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Looking Back on 2007

December 27, 2007

Looking back at 2007
Clarke County

Jan. 4

*The grand finale for the "Get Lost In Jackson" weight loss program was conducted at the Jackson High School gym. Participants in the program lost a combined 10,000 pounds.

*An argument in the Morvin community led to one man's death and another being jailed on murder charges Dec. 30.

Jan. 11

*Several area educators and other members of the community were given the opportunity to visit the new Jackson Middle School cafeteria during an open house.

*Clarke County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bobby Moore took the oath to become Clarke County's new sheriff.

*Jay Duke was sworn in as the new Clarke County circuit clerk by Judge Bill Kimbrough.

*Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice-Elect Sue Bell Cobb was among the judges, lawyers and citizens on hand to honor Presiding Circuit Judge Harold Crow and his longtime judicial assistant, Shirley Robinson, at a retirement reception in the main courtroom of the Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill.

*A petition requesting a vote on alcohol sales in Thomasville was presented to city officials and enough signatures verified for a referendum to be called.

Jan. 18

*It was announced that Boise Paper in Jackson had sold its sawmill operation to Mobilebased Gulf Lumber Company.

*A motorcade procession and commemorative march were conducted in Jackson to mark the birthday of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*A special ceremony was conducted at New Era Cap Company's Jackson plant to mark the groundbreaking of a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion of the facility.

*Kevin Brunson was sworn in as the new Clarke County coroner.

*The kickoff for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Jackson campaign was conducted at HealthActions.

*Chris Beverly of Thomasville was appointed to the position of Clarke County Revenue Commissioner by Gov. Bob Riley, after the office was vacated by Jay Duke who was elected circuit clerk.

*A group of local Republicans called for the Clarke County Republican Executive Committee to begin adhering to state bylaws after citing what they believed to be violations of the doctrine.

*Ground was broken for a new 10,000 sq. ft. building to house the Clarke County Health Department to replace the 3,600 sq. ft. facility, which was built in 1967.

*The Jackson High School Band performed in Montgomery at the Jan. 15 Inaugural Parade of Gov. Bob Riley.

Jan. 25

*Evergreen Trucking announced plans to build a terminal on Highway 43, just south of the Highway 69 interchange in Jackson.

*Ground was broken Jan. 23 for a new police station in Jackson.

*Vanity Fair Corporation, which still operates a plant in Jackson, announced the sale of its intimate apparel business to Fruit of the Loom.

*Jackson High School history teacher Audra Raybon was chosen as the Jackson Civitan Club's Citizen of the Year for 2006.

Feb. 1

*A mother and daughter, both of Clarke County, were both sentenced in federal court for filing false claims for supposed property damage they each said they received during Hurricane Katrina.

*Jackson Intermediate School Assistant Principal and Army reservist Alfred Donald was called to active duty.

*An Alma man was arrested by Clarke County deputies and charged with attempted murder after he allegedly shot at another man during an altercation on Walker Springs Road.

Feb. 8

*A Jackson man was arrested and charged with the alleged rapes of two teenage girls.

*Plans for the Alabama Birding Trail got a boost with a check for $25,000 from the Alabama Power Foundation.

*The Clarke County Cattlemen's Association conducted its annual meeting and elected officers for the upcoming year.

*Following the complaints of a group of local Republicans, the Clarke County Republican Executive Committee took measures to comply with state party bylaws by increasing the number of its members.

*A local group of people combined their efforts to push for a new city park in Jackson, with the hopes of creating a 3-5 acre area which could be utilized by people of all ages for various activities.

Feb. 15

*Members of the Pine City Park Committee, pitched their idea for building a 3-5 acre city park to the Jackson City Council during its Feb. 13 meeting.

*One local man and three from other states faced drug charges after a large amount of pot and cash were found in their possession during a traffic stop by Jackson Police officers and agents from the First Judicial Drug Task Force.

