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PAGE 4A July 2024
Gadsden State Community College is increasing its annual revenue by approximately $600,000 with an increase in the special building fee. The fee will increase from $12 to $20 per credit hour beginning in the fall semester. “The special building fee provides funds for improvement of our facilities and to finance bonded indebtedness of the College,” said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president. “It is important that we continue to improve the infrastructure at Gadsden State because it enhances the overall educational environment. Ultimately, our students and community benefit from the improvements provided through these fees.” Due to the building fee increase as well as the standard $2 tuition increase, Gadsden State students will now pay $178 per credit hour. Previously, tuition and fees were $168 per credit hour. “Even with the $8 building fee increase, Gadsden State continues to be one of the most affordable options for higher education in Alabama,” she said. According to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the cost of tuition and fees for 30 credit hours at Gadsden State is about $6,600 less than the cost at public universities in the state. In less than a year, Gadsden State employees, students, alumni and supporters have celebrated the renovation of two buildings, the completion of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center and the announcement of two additional construction and renovation projects. In October, a ribbon cutting was held for the renovations of Helderman Hall and Bevill Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus. Helderman Hall houses Gadsden State’s Nursing Program and Emergency Medical Services while Bevill Hall is home to the Radiography Program, Medical Laboratory Technology Program and Medical Assistant Program. The $1.4 million in renovations and upgrades included new program equipment; replacement of the heating and cooling systems; new student study spaces; new student lounges; new office space; two new testing labs; new exterior lighting; and updated elevators and restrooms. On April 2, a groundbreaking for a softball and baseball complex took place at the Gadsden Sports Park, which is located behind the College’s Wallace Drive Campus. The $10 million project will feature new softball and baseball fields that will include fully synthetic turf and bullpens, state-of-the-art LED light systems, new scoreboards and protective netting systems. Locker rooms, restrooms, press boxes, a concessions building, elevated bleachers for spectators and a covered hitting facility with three hitting and pitching lanes will also be constructed. Murphy announced on April 29 that Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center and the academic wing would undergo a large-scale renovation at a cost of $7.9 million. The academic wing is undergoing complete renovation of the classroom and studio spaces that will be used for courses in photography, pottery, visual arts, choral and band. Renovations will also be made to the computer lab and restrooms as well as new interior sheet rock walls, doors, flooring and paint throughout the building. New electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems will also be installed. Exterior renovations will include an updated brick and precast façade; a new concrete paved courtyard with lighting; a new front entry to both the Fine Arts Center and academic wing; and all new windows. The Wallace Hall and sports complex projects will cost a total of $17.9 million. The projects are being funded by a bond approved in November by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. The AMC ribbon cutting on the East Broad Campus was held June 12. The state-of-the-art facility features 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, 11 offices, a multipurpose room, 10 tool and storage rooms, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving area, a breakroom and six restroom areas. It also features glass viewing areas that allow prospective students and industry partners to have laboratory visibility during tours. Approximately $24 million in funding came from a statewide bond issue passed by the Alabama Legislature in 2020 with the intention to upgrade facilities and new construction. An additional $12 million was provided in the Education Supplemental Appropriation Bill approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in June 2023. “The comprehensive renovations and ambitious new construction projects are designed to provide our students and employees with facilities that foster learning and innovation,” Murphy said. “Our commitment to the advancements and enhancements on our campuses ensures that Gadsden State will remain at the forefront of academic excellence in the communities we serve.” For more information, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu. Marine Incident A marine-related incident occurred on Lewis Smith Lake at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, and has resulted in the injury of a Cullman man. Garlan E. Gudger Jr., 49, was injured when the 2024 Sea-Doo GTI personal watercraft (PWC) he was operating was struck in the rear by a 2019 Sea-Doo GTI PWC operated by Garlan E. Gudger III, 21, of Cullman. The collision caused both individuals to be thrown into the water, however, both Gudger Jr., and Gudger III were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). Bystanders in the area assisted both individuals out of the water and transported them to a nearby dock. Garlan E. Gudger Jr., was evaluated by local emergency medical services personnel (EMS) and was subsequently transported via helicopter to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital for medical treatment. Garlan E. Gudger III was also evaluated by local EMS personnel but was released at the scene. The incident occurred in Little Crooked Creek area (also known as Rock Creek) on Lewis Smith Lake near Crane Hill in Cullman County. Gadsden State Increases Special Building Fee
