Cleburne News - 03/06/14

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Search and Rescue searching for a home LAURA CAMPER

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Cleburne County Search and Rescue will now have to share the home it has used for the last decade to store equipment and train and work on finding a new one.

The emergency responders had a building near the former Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency on Davenport Drive. But in November, the county Board of Education bought the old EMA building from the County Commission for $10. Kyle Yancy, chief of Search and Rescue, said the all-volunteer group’s building was included in the deal.

The building was built in 2004 with Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program money. It’s a five-bay facility, four of which have 14 foot roll-up doors, Yancy said. Back when it was first

built, Search and Rescue members did hazardous materials training in the building, he said. Now they train and store their equipment including two rescue boats, a command truck, which would take over if anything were to happen to the county dispatch center, a rescue gator – a utility vehicle equipped with a bed to rescue injured people from places not accessible by car - a trailer with rescue gear, a Chevrolet Suburban and a Dodge Ram to pull the trailer.

Search and Rescue has done all maintenance and upkeep on the building, paid the utilities and the insurance, Yancy said.

The team has also done more than $14,000 in renovations to the fifth-bay of the building to add a meeting room, a loft to train repelling, bathrooms, a kitchen and office space.

“The county has no money in this building at all,” Yancy said. “And they gave it

to the Board of Education.”

The members raised the money through fundraisers, Yancy said. Search and Rescue doesn’t receive annual funding from the county, he said. It did, however, request some emergency funding from the Cleburne County Commission this year when its fundraising fell short. The County Commission gave the organization $5,000 and also created a committee to create legislation for a referendum for a new property tax to benefit Search and Rescue and the Cleburne County fire departments. The committee has since stopped meeting after local legislators said they would prefer to wait for a non-election year to propose the legislation.

Clint Cochran, captain of Search and Rescue, said he made an appointment to talk to David Howle, the school system’s coordinator for maintenance, transportation and operations, after the property

transfer to find out where the system administrators stood on allowing the group to continue to use the building.

In the initial meeting, Cochran said Howle told him the group could use two of the bays if it put up a dividing wall or fence to separate the two spaces. Since that meeting, Yancy said the team has negotiated to take over three of the bays leaving the bay with the office space and a bay with a door for the school system, he said. The deal has not been finalized, but he’s hopeful it will be, he said.

Commissioner Laura Cobb said she also spoke to Cleburne County Superintendent Claire Dryden about the issue. Cobb said she suggested the system allow Search and Rescue to lease half the building for n See Rescue page 7

Former teacher sentenced

BOE discusses new equipment

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A former Cleburne County teacher and coach who pleaded guilty in January to having sex with a student was sentenced in Calhoun County Circuit Court on Friday to three concurrent 15-year prison sentences.

Bronson Ward, however, will serve a total of one year behind bars under a probation agreement, receiving credit for 155 days he’s already spent in the Cleburne County Jail.

He’ll serve the next six months there as well, according to court documents file Friday. The 33-yearold Ward was arrested in September and faced five charges of having sex with students under the age of 19. The complaints listed two students and incidents in Cleburne and Calhoun counties dating back to 2009.

In January, while still in jail, Ward pleaded guilty to three of the charges involving one of the students, two in Calhoun County and one n See Ward page 2

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Laura Camper

State looks for funding solution LAURA CAMPER

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The state is investing billions of dollars in the state’s transportation infrastructure, but it needs a long-term funding solution to maintain and improve its transportation systems, said the head of a state association.

Heflin’s Bells Mill Road bridge is the first of 12 bridges in the county approved for replacement under the Alabama Transportation Improvement Program nearly a year ago. It’s also one of the last projects that Pelham-based Alabama Bridge Builders, a company

For news stories call Laura at 256.463.2872 +

that has been in business in Alabama for more than 30 years, will do, according to Kacy Mims, project manager for the company.

Mims cites lack of work as the reason for the business closing. The company needs $26 million to $28 million worth of work to keep the doors open and it just hasn’t been able to get that much work, he said.

“It’s tough when you’ve got to send a 62-year-old man home because we’ve got no work,” Mims said. “It’s just a sad time.”

Alabama Bridge Builders is not alone. Many of the state’s road building contractors are suffering, especially

grading and bridge building contractors, said Tom Layfield, executive director of the Alabama Road Builders Association.

He blames the state’s funding mechanism, more than 20 years old, for infrastructure maintenance along with declining federal funding for the problem.

The state’s 5-cent per gallon gas tax was initiated in 1992, Layfield said. Since then, construction costs have risen 250 percent, but because of more fuel-efficient vehicles and conscientious drivn See Bridge page 8

n See BOE page 7

INDEX: Opinion/Editorial . . . . . . 3 Church Sponsor . . . . . . . 6 Sports . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 4

The Cleburne County Board of Education Monday discussed purchasing a computer program to keep track of textbooks and equipment given to students.

The asset management software is from Book Systems, which already provides a program for the school system’s libraries.

Shawn Hudgins, technology coordinator for the school system, told the board members at their meeting that the software would cost $8,280 for the first year and $3,160 each year after that.

The school system has been using the Huntsville-based company’s library software for about six years, Hudgins said.

The new software will be used for textbooks and equipment such as laptop computers the district plans to buy for students, he said.

“The company has taken library software and

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2 • The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014

Heflin Highlights by: Suzanne Payne Pure and Simple

There are three sure fire ways to avoid criticism: Do nothing…say nothing...be nothing.

Happy Birthday

Mar. 6-Ray Boswell, Rose Thompson, Carolyn Price, Betty Turner, Earlene Davis and Susan Moore, Morgan Pyle, Bonnie Laminack and DeWayne Coffey.

Mar.7-Kedrick Shaver and Sarah Pettis. Mar.8-Amanda Steward, Kenny Yates, Traci Shealy, Zach Riddle, Amanda Clay, Mason Wysner and Logan Hughes.

Mar.9-Diedra Tims, Derrick Benefield, Gary Austin, KarleyTaylor, Trae Summerville, David Winston Bryant and William Owens Payne. Mar.10-Shirley Slaton, Leigh Parker, Garrett Cheatwood, Scott Johnson, Becky Noell, Michael Payne and Debbie Vise. Mar.11-Pam Gaines, Austin Gaines and Kevin Stewart. Mar.12-Shag Austin, Mickey Cook, Todd Bates, Fay Arnett, Josh Cavender, Felecia Burroughs and Peggy Shealy.

Happy Anniversary

Misty Pointer

March 7-Jeff and Kathy Moore…Barry and Kay Newton…Will and Kari Payne. March 8-Jarrod and Jennifer Parker…Alan and Phyllis Smith. March 12-Earnest and Malene Bowen. The Bowens are a testament to True Love. They have been a happy couple for 59 years on this date!

Sunshine List

Danny Crawford, April Benefield, Junior Jenkins, Karen Lowman, Jerry Gaines, Jacky Stovall, Rider Bearden, Ken Sanders, Merrill Hayes, Jeannie Smith, TJ Harler, Jimmy Pentecost, Kenneth Lee, Sarah McCormick, Leon McCormick, Sara Noland and Jimmie Nell Vise.

Perfect Pink Package

Celebrating Dr. Seuss Cathy Burgess from Cathy's Home Daycare celebrated Dr. Seuss birthday on Monday with several different guest speakers reading to the children. Pictured are: Aaden Tucker, Zoey Etter, Cathy Burgess, Addyson Shelton, Hudson Braxton, Jonah Smith and Rider Bearden.

Ward: He’ll serve the next six months there as well, according to court documents file Friday.

Take a Bow!

From page 1 in Cleburne County. Friday’s sentencing hearing was for those three charges.

The father of the victim gave a statement to Calhoun County Circuit Judge Howell before the sentencing, his voice quivering. He said the first he heard of Ward was when his daughter was on the junior high softball team.

Ward went to a practice and asked some of the girls to try out for basketball, another program he ran.

“Knowing what I know now, I believe a predator had made his first move on his prey,” the father said.

He recounted how his family has been ridiculed and condemned since Ward’s arrest. When he first found out, as a father the last thing he wanted was for his daughter’s name to be dragged through the mud, he said.

But he said he was proud of his daughter for telling her story because the cycle had to be stopped.

“It was a scam over and over … it worked on one girl and then another,” he said. “We send our children to school to learn, not to be preyed upon.”

Several of Ward’s friends and family members spoke on his behalf, saying that Ward was remorseful and not a threat to society. When his mother took the stand, Ward cried silently in his seat.

Crystal Howard, who has known Ward since kindergarten, said she wouldn’t have any problem with Ward coaching her own daughter and son.

Howard, a court clerk, said Ward was not like the other people she saw in the

courthouse each day.

“He doesn’t have a past criminal history,” she said.

“I think that he’s been punished. His life is over as it was before.”

Ward also testified on his own behalf. He asked Howell for mercy and he apologized to the girl’s father.

“Being called a predator cuts like a knife,” Ward said.

While he said he took responsibility for the incidents, Ward also insinuated it was out of his hands.

“You can’t help who you fall in love with,” Ward said.

Questioned by assistant district attorney Jennifer Weems, about his relationship with the victim, Ward said he didn’t have anything other than a coach/ teacher-student relationship with the teen until the summer of 2010, as she was headed into her senior year. When asked about a love letter from the girl dated December 2009 that was found in his home, he replied he was awful with dates. He also said that the sexual relationship started weeks after the funeral of another girl on the basketball team. That funeral was in November 2009, Weems said.

At the time, Weems said, the victim was 16.

Ward also admitted that he was seeing someone

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If you live on or near Oxford Street, you might have witnessed some excitement a week or so ago. You may have seen the Baby Stork landing at the home of T.J. and Tanya Maloney. He made an amazing delivery on February 21 and it was in a PINK bundle! Yes…Hazel Anne Maloney came to bless the Maloney home in a grand way. Hazel weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. She received a sweet, warm welcome from her Big Sister, Maisie. Others on the welcoming committee were maternal grandparents Pete and Boots Morrison and paternal grandparents Tim and Marylou Maloney (Virginia Beach). God bless this family and welcome to the world, Baby Girl.

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else at the time of his first involvement with the girl, but that relationship was over, he said.

Weems asked him if he had sought counseling while in jail to deal with his issues.

“I don’t have issues,” Ward answered.

Ward said he had been saved while in jail.

“I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ,” Ward said. “I know my days of coaching are over, but my days of influencing people are not.”

Ward talked about the men he had met in jail who had only fifth-grade educations. Ward said he would like to help people get their general equivalency diplomas.

Before pronouncing the sentence, Howell said he took all the testimony into consideration as well as Ward’s guilty plea, which spared the victim from having to testify in a trial.

Since the sentences were for less than 20 years, Ward was able to apply for probation, which he was granted by Howell. Under the probation agreement, Ward will be required to serve one year in prison — he will be given credit for the time he’s already spent in jail. After serving six more months in jail, he’ll spend one year under

house arrest, monitored by a GPS tracking system.

During that time he will be required to perform 1,000 hours of community service. He could teach general equivalency diploma courses as his community service but not in a school and only to adults, Howell specified.

The sentence was almost identical to the one defense attorney William Broome suggested for his client during the hearing.

After the hearing, Broome said the sentence could have been much worse. The maximum sentence for each charge was 20 years.

“I respect Judge Howell,” Broome said. “I think he was fair.”

The two charges involving the other student are still pending, said Heflin police Chief A.J. Benefield.

Those two charges were heard by a Calhoun County grand jury this month, but were continued to the next grand jury, he said.

Ward will not be able to teach again. He will have to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison, Howell said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872.

On Twitter @LCamper_ Star.

CHEAHA REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER has immediate openings for: Basic Living Skills Worker in the Lineville Outpatient Office: The successful candidate must have a High School Diploma or GED and two years experience in the mental health field (PREFERRED) Daily Living Support Assistant in Residential Homes in Ashland and Lineville. The successful candidate must have a High School Diploma or GED, the physical ability to lift/transfer adults with limited mobility, ability to work any shift. Experience in direct services for persons with intellectual disabilities and/or taking care of people is preferred.

Employment, education, driving history , criminal background verification and drug screens are part of the applicant process. All candidates must have verbal and written communication skills appropriate to position, a valid Alabama driver’s license, a safe driving record and insurability.

Excellent benefits package including health insurance, state retirement, paid time off and holidays. Pay rate: $8.35 an hour.

