Local News

Four Alabama Forestry Commission employees have returned
from
All four men, Derrick Heckman (St. Clair County), Gene
Lyons (
FORTY-ONE NATIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT SEMIFINALISTS FROM ALABAMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Montgomery, Ala. –
Forty-one Alabama public school
students are among the 1,600 Semifinalists in the 45th
annual National Achievement Scholarship Program for scholastically talented
Black American high school seniors. Alabama’s Semifinalists are eligible to
compete for approximately 800 scholarships worth over $2.6 million.
Conducted by the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC), the National Achievement Program is a privately financed,
academic competition that operates without government assistance. Since its
inception in 1964 to recognize promising Black students nationwide, the program
has awarded over $91 million in Achievement Scholarships to more than 27, 800
students.
Two types of National Achievement Scholarships will be
announced in April 2009:
1.
Every
Finalist will compete for one of 700 one-time National Achievement $2500
Scholarships.
2.
Corporate
and business sponsors will underwrite about 100 Achievement Scholarships for
Finalists who meet sponsors’ criteria.
Alabama’s Semifinalists were selected
from more than 150,000 high school juniors nationwide and are the
highest-scoring program entrants in the state on the 2007 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). To be considered
for scholarship awards,
Achievement
Semifinalists must advance to Finalist level
based on abilities,
accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Finalist
requirements include:
·
A record
of high academic performance throughout high school
·
Endorsement by school principal
·
Earned
SAT
scores that confirm performance on 2007 PSAT/NMSQT
For more information on the
National Achievement
Scholarship
Program, visit
www.nationalmerit.org,
or contact Eileen Artemakis, Public Information, NMSC, at 847-866-5100 or
mediainfo@nmerit.net.
(MONTGOMERY)—Attorney General Troy King will be presenting the Alabama Safe Schools 2008 Awards of Excellence during visits to 11 schools throughout the state during the next few weeks.
The schools to receive this honor are Opelika Middle School; Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School in Montgomery; Prattville Jr. High School; Prattville High School; Brookhaven Middle School in Decatur; Cedar Ridge Middle School in Decatur; Girard Middle School in Dothan; Pleasant Home School in Andalusia; John E. Bryan Elementary School in Morris, Jefferson County; Southside Elementary School in Southside, Etowah County; and Greenville High School.
"We are reminded of the need for continued vigilance, as we recall the alarming instances of recent violence in our nation's schools," said Attorney General King. "While these events are deeply disturbing to us, I am reassured by the commitment exhibited by these schools in Alabama to keep our children safe in the face of the severe challenges we face today. In my own days as a young student, I remember the stress of trying to make good grades and of dealing with classes and classmates. Thankfully, we were spared the stress of shootings that killed and maimed students and teachers, and we did not have to worry about such horror happening at our schools. We must work together to do everything possible to protect our children from these dangers and fears." He praised Alabama's schools, particularly the upcoming award recipients, proclaiming that their students "no longer have to worry about what your school will do. Your school is prepared, and good preparation leads to prevention."
Attorney General King noted Alabama's progress statewide to protect schoolchildren and teachers. "For the past nine years, the Office of Attorney General has sponsored the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative. Following the nation's worst incident of violence on school property at Columbine High School in Colorado, the Alabama Departments of Education and Public Safety worked with my office to provide the state's public and private schools with resources that would help them create a team of community resources and expertise that are, in my opinion, crucial to school safety efforts."
The Alabama Safe Schools Initiative began its presentations of Awards of Excellence in 2002. This year, an independent panel of law enforcement and emergency response officers, teachers and school administrators selected 11 schools to be honored from among 56 nominations. Some recipients of the Alabama Safe Schools 2008 Awards of Excellence also received awards in previous years and are recognized again for their continued outstanding achievements. The Attorney General's Office will present a newly-created Sustained Performance Award of Excellence to Prattville High School, previous winner of the Safe School Award for 2007; and to Greenville High School, previous winner of the Safe School Awards for 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Attorney General King praised the members of his staff who have worked tirelessly for the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative, noting particularly Director of State Programs Keith Young. He also thanked ALFA and the Alabama Farmers Federation, who have provided funding for the Alabama Safe School Initiative Awards of Excellence since its beginning.
The Alabama Safe School Initiative has worked to assist schools in their safety efforts for many years. In August of 2000, the program distributed to all public and private schools standardized school emergency crisis notebooks to provide uniform guidelines for use in preparing their own emergency response plans. A toll-free Alabama Safe Schools hotline (1-888-SAV-KIDS) was implemented in April of 1999 as a way for students and adults to anonymously alert officials about potential crisis situations. The Alabama Safe Schools Initiative used the slogan "Prevent School Violence: It's Cool to Make the Call" to promote the hotline through public service announcements, billboard advertisements, book covers and posters.
In addition, the Attorney General's Office hosted a statewide conference for training school and community officials to create an integrated crisis management plan. Later, at an intensive national workshop on school safety preparedness, education workers, parents, law enforcement officers, and others were trained to return to the communities and teach others how to effectively handle a crisis situation.
Attorney General King will present the Alabama Safe Schools 2008 Awards of Excellence at the following times and places:
• 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 8, at Opelika Middle School
• 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School
• 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, at Prattville Jr. High School
• 9:30 a.m., Friday, September 12, at Prattville High School
• 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, at Brookhaven Middle School
• 1:30 p.m., Monday, September 15, at Cedar Ridge Middle School
• 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 16, at Girard Middle School
• 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 16, at Pleasant Home School
• 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 18, at John E. Bryan Elementary School
• 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, at Southside Elementary School
• 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 24, at Greenville High School
Grand Openings Set Oct. 3 in Spanish Fort, Prattville, Gadsden, Fultondale
PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--J. C. Penney Company, Inc., one of the nation’s largest department store retailers, brings Alabama shoppers even more easy and exciting ways to experience style and quality at smart prices with the grand openings of four new stores on Friday, Oct. 3. The new stores -- located in Spanish Fort, Prattville, Gadsden, and Fultondale -- are among 12 JCPenney stores nationwide celebrating a grand opening on the same day. The celebrations will be marked by ribbon cutting ceremonies at each store’s main entrance at 8:45 a.m.