*The Jackson City Council continued to enforce a recently enacted city ordinance allowing for the destruction of dilapidated structures and removal of abandoned vehicles within the city limits.

*An Ergon tanker truck loaded with caustic resin (black liquor) overturned and ruptured following a collision on Highway 43 in Antioch.

*Two men were indicted by a Clarke County Grand Jury for two separate murders, one involving a vehicle crash and the other involving a shooting.

Feb. 22

*Two men faced drug charges following a sting at the old Creeper's Club in the Depot area of Jackson, during which the suspects attempted to swallow what offices believed to be crack cocaine. One succeeded while the other did not.

*Jackson High School history teacher Audra Raybon was honored by the Jackson Civitan Club as Jackson's Citizen of the Year.

*During a town meeting at Jackson City Hall, U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner was presented with an Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence by Boise Plant Manager Rick Grant on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers.

March 1

*A man who is a former resident of Jackson was accused of repeatedly raping a child under the age of 16 for a period of at least a year.

*The Alabama Department of Transportation informed Jackson city officials that it was considering a turn lane north of Jackson on U.S. Highway 43 to McVay Road.

*Clarke County Superintendent of Schools Gerald Stephens rated 45 out of 52 possible points on his evaluation by the state board of education.

*Ruth Allen, a fourth grade teacher at Grove Hill Elementary School, was selected as the Clarke County Teacher of the Year.

*The Clarke County Commission agreed to join with the city of Thomasville in contributing funds to seek a new women's prison that would be located near Thomasville.

*Jackson Academy senior Clara DuBose won second place in the statewide "Voice of Democracy" essay competition.

*The artwork of nine Gillmore Elementary School second graders was chosen to be among 130 pieces of artwork from across the state to be displayed at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

March 8

*Four-wheel-drive vehicles were used to reach a person who was injured in a four-wheeler accident in the woods near Carlton.

*The Alabama Supreme Court was to determine if the Alabama Bar Association had the authority to discipline Circuit Judge Stuart DuBose for alleged inappropriate actions, involving the preparation of a will and handling of an estate, while he was still a practicing attorney.

*More than 130 first responders from Clarke County answered the call for help from Miller's Ferry following a tornado which struck the area. One person died as a result of the storm.

*A Jackson man was arrested on charges that he allegedly attempted to entice a child for immoral purposes.

*A Thomasville man was accused of raping a 27-year-old woman and charged with first degree rape.

*A Toddtown man was arrested for allegedly raping a runaway teen found at his residence.

March 15

*Two toddlers were listed in critical condition at a Mobile hospital following their rescue by two law enforcement officers after nearly drowning in a pool near Jackson.

*Two new generators arrived at the Jackson water treatment facility. They will be used to keep the plant operating during power outages, such as those caused by natural disasters.

*One person was killed in a one-vehicle crash on Highway 69 south of Coffeeville.

*An event to mark the opening of the Promise Theater and Performing Arts Center, formerly the old Locke Theatre, was conducted.

*The Grove Hill Arts Council announced that award-winning photographer Chip Cooper would judge its annual photography contest.

March 22

*One of two toddlers who nearly drowned in a swimming pool near Jackson, March 8, returned home after more than a week in the hospital.

*Clarke County ARC hosted its annual Spring Jubilee fundraising event with a large crowd participating.

*Thomasville native Bridgett Shewmake was chosen as Twin Rivers Economic Development Partnership coordinator.

March 29

*Construction on the new Walgreens store, located on College Avenue in Jackson between McDonald's and the Shell Station, began.

*The Clarke County United Way Campaign for 2006 edged past its $150,000 goal with $150,752.

*A woman was arrested and charged with practicing law without a license in Clarke County.

*Clarke County citizens were asked to help in the fight against litter by participating in the Clarke County Citizens Against Litter's spring cleanup campaign.

April 5

*A domestic dispute between a man and woman in Jackson turned violent with both requiring medical attention for cuts received during the altercation.