Send resume to krobinson@crmhc.org or Apply in person at Lineville Outpatient Office, 88217 Highway 9 or McKinney Learning Center at 88191 Highway 9, Lineville, Alabama.

Well deserved salutes go out to the Cleburne County High School Drama Club for the presentation of “Promedy” and to the Heflin Arts Council for the musical stage play “Rapunzel”. These theatrical offerings were both going on this weekend and they were wonderful!

Thanks to all of those people who made these events possible. Our county is full of talented young people!

The future looks bright.

Heads Up 1960s Tigers

If you were an athlete at Cleburne County High School during the 1960’s, you are invited to join many of your fellow team mates and friends for a “breakfast get-together” this Saturday at 9:00 at the Heflin Baptist Church. This will be a great occasion. It is a perfect time to spend quality time with old friends.

Plan Ahead

The Heflin Arts Council will present Steel Magnolias on April 3, 4, 5 and 6 at the Heflin Civic Center. This classic play is always a favorite and will entertain and inspire you. Tickets are on sale now at the City Hall and at W.M. Grocery.

Just A Thought

The other day I was reading an article on-line that addressed the issue of “our moods”. What makes them and what can we do to change them. The author was using all types of psychological explanations. He blamed our moods on everything from our personal fears to our expectations of others. To all that, I eventually said “phooey”. My Grandmother Cook was a genteel Southern lady.

She was NOT a psychological expert, but she had the best prospective on the issue of moods I have ever heard before or since. She said that she could handle anything life could dish out to her if she had THREE things…A good night’s sleep…a well fitting pair of shoes…a good bowel movement! (Need I say more?)

So Long

Please send me your news or announcements to rkpsop816@yahoo.com or mail to PO Box 924. If you have a name to add to or remove from my lists, use those same addresses.

Yard Sale & Bake Sale New Harmony Baptist Church Hwy 9 South, Heflin

Friday March 14 & Saturday March 15 7 a.m. until ... each day!

Come shop with us for some great treasures and some of the best homemade goodies around!

Thanks for supporting New Harmony Baptist Student Ministry

THE CLEBURNE NEWS, Thursday, March 6, 2014 • 3

OPINION/EDITORIAL Election will offer no real excitement

For the past year it has appeared that this year’s election was going to be less than exciting. Now that the dust has settled it looks like that will pretty much be the case. This lackluster year has been created by the fact that incumbents hold all five of the top constitutional offices and all five, especially the governor, are pretty popular.

The field is set and the lineup card is in the hands of the scorekeeper. The primaries are set for June 3 with the runoffs coming six weeks later on July 15. The general election will be November 3. More than likely the governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor, agriculture commissioner and treasurer, all Republicans, will be reelected to a second four-year term.

That means that 2018 will be looming as a watershed year. You should see six or more big name thoroughbreds seeking the governor’s post that year when Gov. Bentley cannot seek another term constitutionally. There are some naysayers who are saying, “Not so quick, my friend. I am not so sure that Bentley will be reelected.”

Indeed the Democrats, who many have written off for dead in statewide races, have fielded a slate of candidates. If there was any surprise it came in that corner. The fact that the Democrats have a ticket to choose from is the surprise of the year. We will see if the assumption that winning the GOP primary in Alabama is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie.

In the governor’s race incumbent Robert Bentley has two token challengers. He will hardly have to break a sweat or spend any money garnering the Republican nomination. In the fall, Bentley will more than likely

face Parker Griffith, who will probably be the Democratic standard bearer.

Steve Parker Griffith is a Flowers former congressman and state senator from Huntsville. He was elected to both of these posts as a Republican.

He is a physician and Inside The Statehouse businessman who is wealthy and has a propensity for spending his own money. That is what makes him a viable candidate. He is also handsome and articulate.

Bentley will prevail in November but Parker Griffith will net as many votes as a Democrat can get for governor. Most experts think that is about 42%. This race will be interesting to follow. It is also interesting that there will be two physicians pitted against each other in the fall. Bentley is a retired dermatologist and Griffith is a retired cancer specialist.

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey will face a challenge within the GOP primary from Dr. Stan Cooke from Walker County.

Cooke is the pastor of the Kimberly Church of God in Jefferson County and is an active Tea Partier.

The Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor is from just up the road on I-65 in Cullman County. James Fields is also a pastor and served a term in the State House of Representatives before being swept out by the GOP tidal wave in 2010.

Attorney General Luther Strange has no Republican opposition. However, Montgomery State Representative Joe Hubbard, who will be the Democratic standard bearer, will challenge him in the fall. This could be the closest race in November.

Incumbent GOP Treasurer Young Boozer is unopposed in his race for a second four-year term in the primary.

He will be challenged by longtime AEA lobbyist Joe Cottle in the general election.

Incumbent Republican Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan has no GOP primary opponent. His Democratic challenger is Doug “New Blue” Smith.

The best statewide races of the year are for the offices of Secretary of State, State Auditor and two of the Public Service Commission seats.

The best regional race of the year will be for the open congressional seat in the Birmingham metro area. The 6th congressional post is being vacated by 20-year veteran congressman Spencer Bachus. There are seven Republican men vying for the open seat. It has been ranked as one of the most Republican seats in the nation.

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions will waltz to a fourth sixyear term in the U.S. Senate. He has no opposition from any Republicans or Democrats.

Even if it is a lackluster year, it will be fun to watch.

We will see if there are any upsets.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in more than 70 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us

Mysteries solved, but more are around the corner

Sometimes life presents mysteries to us homeowners.

Sunday was my day to resolve three of them that had cropped up in recent months.

First of all, a mysterious odor has been present in my laundry room since Christmas. My visiting family members swore it was gas leaking from the hot water heater. One family member went so far as to stuff a towel beneath his bedroom door for fear that he would be overcome by poisonous gases as he slept. The next day, I called the gas company who sent out a person to confirm that there was no gas leak present.

The guests left, and the odor persisted. A few weeks later, the severe cold caused a water pipe beneath my laundry room to burst. I told the plumber about the odor, and he said there was no sewage pipe in that vicinity.

However, he found a hole in another pipe and plugged it. Still the odor persisted.

I was embarrassed by the odor and had only invited two other friends over. One of them went into the laundry room, sniffed, and declared the odor was definitely from a sewage leak.

I made an appointment with my handyman son Jonathan to come to the house on Sunday to do what we all dreaded – cutting out the floor to identify the source of the odor. Shortly before he began the project, he investigated the laundry room and found a spray bottle that I once had filled with a mixture of room deodorizer and alcohol. The mixture had soured and the odor had somehow permeated through the plastic bottle, even with the lid closed. Everyone had a laugh at my expense, but the mystery was solved.

Another mystery involved my attic lights. Several years back, I added a tin roof. It darkened any natu-

ral light that used to come into the attic. When the two light bulbs in Sherry the attic went out several months ago, Kughn I replaced them.

However, when the new ones failed to light up, I decidSherry-Go-Round ed the switch was faulty. After the holidays, I had to pack my decorations just inside the attic door because I could not see where they were supposed to be stored. Also on Sunday, I asked Jonathan if he would check the light switch in the attic to see if it had become loose. He and his son Tanner, who is a great handyman apprentice, first placed different light bulbs in the two sockets. The lights came right on, even though one of them blew out quickly. Jonathan thought there might be a short in one of the sockets, but a third new bulb stayed on just fine. Second mystery solved.

Also on Sunday, after Jonathan and his family had left, I decided to replace all of the junk, I mean important household items, back into the laundry room. As I worked, I kept an eye out for a missing glove. I had bought a new pair about 10 days ago, and I had laid them on the back of a chair in the den. Afterward, I delivered some laundry to the family member of a friend in the nursing home. When I returned, one glove was missing from where I had laid it. I had searched for the glove since then, and I had called the friend who said it had not been found. On Sunday evening, well after my

other two mysteries had been solved, the friend called and said the glove had been found. I was delighted that a third mystery had been solved.

No mysteries have revolved around a problem I shared with my readers several weeks ago. I wrote a column about trying to rid my shed of a squirrel. I had explained how many different things I had tried to convince the squirrel to leave. By the time I wrote the column, I thought the squirrel was gone. However, a week later, I once again heard it running around in the wall and attic of the shed. When I went inside the shed, had the audacity to poke its head out at me from a hole it had chewed.

So, I went online, found, and ordered an electric squirrel repeller. The device is designed to emit high-pitched sound waves. Critters are supposed to hate it. Now, three weeks have passed without the pattering of squirrel feet in the wall and attic.

Homeownership is wonderful, especially when we enjoy our warm, comfortable houses in a winter as harsh as this one has been. It is a challenge, though, to keep chipmunks out of dryer vents (the birdseed that one of my friends had placed in a feeder was stolen and stored by a chipmunk), to keep squirrels from biting into electrical wires (this happened in my aunt’s attic), to replace siding when a truck hits the house (my mother came home to that one day), and to prevent a parade of ants from causing a short circuit in a heating unit (that happened to another house my family once lived in).

It is hard to predict what will happen next, but one thing is certain: we can always look around and see that we are not the only ones to experience such frustrating occurrences.

Email Sherry at sherrykug@hotmail.com

Administration has chosen to lead from behind Readers of my columns will note I rarely if ever praise President Obama for any of his domestic policies, which I believe have divided Americans and hobbled our economy, increasing unemployment to record levels and stifling small businesses, key drivers of job creation.

Foreign policy is in the spotlight in Washington these days. The Obama administration is reacting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Please understand two points here: Russia has already invaded Ukraine and is in process of taking over the nation with its military; secondly, Mr. Obama and Secretary Kerry are having to react to this situation because they apparently had not anticipated a scenario in which Vlad Putin would attempt to rebuild the former USSR by military force and economic coercion.

How has this administration reacted? By giving speeches and interviews to national media. Oh yeah,

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President Obama had a 90-minute phone conversation with Mr. Putin. Presumably, Daniel Obama told Putin not Gardner to invade, and that if he did invade he’d have to pay a price… no specifics coming out of the White My Thoughts House about what that price might be.

Russia has already invaded and is continuing to move military forces into the Ukraine.

Remember how Obama began is presidency?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave her Russian counterpart a “reset” button to begin relations anew.

Let’s forget the past and move on to better relations.

Oops! The Russian word on the button meant “overcharge.” Yep, Hillary told her Russian counterpart she wanted to overcharge ties between Russia and the US. Relations with Russia have gone downhill ever since.

Regarding foreign policies, President Obama is the weakest president in my lifetime. He began his tenure touring Muslim nations proclaiming peace between America and Muslims, apologizing for slights other administrations had made against Muslims. Not long after that, Muslim nations in northern Africa and the Middle East broke out in civil unrest in what has been termed the “Arab Spring.” President Obama gave speeches to try to quell the riots. The Muslim

Brotherhood gained control of Egypt, formerly one of our best allies in the region. In the last two weeks General Sisi of Egypt struck a deal with Putin for arms sales as well as political and financial support.

Syria has been in flames for nearly three years, and Obama has made speeches, drawn red lines, withdrawn red lines and given more speeches. And, who can forget the Islamic terrorist attack on 9/11, 2012? This White House and the mainstream media have apparently moved on. The eight-hour attack with mortars and military weapons met no military resistance as Obama and Hillary watched. Indeed, both leaders quickly classified this terrorist attack as a spontaneous demonstration sparked by a Youtube video. Obama maintained this for weeks as he toured TV talk shows and spoke at the UN condemning the video, saying at one point, “The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam,” referring to the video (not terrorists) as the primary spark that led to the murder of four brave Americans in Benghazi.

While the rest of the world has waited for America to maintain a leadership role in the world of nations, the Obama administration has chosen to “lead from behind” with speeches and weak diplomacy. It’s sad to realize how far America has fallen under this president.

Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, MS. You may contact him at Daniel@DanLGardner.com, or visit his website at http://www.danlgardner.com Feel free to interact with him on the Clarion-Ledger feature blog site blogs.

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Editor Laura Camper

Volume 121-10 The Cleburne News (USPS 117-420) is published every Thursday by Consolidated Publishing Co., and entered as periodicals at the Post Office in Anniston, Ala. 36202. Subscription rates: One Year in Cleburne County $22 One Year Elsewhere $36 Six Months in Cleburne County $13 Six Months Elsewhere $21

What’s your opinion?

The editorial page provides a forum in which readers may present their views. Send your comments to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 67, Heflin, AL 36264 or email news@cleburnenews.com. Deadline for consideration is Monday at 5 p.m. for the following Thursday’s edition.

