.5 FM during the Sunrise Over Selma Show that voters with health concerns can vote by absentee ballot.

“We want to make sure voters know that if they want to vote absentee because they are concerned about Coronavirus or they have other health concerns, they can download an absentee ballot application at www. alabamavotes.gov,” Merrill said.

Voters can also call their county’s circuit clerk and have an absentee ballot appli-

John Merrill

cation mailed to their home.

Merrill said when the absentee ballot application is returned to the circuit clerk’s office, it must be accompanied by a copy of the voter’s valid Alabama driver’s license or valid legal photo

ID. The absentee ballot application asks voters to explain their reason for needing to vote absentee. Voters who want to vote absentee because they are concerned about the Coronavirus should check

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Visit www.auemployment.com and search posting S192P to apply.

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24th Annual Job Fair scheduled for May 20

Contributors:

Publisher: Cindy Fisher

the box next to “I’m ill or infirm and will be unable to appear at my polling site on Election Day.” He said the application will be processed successfully if this box is checked.

If you plan to vote absentee, Merrill suggests not waiting to get the process underway. July 9 is the last day to request an absentee ballot application, and ballots must be received by the circuit clerk no later than July 13 whether it’s submitted in person or mailed in.

If you’re not registered to vote, the deadline to register to vote in the runoff election is June 24. If you need to register, you can download the mobile app at www.alabamavotes.gov or go to the app store and download Vote for Alabama. The mobile app is free. You can also download the paper form and mail it in.

If anyone has problems contacting their county’s circuit clerk or has any questions, they can call the secretary of state’s office at 334242-7200 or call Merrill on his cell phone at 334-328-2787.

Todd Prater

Fred Guarino

Chico Cleveland

Brad Fisher

Nathan Prewett

Ronald Lane

Copyright 2020. 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

BY NATHAN PREWETT

Selma Sun Staff The 24th Annual Job Fair hosted by the Dallas County De par tment of Human Resources is scheduled to take place next month on May 20.

Prospective employees will have the opportunity to meet

with recruiters from local businesses and government agencies. There will also be opportunities to get personal coaching and strategic planning.

Sponsored by DHR’s Jobs Task Force Committee, the fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center located on 211 Washington St. in Selma.

Readers should note that as the COVID-19 crisis continues, this event and others in Selma may be subject to change with quarantine measures being taken.

Please check in regularly here and at the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce online calendar for updates.

the publisher at publisher@selmasun.com.

Email news tips to news@selmasun.com The Selma Sun (USPS) is published weekly for $32 per year by Kingfisher Media, LLC, 711 Alabama Avenue, Selma, AL 36701. Periodicals postage (USPS #21110) at Selma, Alabama.

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4

April 23, 2020

Selma Sun

VOICES

More observations from 2020

BY STEVE FLOWERS One of my favorite people in the world and one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known is State Representative Steve Clouse of Ozark. My relationship with Steve goes under the category of Alabama is one Big Front Porch.

His sweet mother, Mrs. Ruth Price Clouse, passed away a month or so ago at 93. There was a nice church service at the First Methodist Church of

Ozark. Afterwards, Steve and his lovely wife, Dianne, invited folks to come over to their house across the street from their church. It was a splendid gathering.

Our mamas grew up as best friends and Steve and I are close friends. Mama and Mrs. Ruth were friends through grade school and Troy High School. Mrs. Ruth married Jimmy Clouse from Ozark.

They had two children, Steve and Kay. I had a sister named Kay. I always wondered if that was just a coincidence.

Steve and I would play together as boys. As we grew older, we both went to the University of Alabama and were fraternity brothers. Then I went to the Legislature at around 31.

Steve was elected eight years later. We served together in the House for about a decade.

Our districts adjoined – my district was Pike County and part of Dale County. Steve’s district was Dale County. Our names were so similar that

people today get us confused.

Whenever I stop in Ozark, invariably people will say to me, “I like the way you voted” on some measure thinking that I am Steve Clouse. He tells me the same thing happens to him; someone will say to him, “I liked your column this week.”

However, that is where the similarities end. Steve is a better man that I am and, as he is quick to point out, he is five years younger.

If anyone knows the Katherine Tucker Windham adage, Alabama is just a Big Front Porch, it is Secretary of State John Merrill. He knows every crook and cranny of this state from one end to the other.

He knows more people oneon-one than any other political figure in the state. He is by far the best retail politician in Alabama and has a tremendous grassroots organization in the Heart-of-Dixie.