*Thanks to the quick thinking of a neighbor, an Allen Walker Road residence was spared from catching fire.

*Circuit Judge Stuart DuBose stepped aside from hearing an appeal by Boise to reduce its tax bill on the Jackson paper mill operations.

*The city of Jackson along with the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted a social gathering for local businesses and industry to thank them for being part of the local business community.

April 12

*Jackson Mayor Richard Long announced that a proposed turn lane on U.S. 43 in the north part of the city's police jurisdiction had been approved by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

*The Jackson City Council voted to commit approximately nine acres of city property for the proposed Pine City Park.

*Jackson Mayor Richard Long said sales tax revenues were up 13 percent from March of 2006, indicating that more people are spending money in the city.

April 19

*Jackson Police investigated the reported theft of a $3,400 engagement ring from a Jackson resident via the Internet.

*Two of a group of cyclists taking a journey from Mobile to Ontario, Canada, following the route of the Underground Railroad, made a stop in Jackson.

*Leroy High School Library Media Specialist Betty Brackin was one of three winners of Amazon.com's "Wish For Lit" contest.

*The Jackson First United Methodist Church received a new addition in the form of a steeple.

April 26

*A man wanted for stealing a vehicle from a Jackson car dealership was held in the Montgomery Detention Facility and was also accused of using false identities to cash checks in several states.

*The second of two children to survive a near-drowning returned home after nearly a month and a half in the hospital.

*The Jackson City Council agreed to apply for a $30,000 grant to help with the cost of (See CLARKE on page 2-B) building a new city park on property adjacent to the New Era softball fields.

May 3

*Two young men were caught on video tape during the theft of two laptop computers from Jackson High School.

*The announcement of where German steel makers ThyssenKrupp would locate a $4 billion steel plant was anticipated by local and state officials.

*Jackson's new Animal Control Officer Lee Hutto worked diligently to make people aware of the city's leash law and pet adoption opportunities.

*Cheerleader Jody Reeves of Jackson was presented with an "A Club" ring, which represents having participated in sports for four years and having fulfilled requirements for graduation from the University of Alabama.

*Jackson's Culture Fest was scheduled for Saturday, May 5, on the grounds of Jackson City Hall.

*The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Jackson announced its annual event at New Era Park for Friday, May 4.

May 10

*A former Jackson High School principal was seriously injured in an automobile crash at the intersection of highways 43 and 177.

*Ellie Wilson of Grove Hill was selected as Clarke County's 2008 Junior Miss.

*The city of Jackson had to replace a beacon at the W.E. Stewart Airport after it was shot out by someone using a highpowered rifle.

May 17

*Local leaders discussed challenges they would face following the announcement that German steel makers ThyssenKrupp would locate a $4 billion plant in Calvert.

*The first step in getting the new Pine City Park project rolling was taken when members of the design team visited Jackson and got ideas from students during a design day at Joe M. Gillmore Elementary School.

*Derrick Nelson and William Alexander Lee were recognized as Jackson High School's valedictorian and salutatorian.

May 24

*Two local suspected drug dealers were arrested on federal grand jury indictments.

*The Louisiana Pacific Corporation's oriented strand board plant in Clarke County remained on schedule for startup near the end of the year.

*The Pine City Park Committee planned a fund-raising block party in downtown Jackson.

*Michael Rotch retired from his position of 34 years as the director of the Alabama Career Center in Jackson.

*Commencement exercises were conducted for Jackson High School graduating seniors at Legion Field/Simpkins Stadium.

May 31

*Mayor Richard Long announced that Sonic Drive-In was expected to begin construction of one of its restaurants in Jackson during the month of July.

*Jackson firefighters responded to a fire that gutted two upstairs apartments in one of the units at Windrush Apartments on Stanley Drive.

*Soldiers, deceased and currently serving, were honored during Jackson's annual Memorial Day ceremony.

