Thursday, June 29, 2009

July 4th

Trail Ride

In Beaverton

AL

The Youth Ranch and Circle S Ranch in Beaverton Alabama are hosting a trail ride and horse show July 4th.

Come join the fun at the Circle S Ranch in Beaverton, Alabama. The Circle S Ranch is hosting "Reins of Life Youth Ranch" fund raiser on the Fourth of July.

Admission is Donation Only. There will be Electric Camp Site Hook-Ups for $20.00 per night and Stalls for $10.00 per night. Concessions will be available and a Trail Ride starts at 10:00 a.m. on the Fourth. There will be Live Music and lots of other activities. The Horse Show starts at 4:00 p.m. Events are $5.00 each. There will be Timed Events and a Cake Walk.

For more information call Freida Palmer, 205-495-0017, Jeff Martin, 205-522-3944, or Dennis Seals, 205-412-5543 or email Freida Palmer at fpalmer@watvc.com

Tuesday

June 23, 2009

Editorial from Representative Mike Millican

Hot Summer in Alabama

Summer begins officially this week, but you didn’t need a calendar to know that summer has arrived.

Alabama is going through its first heat wave. Our state recently recorded the first triple digit temperatures of the year, and even in the night, the mercury doesn’t drop enough to cool things off.

With the rise in temperatures comes the rise in electricity use, as we try and keep our homes and businesses cool. It is no surprise that summer has the highest electricity use.

Alabama has a high state rank in electricity generation. Most of our electricity is generated from coal, as befitting a state with a large coal industry. However, large portions of our power are generated from two other sources: hydro and nuclear power.

Alabama is a national force in nuclear power generation. Our two nuclear power plants produced more than one-quarter of all the electricity generated in the state, and that output increased recently when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) restarted a nuclear reactor at its Browns Ferry nuclear power plant that had been idle for more than 20 years.

Alabama is also a major force in hydroelectricity, one of the top producers east of the Mississippi. Our state has more than two dozen hydroelectric dams, located mainly along the Alabama and Coosa rivers. Hydroelectric power typically supplies at least 6 percent of Alabama’s electricity.

While we generate a tremendous amount of power, we also use a tremendous amount. Most of our state’s electricity goes to commercial use, and that is no surprise considering how much energy is needed in traditional industries like steel and paper.

Yet Alabama’s per capita consumption of residential electricity is one of the highest in the country as well. We use air-conditioning a lot during times like these, and even in the winter, most homes use heat pumps that run on electricity. Nobody is looking forward to the electric bills coming after this heat wave.

There are some simple and effective ways to reduce electricity consumption during these heat waves.

First of all, experts say to make sure your air filter is changed or cleaned. Having a clean filter is the easiest and most inexpensive way of improving efficiency of your air-conditioning. Replacing a dirty air filter is probably the simplest and most often overlooked maintenance job there is.


Your thermostat is next. The rule for efficiency is to "set it and forget it," changing temperatures often is one of the easiest ways of wasting energy. Experts say that setting the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher is the most efficient temperature for summer months.

Experts also say to use fans. Most of us remember a time when the fan was our air conditioning. Fans used along with air conditioning keep things comfortable without having to lower the thermostat. Every two-degree increase in your thermostat can result in a reduction of up to 10 percent in your air conditioning energy use, and the cost of running a fan is minimal. The difference between 72 degrees and 80 degrees can drop your power bill by almost a third.

These three tips can save you money and help our power producers.

E-Mail:  mike.millican@alhouse.org

Website:  MIKE MILLICAN

State House: Room 628-F
11 S. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-7768

Home: 995 Country Estates Drive
Hamilton, AL 35570
Home Phone: (205) 921-3214
Cell Phone: (205) 468-0694
FAX: (205) 921-5959

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SATISFYING UPDATE ON THE FOLLOWING STORY!

Thank you! We made it! Our $10,000 goal...READ HERE

Anniston, AL Humane Society June, 2009
 

Anniston, AL -

Money problems could force the euthanization of hundreds of animals. The Humane Society of Calhoun County in Anniston can't even pay its utility bills. Without an immediate surge in donations, this could be the beginning of the end for the shelter and its animals...*  abc3340.com

~UPDATE~

Thank you! We made it! Our $10,000 goal for the ChipIn campaign has been met! Thank you to every single one of the 199 people who contributed to this ChipIn. Large or small, your contribution made a difference in the lives of this shelter and all the animals staying there until they find their forever home. (The Campaign continues through the end of June, if you still want to give please visit our home page!)
 