All letters submitted must include a signature, address and daytime phone in case verification is needed.

Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Letters from groups should either be legibly signed by all members or by one or more names as representatives of the group. No anonymous letters will be published. The Cleburne News reserves the right to select which letters will be published and to edit all letters for grammar, punctuation, clarity, length and content. Letters are published as space permits.

Writers are asked to submit no more than two letters per month. Political letters will not be published in the edition immediately prior to an election.

4 • The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014

Area play for Cleburne softball RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Area play continues today for the Cleburne County softball team. The Tigers host Anniston with the ‘B’ team game set for 5 p.m. and the varsity to follow around 6:30 p.m. Cleburne County defeated Anniston 21-1 on Thursday of last week in Anniston. The Tigers benefited from 14 walks. Madison Jones, Alisa Norton, Shay Houston, Angel Norton and Bailey Beam – running for catcher Kaity Zeiders – each scored three runs. Amber Parker and Kiara Akles added two runs apiece. Kristen Leggett and Hannah Gossage each scored once.

Angel Norton led the Ti-

gers’ hitting with three hits in three official trips to the plate. Alisa Norton had two hits. Leggett tripled. Jones and Akles had a base hit each.

Jones was the winning pitcher. She hurled all three innings, struck out five and allowed just one hit.

Alexandria came to Heflin Tuesday and eventually won 8-4. The Valley Cubs posted three runs in the top of the third inning.

Cleburne County got one run back in the home half of the third when Amber Parker walked and came home on a passed ball. Alisa Norton’s double scored Toni Epps with Cleburne County’s second run in the fourth. Alexandria made it 4-2 in the top of the fifth

before Gossage scored in the bottom of the fifth to cut the Tigers’ deficit to one run at 4-3.

The Cubs plated four runs in the sixth and still led 8-3 when Cleburne County mounted a rally in the seventh inning. Gossage’s double scored Beam to make it 8-4. With two out later in the inning, Akles came up with the bases full of Tigers.

“When Kiara hit the ball, we thought we were going to tie it with a grand slam,” Cleburne County coach Ron Ervin said. “It dropped right at the fence.

The girl had her back to the fence and caught it. The wind was just blowing the wrong direction.”

Akles pitched all seven

Lady bulldogs play in Anniston for a tournament starting tomorrow RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Ranburne will be looking for its first win of the young softball season when the Bulldogs play in the Anniston tournament Friday and Saturday. Friday evening, Ranburne plays Geraldine at 5:30 p.m. and Anniston at 7 p.m. The tournament concludes Sunday.

The Bulldogs came out on the short end of a 15-14 slugfest when they hosted Faith Christian Tuesday. Sophomore Hannah Phillips was 3-for-5 with two RBIs and scored one run. Seniors Erica Taylor and Indiana Morgan each went 2-for-4 with a walk. Morgan scored one run. Taylor scored three times and added three RBIs. Catcher Montana Mattox and second baseman Brittany Langley each had two hits and scored once in five atbats. Mattox had two RBIs and Langley drove in one run.

Leftfielder Morgan Calhoun had the big blow of the day, a three-run home run.

Centerfielder Lora Mobley had a base hit and a walk, scored twice and had an RBI. Senior outfielder Lacey Hiett and sophomore third baseman Jessi Calvert each scored two runs.

Ranburne opened the season Saturday in the Jacksonville High School tournament.

“We lost all three (games) but didn’t play that badly,” Bulldogs coach Terrell

Mobley said Wednesday.

In the first of their two pool play games, the Bulldogs fell to eventual tournament champion Jacksonville 9-1. The Golden Eagles led just 4-1 after four innings then score five times in the fifth. Ranburne’s run came when Mobley, batting second, doubled and Phillips, No. 3 in the Ranburne batting order, followed with an RBI single. The Bulldogs didn’t have any other hits. Phillips pitched and recorded five strikeouts in five innings.

The second and final pool game was against Saks and the Wildcats prevailed 10-8. Taylor and Mobley each scored two runs. Phillips, Mattox, Hiett and Regan Grovenstein – up from the junior varsity for the tournament – each scored once.

Phillips had two doubles in three official at-bats and drove in two runs. Taylor Crosson had an RBI single and Morgan was 1-for-2 at the plate. Grovenstein pitched effectively. She gave up five hits, walked one, fanned three and allowed just two earned runs.

In the single elimination bracket, the Bulldogs lost to Class 6A Gadsden City 3-0. Ranburne had just four singles on offense. Taylor contributed three and Phillips one.

“We just couldn’t put anything together,” the elder Mobley said.

Phillips pitched all four innings of the time-rule shortened game. She allowed just two hits and struck out seven Titans but issued seven walks.

innings for the Tigers and struck out eight. Jones was 2-for-2 and walked twice.

Gossage was 2-for-3. Epps and Beam each had a base hit. Parker coaxed three walks.

The Tigers will play four games in Alexandria’s round-robin tournament this weekend. They open Friday at 7:30 p.m. against Springville.

Saturday’s games begin about 10 a.m. and Cleburne County will play Wellborn, Sardis and Springville a second time during the day Saturday.

Cleburne County travels to play Clay Central Monday and White Plains Tuesday. At both sites, the Trent Penny varsity game is scheduled Cleburne Co. pitcher Madison Jones fires a pitch to first with 4:30 p.m. as the an Anniston hitter during last weeks game. starting time.

Bulldogs have a slow start RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

A week into baseball season, the Ranburne Bulldogs are “a little bit behind” where coach Chad Young would prefer but Young thinks more playing opportunities will get the Bulldogs where they need to be.

“I hope the strength is that we don’t have any weaknesses,” Young said of the 2014 squad’s potential. “I hope we don’t have any easy outs in the batting order. We’re not dominant pitching but we’ve got a good bit of pitching.”

In Ranburne’s first three games, six Bulldogs have pitched. Spencer Gibbs has started two games and Cody Skinner has one start and one relief appearance.

Wade Richardson, Mark David Smith, Dylan Wiggins and Blake Young all have pitched in relief.

In addition to the six pitchers, Spence Florczak, Kyle Lovvorn, Logan Sibley, Owen Smith, Brayden

Wilson, Cole Yearta and Sam Young have all had at least one at-bat for Ranburne.

The Bulldogs opened the season on the road Thursday against Handley and rallied for a 4-3 win. They trailed 3-0 after four innings. In the top of the fifth, a hit and two walks loaded the bases and Gibbs tripled to tie the score. Sibley’s sacrifice fly scored Gibbs with the winning run.

Gibbs pitched the first two innings for Ranburne.

Mark David Smith followed Gibbs and for one and twothirds innings. Young got the final out in the fourth, three outs in the fifth, three outs in the sixth and one in the seventh and was the winner. Wiggins finished with a two-out save.

The Bulldogs returned to Roanoke Friday and fell to Clay Central 3-0, managing just five hits.

Ranburne’s first home game came Tuesday against Munford. It took nine innings but the Bulldogs emerged with a 7-6 win in a

back-and-forth game.

Gibbs opened the ninth with a single and Wiggins’ sacrifice bunt advanced him 90 feet. With two out, Lovvorn delivered an RBI single to end the game.

The Bulldogs trailed 6-5 when they came to bat in the bottom of the seventh.

Wilson doubled and moved to third on Yearta’s ground ball. From there, Young’s squeeze bunt brought Wilson home to tie the score.

Wiggins, the fifth of five Ranburne pitchers, worked the eighth and ninth innings and was the winner.

He fanned two. Gibbs went three innings and struck out two as the starter. Cody Skinner pitched one and one-third, Young one and two-thirds and Mark David Smith one.

Wiggins was 3-for-3 with three singles. He drove in two runs and also had a pair of sacrifice bunts. Mark David Smith had a two-run single. Gibbs recorded two hits.

Tigers get first win RIP DONOVAN

News Sports Correspondent

Cherokee County comes to Heflin today for what, hopefully, will be the first baseball game of the season for Tigers Cole Corkren and Brady Padgett. Padgett and Corkren, both experienced players, have been awaiting medical clearances after each was injured during football season. Cleburne County coach Vaughn Lee expects the duo to add more offensive punch for the Tigers. First pitch for today’s game against the Warriors is set for 6:30 p.m.

“We work ourselves on base. We do the things we need to do to set ourselves up. We just can’t get those runner-in-scoring position RBIs,” Lee said of the early going. “We’re just not driving the ball when we need to drive it. We’re leaving a lot of men in scoring position. We’re not playing ugly but nobody’s been able to hit clutch with runners in scoring position.”

Cleburne County picked up a 5-4 win in eight innings over Horseshoe Bend in Roanoke Saturday, the final day of play in the Handley tournament. Lee said the game ended on an unusual play. Others might have called it bizarre.

In the bottom of the eighth, Anderson Jacks walked and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt.

Max Watson reached on an error at shortstop, putting Tigers on first and second.

Tyler Berry hit a ground ball to the second base side of third base. When the Horseshoe Bend third baseman gloved the ball he attempted to tag Jacks and Jacks moved to avoid the tag.

At that point, Jacks was called out for running out of the base line but the third baseman apparently didn’t

hear the call and threw toward his shortstop, moving to cover third. The ball sailed past third and began rolling toward the Cleburne County dugout with both Generals in pursuit. In the confusion, Watson round second and headed for third.

When the loose ball rolled into the dugout, the umpires ruled Watson would have reached third base even if the ball had not rolled out of play and awarded him another base, sending him home with the winning run much to the dismay and displeasure of Horseshoe Bend fans.

“We clearly had third base and the ball was dead so he gets another base,” Lee said. “Our guy was almost on third when the ball rolled into the dugout.”

Watson was also the winning pitcher for the Tigers.

He took the mound in the top of the seventh inning

with two out and the bases loaded. Watson struck out the Generals’ leadoff hitter to end the seventh then had a 1-2-3 eighth inning against the heart of the Horseshoe Bend order.

Starter McCain Carlile went three innings with one earned run and one strikeout but the score was 3-3 when he left. Garrett Cheatwood followed Carlile for two innings and gave up one earned run. Berry struck out one in one and two-thirds innings. Two errors contributed to the seventh-inning jam. Berry was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to lead the Tigers’ offense.

“We made a lot of good-looking defensive plays. … We pitched well again. We hit it okay,” Lee said of the Horseshoe Bend game. “We get runners in scoring position and leave them on base all the time.”

Strides of March 5K 8am

St. Pawtrick’s Day Pet Parade 12pm

March 15th, 2014 Pet Parade registration begins at 10am at Small Town Bank

National Wild Turkey Federation Turkey Heaven Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, March 8th at 6 p.m.

Heflin Civic Center (Old Armory Building) Contact Randy Rooks 256.201.9323 www.nwtf.org

The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014 • 5

Cleburne

Churches

Cedar Creek by: Glenda Triplett What a beautiful day God blessed us with to be in His house Sunday! God has also blessed us with five new members over the past three weeks. Praise His name!

Week of Prayer for Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is March 2 - 9. Sunday morning our GA and Acteen girls prepared a Pancake Breakfast to kick-off the Offering.

Don’t forget to set your clock FORWARD one hour Saturday night before you go to bed! March 16th will be Youth Sunday. March 22nd will be the wedding of Christi Howle and Curry Stone at Cedar Creek.

Pastor Donald’s message was taken from Genesis 12:1-4 “The Journey of Faith”. In this very familiar and important scripture God called Abram (later renamed Abraham by God) to leave his country, his family and his father’s house and GO. Abraham was to leave everything he knew...comfort, security and family. He didn’t know where God was going to lead him, he was just to go and leave it all behind.

God’s call to Abraham required him to make a commitment to God! He was going to a land to which he was unfamiliar. When God calls us to leave something and we follow in obedience we find God has something better in store for us! Are you willing to leave all in response to God’s call?

In these verses we find promises God made to Abraham IF he would obey God’s command to GO. God promised He would make a great nation through Abraham, his name would be great and Abraham would be a blessing.

We know Abraham obeyed God and God made a great nation of the Israelites. Abraham became known as the patriarch of the nation of Israel. The blessing came through the bloodline of Israel from which our Savior Jesus Christ would be born! Great reward is found in a life of faith!

God also made another great promise in verse three.

He would bless the ones that blessed or respected the nation of Israel and He would curse the ones that cursed or disrespected the nation of Israel. Old Testament history proves God kept his promise and He is still keeping the promise today!