Bradley Byrne worked hard in every county of the state in his race for the U.S. Senate. He

has nothing to be ashamed of nor could he have done anything differently. He received 26% to Tommy Tuberville’s 33% and Jeff Sessions’ 32% in the March 3 primary. He could have won the race had Sessions not gotten in it at the last minute. He still would have probably made the run-off if a Super PAC, called the Club of Growth, had not spent over a half-amillion dollars in negative ads against him.

Byrne seems to be snake-bit by third party interlopers getting into his race. He would have won the 2010 governor’s race had Dr. Paul Hubbert and the AEA not spent two million dollars in negative ads against him.

Now the Club for Growth kicks him out of the Senate race.

Very few Alabamians are aware that one of Alabama’s finest ladies, Vicki Drummond, of Jasper is Secretary of the National Republican Party.

Mrs. Drummond was elected by her peers on the national committee to this prestigious and important post. She is the only Alabamian in state history to hold this position on the national political stage.

Vicki was a Republican before it was cool. She has worked in the state and Republican vineyards her entire adult life. She and husband, Dr. Mike Drummond, a Jasper dentist, have been leaders in their community and church, as well as the Republican party. They have two sons, Michael and Matthew, who both worked in the George W. Bush White House.

Mike Cason continues to be the premier political reporter in the state. The veteran follower of Alabama politics is concise and factual. You can take what he writes to the bank. He has taken the throne left by Phil Rawls as the best-on-the-block.

He is also a good writer.

Joe Reed’s day as the King of the Democratic Party is over. A new, young group of outstanding leaders have taken the state Democratic Party away from him. His Alabama Democratic Conference took a terrible beating in the recent Democratic Presidential Primary in the state. Reed went out on a limb and endorsed Michael Bloomberg. Joe Biden gave him a good old-fashioned whipping in Alabama. Bloomberg only got 12 percent of the vote in the state.

Former governor Don Siegelman has a new book out, Stealing Our Democracy. It is a memoir that reveals how the political assassination of a governor threatens our nation.

Steve Flowers has analyzed Alabama politics for national television audiences on CBS, PBS, ABC and the British Broadcasting Network.

Alabama leaders deliberate plans to reopen

BY PAUL DEMARCO This past week the Governor of Texas issued an executive order allowing the state businesses to phase in reopening and relaxing the restrictions on Lone State residents due to the pandemic. Other states around the Nation at the urging of President Donald Trump are also making moves to reopen.

Alabama has been under a shelter in place order directed

by Governor Kay Ivey now for two weeks with only essential businesses open and citizens

asked to stay at home unless necessary. Schools have also been closed for the rest of the academic year.

So when will Alabama begin to transition back to some semblance of normal life?

Everyone agrees that it will not be like turning on a light switch or we risk another outbreak and another stay at home order. But what will that progression to normalcy look like?

There is a lot of discussions on what that will look like and how that will happen..

Some have discussed a phased in approach that allows nonessential businesses to reopen but continue social distancing. In addition, precautions would stay in place to protect seniors and those with other medical issues who would be the most vulnerable to the virus. A Small Business Emergency Task Force led by the lieutenant governor has made recommendations to the governor that some businesses open immediately with special precautions.

Of course, with these options,

Governor Ivey will have to decide whether and when to get folks back to work safely.

The State Health Officer will have strong input into that decision. The availability and rate of testing along with the rate of new cases will be factors the Health officer will be looking at in his recommendations to the Governor.

The current orders in Alabama are to stay in effect until April 30. We will see if the Governor lifts the stay earlier or extends it into May. No matter when the difficult decision to reopen occurs, Alabamians will be up to the task. From recovering from the hurricanes and tornadoes to the oil spill a decade ago, citizens and businesses of the state have proven to be resilient and will come back once again.

Our political leaders must lead by making difficult decisions to reopen when it is safe and proper to do so.

Alabamians will do the rest.

Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Selma Sun

April 23, 2020

5

PUBLIC NOTICES Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF DALLAS COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF NICHOLAS CADE EDWARDS Timothy Lloyd Barnhill, whose whereabouts is unknown must answer Marcus Rosselot and Ashley Rosselot’s petition for adoption and other relief by May 25, 2020, or, thereafter, a Judgement by Default may be rendered against him in Case No. DCA-2020-01, in the Probate Court of Dallas County, Alabama.

Done the 26th day of March, 2020.