*Jackson High School's Leanna Weaver and Jackson Academy's Cecilia Caldwell were chosen to attend Alabama Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Alabama, on the campus of Troy University.

June 7

*A Jackson man was treated for knife wounds following an altercation at a residence on East Midway Street in Jackson.

*A St. Stephens man was seriously injured when he lost control of his vehicle on McVay Road.

*Only about 13 percent of Clarke County's estimated 17,500 voters bothered to go to the polls for a special election to decide two constitutional amendments.

*For the second year in a row, Jackson hosted nearly 400 teachers from across the region as part of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative.

*It was announced that Industrial Road would be closed to all traffic from Clolinger to new overpass.

June 14

*Jackson native Kenneth W. Harbuck was hired as the new principal at Jackson High School.

*Residents on Depot Road, as well as motorists who utilize it, were warned to be aware of an increase in traffic due to the closing of Industrial Road where the new overpass was being tied in.

*Agents from the First Judicial Drug Task Force made multiple drug arrests during a raid at the Royal Inn in Jackson.

*Circuit Judge Stuart DuBose imposed a stiff 28-year sentence on a man convicted of robbing the Royal Inn in Jackson in May of 2006.

June 21

*Local residents got some much needed relief from the dry, hot weather when scattered thunderstorms swept across the area.

*During a meeting at the Boise Training Center, members of Jackson's ACE (Alabama Cities of Excellence) committee revealed its early comprehensive plan for economic development and growth.

June 28

*Four people were injured within two days in wrecks that occurred in the Jackson area.

*The site for the new Sonic restaurant on College Avenue, across from High Acres Drive in Jackson, was approved by the city's planning commission.

*A historic canoe found in 1980 on the Tombigee River, was returned to the county from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

July 5

*Jackson Academy named former headmaster, Rance Carr interim headmaster as the school began its search for a replacement for departing headmaster Lynn Wright.

*Two soldiers with ties to Jackson were featured in an article by Mobile Press Register Editor Mike Marshall while he was in Iraq covering the war.

*The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce named 16 new Pine City Ambassadors representing Jackson High School, Jackson Academy and Leroy High School.

July 12

*Two Jackson police officers were recognized during the Jackson City Council meeting for their efforts in saving the lives of two children who nearly drowned.

*An automobile reportedly stolen in Jackson was found burned in the Gainestown area.

*Jackson celebrated the Fourth of July holiday with a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display at North Jackson Park.

*The new Clarke County Courthouse annex was formally opened with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony.

*A Jackson resident who worked on the creation of Mt. Rushmore died at age 93.

July 19

*Approximately 50 people gathered at Jackson Medical Center to honor those who responded to the near-drownings of two toddlers near Jackson.

*A man was killed in an accident at a Grove Hill industrial company located on Love Road.

*New Era Cap Company revealed its new 50,000 square foot addition during a special ceremony at its Jackson plant.

July 26

*Two Prichard men were arrested after Jackson police officers found a large amount of stolen property in their possession.

*The question about the fate of a Whatley man who went missing in early September 2006 remained unanswered.

*Circuit Judge Stuart DuBose asked the Clarke County Commission for aid in the security of his office and courtroom in the new annex at the county courthouse.

Aug. 2

*A Jackson man who has received services as a mental health patient, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to rape a female county employee in his home.

*Local citizens were urged to take advantage of the sales tax holiday for the 2007-08 school year.

*Plans were announced for the annual Pine City Rodeo at Jackson Academy.

Aug. 9

*A lawsuit was filed against the Alabama Department of Human Resources, specific DHR employees and the owner of a day care facility near Jackson where two toddlers almost drowned in a swimming pool.

*Thomasville voters went to the polls two decide whether or not the town would become the second municipality in dry Clarke County to allow legal alcohol sales.

Aug. 16

*In a 4-1 vote, the Jackson City Council approved an ordinance which holds the owners of dogs that commit attacks on animals and humans responsible for keeping them safely contained.

