2014 asn profile 2 by Michele Gerlach

THE WAY WE WORK PROFILE 2014

E V LO ht?

g i s t s r fi at

{We can help make the love last} CCB Mortgage Loans

www.bankccb.com

Alabama’s Top City

When Charles Anderson chose the best cities in the country for his In Search of Eden list, he placed Andalusia 44th. It was the highest placement of any Alabama city. Anderson was looking for progressive communities that were aesthetically pleasing, had a moderate climate and their own identities.

Health care, schools, cost of living and quality of life were considered. And, Anderson said, community spirit matters. We are pleased to be recognized for something we knew all along - we live in a special place, our own little piece of Eden. Mayor Earl V. Johnson Council members Will Sconiers, Kennith Mount, Hazel Griffin, Ralph Wells and Terry Powell P.O. Box 429 • Andalusia, Alabama 36420 • (334) 222-3312 (phone) • (334) 222-1122 (fax) • www.cityofandalusia.com

Winner of the Alabama League of Municipalities Quality of Life award

PROFILE 2014

The way we work says a lot about the community in which we live.

The Profile 2014: The Way We Work magazine and The Andalusia Star-News are publications of Andalusia Newspapers Inc. For more information, call (334) 222-2402 or visit us at www.andalusiastarnews.com

Time was when almost everybody in the Andalusia area was connected to somebody who worked at Alatex. The company operated on River Falls Street from 1929 until 1992. The approximately 1,500 employees in Andalusia produced more than 120,000 dress shirts per week, or more than 5 million per year. The traveling Smithsonian exhibit The Way We Worked, which was in Andalusia earlier this year, inspired us to compare the way we worked then to the way we work now. While the number of local textile employees dwindled as companies moved offshore, Covington County is still home to Shaw Industries, which makes polypropylene yarn for carpet manufacturing, and American Apparel, which makes military apparel. Shaw operates three shifts and has an estimated 1,324 local employees. American Apparel, which is in the process of reopening, expects to have 200 employees in Opp. Forestry and agriculture-related businesses affect more than 4,000 local jobs. We also have manufacturing, service industries, and those who work hard at volunteer jobs, or at being students. Local workers are recognized in economic development circles for their strong work ethics. To them, The Star-News pays tribute with this year’s Profile edition. -The Star-News Team

WHAT’S INSIDE: the attraction game

the way we work one

forty-one years in the factory

red chair tours

the way we work two

resident scorekeeper

all-natural medicine

man behind the printing

a young marksman

exceedingly extraordinary

vivacious volunteers

a whole new world

runnin’ for a reason

innovative entrepreneur

THE WAY WE WORK PROFILE 2014 3

YEARS PAST

THE ATTRACTION GAME: I

n February, Covington County’s workforce was 14,508 strong. Those people earned their living in agriculture and forestry-related businesses; in education; in manufacturing; in retail; and in service industries. And city and county leaders are constantly working to ensure more jobs; more retail; more things that make working here more attractive. “First, you’ve got to keep what you’ve got,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “There’s more to be gained by growing local industries than by getting new ones here. “Secondly, you’ve got to have a plan to attract more.” At present, the city’s plan includes aggressively targeting industries for which we have a labor force. “It wouldn’t make sense for me to go after a rocket engineering company,” he said. “We don’t have the labor force to support it. We have to look at what we

have, what we can get people trained to do in a reasonable amount of time, and what training resources we do have.” The city has identified automotive industries, aerospace industries, and ag and forestry related industries as prime prospects for this area. But, Johnson said, at the same time, you have to be able to react to those that show up unexpectedly. The State of Alabama, as well as utility companies, actively court businesses, too, and often bring people to the community when they think there might be a fit. “We have to have an overall state of mind of a proactive, aggressive approach,” he said. With that in mind, Johnson said, the other piece of attracting more jobs is making the community attractive to decision makers. “When I say preparing the community, I’m not just talking about industrial parks, and water and sewerage

capacity,” he said. “I’m talking about quality of life things that define us, like education, like health care. “Part of being attractive to businesses is having restaurants, entertainment venues and housing available,” he said. Rick Clifton, Covington County Economic Development Commission president, said economic development is a long game that’s built on relationships. “If you look at Airbus’s decision to locate in Alabama, that came from relationships built over a period of about nine years,” he said. “As they fought to get tanker contracts, and had several setbacks, Alabama and Mobile never disengaged. It was an ongoing relationship built over time.” Building those relationships means both being a good host, and traveling to meet people on their own turf. “A lot of people question the travel,” Clifton said. “But you have to go there to build the relationship.” Johnson cited the example of Dothan Mayor Mike

THE WAY WE WORK • Ag/Forestry and related jobs – 4,369 • Shaw Industries – 1,324 • PowerSouth – 600 • SITEL – 504 • Education – 824 • Wal-mart – 328 • Andalusia Regional Hospital – 311 • Mizell Memorial Hospital – 235

PRESENT DAY Left: Andalusia was big in the textile industry for years, but that has slowly changed. Above: Today, industries such as SaeHaeSung, an automotive supplier, are among the larger employers in the county.

• City of Andalusia – 228 • H.T. Hackney – 182

INDUSTRY-STYLE Schmitz, who last week announced the location of a Chinese company in his city. The company will employ five. “Five jobs,” Johnson said. “He made four or five trips to China to get those five jobs. We’ve made five trips to Korea and gotten 200 jobs.” Conferences and trade shows are good ways to build those relationships, Clifton said. “The people you want to talk with are going to be there, and you sometimes meet connections that lead to other connections.” A favorite story is of going to a reception at a conference and randomly sitting next to someone who provides contract labor for Vector Aerospace. The conversation led to a letter of sup-

port from the company regarding the need for more local housing. It takes time, he said, adding that economic development is a process, not an event. “You’ve got to have a lot of hooks in the water to catch that big fish,” Clifton said. Clifton said he, too, has targeted industries that fit for the county, and it happens to be the industries that are the state’s focus, too. “The state has targeted a number of industries that apply to our county,” Clifton said. “A lot apply to our county.” Forestry, automotive suppliers, and aviation top the list, and the state is making a big push to attract chemical

companies. “So you’ve got all of that along with general manufacturing,’ he said. “You have to evaluate your resources, and determine which companies to go after.” Clifton also agreed that working with existing industry can help grow those industries and develop prospects. Both Johnson and Clifton agreed that the thing that would most help them in their quest is more housing. Johnson said having nice apartments would be the biggest help. “We’ve lost projects in the past because we didn’t have enough housing,” Clifton said. “We’re shooting for more housing now.”

• SaeHaeSung – 150 • Molded Fiber Glass Alabama – 108 • Vector Aerospace – 101 • Andalusia Distributing – 100 • Covington Electric - 82 • Huhtamaki (formerly Paris Packaging) - 48 Sources:Alatex History; Covington County Economic Development Commission; U.S. Census, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

THE WAY WE WORK different people, different jobs make community complete

he community in which we work is filled with all sorts of people who work an array of jobs. We ventured out and caught them doing their jobs.

1) You never know who might show up during the overnight shift at Huddle House. Crystal Farmer would know. She’s been waiting tables for 20 years, at a number of different Huddle Houses, and most recently in Andalusia; 2) Samurai’s Mr. Kim is both hibachi chef and entertainer. Kim, who has been with Samurai for three years, has more than 20 years experience as a chef; 3) If you need any advice with money, Leslie Corbell is the financial adviser to call. For the past two years, Corbell has been loaning and collecting money, and advising her clients at One Main Financial. 4) Master Cosmetologist Rhonda Lawson has been in the business for 15 years. Like many in Covington County, she worked at Andala, Judy Bond and Manhattan sewing factories before they closed. 5) Dr. James Barton said he always knew he wanted to be a doctor. Barton said the interest to become an optometrist grew during a summer at the University of Alabama Rural Health Scholars Program, and because his family had a history of bad vision. 6) Kali Ossenfort, who waits tables at 2 Guys Pies said waitressing is something she’s been doing for eight years. “I like talking to people,” she said.“I really like my job. It keeps me moving. If I don’t keep moving, I go stir crazy.” 7) Long-time Andalusia High School basketball coach Richard Robertson is known for keeping his players in line and has become a legend in the community.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER AND MICHELE GERLACH

6 7

MALLETTE DRUG CO.

WHY WAIT IN LINE AND PAY MORE AT A BIG CHAIN? Transferring Your Presciptions To Mallette Drug Co Is An Easy As 1-2-3!! Just Come In Or Give Us A Call!

IN FRONT OF ANDALUSIA HOSPITAL

Building Brighter Futures! ,,, " , *

$ *( %$

$ "*( #&*( - # ' $( ' - $ " '% ' #( - *") * ) %$

&& #&*( - ' ' $ " - *") * ) %$ - # %*'( (

' $+ "" #&*( - # ' $( ' - *'( $ - *") * ) %$

*+ '$ $) ' - %'! %' + "%& - %$) $* $ - *") * ) %$

! ! ! ! ! ! !

PROFILE 2014 ROSALYN TILLER

forty-one years

IN THE FACTORY

Tiller was part of the way most worked for 41 years hen it comes to the way we work in Andalusia, Rosalyn Tiller can tell you all you need to know, primarily because of the 48 years she spent on the job here in town. From her 41 years spent at Alatex Inc., to nearly a decade at the Covington County Courthouse, Tiller was part of the workforce that kept Andalusia rolling from the mid-1940s right on into the 21st Century. “I started at Alatex in 1947,” Tiller said. “I was 22 and (World War II) had just ended.” Tiller, a Brewton native reared in Andalusia, said even though many women were returning home from jobs following the war, she chose to keep working. “I enjoyed it, but my husband was in bad health, so I had to work,” she said. “Then, Alatex was the life of Andalusia.” And Tiller said her job at the dress-shirt manufacturer, along with her husband and young daughter, was her life too.

STORY, PHOTO | BLAKE BELL

“It took eight operations to make a single shirt,” she said. “All of those assembly lines working, and I stitched the cuffs of the shirts. Back then, you got paid by production, so you had to produce to make money.” Tiller said she adjusted quickly to her role in the manufacturing process, but was soon taking on new challenges with the company. “The next rung of the ladder for me was working as a service operator,” she said. “I did that for four years, for 35-to-40-cents an hour, and I had 32 operators I had to service. I loved it.” From 1951 to 1953, Tiller said she worked for Melvin Faulkner in a new department companies all over the nation were seeing implemented. “I was his secretary in quality control,” she said. “Back then, quality was a big deal. It was all that mattered. That’s not really the case anymore.” Tiller said she took a brief break from Alatex in 1953, with the arrival of her second child, Norman.