JIMMY NUNN Dallas County Probate Judge Charles H. Sims, III P.O. Box 1432 Selma, AL 36702-1432 Selma Sun April 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2020 NOTICE OF COMPLETION Smitherman Brothers Construction Company, lnc.,110

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Cecil Jackson Bypass, Selma, Alabama 36701 has completed its work on the Storm Drainage Improvements Project, CDBG Project No. LR-CMPF-18-009/16-109/15-109 for the City of Selma. Any person having a claim should notify HSA Engineers, Inc., 1 Satterfield Street, Selma, Alabama 36702-0929 in writing or call at (334) 875-1960.

EMMA MARIE HARRELL and CURTIS LUTHER HARRELL Co-Personal Representatives CHARLES H. SIMS, III Attorney for Petitioners P.O. Box 1432 Selma, AL 36702-1432

Selma Sun April 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2020

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jerry Hines, Jr., unmarried person, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for USAA Federal Savings Bank, on the 25th day of July, 2019, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Dallas County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 1589, Page 158; the undersigned USAA Federal Savings Bank, 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 April 1, 2020, 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: Commencing at a point on the Northern side of McLeod Avenue 167 feet from the Northwest intersection of Tremont and McLeod Avenue, and from said point running in a Northerly direction and perpendicular to McLeod Avenue 90 feet and 10 and 1/2 inches, more or less, to the Wilkinson lot; thence at right angles along the Southern boundary of said Wilkinson lot and parallel with McLeod Avenue 50 feet; thence at right angles along the Western boundary line of the Cornish lot 90 feet and 10 and 1 /2 inches, more or less, to the Northern margin of McLeod Avenue; thence at right angles in a Westerly direction along the Northern margin of said Avenue 50 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Property street address for informational purposes: 713 Mcleod Ave, Selma, AL 36701 THIS PROPERTY WILL

BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” 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 Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 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 Tiffany & Bosco, P.A.

at the address indicated below.

Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 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.

USAA Federal Savings Bank, Mortgagee/Transferee The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until 06/16/2020 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Selma, Dallas County, Alabama.

Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 2311 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 Attorney for Mortgagee/ Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 460260

Notice to the Creditors of Estate of: MARY R. HARRELL, deceased. Letters Testamentary upon the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of April, 2020, 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.

Selma Sun April 16, 23 and 30, 2020 MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Selma, Dallas County reflect slight increases in unemployment in March

BY FRED GUARINO

Selma Sun Staff While the impact of COVID19 is not fully evident in its March report, according to the Alabama Department of Labor both Dallas County and Selma reflected slight increases in unemployment in the preliminary March 2020 report.

In a report released April 17, Dallas County’s preliminary March 2020 rate of 5.8 percent reflected a 0.7 percent increase in unemployment, up from a February 2020 revised rate of 5.1 percent and equal to its revised March 2019 rate.

The city of Selma’s March 2020 rate of 6.8 percent reflected a 0.9 percent increase in unemployment, up from a revised February 2020 unemployment rate of 5.9 percent but still 0.2 percent below its March 2019 revised report of 7 percent.

The Alabama Department of Labor reports that the reason the impact of COVID-19 is not fully evident in the March report is “due to the fact that the majority of closings and layoffs occurred during the week of March 16.”

The Alabama Department of Labor reported the unem-

ployment rate was measured during the week of March 12.

“April’s unemployment rate, scheduled to be published on May 22, will more accurately reflect the impact of COVID19 on Alabama’s economy,” the Alabama Department of Labor reports.

Counties with the lowest March 2020 unemployment rates include Shelby County at 2.5 percent, Morgan, Marshall and Madison Counties at 2.8 percent and Tuscaloosa, St. Clair, Limestone and Cullman counties at 2.9 percent.

Counties with the highest March 2020 unemployment rates are Wilcox County at 9.6 percent, Clarke County at 6.7 percent and Greene County at 6.2 percent.

Major cities with the lowest unemployment March 2020 rates are Vestavia Hills at 2 percent, Homewood at 2.2 percent and Northport and Hoover at 2.3 percent.

Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Friday, April 17 that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate is 3.5 percent, up from February’s record low level of 2.7 percent

and above March 2019’s rate of 3.3 percent.

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, March’s rate represents 2,138,541 employed persons, down 24,216 over the year.

Wage and salary employment decreased in March by 1,600. Monthly losses were seen in the education and health services sector (-4,300), the professional and business services sector (-2,100), and the leisure and hospitality sector (-900), among others.

Over the year, wage and salary employment increased by 12,600, with gains in the government sector (+8,800), the manufacturing sector (+3,900), the education and health services sector (+2,400), and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+2,300), among others.