*A mishap by a road equipment operator, who cut into a bridge on Highway 69 near Coffeeville, caused that portion of the road to be closed until repairs to the bridge could be made.

*Thomasville residents voted to allow legal alcohol sales within its city limits.

Aug. 23

*During a work session, members of the Jackson City Council discussed the city's options concerning the location of a new, larger, state-of-the-art hospital in or near Jackson.

*A Mobile County circuit judge issued an order requiring Clarke County Circuit Judge Stuart DuBose to pay $1,190,000 in a long-running estate dispute and to convey 605 acres of property to the estate's sole beneficiary and the local judge's adversary in the matter.

*The state reported 10 deaths due to the heat since Aug. 1.

*Leadership Clarke County began its class for 2007.

Aug. 30

*AButler man was arrested by Jackson Police following a highspeed chase which ended with the fugitive's vehicle overturning on Highway 43 near McVay Road.

*The Jackson City Council voted unanimously to hire Selma attorney Ralph Hobbs to pursue the possibility of bringing a larger hospital to the Jackson area.

*Two Louisiana residents drove to Jackson to adopt a dog from the city pound which they had seen a photo of on the Web site www.petfinder.com.

Sept. 6

*Law enforcement officers in Washington and Clarke counties joined in the pursuit of a man accused of hitting a Mobile County deputy with his vehicle.

*Allison and Gabe Cartee voiced their thankfulness for the kindness they received while utilizing the services of Ronald McDonald House in Mobile while their newborn son, Tucker, remained in the hospital for two weeks after he was born.

*Plans were announced for Fire Prevention Week in Jackson, which would kick-off Oct. 7.

*Work on the site for Jackson's new Sonic restaurant continued to progress.

Sept. 13

*The Boise paper and pulp mill and shredder plant was among the paper, packaging and newsprint assets that Boise Cascade LLC sold to Aldabra 2 Acquisition Corp. for $1.63 billion in cash and stock.

*Students and faculty at Jackson High School remembered the events of Sept. 11, 2001 with a special ceremony in the school's auditorium.

*Jackson's 2007 Fire Prevention Court was announced.

*The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce planned its annual meeting at the H.W. Pearce Memorial Park Assembly House.

Sept. 20

*An early morning traffic stop by Jackson Police Sgt. Josh Garrett ended with the arrest of a Toxey man for illegal drug possession.

*The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce observed its 60th year during its annual dinner.

*The owner of Al's 5 & 10 store in Jackson announced that the store would close after 28 years of business in the town.

*Work progressed on the new Clarke-Mobile Counties Gas District building on Ocre Avenue in Jackson.

Sept. 27

*Two Coffeeville men faced multiple drug-related charges following the execution of a search warrant by Task Force One agents.

*Leroy resident and Coffeeville native Ashton Shepherd was scheduled to appear on the Grand Ole' Opry.

*The finishing touches were being put on a mural depicting outdoor life in Clarke County, on the side of the Keahey Law Office building on the Courthouse Square in Grove Hill.

*The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce announced its plans for the 25th Annual Fall Festival.

Oct. 4

*Jackson Police personnel raised the flag at the new police station, officially opening for the business the new $1 million facility, located at 350 Commerce Street.

*Former DA Bobby Keahey was badly injured in a fourwheeler accident on his property located on Allen Road in Grove Hill.

*It was announced that Jackson Emergency Transport Service (JETS) would sell to LifeLine of Thomasville.

Oct. 11

*Five Jackson juveniles were arrested by Jackson Police and charged with committing a number of burglaries dating back to June.

*Danielle Gill was crowned Jackson Fire Prevention Queen during the Jackson Fire Department's annual banquet.

*A 12-year-old Leroy High School student collected items for dogs and donated them to the newly formed Southwest Alabama Pet Rescue organization in Jackson, as part of his civics class project.

Oct. 18

*Several local police officers received honors during the Alabama Attorney General Office's Law Enforcement Summit in Montgomery, for their part in saving the lives of two toddlers who nearly drowned near Jackson.