East Heflin by: Bruce Wright Brotherhood is March 16th at 745am for all men and boys. If you are new to the church, come to the fellowship hall and we will feed you spiritually and physically.

Mark your calendars for April 5th is the Wild game/ Fish Fry at 630pm! We will have great food, door prizes and a speaker. Invite all men and boys to attend!

We opened to James 1:23-27, “Have You Looked in the Mirror Lately?” In years past people came to God and understood Christ was the answer to all problems in life and held it as the strong moral fabric of society. What has happened to it today?

The pretense of religion is the pretending type. It is unreliable with plenty of talking and not much walking.

They glance at the Word and read it carelessly. It is an uncontrolled religious view that focuses on situational not spiritual. They use the parts that they need and the other is deemed not useful to them. We know our time is short.

Satan will try anything to destroy our lives.

The purity of religion. Do you bridle or do you blab?

The truth is that being a Christian is not a religion, it is a relationship with God and it is around all that we do.

The purpose of religion is that we have a ministry. We are going to help those who are in need. We have a message to share and it is the gospel with others. We have a mandate to be sinless, not sinful. We are to be selfless, not selfish. We need to be transformed, not conformed.

Have a mind fixed on Christ and of heaven above. The old rugged cross is a beautiful site and we must not allow Satan to cloud our minds.

Happy Hill by: Debra Jackson Hello from Happy Hill. Happy March to you!

It was a beautiful day at Happy Hill Sunday. Special singing by Vicky Blanton and Holly Benefield. On Sunday night, Sammy Freeman from The Cleburne Baptist Disaster Team was our guest speaker.

Consider this your personal invitation to join us for services each Sunday. Sunday School - 10:00, Preaching - 11:00 Those on the prayer list are Irmalene and Robert Norton, Alma Jacks, Rider Bearden, Betty Hayes, Butch Pair, Danny Crawford, Ken Sanders, Lavada Vice, Carol Doyle, Geraldine Norton and Bobby Elkins family.

Remember to attend church Sunday. Until next time, God Bless!

SENTENCE SERMON You don’t stop laughing because you grow old.....you grow old because you stop laughing!

THE LIGHTER SIDE Johnny’s Mother looked out the window and noticed him “playing church” with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, “Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!” Johnny looked up at her and said, “He should have thought about that before he joined my church.”

Harmony Grove by: Reba Gay Emily sang “Lean On Me”, Leslie and family sang : “Nothing But The Blood”. Cornerstones performed to “Strong Enough”. Tina Morgan sang “Thank You, Lord” and “God Can Build A Bridge”.

Bro. Doug’s message was from James: It’s hard to be patient. Patience is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. We want patience immediately! Sometimes we have to wait for our prayers to be answered. We can be made stronger in God, when we wait. We all have faults, we will never be perfect. If God puts someone in front of you, help that person. When we have Jesus, we have everything we need. Talk to God, believe in God, ask God, don’t doubt God! Prayer requests: Doug and Cleo, Edna Dunn, Ruth and Murvel, Charles and Annette, Betty Sisk, Myrtice, Reba, VBS, Stephen, Nell and Lucille McElroy, Joyce Norris, Langford, April Benefield, Lex Brown, Ken Sanders, the Ray Davis family, Judy and Kenneth Orman, Tiffany and Eric, Daniel and Jackson Owen, Gail and family, Jane Alred, Zelma Thompson, Christy, Leslie and family, Tina Morgan, unspoken requests, Ray and Esther, jail ministry, Joyce Stone, Alesha Steen, our military, our nation’s leaders, nursing home residents, the lost and our church.

Mt. Olive Church of God by: Susie Smith Brother Greg Morgan opened our services this morning with Psalms25:17-22, we’re encouraged to put our trust in God; waiting is one of the hardest things for us to do.

Just because God doesn’t answer us right away doesn’t mean He’s not listening!

Our Sunday School lesson came from Isaiah 6:1-13, “Life-changing encounter with God”. When we have an encounter with God our lives will forever be changed for the better! When we’re saved we join God’s army and if we’re willing He can use us as He did Isaiah.

Brother Ronnie’s message this morning was on Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”. When we put anything or anyone else before god we’re committing spiritual adultery, God is supposed to be number one! Also, to be pure in heart, there can be no hate in us at all; hate will smother our love and joy! No matter what anyone’s done or doing to us it’s not worth going to hell over. We have to bathe daily in God’s word and purity the same way we take a physical bath daily.

Tonight’s service was a healing service for body, soul and mind. Many needs were met and several of us had life changing encounters with God! We have an amazing group of youth at Mount Olive, each one is seeking God’s will for their lives.m We invite you to join us anytime! We have great music,

Pinetucky by: Mary Alvarado Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29.

Without Christ, we are all blind to the truth of our suffering and needs. He will meet all of our deepest needs, He is waiting for us to look to Him, and trust him with all our needs.

Another month, has arrived. We had 105 in Sunday school and a good congregation for worship.

We continue to ask prayers for the many who are sick or bereaved or any need. He is our only answer.

Anniversary and birthday wishes to all celebrating. May you have a great day.

Father, show us our continued need for your healing.

Have a blessed week from Pinetucky.

Wise Chapel by: Dorcas Toney Youth meets each Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Bible study each Sunday at 5 p.m. at Ranburne.

March 9 is spring forward for daylight savings time.

March 12 is Senior Celebration beginning at 10:30 come join the fun.

March 23 is UMW day the ladies will take charge of worship.

March 29: Beans and greens with proceeds going toward our new addition.

Many need prayer: Lula Mae Camp,m Bea Crawford, Nellie Mae White, Bobbye Williamson, Grayson Smith, Andrea Smith, Kayla Forman, Jean Kilgore, Ronald Edwards, Shelby Yates, the Murphy family loss of a daughter, Mary Truett, our country, our troops, our world, our family in the mission field in Africa, the McDaniels.

Scripture was Matthew 17:1-9.

With James, Peter and John, Jesus went to a mountain and then the dirty travelers were brought into the presence of God when the appearance of Jesus changed. We should go to the mountain top and experience God’s change.

Local Church & Community March 8 Reunion for 1959-1967 CCHS athletes will be held March 8 at Heflin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 9 -11 a.m.

Miss Cleburne County Pageant will be held March 8.

The pageant is sponsored by the Cleburne County High School Tiger Band. It will be held at the CCHS Gym. The entry fee is $50.00. All Girls PreK - 12 are Invited to Participate. Entry Forms are available at: All Cleburne County Schools, WM Grocery and Dryden’s Florist in Heflin and Buddy’s Sports in Hollis. For more information contact CleburneCountyBand@gmail.com March 10 Revival at Muscadine Baptist Church will be held March 10-14 starting at 6:30 p.m., CST there will be visiting evangelist nightly.

March 19 Gray Hill Church of God in Woodland, will have youth service on March 19 at 6:30 p.m.

March 21 Fruithurst Elementary School kindergarten registration is March 21 from 9 a.m. - 2p.m.

Escuela de Fruithurst elementales registrode kinder viernes Marcha 21, 2014 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The following needs to be brought with you: your child, birth certificate, social security card, immunization form, proof of residency. certificado de nacimento, tarjeta de seguro social, forma de inmunizacion, prueba de residencia, y su hijo (Your child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2014) (Su nino debe 5 anos de edad en o antes del ol de Septiembre de 2014.)

Obituaries Ray Davis

Ray Davis, 60, died Saturday, March 01, 2014 at Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held March 04, 2014, at Dryden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Keith Fordham and Rev. David Delong officiating. Burial followed in Happy Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include: Wife - Earline R. Davis, Heflin, AL Daughter - Chasity (Shane) Blanton, Opelika, AL Sister - Jane (Freddy) Wynn, Sevierville, TN Brother - Dennis Davis, Heflin, AL Brother - Dan (Shelby) Davis, Heflin, AL Grandchildren - Dakota and Noah Pallbearers were family and friends Mr. Davis was a native of Calhoun County and resident of Cleburne County for most of his life. He attended Beth-El Assembly of God Church and was preceded in death by his parents Hoyt and Evelyn Davis, brother, Billy Davis and sister, Betty Gibson.

Bobby Elkins

Bobby Elkins, 54, died Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Tanner Medical Center.

Funeral services were held March 01, 2014, at Dryden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Les Jones, Rev. Tony McManus officiating. Burial followed in Heflin City Cemetery. Dryden Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include: Son - Ethan Elkins, Roopville, GA; Mother - Eunice Elkins, Heflin; Sister - Sue (Bobby) Hudgins, Sylvania, AL Brother - Terry (Shirley) Elkins, Heflin.

Pallbearers were Friends and Family.

Mr. Elkins was a native and lifelong resident of Cleburne County.

He was a Welder at Brown Steel and Caldwell Tanks in Newnan Georiga, and a member of Freedom Baptist Church. Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Joe Elkins, and brother, James Elkins.

Hazel Ellen Hopson

Hazel Ellen Hopson, 90, died Saturday, March 01, 2014 at Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held March 03, 2014, at Dryden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bob McCaughey officiating. Burial followed in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Whitesburg GA. Dryden Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include: Daughter - Byrtie Dianne Weaver, Centralhatchee, GA Daughter - Shelia Jane Dover, Newnan, GA Daughter Kimberly Renee Pierce, Newnan, GA Son - Ronnie E. Hopson, Douglasville, GA Sister - Flora Jones, Bowdon, GA Grand Child/ Caregiver - Kevin Weaver, Lineville, AL Numerous Grandchildren Great Grandchildren . Mrs. Hopson was a native of Whitesburg GA, and a resident of Coweta County for most of her life. She was a Baptist by faith. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Pamela Ann Hopson and Stella Lynn Shipp.

Yvonna Turley

Yvonna Turley, 76, died Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Trinity Medical Center.

Funeral services were held March 01, 2014, at Liberty Hill Congregational Methodist Church with the Rev. Gary Cox officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Hill Cemetery. Dryden Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include: Husband - Wallace Turley, Heflin; Son - Timothy (Wendy) Turley, Tallassee, AL Sister Jeanette (Roger) McManus, Heflin, AL Brother - Buddy (Charlotte) Robinson, Heflin, AL Grand Child - Robert Turley, Montgomery, AL Grand Child - William Turley, Montgomery, AL Grand Child - Kent Whetstone, Tallassee, AL Grand Child - Preston Whetstone, Tallassee, AL Pallbearers: Chris Nichols, Tim Evans, Terry Moon, Kagan Nichols, Chad Moon and Brandon Robinson Mrs. Turley was a native and lifelong resident of Cleburne County County and member of Liberty Hill Congregational Methodist Church all her life where she was active in the Womans Missionary Club and the church choir. She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Edna Robinson.

HEARTS

Both HEARTS locations are in need of food for the pantries. Suggestions are rice, beans, mixed vegetables, canned tomatoes, spaghetti and pasta, peanut butter and jelly, flour, cornmeal, sugar, canned fruit, jello, tea bags, canned tuna, salmon, ham and chicken. Breakfast foods like oatmeal, grits, pop tarts, and cereal are also needed. Ranburne 256.568.5003, Heflin 256.463.1020.

Church Guidelines

1. From this point forward any new participant on our Church page must make their article submission via e-mail to: mpointer@ cleburnnews.com Churches now submitting material typed Fruithurst Elementary School pre-k registration is or hand-written will be March 21 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. grand-fathered but we Escuela de Fruithurst Elementales registro de pre kinder would appreciate it if Viernes Marcha 21, 2014 9 a.m. - 2 p.m The following needs to be brought with you: social se- they also would make curity card, immunization form, proof of income and you an attempt to email their child. article.

Favor de traer los siguientes: 2. Again due to space Certificado de nacimento, tarjeta de seguro social, forma de inmunizacion, prueba de salario, y su hijo we are limiting each (Your child must be four years old on or before Septem- column to 250 words. ber 1, 2014) (Su nino debe 4 anos de edad en o antes del ol de Sep- Your article may include church news, happenings, tiembre de 2014.) singing events, title of March 30 pastor's sermon with a Gray Hill Church of God in Woodland will have Youth couple of lines description and if you like you may Service at 10:30 a.m., CST Singing at 5:30 p.m.

also now include in your article news from your community.

3. Thank You's and Congratulations will NO longer be used, they will be edited out and must be considered paid ads.

4. Deadlines remain the same 5 p.m. each Monday with NO exceptions.

Free announcements in the Community Calendar (The Cleburne News) do not include reunions, personal yard sales, anniversaries, birthdays, thank yous, invitations or events that charge admission. If these are included within your church news, they will be edited.

