Montgomery, Ala. – Forty-one Alabama public school students are among the 1,600 Semifinalists in the 45^th 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.

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:

For more information on the National AchievementScholarship Program, visit www.nationalmerit.org, or contact Eileen Artemakis, Public Information, NMSC, at 847-866-5100 or mediainfo@nmerit.net.

A.G. Troy King to present Southside Elementary with "Safe School" Award

(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., Tuesday, September 9, at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School

JCPenney to Open Four New Stores for Alabama Shoppers

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

All Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) wildland firefighters are now back home from western wildfire details. The final team returned to Alabama on August 22 from the state of Texas where almost a million and a half acres have burned since the first of the year. Beginning in mid-February, a total of 78 AFC personnel (12 separate crews) have been dispatched to assist the Texas Forest Service. Joining crews from several other states, the Alabama firefighters worked with heavy wildland fire suppression equipment (bulldozers) to protect homes and businesses that were threatened by wildfires. In addition to supplying firefighters, the AFC also sent eight experienced fire control supervisors and task force leaders to Texas.

Meanwhile, another team of Alabama firefighters returned home earlier in August after battling wildfires in the Los Padres National Forest, located in the coastal mountains of central California. Nine Commission associates paired up with eleven USDA Forest Service personnel to make up a 20-person interagency crew, while two other AFC personnel served as crew bosses for other crews. Five additional Commission associates served as strike team leaders and safety officers in California.

“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 Texas and California, but assistance to Virginia as well. Any time other states have made requests for firefighting personnel, the AFC firefighters have stepped up to the plate. I’m really proud of our employees,” said State Forester Linda Casey. “In such cases of extreme wildfire conditions, a reciprocal agreement exists wherein the states offer firefighting support to each other. In the unfortunate event that Alabama needed help with wildfires, these other states would provide us with assistance.”

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 Texas was Lou Hyman from the state office in Montgomery.

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 California were: Mike Older (Covington County), Philip Smith (Etowah County), Karl Byrd (Marion County), Mark Sullivan (from the state office in Montgomery).

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.

Developer Close Out Sale: Western Land Rush in Arizona

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:

Medical supplies, such as prescription medications and dentures
Toiletries
Clothing and bedding-a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
Games/comfort items for children
Disaster supplies-flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)

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:

Visit www.redcross.org, and click on the Safe and Well link
If you are currently being affected by these disasters, click: 'List Myself as Safe and Well', enter your pre-disaster address and phone number, and select any of the standard message options.
If you are concerned about a loved one, click 'Search' and enter the person's name and pre-disaster phone number or address. If they have registered, you will be able to view the messages that they posted.
If you don't have internet access, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register yourself and your family. Follow the prompts for disaster information.

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 19^th, 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 31^st. 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:

COL

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

*The Metro or Micro areas with the lowest cost-of-living usually have low home prices and utilities. Pryor Creek, Ok’s Housing Index was 68.4%; Seguin, TX was 75.3%; Harlingen, TX was 72.8%; McAllen, TX was 71.3. Muskogee, OK was 68.4 and Ashland, OH was 71.0

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 Hoover.

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 Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile is named the Attraction of the Year; the Event of the Year Award goes to the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts in Gadsden for its “Art of Competition” exhibit; and the Brundidge Historical Society’s original folklife play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime,” is honored with the Governor’s Tourism Award.

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 Hoover.

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 Alabama’s economy in 2007 and supported 170,000 jobs statewide. An estimated 22.4 million people visited the state last year.

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.

Birmingham Business Journal - by Cindy F. Crawford Staff

Sparks Advises Consumers About “Bad Gas”

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.

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 >

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Sparks Advises Consumers About “Bad Gas”