“The opening of these stores, and others around the country, demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers with style and quality at smart prices in convenient locations,” said Regional Manager Tim Penny. “We know customers will enjoy the stores’ easy-to-shop environment, great merchandise assortment, and exceptional teams of Associates. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us at our four new Alabama stores.”
| Etowah County and AFC Firefighters Return from Wildfire Duty in California and Texas |
Meanwhile,
another team of
“So far this
year, the Alabama Forestry Commission has responded generously
to requests for aid by other states and the Forest Service,
sending not only crews, equipment, and individual resources to
Those AFC
wildland firefighters working Texas detail during July and
August include: David Davis (Autauga County), Jason Barrett
(Baldwin County), Jarred Kornegay (Bibb County), Terry Helms
(Blount County), Michael King (Butler County), Gene Lyons
(Calhoun County), James “Moto” Williams (Chambers County), Shane
Woodham (Cherokee County), Victor Howell (Conecuh County),
Milton Ellington (Coosa County), Travis Chesser (Covington
County), John Knighten (Crenshaw County), Bruce Bowden and Steve
Snuggs (Dale County), Jeff Keener (DeKalb County), Terry Ezzell
(Franklin County), Ethan Barrett (Hale County), Jeff Bradford
(Lamar County), Mitch Craft (Lawrence County), Joel Bartlett
(Marion County), Roy Maye (Monroe County), Johnny Mims
(Montgomery County), Ken Colburn and
Ken Harbison (Shelby County),
Derrick Heckman and Scott Sweat (St. Clair County), and Rusty
Smith (Sumter County). Also serving as a situation unit leader
in
The following
AFC firefighters who returned from California are also available
for interview by their local media: Jason Gillikin (Baldwin
County), Benji Elmore (Clarke County), Jeremy Lowery (Crenshaw
County), Bobby Matthews (Cullman County), Greg Piland (Geneva
County), Dearl Driggers (Geneva State Forest), DeWitt Vincent
(Jefferson County), Walter Nolan (Lowndes County), Ken Leslie
(Mobile County), DeRon Watkins (Monroe County), and Cary Rhodes
(Shelby County). Serving in the capacity of Safety Officer or
Strike Team Leader in
For more information about the firefighting and forest management services provided by the Alabama Forestry Commission, visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.
358 +/- Acres in Prescott, Arizona Selling in 21 Properties
PRESCOTT, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--J. P. King Auction Company, the nation’s leading real estate auction marketing firm specializing in luxury properties is managing the sale of Western Land Rush Arizona, approximately 358+/- acres to be offered in 21 properties. The auction will take place at the Prescott Resort on Tuesday, September 23rd at 3 pm. Two properties will be selling absolute, with the remainder of the inventory being offered with minimum bids as low as 27 percent of last list price.
The 21 properties range in size from 2+/- to 90+/- acres and more than 1,000+/- acre feet of assured water supply credits.
“This portfolio consists of custom lots that have wonderful opportunities from high-end residential estates and equestrian property, forestland and high-traffic commercial possibilities,” said Craig King, president & CEO of J. P. King.
Located in Northern Arizona, the city of Prescott is a charming destination with deep historical roots and breathtaking natural beauty. Prescott has a flourishing arts community, array of fine dining, unique boutiques and more than 450 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Prescott provides the perfect combination of nature and city life. It has been rated as one of the “Top Places to Retire” by Money Magazine. Recently, the Prescott area was included by National Graphic Magazine in their recent 50 Best Places to Live: The Next Great Adventure Towns edition.
“Prescott has a small town feel with all of the services of a big city,” said Paul Aslanian, the owner of Western Land Rush. “It is perfect for those who are looking to raise a family or retire.”
Individuals interested in more information about the upcoming sale may contact J. P. King at (800) 558-5464 or visit the company’s web site at www.jpking.com.
Etowah County Red Cross open several Shelters for Evacuee in the Gadsden Area
The Etowah County Chapter
of the Red Cross has open several shelters across the area
Gadsden State Community College
Etowah County Rescue Squad in Alabama City
Carnes Recreation Center in Attalla
For more information about temporary shelters in Etowah County
contact: Etowah County Chapter of American Red Cross –
256-547-8667 First Call for Help – 211 or 1-866-869-4921
Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency – 256-549-4575
AMERICAN RED CROSS RELIEF EFFORTS UNDERWAY FOR GUSTAV
As mandatory evacuations are issued in the Gulf Coast states,
the American Red Cross is starting to receive evacuees
in shelters throughout the Gulf Coast. The Red Cross has relief
operations ready in four states: Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
and Texas. Everyone in the path of the storm is urged to
prepare, listen to officials and heed evacuation orders when
instructed to do so; evacuation orders must be taken seriously.
If you are evacuating, you need to bring important items with
you, including but not limited to:
This is the largest Red Cross relief effort since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and in preparation the Red Cross has moved workers, cots, blankets, comfort kits, ready-to-eat meals and more than 200 mobile feeding trucks into the area. The first priority for the Red Cross during any disaster is to provide people with food, shelter and emotional support. Disaster workers are on the receiving end to make those who leave their homes as comfortable as possible in Red Cross shelters.