We invite you to remain friends of The Animal Shelter, the shelter YOU helped save:

Bookmark our Web site

Become our Friend on MySpace

Subscribe to our Blog

Become a monthly donor

Join us as a volunteer

Put a Petfinder widget on your site

Vote for us in the Shelter+ Challenge

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ALABAMA HOME CAREGIVER: CARING FOR CAREGIVERS

Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities

A FREE Training Program for Adults who Provide Care for Family Members or Others with Serious Illness or Disabilities

WHEN: July 13th, 15th, & 17th (Monday & Wednesday & Friday) 12 Hours of Training = Need to Come 3 Days, Approved for Social Work CEUs - No Charge

WHERE: Bevill State Community College - Hamilton Campus - Nursing Department Building

TIME: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. each day

PREREGISTER BY JULY 6th by calling Your County Alabama Cooperative Extension System Office:

Marion County: 205-921-3551
Lamar County: 205-695-7139
Fayette County: 205-932-8941
Winston County: 206-489-5376
Franklin County: 256-332-8880

Each participant will get a Home Caregivers Handbook!!

COME LEARN ABOUT:
Aging & Communication - with SENIORS & Legal Issues
Body Mechanics & Health Monitoring & Personal Care
Nutrition & Food Safety & Home Maintenance & Respite Care
Time & Stress Management & Addition Resources
Keeping Records & Prevention of SENIOR Fraud
Disaster Planning Tips for Caregivers

SPONSORS: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Bevill State Nursing Dept. & the Foster Grandparent Program.


ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES, AND TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY, COUNTY GOVERNING BODIES AND USDA COOPERATING. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

There is No Charge for CEU's and that has changed from the previous
flyer. If we can help you any further do not hesitate to give us a
call. Thank you.

Amy Hardin
Administrative Assistant
P.O. Box 400
Hamilton, Al 35570
Phone: 205-921-3551
Fax: 205-921-3018



Registration Form

Organization

Name_________________

Name_________________

Address_______________

______________________

Phone #_____________________
Fax #_____________________

County _____________________

CEU Needed _____________________

Email Address _____________________

6/29/09

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Municipal Alcohol Sales in Marion County A Possibility?

by Wayne Mays

With the passage of HB175 earlier this month, alcohol sales in municipalities in Marion County just might become a reality. HB175 is a bill that was introduced by James M. "JIMMY" Martin (D) from 42^nd District, which includes the counties of Chilton and Shelby, on February 3, 2009 in the regular session of the Alabama House of Representatives.  The bill lowers the population requirement for towns to hold a municipal option election to change wet/dry status from 7,000 people to 1,000 people giving most towns in Marion County the opportunity to choose.

POPULATIONS (AS OF 2007) - Hamilton – 6786, Winfield – 4642, Guin – 2198, Hackleburg – 1453 and Bear Creek – 1004.

Brilliant, Glen Allen and Gu-Win all fall below the 1000 population limit.

For a town to hold an election to vote for the sale of alcoholic beverages the petition has to be filed with the city or town clerk with signatures of residents of that municipality totaling 30% of the number of voters that voted in the previous general election in that municipality. At the time of this story there is a petition being circulated in Hamilton which needs approximately 700 signatures and at last count had somewhere around 400 signatures. The municipal option election shall be held at the time of the primary, general, county-wide or municipal election next succeeding the date of the filing of the petition.

Click Here to View HB175

June Food Assistance Program

State Pro-ration the budget for the Food Assistance Program was reduced by 10% for this year. We will use the funds available the best that we can. Thanks for your cooperation. Marion-Wins to n Counties Community Action Agency will be in the following locations
to distribute food to eligible families.

No applications will be taken at the distribution sites.