Average weekly wages increased to $886.03 in March, down from $882.46 in February, but increased from $843.80 in March 2019.

The following sectors saw record high wages in March 2020: Trade, transportation and utilities at $741.22 and other services at $787.80.

Selma Sun March 5, 12, 19, and April 23, 2020

List of store hours for Selma-Dallas County retailers during coronavirus pandemic In this unusual time of closings of retail stores to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it has been hard to know what hours Selma and Dallas County retailers are offering now.

The Selma Sun has put together a list of hours for various stores during the pandemic and will update this list as we hear from retailers with their hours. To be included, email us at news@selmasun.com.

Swift Drug has new temporary store hours of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are closed on Sunday.

Brown Drug Company announced updated hours on Saturday. Call 334-872-2326 for more information.

• Brown Drugs, Dallas Avenue Pharmacy, and Med Center Pharmacy 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 8 am to 1 pm

• Valley Grande Pharmacy and Maplesville Pharmacy 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday hours will remain 8 am to 1

pm • Union Drugs in Uniontown 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm

• Interlink Apothecary 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday

Mark’s Mart is curbside service only. Menu available at their Facebook page here.

Order by phone and pick up at 334-872-3003 or 334-875-9744. Temporary hours of operation: Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday: 3:30-7 p.m.

Tally Ho is closed until the end of the pandemic. Visit their Facebook page for more info.

Hancock BBQ is taking orders for carryout. Visit their Facebook page for deals being offered.

Pilcher-McBryde Drug Company – closed lobby but call and get pharmaceuticals brought to the car at 334-875-7208.

Carter’s Drug closed their lobby, but there is a walk-up window for orders.

Golden Ranch is curbside only. Call (334) 874-1777 or visit their Facebook page.

KFC is carryout and drive thru only. See their Facebook page for more info.

The Sandbar is curbside and online for ordering at www.thesandbarselma.com or call 877-1444.

Mr. Waffle is open 24/7 and taking orders by phone at 334-874-7600 for curbside or delivery from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Coffee Shoppe is closed until the pandemic is over. See their Facebook page for information.

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April 23, 2020

Selma Sun

LIFESTYLE Is my takeout food safe from COVID-19?

BY JUSTIN MILLER

Prevention (CDC), the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) all say no current evidence indicates the transmission of COVID-19 by food or food packaging.

“There is no current information that says takeout or drive-through meals will increase the likelihood of illness,” Moore said. “High-risk populations, including the elderly, can use this option to maintain social distancing and reduce their risk.”

Having food delivered helps maintain social distancing guidelines and also reduces the number of touch points between the preparation and serving of food. Many restau-

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – It is no surprise that townspeople across Smalltown, USA are making efforts to continue supporting their favorite local businesses during the COVID19 pandemic. To safely serve customers, many restaurants have switched their business models entirely by offering curbside takeout food or delivery options. However, many people are wondering if this method is truly safe.

Takeout Food Safety Alice Moore, an Alabama Extension food safety and quality regional agent, said the Centers for Disease Control and

rants have incorporated no-touch forms of payment to further protect their customers and employees.

Even with the low risk of transfer from food packaging, Moore said washing hands is the best way to ensure staying healthy.

“To further reduce your risk, wash your hands properly for at least 20 seconds,” she said.

“If desired, people can use a hand sanitizer after handling food packaging.”

Takeout Food Safety at Home

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In addition to avoiding COVID-19, people must take steps to avoid foodborne illnesses as well. With takeout and delivered food becoming more and more common, people must know the proper food safety guidelines for this food.

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“The FDA says that hot foods should never be left out on the counter or in a car for more than two hours without refrigeration,” Moore said. “If you are not immediately eating

the food you picked up or had delivered, there are two safe options.”

• Option One- Hold the hot food in a preheated oven. Use a calibrated food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food to ensure it maintains 140°F or above.

• Option Two- Store the food in the refrigerator and reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Properly reheating food is extremely important. The FDA recommends that people should reheat foods containing meat, poultry, eggs or seafood to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil to reheat.

“Do not reheat food in a slow cooker or chafing dish,” Moore said. “Through these methods, foods stay in the temperature danger zone (40°F to 140°F) for too long.”

Keep Cold Food Cold Moore said that people should store all cold foods at 40°F or below.

“Refrigerate foods as soon

as possible but within two hours after pickup or delivery,” she said. “If outside temperatures are above 90°F, including your car temperature, you have one hour to refrigerate the food.”