“I went back to work in 1956 in the personnel department, getting paid monthly then,” she said. “We had 1,200 employees at that point. I worked in that for 20 years.” In 1976, Tiller once again found herself in a new department, this time in the switchboard office. “It was very interesting,” she said. “You really had to be thinking about what you were doing.” Tiller said she thought about just that every day for the next 14 years, and spoke to people, and made friends, around the world in the process. “I talked to Chicago and New York and Honduras and Puerto Rico,” she said. “In fact, there was a lady in Honduras that just kind of fell in love with me. She always said if she came to the U.S., she was going to come see me. She never got to, but when the upper people from Honduras came to visit, they came down continued on page 12

PROFILE 2014

ote

Gwen

KELLEY COVINGTON COUNTY

REVENUE COMMISSIONER Paid Political Advertisement by Gwen Kelley, 10294 Kelley Farm Rd., Andalusia, AL 36420

SRM-225

Straight Shaft Trimmer

HINSON CHAIN SAW

404 SNOWDEN DR. ANDALUSIA, AL 334-222-5910

First Baptist Church Dr. Fred Karthaus, Pastor 700 East Three Notch Street

222-5152

Schedule of Services Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. • Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. Discipleship Training - 5:00 p.m. • Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Fellowship Supper 5:00 p.m., Prayer Meeting - 6:00 p.m. 10

PROFILE 2014 LAURA OSWALD

‘red chair’ tours

LOCAL VENUES

Local B&B becomes part of national tour weet Gum Bottom Bed and Breakfast innkeepers Laura and Ricky Oswald recently hosted a special guest for three days. “Red Chair” stopped in Covington County on a whirlwind trip across the country, popping in at B&Bs along the way. At the conclusion of “Red’s” trip, a coffee table book about her travels will be published. The journey began after a Cape Cod innkeeper, Beth Colt, posted a picture of the red chair on a frozen pond in Woods Hole in the winter of 2011. Across the country, it caught the eye of a California photographer who was inspired to visit the Woods Hole Inn in the off season. The photographer, Julie Cromer, asked to borrow the chair. She photographed it on the beach in winter, and a project was born. Last year, the red chair traveled all over New England. This year, the chair is crossing the United States and will be delivered to the Cromer this spring.

STORY, PHOTO | MICHELE GERLACH

When the Oswalds learned of the cross-country adventure, they were invited to apply to be a stop. Sweet Gum Bottom, along with three other Alabama B&Bs, were included on the Red tour. “There were only four selected in the state of Alabama out of 50 possibilities to feature ‘Red’ on his visit,” Mrs. Oswald said. “We were one of the lucky four.” Others were Mistletoe Bough in Alexander City, Red Bluff Cottage in Montgomery and Kate Shepard House in Mobile. “Red” arrived from Montgomery and was chauffeured to Mobile on the third day. Mrs. Oswald – writing in “Red’s” voice, chronicled the local visit in her blog. Stops on Day 1 included Gantt Lake, a pecan grove, and the Three Notch Museum. “Red” got a tour of the chapel at Sweet Gum Bottom and posed wearing a wedding train with a man she met, “Black Chair.”

On Day 2, “Red” went to Boggs and Boulders, then stopped to visit the allegedly haunted old Covington County Jail, as well as Magnolia Cemetery. Day 3, “Red” was on to Mobile. “We were required to professionally photograph ‘Red’s’ involvement in five local attractions or activities and to showcase our city, county and state,” Mrs. Oswald said. “We had a fantastic time on each of our adventures and we had a very patient and creative photographer, Bruce Fizzell. He did a wonderful job capturing the feeling of a visitor.” The Oswalds opened Sweet Gum Bottom in 2001. The B&B has four guest suites all with private baths, beautiful grounds, a wedding chapel and reception center. The Oswalds also cater. “We are blessed to be chosen by a lot of brides as continued next page

PROFILE 2014 continued from page 9

to my office to see me.” But Tiller said the job wasn’t all about chatting with other companies. “I’ll never forget one lady called in and she wanted to speak to the dark-haired lady that worked upstairs,” Tiller said with a chuckle. “Well, it was a five-story building. I didn’t know who she could be talking about.” Tiller said her time with the company came to an end in 1989, when she opted for early retirement at the age of 63, but said she soon found herself looking for work again. “Six years later my grandson turned 16, and he was ready to drive a car,” she said. “I couldn’t buy one off my retirement, so I decided to look for a part-time job. I prayed about it, because I believe in talking to the Lord, Buddy, it works.” Tiller said God was listening, and she soon found continued from previous page

their wedding venue,” Mrs. Oswald said. “We average several weddings a month. We laugh because we never know the days and times that brides will choose to have their ceremony. We have them all days of the

herself working as a secretary in the juvenile court division of the Covington County Courthouse. “They called it youth services back then,” she said. “I worked there for seven years. I started out at 20 hours a week, and then got bumped up to 32. I ended up working 40 hours a week for the state.” Tiller retired again in 2002, and while she admits the workforce, along with the world, changed dramatically over the years of her working life, she says people in Andalusia remained the same. “I think I only ran across one person at Alatex that wasn’t nice to me,” she said. “I loved all of it.” And while Alatex is no longer in business, Tiller said she still visits her former co-workers at the courthouse.” “I was the grandmother of the courthouse, and I can still go over there today and they know me,” she said. In fact, Tiller still makes trips to her old office several times a year for a very specific reason. “When I was there Trippy McGuire and all of them

would come over and I would cook a meal and lunch for them. I still make them a bunny rabbit-shaped cake for Easter and carry it over. I try to make a pumpkinshaped cake at Halloween.” But when she isn’t baking, Tiller said she stays busy doing other work for the community that she has served for decades. “I still drive,” she said. “So, I’ll drive ladies who can’t get around to the doctor or the pharmacy, and I’m really active in my church.” And no matter how much the world may change, Tiller said it is that spirit of volunteerism and community that was, and still is, how we work in Andalusia. Tiller and her late husband, Charles Carey Tiller, are the parents of two children, the late Elaine Tiller Wiley and Norman Carey Tiller. They are the grandparents of two; the great-grandparents of five; and the great-great grandparents of two.

week and all times of the day. Our earliest wedding that we have ever done was 7 a.m. That’s right…in the morning! It was beautiful!” Sweet Gum Bottom and its innkeepers have received numerous awards, state and nationwide. Arrington’s Bed and Breakfast Journal named Sweetgum

Bottom the “best breakfast in the Southeast, as well as No. 5 in America for the best B&B. The Top 10 Bed and Breakfasts has also named Sweet Gum Bottom among the top 10 inns in Alabama.

loved it,” said Jake Henderson of his job in the cotton mill. “My job at the cotton mill was not fun, but I loved providing for my family, and I loved being with all my friends as we suffered through the hard times together. I even still have dreams about them and the work that we did together.” Jake Henderson

“I

Who worked in Micolas Cotton Mill in Opp for 46 years Interviewed by his grandson, Daniel Henderson

was 6 years old when I started working the cane mill. My hands used to get so cold. It was colder back then than it is now. I remember the sounds of the bark snapping off of the trees as it froze. I did not have any gloves, and I used to have to reach down and pick up that frozen cane, piece after piece.” Walter Dubose, 98

“I

Interviewed by Noah Sims

lacks had to enter through the back doors of the places they worked. The only way you could go through the front door was if you were going to sweep the sidewalks. I didn’t sweep sidewalks, so that caused conflicts.” Minnie Ola Shakespeare

“B

Interviewed by Grace Burns

Students document history of local work

fter it was announced that the Smithsonian’s The Way We Worked traveling exhibit would be in Andalusia in 2014, many projects were planned to document the way we worked in Covington County. Linda Kyle led one of those projects. Kyle, who before her retirement was well known as the teacher who made students “become” someone in a biography they read for her annual Living History event, took on the task of getting local biographies written. She worked with every high school in Covington County, and collected 125 essays by Andalusia, Straughn, Red Level, Pleasant Home and Opp high school students. The essays were so good, that she set out to get them published. The result is “Threads: Essays about the Way We Worked in Covington County,” which is available for $10 at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. The book also includes a collection of historic photos from the collection of Bob Brooks and Henry Kinsey.

THE WAY WE WORK spotted on the job 1) PowerSouth employees Keith Lynch (L), substation crewleader, and Donnie Pitts, substation technician, contribute to ensuring PowerSouth’s transmission infrastructure reliably provides power to 20 distribution members in Alabama and northwest Florida. 2) Devon Coon refuels a small training helicopter at South Alabama Regional Airport. Coon has been refueling helicopters for five years and said it’s rewarding to be able to do this line of work every day. 3) Dairy Queen’s shift leader Margaret Kilpatrick smiles while handing out an order. 4) Master mechanic Kenny Brown has worked on cars for the last 33 years. He’s the head mechanic at Dalton Tire and Auto. 5)With a warm smile on her face, Regions bank teller Michelle Dean welcomes a customer and gets right to it. Dean has been a teller at Regions in Andalusia for four years. 6) SaeHaeSung employee Tony Parker works this week at the facility. 7) A helicopter takes off from South Alabama Regional Airport.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW GARNER, MICHELE GERLACH AND BLAKE BELL

2 14

7 15

Getting Older Doesn’t Mean You Have To Stop Dreaming. It Just Means You Need A Bank To Help Your Dreams Come True.

1417 MLK, Jr. Expressway • Andalusia • (334) 428-2265 503 Main St. • Opp • (334) 493-2265 www.southernindependentbank.com

Take Command. ZG124E as low as Take command of your lawn with Kubota’s new Kommander zero-turn mower. Featuring everything from a full factory warranty to a smooth, comfortable ride – it’s leading the charge for value-packed style and performance. Demo one at your Kubota dealership today.