6 • The Cleburne News, Thursday March 6, 2014

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TO THE ONLY GOD, OUR SAVIOR, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION, AND AUTHORITY, BEFORE ALL TIME AND NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN

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VERDON CHAPEL 12581 Highway 46 Heflin, Al.36264 256-748-2679

HURRICANE METHODIST Co Rd. 42 Heflin SS 10a.m. -WS 11a.m.

SEVENTH-DAY

LIBERTY HILL METHODIST 77 County Rd. 142 Heflin, 253-3337

VISE GROVE SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 303 County Road 116 Heflin, AL 36264 CHRISTIAN RHEMA CHRISTIAN CENTER 8386 Hwy. 431 Heflin, 253-2070 CHURCH OF GOD CRUMLEY’S CHAPEL CHURCH OF GOD 288 County Rd. 644 Heflin, 748-4044 EDWARDSVILLE

RANBURNE UNITED METHODIST 11 Church Dr. Ranburne, 568-2534

Sarah Matilda’s Antiques and Gifts “Antiques, Gifts and Gourmet Foods” 542 Ross Street Heflin, Alabama 36264 Wed-Fri: 10:00-5:00, Sat: 10:00-2:00

(256)463-2552 Sarahmatildas@gmail.com Sarahmatildas.com

1221 Almon St. Heflin, Al 36264

WISE CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST 14950 Hwy. 46 Heflin, 748-2013

Store Hours:

APOSTOLIC

Mon - Sat 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Deli Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30 - 2 p.m.

NEW BEGINNINGS MINISTRY 5151 Hwy. 78 Heflin, 463-5588

WRIGHT DRUG COMPANY Heflin Diabetes Care Center

Gary W. Wright, R.Ph., CDE Greg Denman 256.568.3984 800.523.9568

Registered Pharmacist Certified Diabetes Educator

21144 Main Street Ranburne, AL 36273

Ryan Jackson, Pharm D

960 Ross Street Heflin, AL 36264

Phone: (256) 463-2188 Fax: (256) 463-2377

Drop by any of these supporters and say thank you for their support of our Devotional page

The Cleburne News, Thursday March 6, 2014 •7

Spotlight students

The Cleburne County Career Tech School sponglight students for the second nine weeks are: Auto Tech: Block 1 Zach Eason; Block 2 Chris Weeks. Collsion Repair: Block 1 Blake Britt; Block 2 Luke Hammond. Business: Block 1 Dylan Searles; Block 2 Brandon Hay. Med Prep: Block 1 Randi Pruett; Block 2 Mary “Beth” Martin. Cosmetology: Block 1 Kristen Leggett; Block 2 Hayleigh Braden. Carpentry: Block 1 Dalton Prater; Block 2 Drake Williamson.

Welding: Block 1 Efren Perez; Block 2 Trevor Daniel

BOE : The school system has been using the Huntsville-based company’s library software for about six years

Scouts celebrate Scouts of Cub Scout and WEBELOS Pack 206 and Boy Scout Troop 206 of Heflin celebrated Scout Sunday at the Heflin First United Methodist Church. A significant focus of Scouting is the part of the Scout Oath stating our Duty to God and in the Scout Law wiht a point being a Scout is Reverent. Dr. Michael Burgess, Pastor, welcomed the Scouts and their families and pointed out how important Scouting is to the Heflin and Cleburne County community. Pack 206: Andrew Adams, Nate Adams, Luke Altman, Sy Altman, Sy Altman, Hunter Cleveland, Tyler Davidson, Hayden Hammond, Ryan Harris, Evan Hernandes, Jake Littleton, Wesley McMichael, Dillion Nobbley, Lucas Owen, Shane Patterson, Sam Payne, Harrison Roberts, Jackson Roberts, Brent Swanson, Curtis Swanson, Nolen Truett, Aleick Whatley, Divontae Willis and leaders: Joe Smith Cub Master and Den Leaders: Patrice Whatley, Jeromy Owen, Wes Littleton. Boy Scouts: Andrew Brooks, Blake Brown, Hunter Couch, Cam Dryden, Justin Haynes, Alex Holt, Jake Howle, Duncan Hudgins, Will Hudgins, Travis McCary, Adam Macauley, Tim McCollough, Kyler Moore, Eli McCormick, Avery McWhorter, Shane Ragsdale, John-Russell Reaves, Justus Smith, Logan Vickers. Boy Scout Leaders: Jim Edwards, Troop Committee Chairman: Glea Sarrell, Troop Advancement Chairman: Jerry McCollough, Scoutmaster: Harold Davis, Asst. Scout master: Gary Wright, Asst Scoutmaster Billy McComirck.

Conservationists descend on Montgomery Conservation leaders from throughout Alabama descended on Montgomery to meet with elected officials on agricultural issues facing rural communities. This year’s Legislative Reception, hosted by the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD), attracted more than 300 conservationists who work with farmers and ranchers to protect natural resources on private lands. The reception was held on February 19, 2014, at the RSA Activity Center.

This year’s event drew Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard as well as numerous state representatives and senators. “This event was a chance to thank our legislators for their support in the past, as well as to express our concerns for the future,” said Alabama Association of Conservation Districts President Sue Gaines. “Conserving our natural resources is an important process that cannot be neglected.”

Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private lands and many public lands in the United States.

Cleburne County SWCD Supervisors, Don Roberts, Ashley Truett and Jimmy Jimmerson were in attendance.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the federal agency that works hand-in-hand with the American people to conserve natural resources on private lands.

From page 1 migrated over to the asset side,” Hudgins said.

The program uses barcodes and scanners to keep track of textbooks and equipment. Students check them out much like they do library books, Hudgins said. If a student doesn’t return the textbook or equipment, the program would let the school system know, he said.

The program should save the school system money, Superintendent Claire Dryden said. She looked back over several years’ expenditures to see how much, she said.

“We’ve spent, depending on the year, between $15,000 and $25,000 replacing textbooks every

Rescue:

year,” Dryden said.

School employees could at any given time see online whether an item is check out, who checked it out and from which school it was checked out. That would aid them in creating some of the reports required by the Alabama Department of Education, Hudgins said.

In other business the board members: — Approved hiring Amanda Grubbs as a licensed practical nurse and special education bus aide for Cleburne County elementary and middle schools.

— Approved an agreement with the American Red Cross to serve as a

Cleburne County Nursing Home is not just a nursing home. We pride ourselves in calling it a Home. Here we provide 24 hours a day nursing service. We also offer 21 day Rehab for residents that have had surgery of any kind or any other medical problem that requires rehab before returning home. We contract with Restore, a company out of Birmingham, AL. which offers Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy for those that need it. Why travel out of town when we are here at your front door. Cleburne County Nursing Home has the best trained staff ever to provide nursing, dietary, social services, activities, restorative, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and administrative services.

We take pride in what we do and it shows on our resident’s faces. We invite you to stop by and take a tour of our facility and see for yourself what Cleburne County Nursing Home is doing for our Cleburne County Residents.

programs to be open to all Alabama students, Dryden said. Schools close to the county line such as Pleasant Grove Elementary, could have out-of-county residents applying for admission, she said.

— Approved advertising for an assistant principal position at Cleburne County High School for one year to fill in for Todd Chandler. Chandler is a member of the National Guard and is scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan for one year, Dryden said.

He must report for duty on Apr. 4, she said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.

“The county has no money in this building at all,” Yancy said.

From page 1 least three years until an alternate site could be found.

Dryden said the system has no intention of evicting Search and Rescue. But it does intend to use two of the bays to store textbooks.

Cobb said any lease agreement is a temporary solution for the vitally important organization.

Cochran said Search and Rescue has been operating in the county since the 1950s. It is considered an arm of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office. The members, firefighters from four Cleburne County fire departments and residents from the community, go through specialized

training to do rescues that the area fire departments and law officers don’t have the equipment or training to do, Cochran said. In 2013, according to Cleburne County Dispatch, the team was sent to 20 calls.

“That’s low for them,” said Candi Ligon, senior communications officer at dispatch.

However, unlike the fire and police departments and the sheriff’s office, Search and Rescue doesn’t receive public funding, Cochran said. It supports itself through fundraisers and grants including the C-SEPP grant that built the building, he said.

“A lot of labor is put in by mem-

bers of Search and Rescue,” Cochran said. “We did a lot of work through EMA (Emergency Management Agency) to get equipment for the building.”

For the last two years, since the county built and moved into the new Mountain Center where EMA now resides, the 20-member search and rescue team has been told its building would remain in the organization’s hands, Yancy said.

It’s heartbreaking to see all that work given away, Cochran said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256463-2872. On Twitter @LCamper_ Star.

NEW STUDY SEEKING DRUG-NAÏVE PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES It is important for patients and doctors to expand their knowledge of diabetes treatment and to explore ways of improving future treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, Pinnacle Research is seeking people with type 2 diabetes to take part in the SUSTAIN™ 1 – Monotherapy trial.

The study explores an investigational medication which may be more convenient than current treatments.

Don’t let the name fool you

shelter in a weather emergency. The agreement didn’t list a particular facility, but Dryden said the Red Cross doesn’t currently have emergency shelters in Fruithurst or Hollis.

— Approved accepting Ashley Eidson as a volunteer cheerleading coach and Abigail Minter as a volunteer softball coach at Cleburne County High School.

— Approved an addendum to the admissions policy giving county residents priority in the school system’s pre-kindergarten programs. The Office of School Readiness in the Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs, which funds the program, requires the

Throughout the study, participants will receive comprehensive study related health checks and medical testing, access to trial medication and blood glucose testing equipment as well as compensation for their time and travel.

For more information with no obligation, call the diabetes research team for an informal discussion.

APPROVAL FOR THIS TRIAL HAS BEEN GIVEN BY QUORUM REVIEW, IRB

To join the trial you must be: • over the age of 18 • have type 2 diabetes and treated with diet and exercise for at least 30 days before screening • able to attend 9 clinic visits and answer 2 phone contacts over a 37 weeks period

FOR MORE INFORMATION WITH NO OBLIGATION, PLEASE CALL THE DIABETIS STUDY TEAM:

Pinnacle Research (256) 236-0055 ext. 102 lcampbell@pinnacletrials.com

8– The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014

Bridge: Mims cites lack of work as the reason for the business closing.

From page 1 driving, the gas tax proceeds have flattened out and in the last four years decreased.

In fiscal year 2010, the state took in $409 million from the gas tax. In fiscal year 2013, the proceeds had dropped to $397 million, he said. From 2003 to 2013 the proceeds increased only $1.5 million, Layfield said. In addition, funding from the federal gas tax is also falling, he said.

The Government Accountability Office placed the federal Highway Trust Fund on its 2013 High Risk List because of eroding funding. The reliance on traditional funding – the per-gallon gas tax initiated in 1993 – along with the effect of inflation has meant the tax hasn’t kept up with the needs, according to the report.

“The 18.4 cent per gallon tax on gasoline enacted in 1993 is worth just 11.5 cents today,” the report states.

Congress has covered the shortfall through the federal general fund, but that may not be sustainable, the report states.

With limited funding comes tough decisions, Layfield said.

ALDOT has had to focus on maintaining what is already in place rather than expanding capacity – new roads or lane expansions which would require grading contractors – and rebuilding bridges that are still passable, he said.

ALDOT Chief Engineer Ronnie Baldwin confirmed that the department is focusing on maintenance, not expansion.

Of its $1.2 billion 2013 budget, the department allocated $80 million to bridge replacement and $150 million for capacity and system enhancements.

That’s enough to replace about 40 bridges a year, far fewer than

the 115 the state would need to replace each year to keep up with the expected degradation of its bridges, Baldwin said.

Even maintenance is suffering under the static funding.

The state allocated $260 million to resurfacing its roads, enough to resurface about 850 miles. It has a backlog of 3,984 miles of roads that need resurfacing, according to the funding report on the department’s website.

Last year Alabama made an investment in its transportation infrastructure with the federally-funded ATRIP and state-funded Rural Assistance Match Program. The program awarded counties with money for road work and to replace old bridges that couldn’t handle truck and school bus traffic.

The state approved 358 bridge projects through the programs, Baldwin said. But only 11 percent or 41 of those bridges have been bid out, he said. Cleburne County and Heflin were awarded more than $6 million through the programs.