If you or your loved ones are in the potentially affected
areas, register yourself on the Red Cross Safe and Well
Website at www.redcross.org,
or call a loved one and ask them to register you. The Red Cross
provides this online tool to help families and individuals
notify loved ones that they are safe during an emergency, which
can help bring peace of mind in challenging times.
The Safe and Well Website is easy to use:
If you have not been advised of an evacuation, prepare these items now in case you have to leave. For more information on how to prepare for an evacuation, visit www.redcross.org.
You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or mailing your donation, with the designation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C.20013.
Lilly Ledbetter from Jacksonville puts spotlight on Gadsden Goodyear at Democratic National Convention in Denver.
Speaking for a fever-pitched crowd in Denver, Lilly Ledbetter speaking before Hillary Clinton and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner Tuesday night. Ledbetter sued Goodyear after discovering that she was being paid less as a supervisor than her male counterparts. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court.
“We are honored that Lilly Ledbetter will
address the Democratic Convention,” said Senator Barack Obama.
“The fact that women are paid less than their male coworkers for
doing the same job is unacceptable in the 21st century and
counter to both the progress we've made and our shared values as
Americans. Lilly Ledbetter's case before the Supreme Court has
once again awakened the nation to this discrimination, and it's
time we join together to right this wrong and pay women equal
pay for equal work."
“The theme of Tuesday night’s program is Renewing America’s
Promise, and there is no more critical promise that we can keep
to American women than to ensure pay equity,” said Speaker Nancy
Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Convention. “There is a
clear difference between the parties when it comes to pay
equity, and this election could not be more critical when it
comes to garnering support for reversing the Supreme Court’s
recent 5-4 decision in the Ledbetter v. Goodyear case. As
American women are called upon to do more and more for their
families with less and less resources coming in, the least we
can do is to ensure pay equity.”
One of few female supervisors at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden,
Alabama for almost two decades, Lily Ledbetter was consistently
awarded lower pay raises than her male counterparts. When she
finally learned of the discrimination, Ledbetter filed a formal
charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
in which she asserted, among other claims, a Title VII pay
discrimination claim and a claim under the Equal Pay Act of
1963. Ledbetter’s case went to trial, and the jury awarded her
back-pay and approximately $3.3 million in compensatory and
punitive damages for the extreme nature of the pay
discrimination to which she had been subject.
The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed the jury
verdict, holding that her case was filed too late – even though
Ms. Ledbetter continued to receive discriminatory pay – because
the company’s original decision on her pay had been made years
earlier. In a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Alito, the U.S.
Supreme Court upheld the Eleventh Circuit decision and ruled
that employees cannot challenge ongoing pay discrimination if
the employer’s original discriminatory pay decision occurred
outside of the statute of limitations period, even when the
employee continues to receive paychecks that have been
discriminatorily reduced.
In addition to speaking during Tuesday’s program, Lilly
Ledbetter will attend the Women’s Caucus meetings and meet with
key leaders throughout Convention week. While Ledbetter will not
be making a political endorsement for President, her Convention
speech sends a strong message about the high priority Barack
Obama and the Democratic Party are making of the pay equity
issue.
Senator Hillary Clinton will be the headline primetime speaker
on Tuesday night.
Cost of Living report issued by the Gadsden-Etowah Chamber of Commerce
How important is an area’s cost-of-living
in economic development?
“It is a priority in all areas of development”, according
to chamber chairman, Mike Shannon.
“It certainly matters in the chamber’s retirement
recruitment program.
People who move to another area have to be concerned with
the spending power of their dollars in their new location
compared to the same dollars in their current community”,
Shannon added.
At a news conference August 19th,
The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County released some of the more
critical cost-of-living factors on the Gadsden Metropolitan Area
(MSA) versus other MSA’s throughout the country.
The survey released today covers the Second Quarter of
2008 which ended May 31st. It indicates Gadsden’s Composite Index (a compilation of
grocery items, housing,
utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods
& services) was 90.9% or 9.1% less than the average cost of all
318 cities/MSA’s that participated in the quarterly study.
Eleven Alabama MSA’s
participated and Gadsden’s 90.9% was the fourth lowest of the
eleven. The
average of all participating urban areas, both metropolitan and
micropolitan, equals 100, and each participant’s index is read
as a percentage of the
average for all urban areas.
Chamber president, Tom Quinn said,
“Health care which includes physician charges, hospital costs,
prescription drugs, lab fees, dental services and other health
related charges were well below average in Etowah County.
Gadsden’s composite health care score was 83.7%.
We trailed only the Auburn/Opelika area in the state and
only by 1%.”
The Chamber’s research director,
Tim Whitmore, heads a team of interns from Jacksonville State
University and Gadsden State Community College that compile
prices on the various items and services that make up the
quarterly survey.
For uniformity, all participating MSA’s are obligated to perform
the pricing portion on the same days on over 60 products and
services surveyed. Each quarterly study is weighted with grocery items as
12.49%; housing as 29.84%; utilities as 9.94%; transportation as
10.73%; health care at 4.07%; and miscellaneous goods & services
as 32.93% of the total 100%.
One example of how cost-of-living
data can be used is to compare what a person would need to earn
if he or she was moving from the Gadsden area to a larger
metropolitan area and the reverse – how much less would you need
to maintain the same standard of living if you moved from the
bigger city to Gadsden.
For example:
·
If someone moved from Atlanta, GA
to Gadsden, AL your
after-tax income could be 5.40%
less to maintain your current lifestyle; from Fort
Lauderdale, FL your after-tax amount could be 24% lower; from
Jackson, MS 3.80% lower; from Manhattan, NY 59% lower; from
Philadelphia, PA 26% lower; from Raleigh, NC 13% less; from San
Francisco, CA 47% less; and from Washington D.C. 34% lower.