$0 Down 0% 48 mo* with 4-Year/300-Hour Warranty**

1st Choice 1st Choice Kubota, LLC Kubota, LLC 246 W. Bypass 246 W. Bypass Andalusia,AL 36421 Andalusia,AL 36421 (334) 222-7368 (334) 222-7368

PROFILE 2014 JUDY GODWIN

resident

SCOREKEEPER Godwin has volunteered at PHS for nearly 3 decades

ith her glasses halfway down her nose and pencil in hand, Judy Godwin never breaks her gaze from what’s unfolding in front of her eyes inside of the Frank Ray Garner Gymnasium at Pleasant Home. For more than 27 years, Godwin has been keeping up with who scores and when for the Eagles boys and girls basketball teams. It’s something that she says has been such a pleasure and joy to do for the school. “I sort of just fell into it,” Godwin said. “All of our kids played ball. I have four of them. We knew we were going to be there. I am at every game of any kind that my kids and grandkids play. We knew we were going to be there — it’s just something I enjoy doing, and I’ve always liked basketball.” Godwin grew up in Homer, La., a small town in the northern part of the state. The school she attended was a small school like PHS. She grew up in a basketball

STORY, PHOTO | ANDREW GARNER

family. “If you could shoot, you got to be a forward, and if you couldn’t shoot, you could be a guard,” she said, recalling those days. “I was a guard. I grew up with basketball, and I’ve always loved it.” That’s why getting the opportunity to keep score for PHS, a traditional basketball school, was a natural fit for her. Godwin, who volunteers her time, said when PHS coach Jerry Davis first started his coaching years at the school, he was surprised that she was so willing to keep score for the team. “I introduced myself to him before basketball even started and I said, ‘I’m Judy Godwin, I just wanted you to know that I’m your scorekeeper for basketball,’” she said. “Bless him, he looked at me thinking what are you telling me this for? I said, ‘I’ve been doing this for a long and I love it.’ I said, ‘So, I’m just telling you I’m it, and if you don’t want me, you’re

going to have to fire me.’ “Up to this point, nobody has had the nerve to do it,” she quipped. “He looked at me and said, ‘Lady, I’ve never had anybody volunteer for it.’” This past basketball season at PHS, Godwin had three grandchildren playing ball for the Eagles. She said now they expect her to be at their games. “Some kids say I don’t want my mom and daddy at the ball games, that they make them nervous,” she said. “I’ve never understood that. I was always afraid they were going to get hurt.” Not only does she go to each and every basketball game, Godwin attends any sport in which her grands participate. When asked what the best part of keeping score is, Godwin said it’s just being there for the kids. “I love to be there to watch my kids, but it helps me continued next page

PROFILE 2014 continued from page 9

know the other kids, too,” Godwin said. “It gives me an opportunity to be familiar with the other kids, unless they go to church with me. I’m a people person, anyway. I like to get out and do things. It’s just a real good outlet.”

In her more than 27-year career as a scorekeeper, Godwin has watched around 11 members of her family play sports for the Eagles. In the end, faith and family have been the most important parts of her job. “If you try to get your priorities straight, you always got to get God

first,” Godwin said. “Family has always been second. For us, it’s been everything.” Godwin is married to Bill, and has three daughters — Kristi Powell, Leigh (Eugene) Powell, Gabrielle Baldwin — and one son, Steve. The grandchildren she’s watched play

are Joshua Godwin, Taylor Godwin and Cassidy Godwin; Haydn Powell, Garrett Powell, Ethan Powell and Chelsea Powell; Jared and Kaleb Powell; River Baldwin, and Hunter, who is in the fourth grade.

Freshen up YouRBiz With Classifieds Call CHARITY TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN THE BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY!

1-866-735-5289 18

profile 2014 THOMAS EASLEY

all-natural

MEDICINE Local herbalist: Herbs offer common sense options

hen it comes to how people work, few in south Alabama do it quite like Thomas Easley. Part author, part teacher and part consultant – Easley wears a variety of hats in a career that centers around herbs and their many uses. “The most important thing that I do, is we try to educate people and try to help them make better dietary and lifestyle choices so they can improve their health,” Easley said. “People should be responsible for their own health problems, and to do that, you have to be educated. The majority of my job is talking to people and getting them to recognize in their lives what is causing their problems.” Many times, Easley says the use of herbs, either as a

STORY, PHOTO | BLAKE BELL

treatment or as a supplement to conventional medical treatments, can help with medical problems ranging from minor irritations to serious conditions. In fact, this year Easley has added published author to his resume with the publication of “Modern Herbal Medicine,” which he cowrote with fellow herbalist Steven Horne. And while Easley says herbs do not provide any “magic pill” treatments, they do offer some common-sense answers and options for many issues. But the Andalusia native and Pleasant Home School graduate is also accessible in person for local residents, with offices in both Andalusia and Pace, Fla. Easley said his career as an herbalist is broad, allowing him to help

people in a number of ways. “I have an herb school with both online and live classes out of my Andalusia office right next to All Is Well (health food store in Andalusia),” Easley said. In fact, Easley said two other herbalists and graduates of his own school, Cheryl Fuller Stone, and his wife Terrie Easley, also work from the space on East Three Notch Street. While Easley says he performs many roles as a general herbalist, he added that the road to reaching his current continued next page

PROFILE 2014 continued from previous page

position was one of understanding a generations-old practice. “I started this when I was 14 years old,” he said. “I had a twin sister that got sick and doctors couldn’t figure out how to fix her, and herbalists did. It intrigued me that these specialists and doctors with decades of experience couldn’t figure out something simple, and this back-woods herbalists did.” Before long, Easley said his entire family was benefiting from the use of herbs. “An herbalist helped my mom out with some health problems, and we had no clue what herbs were back then,” he said. “Within a year, this herbalist had helped several members of my family, so my mom opened up a little herb shop in Florala. On the weekends, this herbalist would come in and I spent about five years with her, just learning.” Just out of high school, Easley said he opened his first health food store in Andalusia at the age of 19. “I opened up my little health food store, and quickly realized there was a lot more to learn. So, I started training with other herbalists. I realized that it was something

that I enjoyed, and that I was good at it.” What ensued, he said, was years of seeking the knowledge of other herbalists, a task not easily accomplished in southern Alabama. “I did it the old-fashioned route, which is apprenticeship,” Easley said. “There wasn’t a good, formal school nearby when I was training. The biggest schools were in Portland and Washington state. I did five years with my first teacher, one or two weekends a month. Some of it was hands on; some self-taught. Just finding people smarter than me, and asking if I could learn from them is how I did it.” Easley said it was actually because of his training that he met his now-wife, and fellow herbalist, Terrie. “I met my wife through my first herb teacher, who also is a brilliant matchmaker,” he said. “My first teacher in Birmingham owned a little herb store. She’s been in practice 30-plus years. She’s really active in her church. She is a church matchmaker. She always would joke when I see her, she’d say, ‘Thomas, are you ready for me to pray you up a wife?’” Before long, Easley said she introduced him to Terrie through an herbal class he taught monthly in Birmingham. The cou-

ple has now been married for a year-and-ahalf and share a love for, as well as careers in, herbal medicine. “Herbalists can either be generalists or specialists,” he said. “One of her areas of interest is in skin health. She also is just a trained generalist. She can do any aspect, she’s just especially good at skin issues.” With his “practice” touching almost every aspect of his life, Easley said it feels natural to teach, write, talk about and generally live the field of herbal medicine, adding much of the applications employ common-sense methods people often take for granted.

Hilltop Terrace 600 N. 4th St. Florala, AL

Oakhill Apartments 407 Brantley St. Opp, AL

SERVICE YOU DESERVE PEOPLE YOU TRUST

Easley said plants and humans have relied on each other for a long time. That relationship, he said, offers many avenues for healing that modern medicine does not. Easley has been back in Andalusia now for nearly six years, and said he is glad to be able to do what he loves in his hometown. In fact, he is already working on a second edition of his book, along with several additional books. For more information about Easley’ services, or to contact him, visit eclecticherbalists.com, eclecticshoolofherbalmedicine.com, or modernherbalmedicine.com.

Southern Oaks Apartments 116 Southern Oaks Opp, AL (behind Ted’s Pharmacy)

101 Northside Office Park Dr. & Hwy. 29 N. Andalusia, AL

334-222-SOLD (7653) 888-288-9361 (Toll Free)

www.bassagencyrealestate.com

Community living nurtures your mind-body-spirit. Quiet when you want quiet Company when you want company THESE APARTMENTS FOR THE ELDERLY PROVIDE IT ALL

• Residential Sales • Commercial Sales • Rental Management • Mini-Storage • National Referrals • Appraisals • Lots and Acreage

BUYING, SELLING, INVESTING, RENTING, STORING, RELOCATING IN 2014?

“Since 1946”

• • • •

Independence Emergency Pull Cords Water, Sewer, Garbage Central Heat & Air

• Planned Activities • Lawn Service • Friends

For More Info Call 334-764-2500

Put our experience and knowledge of the market to work for you!

• Comfort • Gardening • Washer & Dryer

Taking Applications

ANDYCABLE

TV Cable Company of Andalusia, Inc

WHITE & MCCLUNG, LLC Certified Public Accountants 116 Crescent Street Andalusia, AL 36420 334-222-2907

JONES & ASSOCIATES, PC 218 S. Three Notch Andalusia, AL 36420 334-222-3138

GREG WHITE, SHON MCCLUNG AND PHILLIP JONES are pleased to announce the merger of their Andalusia firms White & McClung, LLC and Jones and Associates, PC. We believe the combined experiences of our larger firm will allow us to expand our professional services. Jones & Associates has been part of the Andalusia business community for over 50 years, and the staff of White & McClung, LLC have over 100 years of combined experience in accounting and tax preparation. The offices of the Firm will remain in their present locations at this time 116 Crescent St and 218 S Three Notch St, in Andalusia. We look forward to serving your accounting and tax preparation needs.

Huhtamaki is a manufacturer of Folding Paperboard Cartons. With both Wide-Format Flexographic, modern gluing equipment, and an array of tray machines, we produce 4-corner, 6-corner, auto bottom, straight line, clamshells, trays and scoop style cartons. Using the Flexographic printing process, we produce cartons for many industries including Quick Service Restaurant, Frozen Foods, Department Stores, Pet Food, Dairy, Bakery, Dry Foods and many others.

HUHTAMAKI

Huhtamaki Andalusia employs people from the local are and is a proud member of the Covington County business community.