But the rest of the bridges will take years to be replaced.

The next bridges to be bid out won’t be ready for at least six months to a year, said Shannon Robbins, Cleburne County engineer.

The process of building a bridge takes a year to 18 months if everything goes smoothly, Robbins said.

“There’s a lot of different levels of approval,” Robbins said.

The design phase, surveying and environmental testing all come before the bridge can be bid out, he said. And any one of those can slow down the approval process, Robbins said.

For instance two of the county bridges cross bodies of water

that shelter endangered mussels, he said. That issue has to be addressed before the project can move forward, Robbins said.

“You can’t have a conflict with another federal agency,” Robbins said.

Utility lines may be discovered during a survey and have to be moved before the bridge can be built or more property purchased because of rightof-way requirements, Robbins said.

It all ensures a better bridge is built, but it takes time, Robbins said.

Baldwin said ALDOT prepared for the avalanche of bridge plans that would need to be reviewed by contacting all their contractors to make sure they would be ready to give the departments plans priority.

They created an ATRIP bureau with the sole duty of reviewing the projects.

“We had hoped that they would come in more quickly,” Baldwin said.

But he also talked about the long process before the bridges can be bid out. Baldwin estimates it will take three to four years to get all the bridges built.

It may be too late for Alabama Bridge Builders, but Mims said he intends to start his own operation, one of smaller-scale that can survive the lean times.

However, Layfield said the state needs to look at alternative funding plans for transportation infrastructure. Long-term funding is still a problem and the state needs to do something sooner than later, he said.

Staff writer Laura Camper 256-563-2872. On Twitter @ LCamper_Star.

Cleburne County, wine country LAURA CAMPER

news@cleburnenews.com

Set back from Almon Street up a winding drive, a home and garage have been renovated into a new winery that the owners hope to open in about six weeks, they said.

The garage has been set up to house the wine-making operation, while the home has been renovated into a room for

tastings and wine-making classes, said Keith Roberts, one of the owners of High Country Cellars, incorporated in September.

The new winery will join 13 others across the state, Roberts said. Since there are so few in Alabama, the regulations regarding wineries seem to be a little vague, he said.

“Even the electrical inspector that came — no guidelines to follow,” Roberts said. “He called

me a restaurant.”

But Roberts and his partner, Charles Hunt, are taking it all in stride.

They’re learning along with the inspectors.

Roberts and Hunt have been working through the lengthy process of getting their permits and licenses since late August, Roberts said. On Thursday, the last of the licenses came through. n See Wine page 10

TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

Heflin- Estate Sale 65 Amy 1 - 8 8 8 - 9 2 8 - 6 0 1 1 .

Ln. Sat. March 8, 7am-4pm Sun. March 9, 8am-2pm

Mobile Home for rent 2BR, 2BA, decks, security lights, Hwy 46 - 2.5 miles to I-20 call (770)794-7087

Can you Dig It? Bulldozers,

Backhoes, and Excavators. 3 week Hands on Training Provided. Become Nationally Certified. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. GI Bill Eligible!

1-866-362-6497

Driver Trainees Needed Now!

Learn to drive for Werner Enterprises!

Earn $800 per week!

No experience needed!

Local CDL Training.

Job ready in 15 days!

1-888-743-4701

TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

Drivers- Work for a strong and stable company. Southern Haulers LLC in Calera, Al has immediate openings for regional semi dump and tanker drivers. Must be 23 years of age, clean CDLA, excellent pay and benefits. If interested call James or George 1-800-537-4621 or southernhaulersllc.com EOE Gentlemen’s Club

Atalla AL. Dancers wanted

256-458-0943 or 256-538-5676

Heating and Air Conditioning Technician Jobs Available! Fast Track, Hands On, Certification Training Provided. GI Bill Eligible.

1-877-994-9904 MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES NEEDED!

Train to become a Medical Office Assistant!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training at SC Train gets you job ready!

HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed!

1-877-649-3155

TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

NOW HIRING

Experienced Sales Representatives for a company that has been locally owned & operated for 30 years. ALL positions are permanent w/opportunity for rapid advancement to management. Please call for interview.

256-237-1122

Secretaries needed at

Insurance Direct Inc 12459 Jackson Trace Lincoln Al 35096, must have secretarial exp. Apply in person or fax resume to 205-763-1095 TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

Heflin Oaks Apartments We are no longer accepting applications for Section 8 starting January 16, 2014 until further notice.

Mark Hampton Site Manager Please Call 256-463-7433 Almon Street Heflin, AL 36264

TDD 1800-548-2546

TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

Wheelchair Lifts- Stairlifts

local sales, local service, made in the USA. Grizzard Living Aids 256-237-2006

#1 I buy junk cars

paying $200 & up, will match competitor’s price.

Honest, dependable & fair on the price, 256-310-0552

ESTATE AUCTION

© 2014 Alabama Power Company

Every day thousands of men and women come together to bring you the wonder that is electricity, affordably and reliably, and with a belief that, in the right hands, this energy can do a whole lot more than make the lights come on. It can make an entire state shine.

March 15, 9pm 5429 Hwy 46 Heflin AL. Personal property of Mr. Ray Davis. Partial listing includes antiq bathtub w/ claw feet, antiq. wash pot, antiq. crosscut saw, Kraftsman 12 in. band saw, Kraftsman table saw, Dewalt 12 in. miter saw, 16 in. radio arm saw, 1996 Ford Taurus, Cub cadet Lawn Tractor w/ 54 in cut (like new, 1 year old) Delta 12 in. unisaw, 14 in. bandsaw, Electric Yamaha golf cart, several Dewalt rowders & Dewalt drills, electric hospital bed, 12 ft. bumper pull trailer, 15 in. drill press, 4 in. belt sander, several hundred feet of wood & trim, too many items to list. Terms of sale: Cash, checks if known by auction company, all merchandise sold as is, full payment due day of sale. 10% buyers premium. For more information call Jim at Robinson Auction Co. 256-579-2018 or 770-352-4092.

Auctioneer Jimmy Pope ALSL 1490 All announcements made from auction stand take precedence over all printed material.

TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Cleburne News does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

INSTRUCTION MEDICAL OFFICE trainees needed! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant! No experience needed! Online training at SC gets you job ready! HS diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed!

1-888-926-6075. (R) _________________________ HELP WANTED-DRIVERS 25 DRIVER TRAINEES needed now! Become a driver for TMC Transportation!

Earn $750 per week! No experience needed! Job ready in 15 days!

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CDL-A Required.

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700+ trucks & growing!

www.drive4total.com. _________________________ DRIVERS: RUN FB with WTI. Be home through the week and weekends. Start up to 28% plus fuel bonus. New equipment. BCBS. Experience needed.

LP available.

Call 1-877-693-1305. (R) _________________________ NEW CAREER - CDL training.

Jobs available if qualified. Call today - start tomorrow! WIA, VA, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill & Rehab.

ESD TDS, LLC. 1-866-432-0430. www.ESDschool.com. (R) _________________________ OWNER OPERATORS CDL-A up to $200,000 a year. Out 2 weeks home as many days as needed. Lease purchase available.

Sign on bonus.

1-855-803-2846. _________________________ HELP WANTED-TRADES CAN YOU dig it? Bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators. 3 week hands on training provided. Become nationally certified.

Lifetime job placement assistance.

GI Bill eligible.

1-866-362-6497. _________________________ HEATING AND air conditioning technician jobs available! Fast track, hands on, certification training provided. GI Bill eligible! 1-877-994-9904. _________________________ LAND FOR SALE BANK LOSS, your gain. 10 prime Smith Lake lakefront lots. March 8 & 9 weekend.

From just $69,900. Buy for pennies on the dollar with this bank approved sale. Deep water dockable. Gorgeous, rare valuable lots, level to waters edge. Lovely mix of open and wooded. End of “cul de sac” ready for building. Great investment. Great fun. Call 1-205-282-4451. _________________________ BUY MOUNTAIN property at below cost! Stream front acreage. 2 nicely wooded acres with mountain views, private stream front & spring head. Loaded with mature hardwoods. Gentle building site. Private paved roads, municipal water, underground power, fiber optic, more. Just $19,900. Excellent financing.

Only one, call now 1-866-952-5303 x 182 _________________________ SMITH LAKE sacrifice. Prime lot with new covered single slip dock. $89,900. Prime location.

Prime lot. Call for details 1-205-282-4466. _________________________ FOR SALE DISH TV retailer. Starting $19.99/month (for 12 mos.)

Broadband Internet starting $14.95/month (where available.) Ask about same day installation!

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1-800-311-7159. _________________________ SAWMILLS FROM only $4897.

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1-800-578-1363 ext. 300N. _________________________ MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEW AND used - stair lift elevators, car lifts, scooters, lift chairs, power wheel chairs, walk-in tubs. Covering all of Alabama for 23 years. Elrod Mobility 1-800-682-0658. (R) _________________________ MISCELLANEOUS ATTENTION VIAGRA users help improve your stamina, drive, and endurance with EverGene. 100% natural. Call for a free bottle. No prescription needed! 1-888-494-3288. _________________________ PUBLISH YOUR book - $400 up, includes proof copy. Family history, memoirs, children. Sermons, diary, etc. No inventory, books from $12 1-1,000. calvin77@bellsouth.net.

1-205-529-2340. _________________________

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

TOILET RENOVATIONS AT CLEBURNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE CLEBURNE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION HEFLIN, ALABAMA PROJECT NO. 14-100 Requirements for Bidding: The Cleburne County Board Of Education shall accept proposals only from Contractors who have successfully completed at least 3 similar projects on time for satisfied State, County or City Governmental Agencies.

The lowest bidding Contractor shall submit to the Architect within 24 hours after submitting their bid proposal a listing of projects, construction cost, Owners address and telephone numbers.

The sealed proposal as described above shall be received by Mrs. Claire Philpot Dryden, Superintendent, at The Cleburne County Board of Education, Heflin, Alabama, until 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 3, 2014, then opened and read aloud.

The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014 – 9

A certified check or Bid Bond payable to the Cleburne County Board of Education in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s proposal.

Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect.

All bidders shall show such evidence by clearly displaying current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered.

Electronic images of the documents may be viewed on-line and printed by General Contractors, Sub Contractors and Suppliers by obtaining documents through the www.mckeeassoc.com web site, by contacting the Architect at mckeeplans@gmail.com for log-in information and password. Please provide company name, address, phone #, fax #, email address and GC License #. This is the only web site endorsed by the Architect. The Architect is unable to monitor, confirm and maintain websites that are beyond his control.

Paper copies of the documents are the responsibility of the Contractors. Addendums shall be posted on the above web site. The Architect retains ownership and copyrights of the documents.

If General Contractors, Sub Contractors and Suppliers require printed sets the following shall apply: General Contractors requesting Contract Documents may obtain up to two (2) sets by submitting to the Architects a deposit of $75.00 per set upon receipt of the deposit, and the deposit shall be refunded less shipping charges for each set returned in reusable condition within ten days after bid opening.

All RFI’s and RFA’s regarding the bid documents shall be sent and addressed thru the following e-mail account: andersong@mckeeassoc.com.

The Architect will not accept inquires via telephone or fax.

Completion Time: Work shall be completed by in 90 calendar days from the “Notice To Proceed”.

Supervision: Contractor to provide Superintendent(s) to ensure proper supervision for all work.

Owner: Mrs. Claire Philpot Dryden, Superintendent The Cleburne County Board of Education 93 Education Street Heflin, Alabama 36264.

Phone: (256) 463-5624 Architect: McKee and Associates Architecture and Interior Design 631 South Hull Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Phone: (334) 834-9933 The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL March 6, 13, 20, 2014

Cleburne County Request for Proposals Countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan Cleburne County, AL is in the process of soliciting proposals to complete an update to the Cleburne County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Proposals will be accepted at the Cleburne County Mountain Center during the hours of 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. March 14, 2014.

Interested parties should deliver a written Scope of Work and detailed description of prior experience with the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to the County Administrator.

Call 256-463-3822 or email swafford@cleburnecounty.us if you have questions.

