The LaFayette Sun

Chambers County’s unemployment rate dropped by one percent from March to April and in turn fell below 7 percent for the first time since 2007.

Figures released last week showed that the county’s rate fell from 7.9 percent in March to 6.9 percent in April, matching the statewide rate.

Unemployment in the county was 1,160 in March and 1,011 in April. Employment was 13,547 in March and increased to 13,714 in April.

Overall, Chambers County was rated 29th out of Alabama’s 67 counties in unemployment. The county averaged 19th in 2012.

Surrounding counties, including Lee (66th), Randolph (35th) and Tallapoosa (27th), all had unemployment rates of 7 percent or below.

Statewide the preliminary April unemployment rate was 6.9 percent for April, down from last month’s 7.2 percent and below the 7.4 percent recorded in April of 2012.  April’s rate represent 150,503 unemployed persons, compared to 155,011 last month and 158,749 in April 2012.

“The labor force increased, meaning more people are regaining confidence in the job market,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Also, the number of people employed increased, meaning more people have jobs, and the number of people who are unemployed decreased. I am encouraged to see these improvements, and I will continue my efforts to recruit more jobs until everyone who needs a job is able to find one.” Read the rest of this entry »

The LaFayette Police Department will once again join other local and state law enforcement agencies in Chambers County and statewide in a crackdown against seatbelt violations.

The Memorial Day Click-it or Ticket campaign began Monday May 20 at 12:01 a.m. and will end Sunday June 2 at 11:59 p.m.

During this Memorial Day period, LaFayette police officers and Alabama State Troopers will be out in full force to enforce the seatbelt and child safety passenger laws.  There will be numerous checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout the City of LaFayette during the day and night.

“Wearing your seatbelt can save your life, your family and friends,” LaFayette Police Chief Kenny Vines said.  “Wearing your seatbelt will help reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a vehicle crash.”

Chief Vines said his police officers would have zero-tolerance when it comes to wearing your seatbelt.  “If you get caught by one of our officers without your seatbelt on, you will get ticketed, and this is the only warning you will get” Vines said.  He urged everyone to be safe, be smart, and buckle up it could save your life.  Have a safe Memorial Day.

The Chambers County Board of Education’s Monday meeting was a time to recognized a number of individuals. From high school honors graduates to retiring employees to a state champion track team, all received praise from the superintendent and Board. Some staff changes were also made on Monday, including the naming of a new principal at Huguley Elementary.

Among those recognized were members of LaFayette High’s Class 2A state championship boys track and field team and the LHS girls team that finished runner-up.

“We are so proud of these guys on having won the state title and the girls for being the runner-up team,” Superintendent Kelli Hodge said. “It’s been a really good year for our sports teams at LaFayette High.” LaFayette’s boys’ basketball team finished runner-up in 2A as well.

The finish was the best in school history for both teams and Hodge added their accomplishments were that much more impressive because LaFayette does not have a track facility. They instead have to practice on the LHS football field or travel to Ram Stadium at Valley High School. She credited Coaches Don Turner and Corey Thornton as well as the athletes for their amazing dedication and hard work. Read the rest of this entry »

The LaFayette City Council recognized the city’s three AMEA scholarship winners at Monday night’s meeting. The scholarships are each in the amount of $2,500 and are awarded to senior’s whose families receive electric services from AMEA’s member cities. LaFayette’s three recipients are all seniors at LaFayette High School. They are Travion Smith, Jadalyn Story and Kelsey Trammell. Pictured at the meeting are the scholarship recipients along with the LaFayette council; from left, are Councilman Terry Mangram, Councilwoman Tammie Williams, Smith, Trammell, Story, Mayor Barry Moody, Councilman Mike Ellis and Councilman Stevie Rowe.

The LaFayette City Council recognized three outstanding high school students at their regular meeting on Monday night at City Hall. The AMEA’s annual scholarship recipients, along with members of their families, were on hand at the meeting to accept their award from the mayor and council.

Each year, AMEA and its 11 member cities make available 33, $2,500 scholarships, which include regular and technical school scholarships. To be eligible for either of AMEA’s scholarships, a student’s family must receive electric service from a member’s electric utility, in this case the City of LaFayette, and the student must attend an Alabama college or university. This year scholarships, totaling approximately $82,500, have been awarded through the program.

LaFayette’s three recipients are all seniors at LaFayette High School. Travion Smith is the son of Dennis Satterwhite and Titanya Longshore. He plans on attending Alabama State University where he will study Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Med. Jadalyn Story is the daughter of Patrick and Cynthia Story. She is the LHS Valedictorian and plans on attending Auburn University where she will study Biology. Kelsey Trammell is the daughter of Cecilia Trammell. Kelsey plans on attending Southern Union State Community College in Wadley where she will study Cosmetology. Read the rest of this entry »

LaFayette High School and Chambers Academy both have graduation exercises planned for next week.