1 Paris Place â&#x20AC;˘ Andalusia, AL 36420 â&#x20AC;˘ 334-427-4996 www.huhtamaki.com

PROFILE 2014 CHRIS LOVE

man behind

THE PRINTING Veteran pressman enjoys putting ink to paper

e knows the smell of ink far too well, and after a long night’s work he may well have ink from head to toe, but Chris Love loves

his job. The 17-year Star-News veteran began his career in the mailroom while in college at LBWCC and has climbed his way up the ladder. The then-shooting guard for the Saints came to Andalusia on a basketball scholarship after his Autaugaville Eagles won the 1995 Class 1A State basketball championship, and his method for “making the paper” changed. Most nights, Love works until the wee hours of the morning, making sure the paper gets printed. After working at the paper for two years, he had the opportunity to become a press assistant, where he caught papers as they rolled off the press for two or three years. During this time, he learned about operating the

STORY: KENDRA BOLLING | PHOTO: ANDREW GARNER

press and eventually moved up to pressman. Around 2003, Love was promoted to lead pressman, a position he’s held ever since. Love said he enjoys the job because it’s a great working environment, and like most in the newspaper business, his routine is ever changing. On a typical night, Love can print up to six different papers on location in Andalusia and prints 22-23 papers each week. He’s responsible for printing The Andalusia StarNews, The Troy Messenger, The Brewton Standard, The Atmore Advance, The Elba Clipper, The Graceville News, and an assortment of other publications. “When I first get here, I check to see what different papers are printing, how many they need and if any of them have been uploaded,” he said. With the exception of the Star-News, pdf files of the other papers are uploaded to an FTP site in

which Love downloads, checks pages numbers and to see if the pages show up properly before making plates in order to print the papers. In late 2012, the Star-News made an upgrade that cut the plate process time in half, Love said. The new platemaker now takes about 20 minutes to process an entire paper, where the previous system took 30-45 minutes, depending on the paper. “Then I have to set the press, change paper rolls and put on the ink,” he said. Currently, Love is the lone pressman at the paper, but with the new system, he’s still getting the papers out at the same time, he said. The amount of time it takes to print a paper varies per paper. “To print a paper with 3,000 copies, it takes about 20 minutes,” Love said. continued next page

PROFILE 2014 continued from previous page

On Tuesday nights, of the six papers Love prints, the smallest number he prints is 1,500 and the largest is 12,000. Love said he enjoys printing in color.

“I love to see how the different photos turn out,” he said. “I want it to look the best possible. If I’m printing something, it has my name on it. I want it to look the best.” Although Love is an imperative piece of the puzzle, he’s not quick to take a lot of credit.

“I always say there’s no ‘I’ in team,” he said. “It takes our whole staff to make a masterpiece, and to make a great product.” Love is married to Courtney and he has three children, Coreshia, 15, Cammeyun, 9, and Cadariyus, 7.

“I had a great experience there” For the most part, Kelley Griggs had a great pregnancy. Then, at 35 weeks, her blood pressure went up. “I had pre-eclampsia,” she said. “I was really scared.” But Kelley said she and her husband, Barry, couldn’t have asked for better care and attention than they received in the Birthing Center at Andalusia Regional Hospital. The nurses, and especially Birthing Center nurse Tracy Cagle, were caring and attentive. “Tracy was like an angel,” Kelley said. “She had such a calming effect, and that made everything better.” Baby Syler Beck Griggs weighed 4 pounds and 13 ounces when Dr. Browning delivered her by C-Section at ARH. “I freaked out again, because Dr. Browning had told me I was having a 7 pound baby,” Kelley said. “But my blood pressure had cut off the blood flow to the placenta and she actually lost weight.” From the time she was induced, to the time she had a section, until she left the hospital with her tiny newborn, Kelley said the staff in the Birthing Center was reassuring and helpful. “They told me so many things about taking care of a baby that small,” she said. “If you are here, it make sense to have your baby in Andalusia,” Kelley said. “I had a great experience there.”

ADVANCED WOUND CENTER

PROFILE 2014

We’re Working for You The Covington County Commission is dedicated to enhancing the county’s economic and industrial environment

Historic Covington County Courthouse

Covington County is: Rural yet progressive Quiet yet active Small yet accessible Covington County offers: Quality educational systems –– Quality healthcare – Mild gulf climate Stable labor force – Low taxes – Strong and growing economy South Alabama Regional Airport – Moderate real estate prices Recreational and cultural opportunities To see what Covington County can do for you or your business, call us at (334) 428-2610 Covington County Commission P.O. Box 188 – Andalusia, AL 36420

Bill Godwin Chairman

Kenneth Northey District 1 Brenda T. Petty, County Administrator

Joe Barton District 2

Harold Elmore District 3 Darren Capps, County Engineer

Carl Turman District 4

PROFILE 2014

David’s Catfish House

All You Can Eat Catfish & Shrimp 1842 E. Three Notch St. • Andalusia 222-3127

ALWAYS CUTTIN’ DEALS We stand behind what we sell. We want your business.

We Will Not Be Undersold!

J.R.’s LAWNMOWER SHOP 1006 West Cumming Ave. • Opp • 334-493-9645 Fax: 334-493-0955 • Toll Free: 1-800-230-9645 SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES Financing available upon approval. See dealer for details.

PROFILE 2014 OPP AND COVINGTON COUNTY AREA

Chamber of Commerce Shop Opp Dine Opp Promote Opp 101 E Ida Ave, • Opp, AL 36467 (334) 493-3070

PROFILE 2014

EARLY SPRING 2014

e u s s i g n i r p Early s

! w o n s d In stan

ENTWINED in the community Healthy MOTIVATION Conecuh home to ‘PITCHER’ PERFECT PLANTS

INFAMOUS tomato pie

profile 2014 TY COBB

a young

MARKSMAN Seventh grader excels in pistol competitions

ith a firm grip on his Glock 17 .9-caliber pistol, Ty Cobb draws and brings it into his chest and pushes out from the center, all the while aiming straight ahead on his next target. This fluid and mechanical motion is one the Straughn Middle School seventh grader uses often at matches, where he competes with older and more experienced shooters. Cobb, 13, got started in his craft when he was 11 years old. “My dad (Shannon), heard about it and looked it up,” Cobb said about the matches. “Then, I went to my first match at the Tri-State Gun Club, near Daleville. That was my first open match.” Unfortunately, Cobb finished last in the tournament, but was optimistic about his finish. “Hey, you’ve got to start somewhere,” he said. Cobb started shooting a gun when he was just a

STORY, PHOTO | ANDREW GARNER

toddler. In fact, with the help of his dad, Ty pulled his first trigger at 3 years old. He gradually started shooting bigger guns when he was 6-7, but stayed with his favorite, the pistol. Fast-forward to when he was 11, Cobb said he remembers the first time he felt the recoil from a handgun. “It was a little bit jarring,” he said. “Now, I manage the recoil like it’s nothing.” Shannon said shooting in matches isn’t about combat. “This is a game,” he said. “You just use pistols to shoot at targets.” During the third weekend of February, Ty and Shannon traveled to compete in the 2014 Florida Open Pistol Shooting Championship, where they were up against shooters from around the world. Shannon finished in 77th place, while Ty finished 94th.

At the championship, shooters are split up into four-man teams. Ty was the only youth on his team. When asked when he thought he started getting good at shooting silhouetted targets, Ty said it was during a match in Daleville. He finished 15th out of 22 at that particular match. Nowadays, Shannon and Ty compete in matches together in a four-city circuit. During all of these events, safety is a big issue. “This is not a realistic training sport,” Shannon said. For the rest of the year, Cobb is set to compete in eight more matches. When asked why he loves the sport so much, Ty said it’s a matter of preference. “Other people love football, baseball and basketball,” he said. “I love shooting.” Cobb is the son of Shannon Cobb and Nikki Adams of Antioch.

PROFILE 2014 TAJ PATEL

exceedingly

EXTRAORDINARY Straughn’s Patel rises above the class academically

ntelligent. Smart.Good with numbers. These are a few words and phrases that best describe Straughn Elementary School third grader Taj

Patel. At the wee age of 2, Patel said he started noticing he was pretty intelligent. “When I was 2, probably,” Patel said in a small, but clear voice. Taj’s father, Neil, said he started getting him to read at a young age by throwing colorful rubber ABCs at him while he was still in diapers. “I’d say go spell ‘CAT,’ and he’d go spell cat,” Neil said. From there, Taj’s intelligence began to grow. Now, as a 9 year old, Patel is a part of the gifted program at SES and is also in the American Mensa program, which is an organization for anyone who scores in the top 2 percent of the general population on one of the more than 200 standardized intelligence tests.

STORY, PHOTO | ANDREW GARNER Patel scored a 147 out of 150 on his IQ test for his age, and his father signed him up for Mensa late last year. Not only can he read at the seventh grade level according to school counselors, Patel’s math skill is also in the seventh grade. “That’s pretty strong,” his father said. Taj can compute double-digit multiplication tables in his head, which is no easy feat to a normal 9 year old. When asked to total 57 times 35, Patel came up with the answer not a few seconds later. “It is… 1995,” he said. “It takes a little while for me, depending on how big it is.” As far as reading is concerned, Taj will read just about anything that’s put in front of him. His favorite books are a toss up between the Harry Potter and Hunger Games novels. Additionally, Taj won the accelerated readers competition at SES.

“He’s going to try to do it again, but we’ll see,” Neil said. Taj said he likes the HP and HG books because they’re good books, adding that HP has a lot of fantasy inside of it that he likes. “They’re good books to read,” he said. “It’s just the wizardry and all the funny stuff they do. It’s cool.” Taj also likes the Harry Potter movies, too, preferring to see them in the crystal clear Blu-Ray format. “He likes the clarity,” Neil said. In addition to being a smart student at SES, Taj plays the piano and participates in karate at the USA Gym in Andalusia. He’s looking to get his black belt next year. When asked where gets his smarts from, Taj said from both of his parents. “That was a good answer,” Neil quipped. Patel is the son of Neil and Binita Patel. Additionally, he has one younger brother, Dhilan.

PROFILE 2014 ALLI RIDDLE

vivacious

VOLUNTEERS 3 locals girls create Nails for Nanas at Savannah Terrace

CHEYENNE HORTIN

HOLLEY MAJORS 32

STORY, PHOTOS | MICHELE GERLACH

perience.” lli Riddle was think- takes a little longer. “These girls are a breath of The Andalusia High School ing about her grandsenior said talking to the ladies fresh air to our residents,” mother when first King, the activity director, she’s met “reminds me of my she had the idea. said. “They look forward to granny.” “She had recently passed “I can’t spend time with her, them coming.” away,” Alli recalled. “She was Alli plans to enroll in LBW so I visit with these lovely in the nursing home. She alCommunity ways had her College next hair done, but year. She hasn’t nobody ever chosen a career did her nails.” path, but said After her after spending friends, time at SavanCheyenne nah Terrace, Hortin and she’s considerHolly Majors ing options that agreed that volwould allow her unteering to to work with provide that senior adults. service was a Cheyene, who good idea, Alli is 16, is a sophwalked in to omore who is Savannah Terrace and asked Cheyenne Hortin and Holley Majors work to give a Savan- home schooled. She plans to be an activity director nah Terrace resident a manicure. accountant and Michele King how has the personality to fit her she could make her plan work. ladies,” she said. “They are plan: She’s the organized one. full of wisdom, and they alAnd Nails for Nanas was born. Her friends immediately ways make me laugh.” Alli, Cheyenne and Holly turned to her for Q-Tips and Cheyenne said she immedivisit Savannah Terrace every cotton balls because she does ately agreed when she heard other week, arriving with their Alli’s idea. She has an aunt, details. own supplies and treating any- Martha Parrish, who lives at Holly, 15, is a freshman at one who’s interested in having Savannah Terrace, and has enAHS. She’s involved in band, her nails done. yearbook staff and 4-H, and joyed spending time with her At first, it took about an thinks she’d like a career in and others. hour and a half each visit, Alli the arts. Holly agreed. said. All three attend Hopewell “I just like doing stuff for “But then we got to know Baptist Church. other people,” she said. “It’s them, and talking, and now it definitely been a learning ex-

PROUDLY SERVING ANDALUSIA & COVINGTON COUNTY SINCE 2007

Come and enjoy great food and good times at Beef O’Brady’s! Here’s what’s new at Beef O’Brady’s of Andalusia! • • • •

Burger Monday’s $4.99 Build Your Own Burger with fries, Tuesdays-Kid’s Night* 4pm-8pm Live Trivia-Wednesday Nights starting at 7:00 pm-Drink specials during the live event! Customer Appreciation day. Come into Beef’s on the 20th of each month and get a prize ticket! Each ticket is a winner!* One lucky customer will win wings for an entire year!* * See store for details!