The Cleburne News March 6, 2014

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF CLEBURNE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD LEE TURNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2013-112 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 10th day of February, 2014, by the Honorable RYAN ROBERTSON, Judge of Probate Court of CLEBURNE County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MICHAEL DEAN SMITH The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL February 20, 27, March 6, 2014

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated May 24, 2002 executed by Richard A. Barb and Linda Barb, in favor of William J. Wade, not in his individual capacity but solely as trustee of Mid-State Trust IV and Jim Walter Homes, Inc., said

Mortgage being recorded June 17, 2002, in Mortgage # 2002, Page 3550 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Cleburne County, Alabama; assigned to U. S. Bank, N. A., as trustee on behalf of Mid-State Trust IV by Green Tree Servicing LLC. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, U. S. Bank, N. A., as trustee on behalf of MidState Trust IV by Green Tree Servicing LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Cleburne County, Alabama on April 7, 2014, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Cleburne County, Alabama, to-wit: Lots Numbered 179 and 180 in the North half of the Northeast Quarter (N 1/ 2 of NE 1/ 4) in Section Ten (10), Township Sixteen (16), Range Ten (10) in Cleburne County, Alabama, according to the map of the F. L. McMahan Estate made by R. E. Smith, surveyor and Civil Engineer, on file in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Cleburne County, Alabama, recorded in Deed Record 80, Page 513.

Also Known As: 51 Bates Street Heflin, AL 36264 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHERE-IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage.

Green Tree Servicing LLC Paul K. Lavelle Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 The Cleburne News Calhoun Co., AL February 27 & March 6, 13, 2014

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage dated November 10, 2000, executed by Charles K. Puckett, (“Mortgagor”) to Hometown Bank of Villa Rica, (“Mortgagee”), securing an indebtedness in the original principal amount of $157,500.00 and recorded November 29, 2000, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Cleburne County, Alabama, in REC Book 2000, Page 334; said mortgage having subsequently been modified by instrument recorded in Mortgage Book 2007, page 3904, and further modified by instrument recorded in Mortgage Book 2008, Page 1276; said mortgage having been subsequently transferred and assigned to RREF ST ACQUISITIONS, LLC, by instrument recorded in Mortgage Book 2013, Page 436; and further transferred and assigned to RREF ST-AL CKP, LLC, by instrument recorded in Mortgage Book 2014, Page 49; all recording references are in the aforesaid Probate Office; the undersigned RREF ST-AL CKP, LLC, holder of the Mortgage, as set forth above, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage will sell, at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Cleburne County, Alabama on March 19, 2014, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Cleburne County, Alabama, to-wit: That certain 6.8 acre tract of land situated in the Northwest Quarter of Section 2, Township 17 South, Range 11 East, Cleburne County, Alabama and said tract being bounded on its Southerly side by Alabama State Highway Number 46, on its Northwesterly side by a branch and on its Easterly side by two lines created by a boundary agreement between E. Butler and J. A. Baughn; said tract of land being a part of that property described and recorded in Book 110, page 46 and Book 118, page 56, Office of the Probate Judge, Cleburne County, Alabama, from W. L. Jones to E. Butler. Said property more particularly described as follows: To find the point of beginning begin at the Northwest corner of said Section 2, thence South 420.9 feet to the Northeasterly right of way of Alabama State Highway Number 46; thence South 54 degrees 02’ East a distance of 1528.9 feet to a branch said point being the point of beginning for this tract of land; thence South 56 degrees 23’ East with said right of way said Highway a distance of 592.4 feet; thence North 15 degrees 20’ East a distance of 328.6 feet to a pine tree, said pine tree being one point of above, mentioned boundary agreement; thence North 7 degrees 19’ West, a distance of 667.6 feet to a fence post at a

branch said post being another point mentioned in said boundary agreement; thence South 37 degrees 09’ East with the meanderings of said branch a distance of 876.4 feet to the point of beginning.

LESS AND EXCEPT an acre of land, more or less, conveyed to Ferlisa V. Ledbetter by deed dated 9/10/1980, recorded in Deed Book 154, page 608, in the Probate Office of Cleburne County, Alabama.

Mortgagee makes no representation or warranty as to the physical condition of the real estate and/or any improvements thereon. The above-described property will be sold on an “as is” basis, subject to any unpaid taxes, all reservations and restrictions contained in prior deeds and all other matters of record, including restrictive covenants and easements for road rights of way, utilities or rights of ingress and egress. Said property will be sold without representation, warranty or recourse, express or implied, as to title, condition, use and/or enjoyment of the property, and will be sold subject to the statutory right of redemption. This sale is subject to being postponed or cancelled.

RREF ST-AL CKP, LLC By: Leigh L. Pipkin Attorney for RREF ST-AL CKP, LLC Jones Walker LLP RSA Battle House Tower 11 North Water Street, Suite 1200 Mobile, AL 36602 251-439-7536 The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL February 27, March 6, 13, 2014

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Madison W. Schoggins, a single man and Amber N. Richardson, a single woman, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for Silverton Mortgage Specialists, Inc., on the 11th day of March, 2013, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Cleburne County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 2013, Page 864; said mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, by instrument recorded in Mortgage Book 2013, Page 3652, in the aforesaid Probate Office; the undersigned JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Heflin, Cleburne County, Alabama, on April 7, 2014, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Cleburne County, Alabama, to-wit: Tract (1): Commence at a channel iron marking the NE corner of the NW 1/4-NE 1/4 of Section 16, T-15-S, R-11-E, thence S 00 degrees 38 minutes 00 seconds W 798.53 feet along the East line of said forty to a vertical stone, thence leaving said forty line S 46 degrees 57 minutes 54 seconds West 1077.32 feet to a point in the center of Cane Creek, thence along said center of said creek the following bearings and distances; North 52 degrees 12 minutes 43 seconds West 105.83 feet to a point, thence North 27 degrees 41 Minutes 43 Seconds West 188.07 feet to a point, thence North 12 degrees 24 minutes 43 seconds West 112.61 feet to a point, said point being the Point of Beginning, thence leaving said center of said creek North 89 degrees 29 minutes 55 seconds West 314.99 feet to a 1/2inch rebar (Bailey), thence North 12 degrees 34 minutes 48 seconds West 315.12 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar capped (Bailey), thence South 89 degrees 27 minutes 29 seconds East 335.34 feet to a point in the center of said creek, thence along the center of said creek South 04 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds West 61.35 feet to a point, thence continue along center of said creek South 12 degrees 16 minutes 49 seconds East, 251.77 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Tract (2): Commence at a channel iron marking the NE corner of the NW 1/4-NE 1/4 of Section 16, T-15-S, R-11-E, thence South 00 degrees 38 minutes 00 seconds West 798.53 feet along the East line of said forty to a vertical stone, thence leaving said forty line South 46 degrees 57 minutes 54 seconds West 1077.32 feet to a point in the center of Cane Creek, thence along said center of said creek the following bearings and distances: North 52 degrees 12 minutes 43 seconds West 105.83 feet to a point, thence North 27 degrees 41 Minutes 43 Seconds West 188.67 feet to a point, thence North 12 degrees 16 minutes 49 seconds West 251.77 feet to a point, thence N 04 degrees 55 minutes 23 seconds East 61.35 feet to a point, said point being the Point of Beginning, thence leaving said center of said creek North 89 degrees 27 minutes 29 seconds West 335.34 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar capped (Bailey), thence North 12 degrees 32 minutes 51 seconds West 43.28 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar capped (Bailey) on the Southerly R/W of Cleburne County Road Number 444 (50 foot R/W) (aka Old Georgia Road), thence South

84 degrees 58 minutes 08 seconds East 346.20 feet along said R/W to a point in the center of said creek South 00 degrees 30 minutes 44 seconds west 15.06 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Property Street Address: 238 County Road 444, Fruithurst, AL 36262 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mortgagee/Transferee Rebecca Redmond SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 315204

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.

This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Bank of America, N.A., Mortgagee/Transferee Andy Saag SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727 Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 293517 The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL March 6, 13, 20, 2014

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

Strain Construction Company hereby gives notice that all work has been completed on the following project for the Cleburne County Water Authority. Project No. 100211.05, 2012 Water System Extensions Contract in Cleburne Co., AL. Anyone having a claim against contractor should notify the following: Constantine Engineering at 2414 Airport Road West, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 or call 256-997-9887.

The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL February 13, 20, 27 & March 6, 2014

South, Range 13, and the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 36, Township 17 South, Range 12 East, Cleburne County, being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at an iron pin found (5/8” Rebar) on the Northerly ROW of Creekside Drive being the Southwesterly corner of Lot #5 of Creekside Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 404 in the Office of Probate, Cleburne County; thence leaving said ROW bearing N 30 degrees 23’ 40” W a distance of 37.51 ft. to an iron pin found and the Point of Beginning of the hereafter described property; thence N 61 degrees 43’28” E a distance of 161.19 ft. to an iron pin found (capped); thence S36 degrees 41’05”W a distance of 180.68 ft. to an iron pin found; thence N 26 degrees 23’36” W a distance of 76.51 ft. to a point on the Point of Beginning.

Said sale is made for the purpose of paying the mortgage debt and costs of foreclosure.

RICE, RICE & SMITH, P.C. By: Dwight Rice Attorney for Community & Southern Bank The Cleburne News Cleburne Co., AL March 6, 13, 20, 2014 STATE OF ALABAMA CLEBURNE COUNTY

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 9th day of May, 2006, by Jamie Forsyth to West Georgia National Bank, STATE OF which mortgage is recorded in the Office of the Probate Judge ALABAMA of Cleburne, Alabama, in the Record of Mortgages, Book CLEBURNE 2006 Page 2856, and modified COUNTY