When picking up food on a day with high temperatures, consider using a cooler with ice or gel packs if the food will

not be refrigerated within two hours or one hour if above 90°F.

More Information For more information on food safety or other coronavirus related topics, visit www. alabamaready.info or the Alabama Extension website www.aces.edu.

Extension economist offers reassurances about meat supplies

BY MAGGIE LAWRENCE

of animals, but the logistics of processing and movement.”

Kelley noted that the supply chain and processing issues are significant. But they are issues that can be addressed to ensure that the abundant supply of proteins that America’s farmers are producing gets to grocery store shelves.

He cited a Farm Policy News article quoting the Wall Street Journal reporting that “The Trump administration is weighing a plan to provide coronavirus tests and other solutions to U.S. food-processing plants, as a way to soothe workers’ fears and keep the country’s food system functioning through the pandemic.”

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Smithfield Foods has closed a major pork processing facility in South Dakota causing concern about meat Down Across supplies and possible shortag 1 Away from duty 1 Sworn declaration Across Down es among consumers, indus 4 Abstain from eating 2 Let go try professionals and political 8 1 Nervous 1 Sworn Away from duty declaration 3 Alarm pundits.

11 Lonesome 4 ''___ AbstainYou from eating 4 Million year old imprint2 Let goAn economist with Tonight?'' the Alabama Cooperative 5 Harvester ___ 8 3 Nervous Alarm 12 As recently as Extension 6 Slender 11 Kind 4 Million ''___ofYou Lonesome Tonight?'' year oldSystem imprint said con 13 chart sumers should think about the 7 Radials on a Rolls 14 from as China, often 12 Leaves 5 Harvester As recently ___ industry as a whole and the 8 Creepy crawlers 15 13 Disturb 6 Slender Kind of chart long-term logistics of moving 9 Billboard listing 16 The "I" in T.G.I.F. 14 Leaves from China, often 7 Radials not only on ameat Rollssupplies but also 17 Marjoram and basil 10 Affirmative statement all food in the United States.

15 Fix 8 Disturb Creepy crawlers 19 18 Candidate list 16 Pitch 9 Billboard listing The "I" 21 in in T.G.I.F. 20 Hither Supply statement Chain Challeng 23 17 Looks 10 Affirmative Marjoram and basil 22 Part of any URL address es 26 Not strong 19 Fix 18 Candidate list 24 Collected 30 Two-dimensional extent “While the closing of the Changing to Meet 25 State 21 20 Hither Pitch in 31 Hades South Dakota plant as well as Demand 26 How you might refer22toPart 23 Feeling Looks like a drink of anyaround URL address 32 others the nation is “This is a supply chain your car affectionately 34 boo-boo significant, it does not threat- issue,” Kelley said. “It takes 26 Baseball 24 Collected Not strong 27 Marine pronoun 36 en the nation’s protein sup- time for the industry to change 30 Unified 25 State Two-dimensional extent 28 Good 37 Any thing plies long term when you con- from current production and 31 Hades 26 How you might refer to your car affectionately 39 Eye washes sider the abundance of beef, convert to meet the current 29 First name?

32 Large 27 Marine Feeling like container a drink 43 liquid pork pronoun and poultry production demand, but they will do it. It 33 "You don't say!"

34 Just 28 Good Baseball boo-boo 45 a little bit that is out there,” Ken Kelley also takes time to adjust for 35 Takes a break 47 said.

“The United States was issues related to worker health, 36 Ready 29 First Unified name?

38 "Encore!"

48 Tree and is 37 Any thing 33 "You don'tamid say!"record production but they will do it.

40 Emanation 49 Deodar or baobab of beef, pork and poultry. The “Before the coronavirus out 41 Utter 39 Rough 35 Takes Eye washes a break 50 stuff issue now is not availability break, a lot of processing capac 42 Baby plant 43 Slick 38 "Encore!"

Large liquid container 51 SUDOKU by Myles Mellor SusaninFlanagan 43 and Converse, slang 52 Dispatch 45 Just a little bit 40 Emanation 53 Hunt for __ October" 44 Take advantage of 47 "The 41 Utter Ready movie 46 Checkers, e.g.

ity produced for the restaurant and service industry. Now they are having to shift more capacity into retail products that consumers buy at grocery stores.”

Many processing plants are geared to produce for a specific niche market such as fine dining or fast food. Some facilities have contracts with major food outlets to produce a very specific product such as fourounce chicken breast portions.