GET IT TO GO!

Ask about our catering menu. Delivery available with a min order

KIDS GAME-PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE And coming in May, 2014, PIZZA at Beef’s!

300 Westgate Plaza Andalusia, Alabama (334) 222-9888

PROFILE 2014 ROMANE GUILLEMYN

a whole

NEW WORLD Exchange student discovers love for America

omane Guillemyn is discovering a new world. Guillemyn, 18, a foreign exchange student who is studying at Straughn High School, is from Belgium. Ever since she’s been in South Alabama, she’s learned a whole lot about herself and other people. The SHS senior came to be in the United States through International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES), an American-based foreign exchange student program based in Atlanta that works to find host families in the U.S. for students to live and study abroad. Guillemyn has been living and studying here since August 2013, and is here on a language arts scholarship. She said it took a lot to get through all of the paperwork of the ICES program. In fact, Guillemyn can speak four languages, including her native French, some Dutch and German, along with English. She’s learning a fifth language — Spanish.

STORY, PHOTO | ANDREW GARNER To apply for her language arts scholarship, she had to prove she could speak Dutch. “It’s a lot of work and it’s hard to get through all of this stuff,” she said. “I had to pass a bunch of tests. It was more languages. I had to prove I knew a language from my country. So, I picked Dutch.” Other than learning a new language, Guillemyn has been taking in the culture that comes with living in South Alabama. She said she’s seen a “different side of America.” “What we see is what we see in the movies. That’s the idea we have of Americans, which is so not true,” Guillemyn said. “We see people in high school — we see them with the cheerleaders on top, who are mean to everybody else, and bully everybody. “I came here at Straughn High, and I was afraid it would be like that,” she said. That wasn’t the case. “I actually ended up being like one of the best per-

sons they’ve ever seen,” Guillemyn said. “They were all excited and it was better than I had expected. Everything I said or did, they were all excited about it.” The senior is also a part of Straughn’s string band as the drummer. Looking at Guillemyn, one might not realize she’s from Europe. Wearing a hoodie and arm bands around her wrists, Guillemyn lights up when she talks about her next chapter in life. It wasn’t until recently that she decided she wanted to stay and study at college here in America. SHS guidance counselor Linda Varner has been a big help, she said, because Guillemyn will be able to graduate with her new classmates this May. “I really want to stay here,” Guillemyn said. “I’ve continued next page

continued from previous page

discovered so much here about people and myself. I’ve just had such a great life here. I’ve built (relationships) here and I don’t want to trash it, and just never think about it again. “I’m just really thinking about it and if I can get a scholarship (to go to college), then I really could,” she said. When asked if she’s been sight seeing, Guillemyn said she’s been to Florida a few times. “That was crazy,” she said. “Florida is so touristic. I’ve been to Destin. It was like it was in the movies. I was so excited about everything that I was really like a tourist. I was taking pictures of everything. “Everybody was looking at me and thinking what is that chick doing?” Other than doing the tourist thing, Guillemyn said she’s really enjoyed attending football games at SHS, and recently went to a boys basketball game. So far, Homecoming at SHS has been her most memorable experience.

“It was great to see everybody so excited about everything (during Homecoming week),” Guillemyn said. “And, football season. I love football. I have never seen a full football game in my life, and I come here and it’s just so amazing. I’m just so excited about it.” Every week, Guillemyn communicates with her parents — Frederic and Muriel — and friends via Skype. Her last day in the states, or until she comes back to study in college, is June 1, and living in a small-town atmosphere coming from Belgium, which is the size of Maryland, has been great she said. “I used to live in a huge city, something like Atlanta,” Guillemyn said. “Then, I arrived here and it’s like a new world. There’s no comparison. “I love being here,” she said. “It’s more relaxing. It’s not all the time rushing everywhere. People are more close to themselves. People talk about hunting, and that freaks me out, but that’s the culture and I love learning about that.”

arold’s &

Furniture Flooring

Thank You Covington County! For allowing me to serve you as your state senator. I look forward to working with you.

ANDALUSIA DENTAL GROUP

Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

Jimmy Holley State Senator

Pope Tents & Events we accommodate all of your indoor & outdoor party needs! archways • colonades • stages • portable dance floors

Plus:

Wedding supplies • pole and frame tents • various linen sizes & colors • various silver service items • ornate punch & chocolate fountains

305 West Davis Street • Elba • 334.897.6060

Family Dentistry • Implant Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry • Bleaching •Crowns & Bridges • Bonding • Full & Partial Dentures Dr. Parrish King, Dr. Bill King & Dr. Bob Burkhardt

334.222.3232 Office Hours Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

644 West Bypass • Andalusia, Alabama 36420

New Patients Welcome–Most Insurance Accepted

PROFILE 2014

=ZÉY hZZc î ]jcYgZYh d[ i^bZh# I]^h i^bZ! î ]VeeZcZY id ]^b# ;^ghi 7Vei^hi 8]jgX] eVhidg 9g# ;gZY @Vgi]Vjh i]dj\]i ]Z ]VY ^cY^\Zhi^dc l]Zc ]Z lZci id X]jgX] dcZ HjcYVn bdgc^c\ aVhi ;ZWgjVgn# 7ji î ]VY aVhiZY adc\ Zcdj\] i]Vi ]Z lVh XdcXZgcZY# L]Zc V gZi^gZY cjghZ cdi^XZY ]^b WgZV`^c\ dji ^cid V hlZVi! h]Z ^ch^hiZY ]Z \d id i]Z :G! VcY i]Vi igê id i]Z 6cYVajh^V GZ\^dcVa =dheîVa a^`Zan hVkZY ]^h a^[Z# ;gZYÉh WaddY ldg` lVh \ddY! Wji Vh V bViiZg d[ egZXVji^dc! ]Z lVh VYbîiZY [dg dWhZgkVi^dc# L]Zc ]Z ]VY V a^\]i ]ZVgi ViiVX`! ]Z lVh VWaZ id ^b" bZY^ViZan \Zi Xadi"Wjhi^c\ Ygj\h# 6[iZg WZ^c\ igVch" [ZggZY id 9di]Vc! ]Z aZVgcZY i]Vi ]Z ]VY V .. eZgXZci WadX`V\Z ^c ]^h aZ[i kZcig^XaZ! VcY ZkZcijVaan ]VY i]gZZ WneVhhZh# Cdl *% edjcYh a^\]iZg VcY dc Vc ZmZgX^hZ gdji^cZ! ]ZÉh WZZc idaY ]Z ^h V edhiZg X]âY [dg hjXXZhh[ja ]ZVgi hjg\Zgn! VcY ]Z ]Vh cd YdjWi i]Vi WZ^c\ ^c i]Z g^\]i eaVXZ Vi i]Z g^\]i i^bZ hVkZY ]^h a^[Z# >[ ndj ]VkZ hnbeidbh! ]Z hV^Y! hZZ ndjg YdXidg dg \d id i]Z :G# Æ> lVh igZViZY lZaa Vi ZkZgn aZkZa Vi 6G=!Ç ;gZY hV^Y#

PROFILE 2014 ENSLEY HILBURN

runnin’ for

A REASON Youngster running half marathon for cancer patient

nsley Hilburn is training to run a half marathon, and she’s running for a reason.

“Our friend, Mr. Michael Stewart, has appendix cancer,” she explained. “I felt that I wanted to help raise money for him. God just popped that idea in my head.” The Stewarts and the Hilburns both attend Southside Baptist Church, and have sons who are friends. Ensley’s older brother had run a half marathon to raise money before, so the idea wasn’t foreign to her family. “I always liked running,” Ensley said, “sprinting especially.” She has done adventure races, mud races and 5Ks in the past. Now she’s upping her mileage to a half marathon. Two half marathons, actually. First, she had the idea to run a half marathon, and chose the Rock and Roll half marathon in Nashville on April 26th .

STORY, PHOTO | MICHELE GERLACH “We made a clipboard with information on it,” she explained. “We passed the clipboard to people we knew and asked if they’d like to give anything. The response has been good. People have been really generous.” She began with a $500 fundraising goal, which she has exceeded. Now, she says, “Any amount is good.” “I’m really happy about that,” she said. Meanwhile, she’s been following a training schedule, and the commitment isn’t hers alone. Her parents are training to run with her. “They didn’t want me to run by myself,” Ensley said. “They wanted to do it.” Lainie and Josh Hilburn agreed they didn’t want Ensley to run alone for training or in the half marathon, so they’re training with her. “I used to run, but hadn’t in two years,” Mrs. Hilburn said. “I wasn’t prepared for this.” Since she’s having problems with her ankle, she’s relieved that her husband also is training, and family

friend Jennifer O’Neal also is participating. “I don’t want to miss her first race, either,” Mrs. Hilburn said. And as it turns out, Ensley will run for Stewart twice. “Several friends told me if I ran one closers, Mr. Michael could go watch,” she said. So she and O’Neal, also a fellow Southside Baptist member, will run a half marathon in Pensacola on April 13. “If Mr. Michael can’t go, there are several families who will help cheer me on,” Ensley said. Stewart and his wife, Tammy, are at M.D. Anderson, where he had a 20-hour surgery that involved removing his appendix and gall bladder, scraping his other organs, and a chemo bath, in which his abdomen was filled with chemo. He was released to a Texas hotel, and expected to be continued next page

continued from previous page home, but his stay has been delayed by complications. When he comes home, he’ll have a vacuum pump in his abdomen and a feeding tube. Stewart works at PowerSouth, and his wife works at Camp Sonshine. Ensley is using Stewart’s favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” “We think that’s kinda cool, and a good verse for the time he’s in,” Ensley said. She and her brother are communicating with their

friend while he’s in Texas. “We send him riddles and knock-knock jokes,” Ensley said. “Every once in a while, we facetime with him, too.” While Ensley loves to sprint, and recently ran a 7:30 mile in a time test at school, she’s running a little slower with her parents. Asked if she had a time goal, she and her mother laughed. “We don’t want to get on the sag wagon,” Mrs. Hilburn said, explaining that’s the ride given to those who fall behind. Ensley is a 7th grader at Andalusia Middle School, where she works in the library and also is a Peer Helper. At Southside, she is involved with youth and

PROFILE 2014

sings in the choir. Riding horses is another joy. Asked if she’s given her future much thought, she said, “I’d like to be a women’s Christian speaker, if that’s what God wants me to do.” Other options include working with animals or the weather.