*The South Alabamian relocated to its newly built office located at 1525 College Avenue.

*The annual Fire Prevention Parade was conducted in Jackson.

*A Thomasville woman who taught at Coffeeville High School was scheduled to appear in Clarke County Criminal Court.

Oct. 25

*The Jackson City Council voted to place a $10,000 lien against a piece of property located at the corner of Depot and Industrial roads for work the city did in removing an unsightly structure.

*The Jackson City Council approved a motion to hire Janie Galbraith as a grant consultant to obtain state and federal grants for industrial projects.

*Two people were injured in a four-vehicle wreck at the intersection of Highway 69 and and U.S. 43.

*Jackson Police Chief Charles Burge asked citizens to be aware of trick or treaters from 5-8 p.m., Oct. 31.

Nov. 1

*A case of arson was reported at a residence in the 100 block of Guy Avenue in Jackson.

*An 18-year-old Wal-Mart employee was accused of allowing customers to walk out of the store without paying for merchandise.

*Brittney Daniels of Millry was chosen as the Clarke- Washington Counties Fair Queen.

Nov. 8

*A Jackson man was charged with burglary and assault/ domestic violence after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's home and beat her.

*Firefighters worked from the ground and the roof to fight a house fire on Crestview Road in Toddtown.

*Pioneer Day was planned for Saturday, Nov. 10 on the grounds of the Clarke County Museum.

*Sonic's sign and a large antenna at the restaurant went up in Jackson.

*The Jackson Police Department kicked off its annual Operation Christmas toy donation program.

*The 25th Jackson Fall Festival was conducted in downtown Jackson, with thousands of people filling the streets for the event.

Nov. 15

*The brakes of a dump truck failed causing it to crash the gate at the William E. Stewart Airport near Jackson at 100 mph, ending up in the woods on the other side of the runway. A second wreck occurred shortly afterwards when a log truck spilled its load blocking the intersection of Highway 177 and 43.

*A developer looked to locate a Hampton Inn at the corner of Highway 43 and Walker Springs Road in Jackson.

Nov. 21

*A domestic dispute led a Jackson man to use the automobile in which he was a passenger as a deadly weapon.

*After 57 years of serving the community, the Jackson Civitan Club announced it would retire its charter.

*HealthActions marked its 10th annual Thanksgiving food drive by receiving more than double the number of donations than in 2006.

Nov. 29

*Separate murder, manslaughter and attempted murder cases were on the criminal jury term docket for Clarke County Circuit Court, including a murder case from the Gainestown area.

*A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was conducted at the new Jackson Police station.

*A traffic stop turned into a manhunt as the driver of a stopped vehicle fled from Jackson Police.

*The Literacy Coalition of South Alabama branched out to address needs in Clarke and Washington counties. Sen. Vivian Figures attended an organizational meeting in Jackson.

Dec. 6

*It was announced that a new industry, New Gas Concepts, Inc. is considering locating a plant that would employ up to 113 people in Jackson's recently developed industrial park off of J.W. Andrews Highway.

*Former Satsuma football coach Jeff Kelly was named the new coach at Jackson High School after the announcement that Coach John Blackmon's contract would not be renewed.

*A tree-lighting ceremony and the annual step-sing at the First United Methodist Church kicked off the Christmas season in Jackson.

Dec. 13

*A domestic disturbance at the Royal Inn Motel in Jackson landed a couple in jail on drug possession charges.

*Former teacher at Coffeeville High School, Sharon Rutherford, was sentenced to three years in a state penitentiary and given five years probation for child molestation.

*The plight of a Jackson-based Hometown Hospice received national attention of national media such as The New York Times, CBS Radio News and Oprah Winfrey.

*The Continuous School Improvement program at Jackson public schools received its first private donation from Merchants Bank, since obtaining nonprofit status. building a new city park on property adjacent to the New Era softball fields.