These facilities can restructure their operations, but Kelley said it will require time and money.

Overcoming Challenges He also pointed out that last year the nation experienced a similar supply chain issue with meat supplies when a Tyson processing plant burned.

“Everyone was concerned that we would not be able to meet demand because that plant was shut down for a while,” he said. “What we found was that the other plants more than covered the production lost from that plant. We discovered increased production was possible across the system.”

Grocery Shopping Surges Consumer buying research shows that grocery store sales reached the highest level in history during the week ending March 15. According to Information Resources Inc., grocery sales were an eye-popping 62 percent higher than the same week in 2019.

“The jump in grocery sales is because people are shifting from restaurants to food for at-home meal preparation,” Kelley said.

“This highlights the unknown of the current food consumption patterns. Panic buying could negatively affect the supply issue even more.”

Consumers may find that not every product or cut of meat is available in the short term.

“People may have to choose a roast instead of a steak or even ground beef,” he said. “The issues certainly are significant, and the industry and nation as a whole have to address them.

However, we enjoy the safest and cheapest food supply in the world.”

Maggie Lawrence is News Unit Manager for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Community Calendar

48 Tree plant Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that 42 hasBaby been subdivided into nine smaller 49 Deodar or baobab 43 Converse, in slang grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, column and box must contain each 50 Rough stuff 44 Take Bus tegic planning. Sponsored by advantage of Needed -Selma tions are fully vetted, ready to Drivers of the easy, medium and difficult.go to a loving home. 334- 877the DHR’s Jobs Task Force City Schools-Employment 51 46 Checkers, Slicknumbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: e.g.

Cemetery Preservation Committee. offerings include competitive 2204.

52 Dispatch Workshop: Interested in getpay and flexible hours. Know ting help with your ceme53 "TheMedium Hunt for __ October" movie Level: Free Legal Services for someone? Have them contact

May 2

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Edmundite Missions is Looking for Volunteers to be tutors, coaches, admin support, greeters, room monitors, active adult teachers, team organizers and more for the Dr. Michael and Catherine Bullock Community Recreation CenterFor more information call 334872-2359 or stop by the administrative office at 1002 Minter Avenue, Selma, AL.

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The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County is having senior B-I-NG-O from 11 am-1:30 pm on the third Monday of each month.

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Family Karate—Tang Soo Do (Related to Taekwondo) at Edmundite Missions Youth Center, 1108 Griffin Ave. Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm-Fee $30.00 per family (adults encouraged -Free uniforms/free month trial classes -Sr. Kathy, 4th degree Certified Black Belt Instructor-Call 334455-0929

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the Director of Operations at 334-874-1600 ext. 6090 or Human Resources at 334-874-1600 ext.

7470.

Pet Adoptions— Selma Animal Shelter in conjunction with the Human Society of Central Alabama are open on the 1st Saturday of the month from 10 am – 2 pm- Adoptions Only! No take ins. All adop-

Adults and Children with Disabilities—Call ADAP (Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program) at 1-800-826-1675 to set up an appointment -ADAP is in Selma the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 9 am- noon and the 4th Tuesday of every month from noon-4 pm. The ADAP Office Location in Selma is at 801 Alabama Avenue (Inside the offices of Legal Services of Selma).

Walton Theater Selma is closed until further notice.

NOTE: Some events for the month of April may be cancelled or postponed as the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues. Please check online or call the event hosts for updates.

April 30

Old Depot Museum Low Country Boil from 6-9 p.m. at the Old Depot Museum. Cost is $50. For more information, call 334-874-2197.

May 1

Medical Matters Series at Selma-Dallas County Public Library: Come meet medical experts and ask questions.

This month’s subject is “Your Memory: How to Keep It.” A sack lunch is provided to the first 25 attendees.

tery projects? The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance, Inc. (ACPA) will host the 19th Annual Cemetery Preservation Workshop here at Old Cahawba. The program will include demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on training on tombstone cleaning, restoration and preservation; preserving historic cemetery fencing; use of Ground Penetrating Radar, and other topics. Guided tours for the morning may be requested on other days a minimum of two weeks before your requested date. We offer wagon tours, walking tours, and step-on bus guides. For more information, call 334-872-8058 or visit the park at 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, AL 36767. Visit us at www.facebook.com/oldcahawba or www.cahawba.com. $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

May 20

Dallas County Department of Human Resources presents the 24th Annual Job Fair at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Selma Convention Center on 211 Washington Street. Meet recruiters from local businesses and government agencies, learn about career/educational opportunities and get personal career coaching and stra-

May 21

The Selma Redevelopment Authority Board will hold its regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Authority on the third Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM at EyeMax Vision Center on 2401 Medical Center Parkway for the purpose of transacting such business or taking such action as may come before the Board of Directors of the Authority.