Those who wish to contribute to the Stewarts may mail checks to them in care of the Hilburns at 21268 Benvallen Road, Andalusia, AL 36420. All of Ensley’s travel expenses are covered, so all contributions go directly to the Stewart family.

the

PO WER POWER of

Being Safe Saf e

Y ou ccan’t an’t ttell ell if a do wned p ower lin ergized. You downed power linee iiss en energized. T reat eevery ver y p ower lin t’s d angerous un til Treat power linee aass if iit’s dangerous until u tility cr ews aarrive rrive o n tthe he sscene. cene. S tay fa aaway way wa y— utility crews on Stay farr awa aand nd k eep o thers awa aaway. way wa y. Ta T ake tthe he ssafest afest ac tion aand nd ccall all keep others Take action 911 fo ffor or h elp. Th at’s tthe he p ower o eing ssafe. afe. help. That’s power off b being

18836 US H wy 84 Hwy A ndalusia, AL 36421 Andalusia, 334-222-4121 M ain Office Main www.covington.coop www.covington.coop

1991 M.L. King, Jr. Expressway • Andalusia

1-800-239-1193 R eport O utages Report Outages

222-6561

Energizing E nerg rgizi izing S Safety afety F Fo For or Our Our Lives Lives

SpeedLight ™ UVC Germicidal Lamp

PROFILE 2014 )RU RYHU \HDU V PL O O L RQV RI VDW L VI L HG FXVW RPHU V KDYH W U XVW HG W KH 0L U DFO H (DU H[SHU W V 7KHU H L V QR EHW W HU U H VSHFW HG RU ZHO O NQRZQ EU DQG L Q KHDU L QJ DL GV W KDQ 0L U D FO H (DU $O O RXU SDW L HQW V U HFHL YH W KH VDPH FDU H DQG FRXU W HV\ L QFO XGL QJ RXU GD\ VDW L VI DFL RQ JXDU DQW HH RXU \HDU ZDU U DQW \ RQ DO O KHDU L QJ VRO XW L RQV DQG RXU O L I HW L PH FDU H SU RPL VH

ZZZ 0L U DFO H (DU $QGDO XVL D FRP

the right hospice.

Comfort Care Hospice of Andalusia 820 South Three Notch Street, Suite C Andalusia, AL 36420 Phone: (334) 427-4000 Toll Free: 866-427-4001

Comfort Care Hospice understands the importance of being there. Comfort Care Hospice is based right here in your community, so our caregivers are close by when you need us, anytime day or night.

ADVANCED EMS

WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS The ONLY Ambulance provider approved by the Covington County E-911 Board in Andalusia! For Non-Emergencies Call 222-4155 For Emergencies dial 9-1-1

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Take Care of You!

103 Opp Avenue Andalusia, AL Owned and Operated by Michael Smith

PROFILE 2014

Distinction, Excellence, Success The mission of the Andalusia CLty School System is to ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills that will enable them to reach their full potential and become productive members of society. The system will accomplish this by providing a student-centered program in a safe, caring environment with high academic standards by a staff committed to continuous improvement.

Andalusia High School

Andalusia Middle School

Andalusia Elementary School

101 3rd Avenue Andalusia, AL 36420 334-222-7569

1201 C.C. Baker Ave. Andalusia, AL 36421 334-222-6542

1501 West Bypass Andalusia, AL 36420 334-222-1224

Daniel Shakespeare Principal

Victoria Anderson Principal

Patty Taylor Principal

Andalusia City Board of Education www.andalusiacityschools.net

122 Sixth Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Andalusia, AL â&#x20AC;˘ 334-222-3186 Mr. Ted Watson, Superintendent Dr. David McCalman, President; Mrs. Amy Dugger, Vice-President; Mr. David Bryant, Dr. Bill King, Mr. Joe Nix

PROFILE 2014 LEVI WORLEY

innovative

ENTREPRENEUR Opp senior establishes own T-shirt business

pp High School senior Levi Worley plans to become a dentist like his father, but he’s considering earning a double major in business. When he talked to Auburn’s business school about that, he was told he’d have to complete a senior project in which he would develop a business idea, and go through a mock process of forming a company and applying for a trademark. His mom, Julie Worley, said it was at that point that the whole family smiled. Forget a mock process. Levi Worley’s already done all of that. His company, Gulf Stream Outfitters, designs and sells T-shirts. But he also buys and sells on eBay, frequently supplements his income with yard sales, and works part-time in the dental office of his father, Jeff Worley. On a recent Saturday morning, for instance, he cleared $1,000 in a yard sale he held with his friend,

STORY, PHOTO | MICHELE GERLACH

Jack Armstrong, who’s also his youth pastor at Westview Baptist. “I got the idea for my company from my youth pastor,” Levi explained. “He likes to build stuff. I thought I’d do T-shirts.” With his dad’s help, Levi formed an LLC, then set out to get his name trademarked. His trademark wasn’t approved – it was too similar to an already trademarked name – but he learned he was in a very small group of young people who’d attempted to trademark a name. He began designing shirts last fall, purchasing in bulk and hiring a local printer to brand them with his designs. To date, he’s invested in 10 different types of shirts, and has a new batch ready to sell at the Rattlesnake Rodeo April 12. The shirts are available in Tantastic in Opp, and online, and he’s working to get in a retail venue in Andalusia. His shirts all have outdoor themes, he’s on his third

set of designs, and with each batch, he’s used his earnings to upgrade the software with which he creates his graphic designs. His marketing scheme for the Rodeo is to offer a 10 percent discount to anyone wearing his shirts, and to have specialty pricing on some of his shirts, which normally sell for $20. In his yard sales and in his eBay store, he sells collectibles that he finds from family members, at flea markets, and from other eBay vendors. The most unusual thing he’s sold is an antique set of birthing forceps he found stored in his dad’s dental office, which once was a hospital. At Opp High School, Levi is president of the science club, which recently was reborn. He plans for the group to go to Opp Middle School and give students there the chance to do an interesting lab experiment so continued next page

PROFILE 2014 the Opp Rotary Club, and active in Peer Helpers, where his personal focus has been anti-bullying. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked with other Peer Helpers to do programs at Opp Elementary, and says theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been a success ever time.

continued from previous page that they can see how much fun science can be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe they can blow something up,â&#x20AC;? he said. He is president of Interact, which is sponsored by

Levi also works summers and weekends at Camp Victory, and is a tutor. His eBay store is lworley1436467, and his web site is www.gulfstreamoutfitters.com.

8 GXjj`fe ]fi >f[ %%% 8 :fdgXjj`fe ]fi G\fgc\

Built to Last

For great rates and service that have stood the test of time. Call Alfa AlfaÂŽÂŽ.

Alfa Insurance

Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 am Worship 6:00 pm Worship

ÂŽ

/XFN\ &RSH / XFN\ &RSH /87&) / 87&) : &XPPLQJV $YH : &XPPLQJV $YH 2SS $/ 2S S $/ % %XV XV MMFRSH#DOIDLQV FRP FRSH#DOIDLQV FRP

www.AlfaInsurance.com

Auto Home Life

Call AlfaÂŽ. The best agents in the business.

Wednesday 5:45 pm Awana 6:00 pm Youth 6:00 pm Bible Study

First Baptist Church Opp

& )BSU "WF t 0QQ "MBCBNB 1IPOF 8FC XXX Ä&#x2022;STUCBQUJTUPQQ OFU

YOUR ONE STOP-NEWS SOURCE. Thursday,

March 20,

2014

AO14

Your Source

cents Friday, Marc

For News In

unty

Covington Co

rrestsOfsoar fic March pot a 57 â&#x20AC;˘ 50 Vol.109, No

h 21, 2014

Tuesda

Vol.109, No 58 â&#x20AC;˘ 50 cents

0-mark nearing 20

nty Jail, but Tuesday, ington Cou results in stop rests made cs off the streets,â&#x20AC;? Cov added each local streets. rijuana ar and coti . â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have fewer drugs on across the 200 mark, 5 more ma Meeks said good job, and nearing the APWhile officers the ks says y