·
Moving from Gadsden to Baltimore, MD you would need to add 34%
to your income after taxes;
to Miami-Dade County, FL add 28%; to Chicago, IL an after tax
increase of 22% would be needed; to Newark NJ a 44% increase; to
San Diego, CA 49% after taxes; and from Panama City, FL you
would need to make 19% more after taxes to stay even.
“When you look at the data on all
318 MSA’s, you might question one or two items or services but
all in all, this is a highly comprehensive study and numbers are
randomly checked by the ACCRA people who assimilate the data.
If costs appear suspect,
they will call the chamber in that city and ask for
clarification”, Quinn added.
The Chamber plans to release the
results, percentage-wise, each quarter to determine if the
Gadsden area is in-line with other MSA’s our size throughout
Alabama, the southeast and the country.
Figures released on the 10 Most
Expensive and the 10 Least Expensive Urban Areas are also made
available. The most
expensive are in order:
URBAN AREA
INDEX
1.
New York (Manhattan), NY
220.3
2.
San Francisco, CA
170.9
3.
Honolulu, HI
161.7
4.
New York (Queens), NY
157.7
5.
San Jose, CA
156.8
6.
Nassau County, NY
151.8
7.
Orange County, CA
150.1
8.
Stamford, CT
148.5
9.
Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
148.1
10.
Oakland, CA
147.6
*Least Expensive:
COL
URBAN AREA
INDEX
1.
Pryor Creek, OK
82.4
2.
Joplin, MO
82.5
3.
Seguin, TX
84.5
4.
Harlingen, TX
85.6
5.
Garden City, KS
85.7
6.
Muskogee, OK
85.7
7.
McAllen, TX
85.8
8.
Ashland, OH
85.8
9.
Cookeville, TN
86.1
10.
Palestine-Anderson County, TX
86.2
MGH Center for Cultural Arts “Art of Competition” exhibit is the 2008 Alabama Tourism Award Winner of the Event of the Year Award
Thirteen tourism organizations,
leaders and events will be honored Tuesday night, August 12 at
the closing event of the three-day Alabama Governor's Conference
on Tourism in
The conference brings together industry representatives for professional development and meetings to discuss tourism in the state beginning Sunday, August 10 and ending Tuesday afternoon on August 12. Tourism industry professionals, Mayors and legislative dignitaries throughout the state will attend the conference.
The
Individuals recognized for outstanding achievements in the state’s tourism industry include Southern Living Vice President and Editor-in-Chief John Alex Floyd Jr. who is honored with the Media Advocate Award; U.S. Representative Artur Davis is presented with the Government Advocate Award; the Tourism Employee of the Year is Charles Winters, Vice President of Marketing, Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Executive of the Year is Gene Brett, Brett-Robinson Realty, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach; and the Alabama Tourism Department Employee of the Year award goes to Art Director Tommy Cauthen. Chalmus Weathers (posthumous) is inducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame. Weathers was the co-founder of the Boaz Chamber of Commerce and he was instrumental in bringing the shopping outlet concept to Boaz.
The 2008 Organization of the Year is presented to the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Welcome Center of the Year goes to the Sumter Welcome Center in Cuba; The Montgomery Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau receives the Partnership Award; and the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro is honored with the Director’s Award.
Governor and Mrs. Bob Riley are
scheduled to attend the awards gala at the Wynfrey Hotel in
The awards were first presented in
1998 and honor outstanding achievements in the state’s tourism
industry. Each award winner is recognized as a key player in
making tourism a strong economic force. Tourism contributed $9.3
billion to
EIGHTY-THREE PERCENT OF ALABAMA SCHOOLS MAKE AYP WHILE INCREASING ACADEMIC GOALS
State experiences an 18 percent decrease in high poverty schools needing improvement Montgomery, Ala. — Reports released today by the Alabama Department of Education show that in its fifth year of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) implementation, most Alabama schools continue to increase student performance and move towards reaching the ultimate goal of 100 percent student proficiency as identified by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. This year, 1,140 of Alabama‘s 1,367 schools made AYP. In all, 83.39 percent of schools across Alabama met 100 percent of their goals to achieve AYP. Equally important, the state experienced an 18 percent reduction in the number of high poverty Title I schools identified as needing ―school improvement.‖ Overall findings are encouraging because the percentage of students required to meet the proficiency rate was raised even higher in 2008. These rates are known as annual measurable objectives and Alabama‘s percentages within its proficiency goals will continue to be raised each year. The national target determined by the NCLB law is for all students to be proficient in reading and mathematics by 2014. Governor Bob Riley, who serves as the state school Board president, commented ―Alabama‘s schools have made tremendous progress during the past few years. Just four years ago, only 23 percent of schools met all their yearly progress goals. This year, we‘ve raised the bar again and saw a decrease in the number of schools designated as needing ‗school improvement.‘ If we continue to expand proven programs like the Alabama Reading Initiative, Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative, and ACCESS distance learning, we‘ll increase the quality of teaching and learning across the state.‖ Of the 227 Alabama schools that did not achieve 100 percent of their individual goals, 134 made 90-99.99 percent, 54 made 80-89.99 percent, 17 made 70-79.99 percent, 12 made 60-69.99 percent, and only 10 schools statewide achieved less than 60 percent. State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton pointed out that approximately 66 percent (or 150 schools) of the schools that did not make AYP this year missed it by only one goal. ―The state Board of Education and I have offered suggestions for improvement to the No Child Left Behind law,‖ said Morton. ―As the U.S. Congress considers reauthorizing the law, one change we hope is made will be to consider different consequences for schools based on the degree to which they miss AYP. That way, if a school misses AYP in just one area it is not treated the same as a school that misses it across the board.‖ Morton noted that over 97 percent of Alabama‘s schools would score an ―A‖ or ―B‖ under a traditional grading scale of 90-100 equals an A and 80-89 equals a B. - more -Determining AYP status AYP designations for Alabama schools and school systems include student achievement and participation rates for reading and mathematics on the
Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test (ARMT) – Grades 3-8, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) – Grade 11, and the Alabama Alternate Assessment (AAA) – Grades 3-8 and 11. The AYP status of schools and school systems is based on achievement on assessments of the state‘s academic content standards, participation rates on these assessments, and meeting the Additional Academic Indicators (AAI) based on attendance rates for elementary and middle schools and graduation rates for high schools. Schools and systems are required to achieve 100% of their AYP goals Each school and system is measured based on the performance of a variety of groups in their respective student populations. The NCLB law requires schools and systems to meet annual goals in the academic achievement of the overall student population and by student groups, including economic background, race/ethnicity, limited English proficiency, and special education. Depending on the student composition, a school will have a minimum of five goals up to as many as thirty-seven goals. Under the NCLB law, schools and systems must meet 100 percent of their respective annual goals in all student groups to be identified as having achieved AYP. As a result, missing just one goal will prevent a school or system from making AYP. School Improvement If a school does not make AYP for two consecutive years in the same component (reading, mathematics, or AAI), the school enters School Improvement status. Those schools missing AYP for at least two consecutive years will receive specific training and technical assistance through the state Support Team, which will help schools analyze their assessment data and develop a Continuous Improvement Plan. School Choice Alabama evaluated 1,367 public schools for 2008-09 AYP status (based on 2007-08 data) – 857 are Title I schools (schools that receive Title I federal funding, the largest single federal funding source for education). This year, 73 of those Title I schools were identified for School Improvement compared to last year‘s 89 schools. That‘s an 18 percent decrease over last year. Of the 137 total schools identified for School Improvement statewide in 2008, 64 are non-Title I schools. Also, there‘s a 10 percent decrease in the overall number of schools identified for School Improvement when compared to last year (153 in 2007 vs. 137 in 2008). Perhaps more favorable is that the total number of schools identified as needing improvement continues to drop (458 in 2006 vs. 137 in 2008). NCLB requires Title I schools identified for School Improvement in Year 1 and beyond to offer school choice to all students. This year, schools identified for School Improvement Year 1 may take advantage of an approved waiver request from the U.S. Department of Education. Through this waiver, select districts have the flexibility to offer students School Choice, supplemental educational services, or both - which ever meets the districts unique circumstances. Title I schools identified for School Improvement in Year 2 and beyond are required to continue the school choice option to all students and provide supplemental educational services (SES) to students eligible for free/reduced meals. Non-Title I schools may offer the same provisions, but are not required to because of cost factors. Parents may contact their local school system‘s central office for assistance.
Sessions Announces $13 Million in Federal Funding for Emergency Preparedness in Alabama
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) announced nearly $13
million in federal grants today that will bolster state and
local government efforts to improve Alabama’s readiness and
response capabilities for both natural and man-made emergencies.
The safety funding, distributed annually through four programs
operated by the Department of Homeland Security, totals
$12,767,520. In each case, the program funding levels
represent modest increases over previous years.
“I am proud to announce an investment of nearly $13 million in
Alabama’s safety and emergency response capabilities.
The direct result of this funding will be to make communities
across the state safer in the event of a disaster,” Sessions
said. “After Hurricane Katrina, we saw the importance of a
well-equipped, well-informed response team in Alabama.
This funding will allow our state and local agencies to continue
to improve and grow their capabilities. The better
prepared we are, the safer we are.”
Alabama will receive $11.17 million through the Department’s State Homeland Security Program to enhance emergency preparedness in the state, including operations conducted by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. The state will receive an additional $264,636 to help provide community emergency training to local citizens. The announcement also includes $1.28 million for mass casualty response preparedness, to be shared equally between four Alabama cities: Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery. A Department program designed to assist Native American tribes prepare for emergencies allocated $70,000 to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, one of 12 tribes selected nationally to receive funding this year. Federal grant programs are one way that local leaders, elected officials and non-profit organizations can secure funding for local community improvement projects. Twenty-six federal agencies administer over 1,000 different competitive grant programs each year. Sessions’ Birmingham office includes a full time staff member to help local officials around the state seeking federal grants. In the last two years, the office assisted in obtaining over $170 million in federal funds for communities and organizations in Alabama. Sessions’ office also publishes a Weekly Grants Advisory, available on Sessions’ website, www.sessions.senate.gov, to make grant information and application procedures more accessible to leaders in Alabama.
Honda Cutting production at Lincoln.
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama has announced plans to cut production at its Alabama facility starting in August to line up with the drop in sales of its light truck models.
Overall production will be reduced by about 10,000 Odysseys and Pilots between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, the company said in a news release.
Spokesman Mark Morrison said there will be no layoffs related to the cutback. Instead, Honda associates will be given options that include coming to work and being paid to perform non-production jobs, using vacation days or taking the time off with no pay and no attendance penalty.
During the non-production shifts, the plant will work to strengthen its safety and quality programs, Morrison said.
"Our associates who choose to come to work during these non-production shifts will use this time for additional training in safety and quality as well as maintenance," he said. "In addition, many associates will make preparations for the Ridgeline pick up that will soon be built in Lincoln."
Since Honda started production seven years ago, the company has made adjustments - both increases and decreases - based on customer demand, the news release said.