LaFayette High School will hold its’ ceremony for the graduating class of 2013 on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. CST on the LHS football field.  In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will held in the gym.

Baccalaureate/Senior Awards night will be held Thursday, May 16 in the LHS Auditorium at 6 p.m.

The top three students in the LHS Class of 2013 are, from left, Nia Minor, Salutatorian; Jadalyn Story, Valedictorian; and Cyneldra Busby, Historian. Nia is the daughter of Charlnita Boddie and will attend Auburn University in Montgomery after graduation. Jadalyn is the daughter of Patrick and Cynthia Story and will attend Auburn University in the fall. Cyneldra is the daughter of Annette Busby and Robert Watts and plans on attending Southern Union State Community College in Opelika after graduation. The LHS graduation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 pm CST on the football field.

The 2013 LaFayette High Valedictorian is Jadalyn Story and Nia Minor was named Salutatorian.  Cyneldra Busby is the Historian.

Those students who will be graduating on May 22 will include Diamond Shanika Abner, Reneshia Tashawna Allen, Tariana Dejonae Askew, Rhianna Danece Bailey, Tanji Branae Bailey, Marquese Maurice Banks, Arialle Chabli Bledsoe, Tracey Jakira Blunt, Raquazious DeWayne Boyd, Marticia Briskey, RayJean Deanntae, Cyneldra Masha Busby, Antonio De’Vontae Daniel, Jalen Rashard Davis, Shamila Kianna Marie Davis, Laporche Danyell Floyd, Philip Earnest Frazier, Creigory Kentavious Greer, Justin Jovon Griner, Jalan Damal Hambrick, Lamarcus Hardnett, Kadeshia Shanique Hill, Ty’China Shaibrone Hill, Alexis Shaneice Holloway, Tammlar Sharese Holloway, Tyeisha Quinsha Holloway, Jasmine Shakia Hughley, Shaquille Rhyshawn Hughley, Bria Shantay Huguley, Dalvin Devon Huguley, Breonna Sharnese James, Lucky Mercedes James, Cordarious Latray Joiner, Antramecia Shandrellis Kirk, Kentavious Montell Landers, Juan Luise Leiba, Jazmaine Janae Martin, Nia Minor, Shekelia Dechelle Mitchell, Damian Jaleel Paige, Darnell Patten, Jamal Laquavious Patterson, Tekia Sad’e Peay, Shakeyva Nebrya Postell, Latoya Tyshekia Ratchford, Christain DeWayne Ray, Jasemine Monique Ross, Kwontavious Marquez Ross, Keanna Marie Satterwhite, Deshawn Malique Scott Spence, Travion Demeicio Smith, Jadalyn Patriunna Story, Nastassja Kentrell Story, Willie Terrell Story, Terra Sharda Swain, Kwaivian Dequanterrius Terry, Lashauntine Beatrice Thomas, Jakeivious Jerome Tolbert, Romello Duran Tolbert, Camron Antonio Toles, Kelsey Simone Trammell, Aalayia Zhane Vines, Aleshia Shante Vines, Jerquin Montrel Vines, Savitri Torres Vines, JaQuantiez Terrodrier Whitlow, Jasmine Simone Woody, Yakira M. Woody, Nekesha Zachery, Shaneka La-Tres Zachery.

The 2013 Chambers Academy Valedictorian is Erin Hughes (right) and Britne’ Adams is the school’s Salutatorian. Erin is the daughter of Charlie and Donna Hughes and plans on continuing her education at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley. Adams is the daughter of Cindy Sanders and Nathan Adams and will attend Southern Union in Wadley after graduation. CA’s graduation ceremonies are set for Friday, May 24 at 7 pm CST on the football field.

Chambers Academy will hold its’ ceremony for the graduating class of 2013 at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 24 on the CA football field.  In case of inclement weather the ceremony will be held in the Chambers Academy gymnasium.

Baccalaureate service will be held Sunday, May 19  at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in LaFayette.

The 2013 Valedictorian is Erin Hughes and Britne’ Adams was named Salutatorian.

Those students who  will be graduating on May 24 will include Britne’ Nicole Adams, Justin Wade Brown, Alyssa Haley Cotter, Jordan Elizabeth Crowder, Erin Mallory Hughes, Austin Taylor Kilpatrick, Jazmine Alyssa Lashley, Taylor Cameron Lott, Savannah Kathryn Sims, Kathryn Patrice Tucker, Skyelar Jayne Walker, Emily Lauren Welcher, Russell Phillip Whaley, Autumn Samantha White, Zachary Ryan Yarbrough.

In last week’s special election, a measure that called for a four-mill property tax increase was narrowly approved by a margin of 53.07 percent to 46.93 percent. The election saw an expected low turnout of 2,644 people, 1,424 of which voted yes.