Your Source For News

y, Mar ch 18,

2014

In Covington Vo County l.109,

No 55

er jailed for drugH s, edis romiinssed D sergeant, fathe f

â&#x20AC;˘ 50 ce

nts

r arrestRed FPWe D adn lsesd o coay nfisca te

ound a

a reall ited nis Mee Sheriff Den e numbers are done all deserve a pat on the county have cred with at they k season he hopes thos r message. spring brea heavy .â&#x20AC;? the Ca rsksline sending a cleathe last two back ks said many sus-- least a portion of Mee Mee ic, wh up Accord â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Bell a â&#x20AC;&#x153;In just issued â&#x20AC;&#x153;uni ich waing toforinforijuana traff the Ra well as for allegat â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Be iffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departdraws near s have been ,â&#x20AC;? whil e mar blake.bell@and mation s postp ttler 25 alusiastarnews.com ions blake ll As March enforcement weeks, the sherdifferent mu- pect page .bell@anda d from ions day.3 release R,ur citat oned of prostitu SOA lusiastarne See the bethe Coving ws.com until Sa 0, tion. ton County close, law ss Covington ment and have made over formrs have bonded out Charge one of Curryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-s father, An the Jail, es s acro othe to of 34-year-old Anprostitu aliti ed 59-upsw taken d ef- nicip agencies â&#x20AC;&#x153;2-to-3 which led to g transport tion and distribu year-old Otis R. iju dalusia Police ana-rela ing in the nu Courte d of taking have combine arrests and of nar- fore bein Curry, tion the dis grams use nty aof 150 acc Cou sy pho Sgt. ijuan ted was mb â&#x20AC;? covery drugs now hang couple ,000 also ger week uce mar cusend in arrests co er of mar- it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have of heroin. over Jason Curry was ar- tody to taken into of of stview Bur suspect the forts to prod sts that are around $100 Cre a ntinued the for but it wa als Co heads an off Authorities two from 39-yearrested of an Andalu counts o of vin includ Wednesday unlawf related arre ar-old son in campgrounds. sia police officer and - evening for ed a gton County, last son said. s a couple icial weight heroiting ully â&#x20AC;&#x153;He wa old Patrick distribu tesy photo their 3-ye out Cour n. of gra ng on his his alleged a control bust tha â&#x20AC;&#x153;It bu Lu s be hidi father, following led substan Rive t nette t but anytime wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a hu ms,â&#x20AC;? Jack- Coral, Fla on his wa cas. King may ce.r Fa the role in the possession y fro ., d ge ce itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s he Dean Argo, sogovern two menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrests and distribu rn.â&#x20AC;? n said- lls Police Ch roin, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; amount, Jackson said. to Kansas Ci m Cape tion of a he ma ief Wednesday night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He wa Jac ty, Ka s en Gr a controlled substan de ks eg Jac con- ative, and arrests See ARRESTS,dpage a ce, as k- covered on said the told us s pretty co n.,â&#x20AC;? going.â&#x20AC;? 5 for marijtotal of 13 we operhe du J. Curry where uana po roin wa ek- Curry ring a that als Luca he wa ssessionO. rou s s , paraphe o netted ma tine traffic dis- of ma s was charg ed rij sto rij rnalia, and en uana and dru p trolled uana, posse with possessi substan ded in ssi â&#x20AC;˘ Kend the arr g ce (heroi on of a co on Andalusia native ra Bollin est kendra.bo Christian Wossilek nn) and lling@anda g has been chosen for the new posseslusiastarn boy band Far Young ews.com . Week See BU Courtesy photo ST, page bama end rains for Sp 5 Rattler eedway to ced South Al 25 resched aThe rac 0. ule the sides. Saturda e has been Schneider y, Marc resched This week, reason to h 22. Thos uled for has â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Bellnews.com said CPD couple may asked e who purch lusiastar ll@anda the to blake.be ased tic keep believe campbands and the their stubs kets are frequenting continues s race. y will The search edly ab- be nds, and location be hono and armalleg grou National red at the The tim for a child parents earlike Conecuhfrom out of to be de e the race ducted by his th, and far will run ter mon Forest are For mo mined. has ye lier this saying the search area. now a re t are out inf South send officials Alabam ormation, co â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we the lookmight be fre-, 33 nta a 4-5 on the couple Sp ct the 65-3539 eedway campgroundsin BOLO (be an Amber The track or quenting â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Bell form one more boy at ones found out) alert area of story as Star-News band blake.bell@andalusiastarnews such as the will up National alert, it is for an miles,â&#x20AC;? before he retired, .com mo ecuh re av â&#x20AC;? she da inform ailable. the Con 500 said. ation be te this about following When former Andalu Forest. comes 6, Crest- Schneider said â&#x20AC;&#x153;There sia Kay said her family, Middle School student rt. On March which is currently rnament Department the initial repo mstance Christian Wossilek in NCAA Tou circu view Police n a search turned lando, Fla., is excited Orthe 2014 are several r, so the res of year. down the opportu for ah Turner fills out officials bega Emmanuel nity to Christian as he favorite time ld that can occu be particuder Mic embark his most appear on the show, of gra s for 3-year-o he was ald can one thir Constru is â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sch on ool a new chapter r sponse we X Factor,â&#x20AC;? Elem his this entary Menz, afte n from a , because ketballinand new ad ction worke n last year, ithe musica larly fluid what they journey, which loves lbas Straugh seemed rs legedly takeduring a suhe had w â&#x20AC;˘ Blake er said other goals only began a few structio dition will ho continued Turn donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kno cket.ThursBell inbra t direction short mind. to wo blake.bell@ Burger King n is co use An with his may do, or wha in.â&#x20AC;? years ago. andalusias rk mplet tarnews.co day, the teenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel pervised visitdo not have e. Show dalusia Midd on the new d m coul they â&#x20AC;&#x153;He bu le n here onal Formother, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t The Op parents, who ts. Kay sa : A cra School's se ilding at An Conecuh Nati ger Tim start singing until Wossilek, anne low Monday p City Coun dalusia NER custodial righ Andrew District Ran ers tru venth and mom, he was 12,â&#x20AC;? KayTO â&#x20AC;˘ ANDREW GAR cil High Sc opened ner nounced one of eig CPD Lt. authori- est smann said the forest Sh Tur co ss t, PHO ncerns hth gr es into the flo on own e said Mer STORY, said. servi aders hool. The or to about his bracke â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has place. those goals had Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never g On d, but som Schneider 50da cen ng etin a olle for wh yĘźs o g res me tly patr foo en co chin is ident rejai k wh event been a whirlbeen so exeasier to been reached. to picsic at aSa nFlodrid ties are sear comply led after he R. Menz areas would be rs. a hasare, fro turNat Andrew ir brackets wind. As fai - ional the m in a mom, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has been cited about othe it all. Jackson, Ka year-old Karlold Virginia Garne left,the sance ab with the cit led to r/StarcolJes- e on â&#x20AC;˘ Michele Ge isviy lle hide in than one develk will win Sabrinay, BoLou Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never ert yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thin News exp chosen y ate He been michele.g and 49-yearbeanythi gam an nu to the me be rla bab nd have in a ike ng in e Ta iddy, He ip erlach@a nt progra an ch â&#x20AC;&#x153;We nsher who they Susan l ndalusiasta balexcited ampio new boy band, my about ma he was a littl d roo ketso ather son, m. Ch M. Lynch, Herrin pground openl rnews.com ce with bas tol g cam tNo Sin d whole elin rec rri oped g Da n las. trav board anythin ma s. 7 in Dal vis t menti s bee â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Far Young,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? lege ah g in my with electricaâ&#x20AC;? lieve are a 2013 Ford memb on of the de no diMic night d,â&#x20AC;? Even as , ner said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; year-round name, ers whole life. are April lystlivTur tha Blake m are goo seek to fin construction anaHeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a life. reside Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s r hookups, the child in Van bearing bu tors, who l/Stthe wing at t the new six Monday e to ar-New and wate said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We â&#x20AC;&#x153;BothBelof bers to t urged council ntâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for the Ga AHS ad new bu ish the tw workers dream come true ing s AES wi F250 Uhaul s AE86502. nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitatlivingis inghis th of the co didhis o dition ha before ild d outenior Mersmann that and we ll be co grade it dream.â&#x20AC;? e for tho nsider other memsaid. for him.â&#x20AC;?Turner dream.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ich gam school etcoto citizenhe Arizona plate the vehis two sto No. 1 see also ha nstructio ings under s from mpleted tick the ave se the ge for all wh its over is of wh d nu char said Alabam s r ou out ries; an es a safe Kay ose ho n at An a made t, giv nt been de assaid a for-thern portiondalusiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s punche While poiKay their SEE 20 Schneide be siaile mes to da City way Kayd one KiwanUF cla a wh has ID No. a-- goo , page 3 said she is centerrna mal announ 14-15 ers and admi ing teach- she â&#x20AC;&#x153;hardenedâ&#x20AC;? to room that had d SchoolsAn-lument sance an red a publi have ceits cle also ay for the is not mi19th - Sou ng to beWossel to See SEARCH tim nis tou Thursd goiyet nis rna , ad- CALE thtraannual printed on t this year. ior Appre d, c ik Tou too ment tors areSenr theDay. concern NDAR, sume to move trators ma lter. Those factorserve as a storm at liberty to re-2014 NCAA bra fight pre Thishad ingcke BE5700R 30 days subsequentl nuitotheme, yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brotheciation plenty under over the ke that ssu â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sock of dancer y, given and my to abate mer. the on. k, but â&#x20AC;&#x201D;re Hop,â&#x20AC;? s to PAGE lease much the to ma drew ky addition s combined to 1950s â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad style dance tucthe infor- tips off this afternonew group the ect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just Turofner thebac 2 moves sure The ad a bigge should n,â&#x20AC;? to songs t totrashow nsi offke want to issue. be com- for Au bur nailedwith Kenfloor mation surroun mending the and â&#x20AC;˘ Blak their grader r projPictur space current tion of stu see ou the at top: A rare ebreak go dalusia dition to An in ad matter of days, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My era. AMS seniors Be de , 9, aingthir use le. a nts slow blake ll newly formed Tur ner r An smi d dance 3 stu jai .bell@ Hi from ry - AH dalus gave from the for act l gh Scho dents group, she but,Ele guys,â&#x20AC;? h a andalusiastarne memore up-beat songs. CKE menta TS, is flapage will S wi she is enjoyua said witGranth wless. and ia Middle He ws.com said producer TimStraug BRA Above hn for now, am,erofand : Gary Genev sist Diane School eighth grade house seven ol that year. at the semest ll move to Coon, ing the fan members rring told l bad a, welcome See my , loves a newcomer toSuthe If :lau her 14er bre who aided inat th an council Still, m and perindance rs is Below . ridad success several The ghter the huge Flo King of tende floor. year-ol ici - mo sonen Opp reason taking longe d aligned their schedule ak next haspeo nea.â&#x20AC;? andformaearned. rid tion of both â&#x20AC;&#x153;The , then really Rock-N is the -Roll himself, Elvis Presley, wasnt Ted Wa buildin wh r for s, Watso wh for Flo r just s must Back-e of yea Mayor First, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a cro Bartholo ingwd for Sag provid best me enterta in the tson amazin be n inmen street For ins en school sta r shego t. tur this tim Boysâ&#x20AC;? r oveg,â&#x20AC;? John square the building said. rts tance, and said. r pou should dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s me that turned dwas ref mew said to watch him oveâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Just ready adminis . â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sync,â&#x20AC;? is heavily all has mo footag ntal he out He be fee ere from kn rri ple nc and to see all of this e; intra ow ng ing Op alth ex ling gre tors secondly re Mack â&#x20AC;&#x153;We that mi volved with the project take p res Wa ddle sch al, the place. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so proud.â&#x20AC;? . everyon had a gre at this week po Blakc Bell/Star-News last we tley, who wa ident â&#x20AC;&#x153;He said he wanted ool ek for vio s jailed to time,â&#x20AC;? e seemed at crowd, . See BO E. Menz court lating an to sai order E, page and tra d Staci W have a go d Lynch Hagan: to clean a circuit 2 ils Ch sponso ining director on, marke od up his K. Menz tin Hospita ildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mental r, South Ce for the even g Se e ls OPP, pa tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ntral Health. Alabam me down brought ge 2 Wils a -to-ear event, on said the th fourth . nte held is at annual â&#x20AC;˘ Michele Godwin said Ce r, act ts Andalusiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even s Ki as Gerlach michele.g a more. This yearorgan izaude erlach@a incl tionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fundraiser wanis something 21 or over can ndalusiasta many duled toâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We by Blue rnews.com for the â&#x20AC;˘iaBlake Sponsored bysche yone Adult Bell â&#x20AC;&#x153;An pro did ance Sen. alus orm grams . Durin ex,ceed perf$2 who blake.bell@andalusiastarnews 0,0 said What: And Beason gospelScott Alabam 00,â&#x20AC;?say 10sha.m. .comcome,â&#x20AC;? she aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;soulaw was endale, until ter Sock Hop t, R-Gard is . 9already Miss â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g her reign r go e sai exac from â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evennsored en and Activity Cen March 20. by d. al ofWith sheriff Amdeparttoo tlyorm as unrestr â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r This year co-spo erica hoance ictive, y, Alabam â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hoe- Brad by wellSen. w much there a perf â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Bellnews.com e not ments asrea statewi from a Holley When: Toda 8:30 de tasked chand Coving a.m.a residen Roll,tonyet,County as was on with2013, thek go â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lusiastar re at chantsgednoto Jimmy Roc Mallory k Hop,â&#x20AC;?, R-ElbaKing blake.bell@anda but we suissuing e alp.m. tleof â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soc need concea Doors open longer .â&#x20AC;? Sheriff and go Meeks l-carry The , SB passed l-carry n,â&#x20AC;? to a354 Hagaper-thing nis Center a concea at 12:30 Dennis Dow tedthea upper over it did counint revenu ley,agrees. house mits, the loss ia Kiwanis re: Kiwapermit to 21 s PresW transport ann unAAC adop a.m., ils 11:3 on, sh e nthecould a litanyone sday The Andalus abuzz with Whet: Free for the Elvi whe the Wedne Dozie for night. said0 the B. The bill, 0 toon Andalus e told e billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loaded tra 10:3 change them gun Cos been â&#x20AC;&#x153;This r cti that r is out dine which now goes to From een evtion an onthewaLurllegisla bring ofsthe ia au Center has week as mementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sismathe has beenSatur could or over. 1950 bris an volunteer fire the Alas coun said Shan nt. dieon most years old driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach in a vehicle win nesday in a point llme da danger this Colnc God bama in d Wed of e ity insta y ous ity conHouse lt e try thing atMa nigoon Ow activ of Representamun Adu ht. s yor Ea en tention, butâ&#x20AC;&#x153;A Tower remove a tre fighters wo thanks to controv 2014 , tives, doors will plentyCom sicIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve s,orm ever lace Andalusia sMeeks supMball .t alsmuMeeks seen budone,â&#x20AC;? artist pson blow rl John rk to cle Road leg-win said would of foo isssays perf bers of the ter prepare for 19th year.â&#x20AC;?islation gs the ersialGod Hop eve 20nt. allow Wal will Amkthe loaded 8:30 a.m. 13/Starmoney yo irsaid Soc near Do e from this tha d anday. y at ns son dr inctis is uyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cho - oCur erica, Blake Bell theare AAC MaNews t fea least lege rtain ludSim handgu t thinpassed lastopen Thursda of his mobile ar away de llory year; a â&#x20AC;&#x153;I turedThursd mos canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beedion top.m. Activity Cen biggest annual ove Mi toiteente away be transpo zier Su silen for toda Dress yo Like tion the worries 2:30 howev rted Ha rac at ur addi t said arat . er, ho e lieve ms au the fro In ga e ss fam a win nday clos prepcti Senate event m sutor will in vehiclesabou , God Amer t a t a con- tickets an legisla ily for would ch as one of their withou andthis morningme on Leon beon â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on in this n to the AAC doesweek has ica Tallade t begana bill noten weeks d aas lly have about â&#x20AC;&#x153;We so passed naĂŻve even d, 3 the Lit ceal-ca usua sp 19 money . free to tra rry that the tle page think â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ly a ing ga , permit. 55 ha events. veling packag that whatsotw com HOP it as ts d pro Black Chevy. completeaims toolde See o suheitcsaid. r adulthat ever,â&#x20AC;? everyon people with e. e ba who Courte restricâ&#x20AC;&#x153;This sand The blydrives ,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;People know this year as a way tion. bill to give change but around is thou Michel ase expecte iston sy pho 13 ho opens d Ann s to but ce ity, 0 peop tel door e Gerlac the with a loaded to leb fro far asfire from for every to ho h/Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hoe-Down, it the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sock an added social activ into a from asdraw le detractors of the See gun is a pillar said. tel,â&#x20AC;? shm ered rities, and News ng ved calli commu EX evol co a nity.â&#x20AC;? e PO, pa we are added it has miles thousands v- stepped Director Sonj She we ge 5 Sheriff of BILL, foot in Hop,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;? AAC . â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is our each Meeks nt page WhitSee 5 makin Dennis to the oppos a Chilnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ed month is dre e Ho to the bill thatgpassed Mira Godwin said pu use, work week. cle newest gun â&#x20AC;˘ Kend met pearances. blicitthe y apSenate tBell/Star- bro thisHo spital,BlakeNe News ra Bollin â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Every kendra.bo ught I wa lling@anda g age no down-to s lusiastarn time ews.com rth of ELAXED PROF I the co on Le Stron See HA ESSIONAL ENVI unty lin on To GAN, pa RONMENT we swept g winds an Dozie â&#x20AC;˘Technology to matc ge 5 r, and r Road ne e ac day mo ross the are d rain straig ar off h your rni ng caus a Sun- blame ht-line windicials say Hearing loss, Lifes ing da s were . , tyle & Budg CES mPRI to et LOWEST