*6-22-09 Double Springs (Armory Building ) 11 am – 12 pm
Double Springs Municipal Building on Hwy 195 South
Addison Community Center 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

*6-23-09 Guin City Hall 10 am – 11 am
Brilliant Housing Authority 1 pm - 2 pm

*6-24-09 Haleyville Old ARC Building 10 am - 11:30 am
Lynn City Hall 1 pm - 2 pm

*6-25-09 Hamilton Recreation Center 10 am - 11:30 am
Winfield Community Center 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

*6-26-09 Hackleburg Town Hall 10 am - 11 am
Bear Creek City Hall 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

If additional information is needed please call:
Hamilton (205)921-4224, Double Springs (205)489-5448,Haleyville (205)486-7239 (This agency prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex age, handicap, religion or national origin)

Marion Winston Counties Community Action Committee
P.O. Box 1716
Hamilton , AL 35570
(205) 921-4224
(205) 921-3415 FAX

Jeff Fleming

Executive Director

Marion-Winston Counties

Community Action Committee

P.O. Box 1716

Hamilton, Alabama 35570

Phone 205-921-4224

Fax 205-921-3415

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Spay/Neuter Tags

Thanks to an anonymous donor, we made it! There were enough spay/neuter tags presold to make the tag issuance a reality. Prepaid tags can be picked up at the county license division beginning March 2, 2009. If you haven't signed up for a tag yet, you can still get yours when you renew your license, for $50 plus your normal vehicle license renewal fee.

Of this, $41.50 will go to a special fund to provide spay/neuter services for the pets of Alabama residents currently on Medicaid.

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AND

OTHER

 EVENTS

Friday,
June 26, 2009

SENATOR ROGER BEDFORD

CAPITOL REPORT

I hope all of you have been having an enjoyable summer despite the heat and have been able to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones and friends. This past week, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my son as we attended the Braves v. Yankees game in Atlanta. Even though the Braves were defeated, it was a good game and I was glad to be able to spend time with my son.


I am glad to see that Fikes Automotive of Hamilton, which has been in business since the 1970's, will be staying in business despite the recent decline in the auto industry and the loss of its partnership with Chrysler, which was severed in December 2008.

They remain committed to servicing the citizens of Hamilton and the surrounding area. It is hopeful that GM will continue their relationship with the dealership as they have been an important member of the business community in Marion County. I wish them the best.


Congratulations goes out to Devin Goodwin and his family on him being selected to play with the St. Louis Cardinals. The former resident of Guin was recently picked in the MLB draft. I wish him the best and I know we will hear many good things to come from this talented young man.


I hope that many of you were able to attend the Marion County EMA town hall meetings held throughout the county last week. I commend the EMA for hosting these events so that citizens could be better informed about their services and discuss issues of concern to them.


I was also able to travel to Huntsville this past week to attend the Biotechnology Association of Alabama’s reception held at the Hudson Alpha Research Facility. It was both informative and enjoyable. I am pleased to see all the progress being made at Hudson Alpha and the growth of the biotechnology and biogenetics industries. I believe the Hudson Alpha facility will provide continued economic growth and development throughout North Alabama.


It was a pleasure to be able to attend the Alabama Coal Association reception in Birmingham. As you know, the coal industry has long been an important part of the economy of Northwest Alabama and America.


Please continue to contact me at the following:


Roger H. Bedford, Jr.

Alabama State House

Suite 730, Montgomery, AL 36130

Phone:334-242-7862, Fax:334-353-4304

Roger Bedford & Associates, P.C.

P.O. Box 370, Russellville, AL 35653

Phone: 256-332-2880 Fax:256-332-7821

website: www.senatorbedford.com      

E-mail: senbedford@aol.com

Paul's Keys to Joy -- Philippians 4:1-9
Part 1 in a series by Todd Clippard

We live in difficult times. Our country continues to fight a war against Islam and the terrorism that is always associated with it. Our economy is only beginning to "pay the piper" for its excesses and failure to practice self-control. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are losing their jobs and the future of many other is uncertain at best. People of faith are disappointed that our new President has chosen to capitulate to terrorists while expanding the war on the unborn. (part 1)

Paul's Keys to Joy -- Philippians 4:1-9
Part 2 in a series by Todd Clippard

We live in difficult times. As noted in our first article in this series, it can be difficult to look at the world around us without becoming discouraged. But time and again God’s children are told to be happy. The apostle Paul was one who had many opportunities to be discouraged, but instead worked through his problems while encouraging others more fortunate than himself. (part 2) 

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Food Inspections

Sam LeMaster SLeMaster@adph.state.al.us

Check out the Food Inspection Ratings each week on the Food Page!