Amid rising gas prices, sales of the Honda Pilot sport utility vehicle, which has a new 2009 model, dropped 21 percent in June while the Honda Odyssey minivan saw sales fall 8.6 percent.
The new courses are:
Course participants who complete the 30-minute online training programs can earn a certificate of completion from the SBA. Registration can be found at www.sba.gov/services/training/index.html.
Some problems with sludge have been due to the addition of ethanol to the fuel. Ethanol is an alternative fuel being used to supplement our fuel to prevent the United States from being 100% reliant on foreign oil. Station owners have been in the process of purging their fuel systems because ethanol acts as a cleaning agent in station tanks and in motors, which can cause sludge to surface in fuel.
“The problems with contaminated gas should be a temporary issue that will be resolved once station owners have purged their fuel systems,” said Sparks. “It is extremely important that we are able to use alternative fuels. Not only does it help us not rely on foreign sources of oil, but it helps farmers here in the US.”
A build up of sludge can eventually cause damage to the pump filter and allow sludge into your vehicle’s gas tank. If the pump runs slow, for example if it takes more than ten minutes to fill your tank, the filter is probably clogged and needs to be changed. Inform the gas station attendant so that they can change the filter.
For small engines, such as lawn mowers, consumers should visually inspect the fuel filter. If you see contamination, change out the fuel filter to eliminate the problem.
If consumers suspect there is a problem with gas contamination, they should immediately call the Department’s 1-800 number with the store location and pump number. The 1-800 number is located on the Alabama shaped stickers on the pumps.
Looking for ways to conserve energy and save money on your power bill? Alabama Power offers energy-saving tips for the hot summer season:
In addition to energy saving tips, customers can get a customized energy checkup in as little as five minutes by going to www.alabamapower.com. Customers can take the EZ Check Up or the Full Check Up and get customized information on ways to save on their energy bill.
For more information on saving energy and cutting costs, contact Alabama Power at 1-800-990-APCO (2726) or go to www.alabamapower.com.
Car Chase ends in Rainbow City


Tuesday afternoon had a little
excitement added to it on the drive. A car chase that had begun on
Sutton
Bridge Road just after 4:00PM hit the main drive on 411 in Rainbow
City. The suspects SUV went through the red light at Winn Dixie and
clipped the front end of a RBC police car while being pursued by an
unmarked police SUV. The Suspect then pulled off at the Devita
Dialysis driveway and fled on foot until officers caught up with and
apprehended him just behind the studios of WKXX. The roads were
blocked for a good hour to clear up the mess and get accounts of all
witnesses. The suspect was taken to Riverview Regional by the
parents request.
Sessions to Tour Alabama Power’s Gadsden Electric Co-Generation Facility
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) will tour Alabama Power’s Gadsden Electric Generating Plant at 3:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 29. Sessions will hear from plant officials regarding Alabama Power’s use of renewable resources such as woodchips and switchgrass in coal-fired electrical plants. Using renewable resources reduces coal consumption and lowers emissions during the electrical generation process. Sessions is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The event is the eleventh in a 14-stop, week-long energy tour of Alabama. Sessions is using the tour to highlight the need for a comprehensive national energy program that focuses on increasing production of American energy, developing new technology to improve efficiency and conservation, and transitioning to greater usage of clean, reliable American-based nuclear power.
Exclusive Interview with David
Neal, Former Chief Meteorologist at FOX 6
< Related stories below >
Etowah County native and former Birmingham weatherman David Neal sues FOX 6
According to a suit filed in Jefferson
County Circuit Court posted online by the Birmingham News,
David Neal, a native of Etowah County and former
weatherman for FOX 6 in Birmingham, is suing his former
employer for damages and release from the "Not-to-Compete"
covenant.
The suit outlines the following counts:
(1) Breach of Contract, (2) Intentional Interference with Contract and
Business Relations, (3) Outrageous Conduct, (4) Civil
Conspiracy, (5) Fraud, Misrepresentation, Deceit and
Fraudulent Suppression, (6) Request for Declaratory Relief.
David Neal was employed by FOX 6 for eleven years and was fired
this past March. He is a graduate of Coosa Christian
High School and Florida State University.
Valerie Richardson named acting president of Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden,
Alabama –
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne announced today that
Valerie Richardson has been appointed as acting president of Gadsden State
Community College. Her appointment is effective May 17, 2008.
Gadsden State President
Renée Culverhouse
announced today in a meeting with her cabinet that she will leave her post
immediately due to the worsening state of her health. She will be on extended
sick leave until December 31.
In a resignation letter to Chancellor Byrne dated April 23, Culverhouse cited
continued and serious illness as her reason for ending her presidency.
Culverhouse has served as president of Gadsden State Community College since
September 1, 2001.
“Renée
and I have been discussing her health problems for a year now and I have been
very concerned about them. I know this is difficult for her and I wish her
nothing but the best," Byrne said. “However, I am very pleased to have as the
acting president someone with the competence, integrity, and commitment that Ms.
Richardson possesses.”
Richardson currently serves as vice president of institutional advancement and
student services at Gadsden State Community College. She has been employed with
Gadsden State since 1999 and has served in numerous positions there.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the acting president of
such a great institution,” she said. “I will work hard to ensure its continued
success.”
On January 1, 2009 Richardson will become interim president of the college.
The title “acting president” is used when there is a sitting president on leave.
The title “interim
president” is used when there is no sitting president at an institution. There
is no functional difference between the titles. The search for a permanent
president will take place during the spring of 2009.
Gadsden State Community College serves students in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah,
and portions of Cherokee and St. Clair counties. Gadsden State is part of the
Alabama Community College System, offering technical certificate and degree
programs, workforce training, and adult education.