â&#x20AC;˘ Blake Bellnews.com lusiastar blake.bell@anda

nappers Police: Kid nt ue eq fr might rounds local campg

t traffic

s mari

Rattler 2 resche 50 duled for Satu rday

juana

TAKING A TRIP STEA

Y BACK IN TIMEPROGD RESS

Wossilek chosen for newly formed Orlando boy band

favored pick

SeSxCceAeMdHs gexopo

Educat ors ma king tr ansition plans

Tales o f

iss Am erica opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; today â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;h e Sh th er to iff : o B g ill , pa n ss o ed e by Senate dangerou Com

Find us on Facebook!

FR EE HEARING TE R

ST!

Find us on Facebook!

â&#x20AC;˘Financing Plans Avail EVERYDAY! able â&#x20AC;˘The most trusted BEST VALUES name in hearing care since RELIABLE NAME BRAN 1940

Mike J

tate 334-222-52001220 MLK

114 Hillcrest Drive

â&#x20AC;˘ Andalusia, AL

Expressway

â&#x20AC;˘ Andalusia

Repre

ones

sentat

1220 MLK Express

Strong w damag inds cause e near Dozier Find us on Facebo ok! See WE

ive

way â&#x20AC;˘ Andalusia

See Pa

ge 8.

stop

phern

alia

Lucas

Man ja iled for not cleanin g proper ty draws sympa thy

RT EARLY STNAESSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TO â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;MAD ouisville d grader: L SES 3râ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A

, para

FIRS TEAMT

ATHER,

page 5

We report the issues that matter in Covington County, big or small. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always there.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the news. Subscribe today! Call 222-2402. 43

PROFILE 2014

Balanced Family Health Care, Inc. Family Medical Practice Dr. JoAnne M. Smith & Karen S. Doulin, CRNP 601 Bypass West • Andalusia, Alabama Serving the Health Care needs of all ages.

Call for an appointment

334-222-0184 Hours 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday ; 8 a.m. - 12 noon Friday

Thank You Covington County!

Make Your House a Home with the a Home Make Your House Make Your House a Home withwitthe Comfort and h theConvenience Make Your ofConvenience Comfort andandHouse Comfort ConveaniHome ence with the

Make Your House a Home of of Comfort and Convenience with the

Natur al GasandWater Water HeatiHeating ng NaturalComfort Gas Convenience of

For allowing me to serve you as your state representative.I look forward to working with you.

Mike Jones State Representative What does

Ask how we can save you money on your energy bills and even give you a free Asknatural how we saveheater you money energy from bills and even give you a free gascan water whenonyouyourconvert electric to natural gas!

financial security

natural gas water heater when you convert from electric to natural gas!

Ask how we can save you money on your energy bills and even give you Ask how weheater can save youwhen money you on yourconvert energy bil s andfrom even gielectric ve you a free to natural natural gas water natur a l gas water heater when you conv e rt fr o m el e ctri c to natur a l gas! Ask how we can save you money on your energy bills and even give you a mean to you? natural gas water The Southeast Alabama Gas District heater when you convert from electric to natural ga The Southeast Alabama Gas District Financial security is having the money you need at 800.660.8683 • www.SEAGD.net 800.660.8683 • www.SEAGD.net all stages of life. With Modern Woodmen of America, Abbeville • Andalusia • Brundidge • Daleville • Dothan • Elba • Enterprise • Eufaula • Fort Deposit Abbeville • Andalusia • Brundidge • Daleville • Dothan • Elba • Enterprise • Eufaula • Fort Deposit I can provide financial solutions to help you achieve Greenville • Headland • Luverne • Opp • Ozark • Troy Greenville • Headland • Luverne • Opp • Ozark • Troy it. Call me – let’s talk about your plan for life.

Beverly Groce* FICF 1608 E. 3 Notch St. Andalusia, AL 36420 334-582-8302 Beverly.E.Groce@ mwarep.org

MEAG0312

The Southeast Alabama Gas District The Southeast Alabama Gas District

800.660.8683 • www.SEAGD.net 800.660.8683 • www.SEAGD.net Abbeville • Andalusia • Brundidge • Daleville • Dothan • Elba • Enterprise • Eufaula • Abbeville • Andalusia • Brundidge • Daleville • Dothan • Elba • Enterprise • Eufaula • Fort Deposit The Southeast Alabama Gas District Greenville • Headland • Luverne • Ozark • Troy Greenville • Headland • Luverne • Opp• Opp • Ozark • Troy 800.660.8683 • www.SEAGD.net

*Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America.

Abbeville • Andalusia • Brundidge • Daleville • Dothan • Elba • Enterprise • Eufaula • Fo Greenville • Headland • Luverne • Opp • Ozark • Troy 45

PROFILE 2014

Since 1946

AL HVAC License #83174