These meetings are open to the public. For further information please contact Juanda Maxwell, Chair at juandamaxwell@gmail.com.

June 6

B.Y.O. (Bring Your Own) Bike Tour from 10 – 11 a.m.

Come explore Alabama’s most famous ghost town on two wheels. On this one-hour tour, your guide will lead you over 4 miles of mostly unpaved roads, exploring a landscape of relics, ruins, and graveyards. Bring your bike, water, and snacks. ($8) Guided tours for the morning may be requested on other days a minimum of two weeks before your requested date. We offer wagon tours, walking tours, and step-on bus guides. For more information, call 334-8728058 or visit the park at 9518 Cahaba Rd in Orrville. Visit us at www.facebook.com/oldcahawba or www.cahawba.com.

Selma Sun

April 23, 2020

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EDUCATION Graduation drive-thru

Two Selma natives named to academic lists at Troy University Rotasha Heard of Selma has been named to the Provost's List and Joanna Adkison of Selma has been named to the Chancellor's List at Troy University for Term 3 of the 2019-2020 academic year.

The Provost's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65. Term 3 includes students at Troy’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and

Montgomery, along with students outside of Alabama and online. The Chancellor's List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.

Old school connectivity

BY AVIS WILLIAMS

Selma High School seniors drove up to the front of the high school on Broad Street last week to pick up their caps and gowns. The Saints had a drive-up service because of school being closed for the quarantine.

Selma City Schools plans to still host a graduation ceremony on June 20, a change from the usual May date.

Their last day of school is scheduled for May 20 and Senior Prom has also been rescheduled to June 16 to still give the students an opportunity to celebrate the traditional dance.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to a friend or family member? I don’t mean an email or text, but rather actually putting pen to paper. I mean addressing an envelope and finding a stamp to send a hand-written letter or note to someone you care about. That seems very old school in this age of technology but the impact could be huge.

Writer Kyle Young shared more about this topic in his ar ticle 10 Reasons You Should Write More Handwritten Letters.

Clearly a handwritten letter could be a meaningful and valued possession for the recipient. It could even be passed on from one generation to the next. But did you know that writing a letter could make you happier?

Young cites research that supports the idea that writing thoughtful letters, especially of gratitude, can lead to one feeling happier and more satisfied. Those suffering from depression even saw a decrease in symptoms.

Writing about the joy that another brings is also great way to confirm and count your blessings.

If you sent someone close

to you a handwritten letter, how surprised would they be? During these interesting and unprecedented times, a pleasant surprise could go a long way in shifting someone’s mood and brightening their day. That alone would be worth your time and effort.

Last week, I wrote about journaling. Letter writing, like journaling, is a way to improve your speaking and

writing skills. Young even suggests that it is a wonderful way to show off your penmanship. Are there any calligraphers out there?

Though there are many reasons that letter writing can be beneficial during this pandemic, don’t overthink it.

Keep it simple.

Perhaps you can start with a pre-printed greeting card and add a personal note.

Getting started is the hardest part.

Not sure what to write about? Young recommends a few starter questions. What do you appreciate most in life? If you could only talk to them one more time, what would you tell them?

In a short period of time with just a few strokes of a pen, we each have the power to inspire, encourage and uplift another. There are many people right now who are lonely and afraid.

Many of us have a significant amount of time at home these days. A little old school connectivity could go a long way in supporting a friend or providing joy to a family member. Give it a try!

For more infor mation, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.

Class of 2020 The Selma Sun is featuring the 2020 graduates of Selma and Dallas County schools in a special Graduation Edition on May 21.

Show your support for Selma's seniors by Congratulating them in this special edition that is more important this year than ever!

ASK US FOR OUR RATES! For more information, contact Publisher Cindy Fisher at sales@selmasun.com or 205-789-0973.

Space is limited so call today!

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April 23, 2020

Selma Sun

BUSINESS Alabama small business task force calls for immediate reopening of some stores, restaurants

BY MICHAEL TOMBERLIN

Alabama NewsCenter The Small Business Emergency Task Force is recommending that Alabama retailers and restaurants be allowed to reopen immediately and most other businesses and services begin operating in a limited capacity by May 1 or May 15 to keep the state’s cases of COVID-19 in check.