Renee Culverhouse retiring from GSCC at the end
of the year

Gadsden State Community College President Renée Culverhouse
today announced her retirement effective December 31. In a letter to
Alabama Community College System Chancellor Bradley Byrne, Dr. Culverhouse said,
“For the last four years, I have been suffering with several serious and
potentially debilitating illnesses…..Gadsden State , its employees, students and
communities deserve a leader who can and will devote all the time and energy
necessary to keep the college a vital, flourishing entity.” Byrne said,
“Gadsden State will lose an energetic and dedicated president when she steps
down at the end of this year. “
Culverhouse was selected to serve as Gadsden State’s fifth president in September 2001. Etowah County Probate Judge Bobby Junkins, a member of the presidential search committee that selected Culverhouse, stated, “This is a tremendous loss for our community. President Culverhouse’s leadership took the college to a higher level of growth through education in health care, workforce development, and community involvement.”
Culverhouse strengthened relations with area school
systems, improved involvement with community groups and enhanced cultural
diversity. Community leader and former educator Katherine Barrett
commented, “My relationship with Renée has been one of exceptional goodwill.
Her accomplishments have made a positive impact on our community. My best wishes
are extended to her for a great retirement.”
Workforce development was a primary focus for Culverhouse,
which culminated in 2007 with the establishment of the Workforce Development
Partnership in Etowah County. Due to the increase in demand for high tech
jobs in Alabama, Culverhouse continued to promote a curriculum devoted to
meeting the needs of area industries.
“She was truly a president driven by purpose. I
appreciate the great educational relationships that she fostered and feel
confident that she will encourage her successor to continue to support our
future endeavors,” said Gadsden City School Superintendent Bob Russell.
During her administration Gadsden State developed a much
needed Skills Training Division. Since the inception of this division in
May 2002, more than 1,000 students have taken advantage of the short term
training to improve their job skills.
Culverhouse was also instrumental in the merger of Ayers
State Technical College in Anniston and opening the McClellan Center. “She
has been a huge asset to our community. The improvements she helped make
at Ayers and McClellan will have a long-lasting impact on the Anniston area,”
stated Susan Miller Chairperson of Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
Fall Semester the new academic facility, Gadsden State
Cherokee, will open offering a wide variety of courses. Culverhouse has
worked with tirelessly with Cherokee County leaders to make this a reality.
Culverhouse has been a leader in helping the division of
health sciences continue to play a major role in meeting the ever increasing
demand for health professionals in Northeast Alabama. She was also
responsible for creating the first honors scholar program in a community college
in Alabama, an increase in hybrid and distance learning courses and wireless
internet access for the campuses.
Looking back over her tenure, Culverhouse said, “I
appreciate the support I have received from the people in the Gadsden State
service area. My husband Charlie and I look forward to remaining here and being
an active part of our community.”
She is active in numerous community organizations and is
currently the chairperson for the Chamber, Gadsden and Etowah County.
Riley Awards
Grant to Aid Crime Victims in Calhoun and Cleburne Counties
MONTGOMERY—Gov.
Bob Riley has awarded a $46,080 grant to continue assisting victims of crime in
Calhoun and Cleburne counties. The grant will assist the Family Services
Center of Calhoun County to offer therapy, counseling and referral services to
crime victims. The center works with local law enforcement agencies and courts
to ensure that victims get immediate help and that offenders are successfully
prosecuted. “Both children and adults who have been victimized by crime need
professional counseling and assistance available to them,” said Riley. “I am
pleased to support the work of Family Services on behalf of the people of
Calhoun and Cleburne counties.” Since 1998, the Anniston-based
organization has been helping adult and child crime victims overcome physical
and psychological trauma. Counseling is offered in both individual and group
settings and the organization conducts follow-up phone calls to make sure the
victim has the needed information and referrals. The goal of the center is to
lessen the trauma and feelings of fear, hopelessness and shame that many victims
experience. Riley notified Carol Gleghorn, president of the
organization’s board of directors, that the grant had been approved. Local funds
of $11,520 will supplement the award. Funding for the grant was made
available to the state through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Alabama
Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award.
Sen. Sessions Announces Staff Changes
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) today announced a promotion and four new appointments to his Senate staff. Sessions appointed Sarah Haley as deputy press secretary, Andrew Logan as legislative correspondent, Ivy Williams as staff assistant and promoted Natalie Patterson to legislative correspondent in his Washington office. Sessions also appointed Carrie Suggs as caseworker in his Birmingham field office. Sarah Haley, originally from Germantown, Tenn., serves as Sen. Sessions’ deputy press secretary. Her duties include coordinating television and radio appearances and fielding media inquiries. Prior to joining Sessions’ staff, Haley worked for Fox News Channel in New York City where she booked guests and produced segments for the O’Reilly Factor. She received her bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and electronic media in May 2004 from the University of Memphis, where she also pursued graduate studies. Andrew Logan serves as legislative correspondent for budget, tax, and trade. A native of Birmingham, Logan graduated in May 2007 from the Croft Institute of International Studies at the University of Mississippi. Logan holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a regional concentration in Latin America and a thematic concentration in global business and economics. Prior to joining Sessions’ staff, Logan worked as a research intern at the Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability in Falls Church, Va. Ivy Williams of Sardis City serves as staff assistant in the Washington office. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Alabama in May 2007. Williams also interned for U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) in 2006. Natalie Patterson now serves as legislative correspondent for environment, transportation and energy issues. A native of Troy, Patterson served as staff assistant for Sessions prior to the promotion. She graduated from Troy University in May 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Patterson was Troy’s Student Government Association vice president for legislative affairs and presided over the student Senate. Patterson previously served as an intern in Sessions’ Washington office. Carrie Suggs of Gadsden joins Sessions’ Birmingham staff as a caseworker. She graduated in April from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Suggs served as a caseworker in Rep. Aderholt’s Gadsden office from 2003-2007.