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"Preston Headrick" <pastor@ccfhamilton.org>
GET TOGETHER #185 -- 2Sa 3:2 Sons were born to David in Hebron :

It would be interesting to do an in depth study on these sons and David’s wives. Perhaps another day the Lord will give me time to do that, but on this Fathers Day week I thought that I would just share a few of my thoughts on this family with so many challenges and how that it relates to us. We know that later David would have another son by the name of Solomon as a result of his marriage to Bathsheba following their adulterous affair. (More...on the Religion Page)

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List Your Items In Our FREE Classifieds Click Here To List What You Need to Sell, Trade, or Buy Call 205-495-4403 Fax 205-921-2573 Or EMail:  classifieds@49countynews.net

2008/2009

SCOREBOARD Basketball

On the Sports Page

Boys Varsity

Girls Varsity

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List Your Items In Our FREE Classifieds Click Here To List What You Need to Sell, Trade, or Buy Call 205-495-4403 Fax 205-921-2573 Or EMail:  classifieds@49countynews.net

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'MOVING'
 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Please support the humane society!

I am a concerned resident of Marion County, also a member of the Marion County Humane Society. For a few years now, I have sat by and watched as animals continue to be a second-thought for many people of this community. Animals are being dumped along the roads, let loose to wander the countryside--“Do you know where your animals are?”--or being destroyed because people do not know what else to do. Be responsible pet owners. Please do not make them someone else’s problem.

My belief is people feel they have no other options or literally do not care. We do not have a building in this county to help give these animals a second chance or give people other options to deal with animals that aren’t wanted or they just can’t take care of anymore. I know not everyone is heartless; sometimes we can barely take care ourselves, much less the animals.

Times are hard and the people of Marion County have been hit hard with job losses, just as it is everywhere, so we have to make choices. I know we are not a rich county but we can be rich in spirit and heart. I am an animal lover, having animals of my own; some were throw-away animals when I took them in. However, I, and many others who feel as I do, cannot rescue all throw-away animals by ourselves.

I feel that animals are God’s precious creatures and have just as much right to have a home, food and love as we humans do. We are the animal’s caretakers just as we are caretakers of our own precious children. When given the necessities of life, they provide us with years of joy and unconditional love. However, when it comes to providing shelter for animals, many of us just figure it will take care of itself.

It will not.

Please help us find the money it will take to build Marion County the building it needs to house and care for these animals. When you see the humane society trying to raise money, please help if you can--every little bit helps. Put your change in the dog banks around town, join the humane society, and come to meetings. The Marion County Humane Society was given the land to build on (five acres), thanks to the Marion County Commission, but that is just the beginning. People also need to be aware of the importance of spaying and neutering and vaccinating your animals, especially if you let them roam.

I am asking for the animals, who cannot speak for themselves, that if you have any means at all, please donate to the Marion County Humane Society. Teach your children that the welfare of animals is a priority. We would appreciate help from any businesses, corporations, churches, private donors, benefactors, any that could help us help the animals. It might make you feel warm and fuzzy all over, and you could use it as a tax write-off.
There are so many ways that those with the means could help. Think of yourselves as the guardian angels of the Marion County Humane Society. Maybe someone could donate the supplies to build a building. I am sure there are many businesses within the county that have what it takes. It will take landscapers, lumber, cement, electrical, plumbing, pens, drains, water, heating/cooling, qualified licensed contractors, etc. I am not a builder, but those of you who are know what it takes.

Please open your hearts and pockets if you can; anything is welcome. Even if you feel it does not affect you or it does not benefit you directly, I am begging you, please support the Marion County Humane Society. We need help from all of Marion County, not just one city, or the handful of people who have had to do it all. Be a part of something good and right.

This is strictly my opinion and thanks to everyone for your support ahead of time.

Carolyn Permenter
4011 County Highway 29
Hamilton, Alabama 35570