The task force, led by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, delivered the recommendations to Gov. Kay Ivey last week and revealed the report at a press conference.

“When It comes to reopening the economy and putting people back to work – I want everybody in Alabama to understand this – we believe that every business is an essential business,” Ainsworth said.

The businesses the committee believes can safely reopen immediately, with certain restrictions, include: • Retail stores with the same capacity (50% of fire code allowance) as the big box stores and including the same marking of space at checkout lines for social distancing, along with regular sanitation at entrances and exits.

• Restaurants with limited capacity that allow for spacing of tables 6 feet apart and groups limited to a max of six per table and all surfaces sanitized regularly.

• Close-contact services such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo studios, tanning salons and waxing salons, but with stricter requirements such as all employees must

wear masks, customers not allowed in waiting areas and customers must have appointments.

• Childcare facilities must follow CDC guidelines for sanitation and limits of 11 children.

Businesses the task force said should be able to open as soon as May 1 include: • Health services such as medical offices, oral surgery and dental offices, physical therapy and optometry.

Workers would be required to wear N95 masks, gloves and face shields, with no patients allowed in the waiting room, regularly sanitized surfaces and other requirements.

• Racetracks, casinos, museums, planetariums and bingo halls could reopen with 35% capacity allowed, guaranteeing spacing of 6 feet between patrons, taking temperature of employees and other requirements.

• Exercise facilities with upgraded and more thorough sanitizing methods, ensuring 6 feet separation and limiting interaction between employees and gym members.

Businesses not recommended to reopen at this time include those that encourage large groups or gatherings in tight spaces such as movie theaters, concert venues, trade shows and bars. The task force cited two weeks of reduced percentage growth in COVID-19 cases in the state.

“All we’re saying is let’s give the business owner a chance to actually make a living, the same standards that some of these big box stores and other places

have,” Ainsworth said. “I think we can do that safely.”

On April 14, Ivey said she wanted to have the task force’s recommendations April 17 so discussions in the state’s seven Congressional districts could take place over the weekend and recommendations from those be in hand by April 22. Ivey will then discuss recommenda-

tions with the Coronavirus Task Force to help inform any decisions prior to the expiration of the current stay-at-home order through April 30.

“As everyone knows, this is not a simple process like flipping on a light switch,” Ivey said. “This will be a road map that will help Alabama begin our road to

recovery.”

The task force said more than 300,000 Alabamians f iled for unemployment between March 16 and April 15, as the state ordered businesses to close to stop the spread of COVID-19. The report notes that while public health related to the coronavirus needs to be a top concern, the health risks that come with unemployment, along with the stress of losing a job and income, should also be weighed.

“As governor I have the responsibility to look after both the health of our people as well as our economic health,” Ivey said. “We can take both the economic health and well-being of our state seriously just as we can look after the safety and well-being of our people. We can do both of these things at the same time.”

The Small Business Emergency Task Force is chaired by Rep. Danny Garrett of Trussville and consists of Alabama senators Chris Elliott of Fairhope, Bobby Singleton of Greensboro and Garlan Gudger of Cullman.

Other Alabama House of Representatives members on the task force are Joe Lovvorn of Auburn, Anthony Daniels of Huntsville and Kelvin Lawrence of Hayneville. Rounding out the task force are Rosemary Elebash, the Alabama chair for the National Federation of Independent Business; Mindy Hanan, the executive director of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association; Katie Britt, CEO of the Business Council of Alabama; Rick Brown,

president of the Alabama Retail Association; Tony Cochran of CK Business Solutions; and Ste phen McNair of McNair Historic Preservation in Mobile.

Brown told Alabama NewsCenter he hopes the governor will not wait until acting on the recommendations to open some retail shops and restaurants immediately.

“What we don’t understand is a policy that sends the same number of customers to fewer stores, thus creating larger crowds,” Brown said.

He said most retailers have been preparing to reopen and could do so overnight if the governor and the Alabama Department of Public Health would allow it.

The task force also said beaches should be reopened for walking, running and fishing on May 1. The task force recommended that by May 15 to allow at the beach congregating of groups of 10 or less but only among people living together or staying with each other and with 6 feet separation between groups.

Youth baseball and softball could come back on May 11, the task force said, with precautions such as wearing masks in dugouts.

Pharmacies, real estate, manufacturing and agriculture had asked for some best practices and those are in the report.

“What we heard consistently from business owners is ‘Give us a chance. Allow us to safely do what other business are already doing in this state,’” Ainsworth said.

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