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH - The 3rd Annual Blount County Back 2 School Bash will be held on July 27, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at the Susan Moore High School Baseball Fields. The event is sponsored by Blount County churches and business, and will include free backpacks, haircuts, school supplies, food and drinks. IDER OPEN HOUSE - There will be open house at Ider High School on August 5 for grades K-12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pre-K Orientation at Ider will take place at 6 p.m. on July 30. JUNIOR HIGH ORIENTATION - Junior High Orientation for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Geraldine will be held on August 5, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the GHS lunchroom. Schedule pickups and locker purchasing will be available following the orientation. The cost for lockers will be $15. Additionally, teachers will be set up in classrooms after orientation. FREE OSHA TRAINING - Gadsden State Community College’s Adult Education Services is offering free online OSHA training courses. Two levels – OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 – are being offered. The 10-hour course provides entry-level workers with a broad awareness of recognizing and preventing hazards in a general industry or construction workplace. Topics include an introduction to OSHA, focus on four hazards, personal protective equipment, health hazards, emergency procedures and ergonomics. The OSHA 30 training provides more comprehensive safety and health training for workers and supervisors. The 30-hour course is intended to offer a deeper understanding of workplace hazards and the measures to prevent them. In addition to the OSHA 10 topics, participants will also learn how to communicate safety procedures and conduct safety training sessions for employees. The course is available online. However, an in-person orientation is required. Participants must pass end-of-module quizzes and two final exams to earn an OSHA card. For more information, contact Heather Tyree, instructor, at hlframes@gadsdenstate.edu. Go to www.gadsdenstate.edu/adulted to register. KILLEN FOUNDERS DAY - The Town of Killen will hold Founders Day on August 2-3, 2024. The event will include a parade, a 5k run, artisans, food vendors, musical entertainment, activities for kids, a working colonial village, Native American demonstrations, classic vehicles, and a fireworks show at the conclusion of the event on Saturday. SYLVANIA WINGFEST - The 2024 Sylvania High School football WINGFEST is back for a 10th year. The event will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. WATERMELON FESTIVAL - The Franklin County Watermelon Festival in Russellville, AL is set for August 16-17, 2024. The Watermelon Festival offers arts and crafts, a variety of watermelon contests, car and truck show, food vendors, children’s activities, games, and musical entertainment, along with free samples of watermelon. The festival weekend begins with opening ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with live music taking the stage both days. Contests centered on watermelons, including watermelon seed spitting, the largest melon, best tasting melon, most unusual and best-dressed melons, are a highlight each year entertaining festivalgoers of all ages. Over 100 vehicles are expected for the car and truck show on Saturday morning, and additional activities include a 5K run and 1-mile fun run, character guests to entertain the children and the Franklin County Extension Office contests. All activities take place along Main Street (Jackson Avenue). Hours are 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. For more details, visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce website at www.franklincountychamber.org or call 256.332.1760. $550 MILLION BRIDGE GRANT - The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $550 million discretionary grant from the Bridge Investment Program to the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. The major grant award is believed to be one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project and is the second- largest in the program’s history. It marks a significant milestone in the decades-long project to build a new Interstate 10 Bridge and Bayway connecting Mobile and the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County. RODEO - The 4th annual Monroe County Rodeo will take place in Frisco City, AL on Aug. 9-10, 2024. The family friendly rodeo will include food vendors, a mechanical bull and crowd participation games. Gates open at 6pm and the rodeo starts at 7pm. The Monroe County Rodeo is a National Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned event. SCOTTSBORO ART SUNDAY - More than 80 artisans and craftsmen will make their way to Scottsboro to participate in a juried show and offer their artworks and crafts for sale at the 51st annual Art Sunday, which will be held on the first Sunday in September. Along with arts and crafts, the event offers musical entertainment, children’s activities, photography contests and food and beverage vendors. The event is set for Sunday, September 1, 2024, in King Caldwell Park. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to shop the work of 80-plus artists and makers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Admission to the festival is $3 for adults, $2 for school-age children and free for children ages 5 and under. Entry is also free for guests wearing this year’s Art Sunday t-shirt and also free to anyone with a Military ID. In conjunction with the festival, a photography contest is offered for aspiring amateur photographers. All entries receive free admission to the festival plus each entry will be entered for a chance to win prizes. First place winners of each youth age division will receive a digital camera. Adult winners will receive a Walmart gift card. Prizes will be awarded at Art Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Contestants who wish to enter the photography contest will need to submit an 8x10 photo of a person, place or thing with a completed entry form and a $5 entry fee. Submissions can be dropped off at the Scottsboro Board of Education or Jackson County Board of Education or brought to the cabin located in King Caldwell Park between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. the morning of the festival. Art Sunday is hosted by the Scottsboro Three Arts Club. Proceeds from Art Sunday make it possible for the club to sponsor many community projects and educational endeavors including performances by the world renowned Alabama Ballet at Northeast Alabama Community College. Additional projects funded by the proceeds of Art Sunday include violin lessons for third graders, field trips to plays, ballets and symphonies, donations to the choral, art, and drama departments and the Scottsboro Public Library. LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE - Several Snead State Community College students qualified for the recent FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference, and two students placed at the national competition. Evan Patterson of Albertville placed sixth in Computer Applications. Sarah McCullars, also of Albertville, placed 10th in Hospitality Case Study Presentation. To qualify for the National Conference competition, the students had to place in their individual categories at the state level. The results of the state competition for the students were: Evan Patterson: first place in Computer Applications and second place in Business Presentation; Ashley Williams of Arab: first place in Foundations of Computer Science and second place in Foundations of Technology; Emily Williams of Arab: first place in Foundations of Economics; Sarah McCullars: first place in Foundations of Finance and first place in Hospitality Management and Case Study; and Breanna Black of Grant: first place in Job Interview The Snead State FBLA Collegiate organization is led by Business and Social Sciences Division Director Dr. Meredith Jackson and Business Instructor Dr. Chris Chaffin. ELECTION INTEGRITY - Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, along with Secretaries of State from Montana, Indiana, West Virginia, Mississippi and Wyoming, have signed a joint statement on election integrity and opposing the federalization of state election processes at the Republican National Convention.“I am always proud to stand alongside other conservative election officials to publicly call for strong, common sense election integrity measures,” said Secretary Allen. “This statement emphasizes several areas of concern in election integrity and is meant to plainly and boldly declare the election policy positions of myself and my fellow Republican Secretaries of State.” The Secretaries emphasized several following areas of concern in an effort to restore voter confidence in the election process. Six of these include: (1) According to the US Constitution, the responsibility to determine the time, manner, and place of state elections rests with each state's legislature. Registration of voters, the casting of ballots, and the counting of ballots must be in accordance with the laws prescribed by the respective state legislatures. (2) President Biden's Executive Order No. 14019 relating to voter registration is a classic example of federal overreach and is clearly unconstitutional. It should be rescinded immediately (3) No votes should ever be accepted or counted that are derived from outside the laws as passed by an official act of each state's legislature. (4) Only citizens of the United States should be able to register and vote in state and federal elections. (5) Photo voter ID is fundamental to secure elections (6) Drop boxes for election ballots should not be used. HAPPENING AROUND ALABAMA
Best Wishes To All For A Great School Year!
Keith Canterberry ~ 256-302-2252 Keithcanterberry@yahoo.com bamawholesaleauctions@gmail.com Like us on Facebook at: bama-wholesale-auctions Instagram: Bama Wholesale Auctions
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