Alabama Chocolate
Festival schedule announced for 2008

Rainbow
City Mayor, Terry John Calhoun announced that the 3rd annual Alabama
Chocolate Festival will take place Saturday, April 5th from 10:30am until
8pm. "We have outgrown the venue at Rainbow Plaza and are moving to a
larger area, the football/soccer field at Rainbow Middle School"
Charlotte Phifer, chairperson of
Project EDGE, added " our committee has been involved in several programs i
hte city but none with the positive impact of the chocolate festival. It
is hard to believe this year will be just our
third.
Activities planned this include the "Chocolate Taste Off", a Carnival, and Country Group Emerson Drive. Currently their popular song, " You Still Own Me", is number 23 on the Country National Airplay Charts.
In addition, Alabama
Chocolate Festival will also have "the Search for the pot of Gold at the
end of the Rainbow (City)." Four
weeks before the festival, a clue will be given each Thursday as to where a gold
certificate is hidden. This will entitle the finder to take possession of
a Treasure Chest awarded at 4:30pm on the 5th. This year's certificate
will be hidden in a public place. The value of this year's treasure chest
will be just over $6,000 in Cash, merchandise, and Certificates for services.
Additional Information:
www.AlabamaChocolateFestival.com
Culverhouse,
DeGraaf;
Changing of the guard at the Chamber
At the Annual Meeting of the Gadsden-Etowah Chamber of
Commerce, Renee Culverhouse took the Board of Directors position as
President from Doug DeGraaf. Culverhouse, the President of
Gadsden State Community College, stated that in 2008 the Chambers'
focus would be on the growth and support of small business in the
area. Culverhouse mentioned that growing up in a with parents
who both owned and worked in the small business arena, she
understood the importance of the development of the small businesses
in the Etowah county area. DeGraaf, discussed the growth
of Riverfest and gave the chamber annual report sang to an
overture of the "Gillian's Island" theme. DeGraaf
summarized the year by saying that the 2007 Riverfest had been the
biggest in history.
John McCain 2008 Announces
Alabama Leadership Team
- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today
announced its Alabama Leadership Team. United States Congressman Spencer Bachus
will serve as the Southeastern United States Congressional Chair of the McCain
campaign. Alabama Attorney General Troy King will serve as Chair of the McCain
2008 Alabama campaign. Representative Bachus and Attorney General King will
continue to lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's
candidacy in Alabama.
"Lots of candidates talk about the issues important to conservatives. But, only one candidate has a record to back up his rhetoric, and that's John McCain," said Congressman Spencer Bachus. "For twenty-four years, John McCain has taken bold positions on the cornerstone conservative issues of life, marriage, and limited government. It is with pride and gratitude that I am supporting my friend, John McCain for president."
"John McCain is the best hope for conservatives to succeed in November," said Attorney General Troy King. "He is a principled conservative with a clear record of supporting a strong national defense, fighting for fiscal responsibility, and defending the sanctity of life. John McCain has served our country his entire life, and I am honored to lead his efforts here in Alabama."
John McCain thanked the leadership of his Alabama campaign. "As a representative in the United States Congress, Spencer has displayed his commitment to the people of Alabama," said Senator McCain. "Troy is an outstanding public servant and passionate advocate for the rule of law. Both of these men are dedicated to the principles of limited government and traditional values that we share. I'm proud to have Republican leaders and dedicated public servants like Spencer Bachus and Troy King leading my campaign to victory in Alabama."
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ALABAMA LEADERSHIP TEAM
Southeastern United States Congressional Chair
Congressman Spencer Bachus, Birmingham
State Chair
Attorney General Troy King, Montgomery
Honorary Chair
Former Alabama GOP Chairman Winton Blount, Montgomery
Legislators for McCain Co-Chairs
State Senator Ben Brooks, Mobile
State Representative Cam Ward, Alabaster
Legislator for McCain
State Representative Warren Beck, Geneva
State Representative Randy Davis, Daphne
State Representative Owen Drake, Leeds
State Representative Joe Faust, Fairhope
State Senator Steve French, Birmingham
State Representative Todd Greeson, Ider
State Representative Mike Hill, Columbiana
State Representative Jim McClendon, Springville
State Representative Allen Treadaway, Morris
State Representative Jack Williams, Birmingham
Veteran Chair
Don Fisher, Montgomery
Veteran Co-Chairs
Roland Day, Birmingham
Gen. Charles Ingram, Troy
Capt. Hal Pierce, Daphne
Mayoral Chair
Mayor Pat Thomas, Dothan
Mayoral Co-Chairs
Mayor Sheldon Day, Thomasville
Mayor Tim Kant, Fairhope
Lawyers for McCain Co-Chairs
Judge Terry Butts, Luverne
Matt Lembke, Birmingham
Riley
Awards Grant to Help Abused Children in Etowah County
MONTGOMERY—Gov. Bob Riley has awarded a $92,591 grant to help child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Etowah County overcome the trauma of the abuse and begin the recovery process. The grant will help the James M. Barrie Center for Children Inc. in Gadsden continue providing forensic evaluations and counseling to child abuse victims. “No child should ever experience abuse, but those who do need access to professional assistance” said Riley. “I commend the center for their efforts to help abused children throughout the healing process.” The center works with multiple agencies involved in the abuse investigation, including the Department of Human Resources, local law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. The approach