by Modification Agreement reProbate Court corded in Book 2007, Page The Cleburne News Case# 2009-016 2461, further modified by Cleburne Co., AL TO: ANY AND ALL HEIRS AT Modification Agreement reFebruary 27, March 6, 13, LAW ESTATE OF ROBERT corded in Book 2008, Page 2014 BAUGH, DECEASED 2153 (in favor of First National Notice is hereby given that on Bank of Georgia, as successor MORTGAGE the 13th day of January, 2014, in interest to West Georgia NaG. Baugh, Personal tional Bank), and further modiFORECLOSURE James Representative, filed in the Probate Court of Cleburne fied by Modification Agreement SALE recorded in Book 2008, page Default having been made in County the Petition for Sell of 3735 said mortgage having the payment of the indebted- Real Property in the Estate of been assigned to Community & ness secured by that certain Robert Baugh, deceased. That Southern Bank by assignment mortgage executed by Robert petition having been read and recorded in Book 2010, Page B. Jarrell and April R. Jarrell considered; 1876, Community & Southern husband and wife, to Cheaha It is ORDERED that the 31st Bank as successor in interest Bank, on the 21st day of No- day of March, 2014, at 11 a.m., to First National Bank of Georvember, 2008, said mortgage be and the same hereby ap- gia, by virtue of the power of recorded in the Office of the pointed as the day for hearing sale contained in said mortJudge of Probate of Cleburne of the said petition. gage, will cause the following County, Alabama, in Mortgage Witnessed my hand this the described property to be sold Book: 2008 Page 5485; said 10th day of February, 2014. at public outcry in front of the mortgage having subsequently Ryan Robertson Courthouse doors of Cleburne been transferred and assigned Judge of Probate County, during legal hours of to Bank of America, N.A., by The Cleburne News sale on March 27, 2014, to the instrument recorded in Mort- Cleburne Co., AL highest bidder for cash. gage Book 2014, Page 146, in February 20, 27, & March 6, A certain parcel of land located the aforesaid Probate Office; 2014 in the N 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the undersigned Bank of AmerSection 16, Township 17 ica, N.A., as Mortgagee/TransSouth, Range 12 East, being STATE OF feree, under and by virtue of more particularly described as the power of sale contained in follows: Beginning at the ALABAMA said mortgage, will sell at pubSouthwest corner of the NW lic outcry to the highest bidder CLEBURNE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of said secfor cash, in front of the main tion; thence Easterly along the entrance of the Courthouse at COUNTY South line of said quarter Heflin, Cleburne County, AlaProbate Court 695.21 ft. to the intersection of bama, on May 5, 2014, during Case #2014-008 said South line with the East the legal hours of sale, all of its IN THE MATTER OF THE ES- bank of a branch; said point right, title, and interest in and TATE OF BARBARA INMAN also being the true point of beto the following described real HIGHTOWER, DECEASED ginning of the hereafter deestate, situated in Cleburne Letters of Administration of scribed parcel; thence continue County, Alabama, to-wit: said deceased, BARBARA IN- Easterly along said South line A certain parcel of land located MAN HIGHTOWER, having of quarter, if extended, 1041.12 in the Northeast corner of the been granted to JOSEPH A. to a fence road; thence NorthNortheast Quarter of the North- HIGHTOWER, as personal westerly with an interior angle east Quarter (NE 1/4 of NE Representative, on the 19th of 96 deg. 05 min. 12 sec. to 1/4) of Section Sixteen (16) day of February, 2014, in the the right along said fence road and the Northwest Quarter of Probate Court of Cleburne 185.22 ft. to the intersection of the Northwest Quarter (NW 1/4 County, Alabama, by the hon- same with the observed South of NW 1/4) of Section Fifteen orable Ryan Robertson, notice right of way line of Al. Highway (15), Township Sixteen (16), is hereby given that all persons No. 46; thence Northwesterly Range Ten (10) being more having claims against said es- with an interior angle of 109 particularly described as fol- tate are hereby required to deg. 01 min. 47 sec. to the lows: Begin at the Point of In- present the same within the right along said ROW line a tersection of the centerline of time allowed by law or the chord length of 631.38 ft.; Perryman Bridge Road and the same will be barred. thence continue Northwesterly North Line of Webb Drive; Ryan Robertson with an interior angle of 187 thence in a Westerly direction Judge of Probate deg. 56 min. 02 sec. to the along the North line of the right along said ROW line a pavement of Webb Drive a The Cleburne News chord length of 893.69 ft.; distance of 258 feet, more or Cleburne Co., AL thence Northwesterly with an less, to an iron pin set, the February 27, March 6 & 13, interior angle of 185 deg. 39 point of beginning of the herein 2014 min. 46 sec. to the right along described property; thence said ROW line a chord length South a distance of 157 feet to STATE OF ALABAMA of 217.34 ft. to the intersection an iron pin; thence West a disCLEBURNE COUNTY of said ROW line with the East tance of 85 feet to an iron pin; bank of a branch; thence MORTGAGE thence Northwesterly a disSoutherly along the meandertance of 107 feet to an iron pin; ings of said branch as follows: FORECLOSURE thence North a distance of 87 with an interior angle of 42 feet to an iron pin on the side NOTICE deg. 43 min. 41 sec. to the of Webb Drive; thence Easterly Default having been made in right of chord 38.01 ft.; with an along Webb Drive a distance of the terms of the mortgage exe- interior angle of 154 deg. 39 126 feet to the point of begin- cuted on the17th day of Octo- min. 50 sec. to the right 65.84 ning. Lying and being situated ber, 2006, by Jamie Forsyth to ft.; with an interior angle of 214 in Cleburne County, Alabama. West Georgia National Bank, deg. 08 min. 07 sec. to the Also: A right of way and/or which mortgage is recorded in right 138.88 ft.; with an interior easement across and along the Office of the Probate Judge angle of 191 deg. 28 min. 27 Webb Drive beginning at its in- of Cleburne, Alabama, in the sec. to the right 48.38 ft.; with tersection with Perryman Record of Mortgages, Book an interior angle of 127 deg. 31 Bridge Road to the residence 2006 Page 5405, and modified min. 26 sec. to the right 61.00 of Shirley Ligon located in the by Modification Agreement re- ft.; with an interior angle of 244 Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of corded in Book 2007, Page deg. 35 min. 52 sec. to the Section Sixteen (16), Township 2326, further modified by Mod- right 41.83 ft.; with an interior Sixteen (16), Range Ten (10), ification Agreement recorded in angle of 124 deg. 54 min. 03 and running 336 feet from in- Book 2008, Page 686 (in favor sec. to the right 42.59 ft.; with tersection of Webb Drive to of First National Bank of Geor- an interior angle of 205 deg. 20 Perryman Bridge Road to point gia, as successor in interest to min. 12 sec. to the right 116.04 on Webb Drive which is the West Georgia National Bank), ft.; with an interior angle of 134 Northeast corner of property of and further modified by Modifi- deg. 48 min. 18 sec. to the Shirley Ligon as conveyed by cation Agreement recorded in right 26.28 ft.; with an interior Deed recorded in Fiche 315, Book 2008, page 3734 said angle of 239 deg. 01 min. 44 Frame F 1-2, in the Office of mortgage having been as- sec. to the right 45.32 ft.; with the Judge of Probate of Cle- signed to Community & South- an interior angle of 163 deg. 44 burne County, Alabama. ern Bank by assignment re- min. 17 sec. to the right 79.62 Property Street Address: corded in Book 2010, Page ft.; with an interior angle of 143 94 Webb Dr, Heflin, AL 36264 1876, Community & Southern deg. 54 min. 27 sec. to the THIS PROPERTY WILL BE Bank as successor in interest right 165.56 ft.; with an interior SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE to First National Bank of Geor- angle of 166 deg. 51 min. 22 IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY gia, by virtue of the power of sec. to the right 89.38 ft.; with EASEMENTS, ENCUM- sale contained in said mort- an interior angle of 210 deg. 15 BRANCES, AND EXCEP- gage, will cause the following min. 31 sec. to the right 238.60 TIONS REFLECTED IN THE described property to be sold ft.; with an interior angle of 172 MORTGAGE AND THOSE at public outcry in front of the deg. 03 min. 34 sec. to the CONTAINED IN THE Courthouse doors of Cleburne right 44.36 ft. to the true point RECORDS OF THE OFFICE County, during legal hours of of beginning. Situated, lying OF THE JUDGE OF PRO- sale on March 27, 2014, to the and being in Cleburne County, BATE OF THE COUNTY highest bidder for cash.

Alabama.

WHERE THE ABOVE-DE- Lot 4, Creekside Subdivision Said sale is made for the purSCRIBED PROPERTY IS SIT- as recorded in Cleburne pose of paying the mortgage UATED. THIS PROPERTY County Plat Book 4, Page 404 debt and costs of foreclosure.

WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT dated May 10, 2011.

RICE, RICE & SMITH, P.C. WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, LESS AND EXCEPT: By: EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS A portion of Lot #4 of Creek- Dwight Rice TO TITLE, USE AND/OR EN- side Subdivision as recorded in Attorney for Community & JOYMENT AND WILL BE Plat Book 4, Page 404 in the Southern Bank SOLD SUBJECT TO THE Office of the Probate Judge, RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF Cleburne County, and being lo- The Cleburne News ALL PARTIES ENTITLED cated in the NE 1/4 of the NE Cleburne Co., AL THERETO. 1/4 of Section 31, Township 17 March 6, 13, 20, 2014

The Cleburne News, Thursday, March 6, 2014 • 10

Board hears need of policy for out-of-district students LAURA CAMPER

news@cleburnenews.com

The Cleburne County Board of Education Thursday discussed creating a policy to deal with out-of-district students who are attending Cleburne County schools.

The issue came up when Superintendent Claire Dryden told the board about a couple from Ranburne who asked that their kindergartner be allowed to attend Cleburne County Elementary School instead of Ranburne Elementary School. Both parents are employed in Heflin and want easy access to their child in case of illness or school events, Dryden told the board members during their work session.

Board chairman Jerry Cash said he appreciated that the parents were asking and not going behind the board’s back to register the child. The board members will vote on the matter at their meeting on

Monday.

The out-of-district question involved students who live outside Cleburne County proper but attend the county’s public schools. Dryden didn’t cite a particular number of students to the board, but she said those individuals use an address inside the county to enroll.

Dryden asked how the board would like to handle that issue, suggesting that the school system could accept out-of-district students and charge tuition. Board Member Dana Turner noted the Haralson County, Ga., school system, where he works, charges tuition.

Similarly, said Cash, the Cleburne County school system is attractive to out-ofcounty residents.

“We have one of the best school systems around,” Cash said.

Board Member Tommy Jones asked how much the system pays to educate each child.

Dryden said the school system pays about $4,200 per student to educate the children.

“Then that’s what we should charge,” Jones said.

But, Dryden pointed out, that’s not all local funding.

The school system gets about $2,300 per student in state funding, she said. But in reality the state money pays about 95 percent of the cost of educating the students when one factors in other funding like teacher salaries and benefits.

The school system would also have to consider what school the transfer request was for. Officials wouldn’t want to overcrowd any particular school, she said.

“It’s something you might want to think about,” Dryden said.

In other business the board heard: — The school system is considering using a bar code scanning system to keep track of books, laptops and the new Chromebooks the school

system is buying. The system would be similar to the program the school libraries use already. Dryden said she expects the program could save the schools money in replacement costs for lost items.

It would also make readily available to administrators information such as where the equipment or books were located and how many each school had, Dryden said.

— The system will be consolidating loans for six new school buses and 10 buses the school system already had purchased and is still paying for. Metro Bank lowered the interest rate for the consolidated loan from 4.68 percent to 3.5 percent, Dryden said.

The change would save the school system $41,000 over the term of the loan, Dryden said. The term of the loan on the buses would not change, she said.

Staff Writer Laura Camper 256-463-2872. On Twitter @ LCamper_Star.

Wine: “Even the electrical inspector that came — no guidelines to follow,” Roberts said.

From page 1

censes came through.

Now, Roberts said, he hopes to get started making wines this weekend in the 12 gleaming 52-gallon stainless-steel tanks already installed in the garage. Even as he contemplates starting the wines, the renovations continue in the tasting room.

For the last three to four months, they have been working on renovating the property, said Robbye Roberts, Keith Roberts’ brother. Thursday, a chunky wood mantel leaned up against the wall behind a pot belly stove waiting to be hung on the wall.

The wine-tasting counter cut through the room awaiting its countertop. The cabinets behind it were in place and waiting for the racks that will hold the wine bottles. The ceiling was covered with corrugated metal roofing giving the room a rustic, industrial vibe.

The partners have recycled much of the cabinetry, leaving the kitchen cabinets in place for use in the tasting room and installing some in the new office, said Robbye Roberts, who is helping with the construction.

Although renovations are nearly com-

Spring time Up and down Ross Street the daffodils are in full bloom. The first sign that Spring will be here soon.

“He called me a restaurant.”

PROGRAM

plete, the opening date was yet to be determined. It all depends on how quickly fermentation happens and God controls that, Keith Roberts said.

“We’ll know when we’re going to open a week or two before we open,” he said.

Roberts has been making wine as a hobby for about six years, he said. He made the wine for himself and also gave it away to friends. He’s learned what people like and what he likes in that time, he said.

Some of his favorite wines are blackberry wine and Granny Smith green-apple wine.

“Green apple, that is killer good stuff,” Roberts said.

But he aims to have something for everybody. He plans to make sweet, semisweet and dry wines from a variety of fruits including blueberries, black currants, apple, blackberries, muscadines and peaches.

He expects to open with about 13 to 14 wines, he said.

The wine-making process can take some time. The fruit, juice or pureed fruit is added to the fermenting tanks, and the type of fruit determines how it is processed,

Misty Pointer

Roberts said. He will monitor the sugar in the wine with a hydrometer, which looks like a large thermometer without the red mercury line. It measures the sugar in the wine. He starts out with 12.5 percent sugar and when it drops to 0 percent sugar, he knows that it is completely fermented giving the wine 12.5 percent alcohol, Roberts said.

Then he filters the wine several times to remove the sediment and clear up the wine more quickly than allowing it to settle on its own, Roberts said. Most California wineries use the same process, he said.

But European wines are allowed to settle over much more time, Roberts said. Vintners in both regions think their process is the best, but it’s really up to the consumer to make the final decision, he said.

Once it is filtered, the wine is poured into a bottle filler, which distributes it into the bottles, and then the bottles receive their corks from a corker, Roberts said. In a good month, he figures he can make 550 gallons with his 12 tanks.

Roberts hopes to open in late March or April, he said.

PROGRAM

Heflin City Clerk Shane Smith said with High Country Cellars, Cleburne County may become a destination on the Alabama Wine Trail.

The county also has Smith Farms which sells independent wines, the Fruithurst Winery and nearby Southern Oak Wines and White Oak Vineyards in Calhoun County could draw wine lovers in to the area.

Randal Wilson, the owner of White Oak Vineyards, has been making wine for 10 years in Anniston, he said.

He welcomes new wineries to the area, Wilson said, adding that there are two more potential wineries exploring the idea of opening in Calhoun County — one in Jacksonville and one in Weaver. He doesn’t look at the new wineries as competition so much as fellow wine educators.

“It’s an opportunity for all of us to open people’s eyes to wine a little bit more,” Wilson said.

Staff Writer Laura Camper 256-4632872. On Twitter @LCamper_Star.

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