The property tax increase will go toward funding for George H. Lanier Hospital and will be levied over the next ten years. “It will give our hospital a better chance to survive and continue to provide quality local health care,” Chattahoochee Valley Hospital Society Board of Trustees President Bill Scott said about the measure. The hospital had requested support through the vote from county officials in order to cover operating losses. The tax will provide an estimated $10 million for the hospital over the next 10 years.

Though the measure passed, it only did so in four of the 20 precincts counted. However, two of those precincts were Valley, where it passed by 338 votes (619-281), and Lanett, where it passed by 230 votes (343-113). It also passed in the Five Points (36-42) and Stroud (17-15) precincts and on Absentee ballots (8-1).

The measure failed in all other precincts, including LaFayette by a margin of 103-125 or 45.18 percent. It failed in Fredonia, 44-57, 43.56 percent; Rescue/Huguley, 106-156, 40.46 percent; Lakeview, 45-53, 45.92 percent; Sturkie, 14-38, 26.92 percent; Cusseta, 24-29, 45.28 percent; Penton, 4-47, 7.84 percent; Buffalo, 12-63, 16 percent; Union Hill, 9-82, 9.89 percent; Mt. Olive, 9-13, 40.91 percent; Milltown, 2-38, 5 percent; Sparkling Springs, 2-5, 28.57 percent; Standing Rock, 5-20, 20 percent; Waverly, 0-29, 0 percent; Ridge Grove, 16-37, 30.19 percent; and at West Chambers, 6-33, 15.38 percent.

“I would like to say thank you to citizens of Chambers County for your trust in our hospital,” Lanier CEO Doug Dewberry said. “We will continue to strive to be the best possible health care facility for our residents.”

Officials certified the results on Tuesday and it did not affect the outcome of the vote.

The LaFayette City Council met in a special called meeting on Monday night to approve a board appointment. The mayor and council also handled a few other items of business in the relatively short meeting.

In appointing members to the Zoning and Planning Board the mayor and council unanimously approved Mac Bryant, Myrtis Allen, M. Allen Tucker, Jr., Neil McCurdy, Forrest Holloway, Harriett Jones, Diane Louis, Diane Perry and Mary Owens Lowery upon the recommendation of City Clerk Louis Davidson. That particular board is given the authority to hear and vote upon land development applications within the city.

Davidson also gave the council an update on the city’s loan status with Farmers and Merchants Bank. He presented them with breakdowns of four outstanding loans that include one for the Commercial Sprint and Tool building, one for the LaFayette Police Department’s service vehicles and two for street paving loans. Davidson singled out the street paving loan and noted they were taken out in 2008 for approximately $1 million and that the balance at this time is $266,042.94. “We’re right on track with the loan,” he said.

The council approved a motion by Councilwoman Tammie Williams to draft an amendment to the city’s policy manual to allow members of S.W.A.T. team to collect comp time in lieu of overtime for their services.

The mayor and council offered their congratulations to the members of the LaFayette High School track and field teams. The boys won the AHSAA 2A state track and field championship this weekend in Selma, while the girls finished in the runner-up spot in 2A. Mayor Barry Moody noted that it was the first boys track title in LHS school history and the highest finish ever for the girls team. He also commended the Chambers Academy girls for winning the AISA 1A state title a few weeks ago. “It’s just tremendous,” he said. “Anytime our local kids do good, it makes us all proud.”

The council also welcomed new Streets and Sanitation Superintendent George Green, who was present at the meeting, to the city’s workforce. “I’d like to thank the mayor and council for having the confidence in me to do the job,” Green said. “With your support I think I can do a good job.”

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The rains washed out the bike event, but did not dampen the spirit of the 37th Annual Hike/Bike/Run on Saturday at Valley Haven. The weather was very wet but the runners and walkers who came out had a great time, thanks to the work of the Hike/Bike/Run volunteers. The runners ran in the rain, and thanks to the City of Valley, the walkers walked inside at the Valley Community Center.

Hundreds of people showed their support for Valley Haven School through Hike/Bike/Run event this year. The events have already exceeded $114,483.00 in funds. It’s the 25th year that the total has gone over $100,000, and all funds go to Valley Haven to support their area program for infants/toddlers and adults with special needs.

Hike/Bike/Run day actually concludes several weeks of special events including LaFayette Day, The H/B/R Auction, the penny jars in area schools, the trike-a-thons, the WCJM Call-in Show, the Peach Walk, the Motorcycle Ride, casual days at area businesses, Fairfax Jr. Variety Club Walk, Valley Haven Client Walk, and The Horse Trail Ride. Hundreds of people participated in these special events over the past few months. Hike/Bike/Run is truly an event for the whole family and the entire community.  Read the rest of this entry »