xxxx Opening for Survivalist Martial Arts Saturday at 1 p.m. 626 Hwy 278 ByPass East. Grand RECIPES / COMMUNITY, 4
BASEBALL-SOFTBALL / SPORTS, 8
DEBRA FLOYD CONTINUES WORK IN NEW LOCATION
BULLDOG TEAMS FALL IN PLAYOFFS
The Piedmont Journal www.thepiedmontjournal.com
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WEDNESDAY // MAY 14, 2014
COUNCIL
Students’ Internet stays on
City expects to make more than $40,000 a year under new contract LAURA GADDY Consolidated News Service The City Council decided Thursday to maintain a citywide Internet network that is used to provide 24-hour access to public school students here.
The decision came in the form of a 5-2 vote in favor of entering into a new contract with Information Transport Solutions, the Wetumpka-based communications company that built and operates the network. The new agreement specifies the length of the agreement, states how much money the company is to pay
the city for use of utility poles and electricity and reduces the payment the city received under the old contract for the use of its cables. Piedmont Mayor Bill Baker said the city stands to earn more than $40,000 annually under the new contract. “I think it’s a plus for the city,” Baker
JOURNAL FEATURE
Former Air Force sergeant worked at SCT Jerry Harbour manages life with MS
■ See HARBOUR, page 7
■ See COUNCIL, page 10
Spring Garden junior selected for Naval Academy program Matt Mullinax will spend a week in Annapolis this summer
MARGARET ANDERSON Journal News Editor Jerry Harbour was born March 2, 1949, in Piedmont. He attended Bethune High School where he played on the basketball team and was captain his senior year. He was president of the senior class, and he was also valedictorian of the class of 1968. Harbour didn’t know for sure what he wanted to do with his life, but he did know one thing. He would have to abide by his parents’ wishes and get a college a degree like his seven siblings. In March 1968, he went to work at Standard-CoosaThatcher. In September, took a leave of absence and joined the Air Force. After basic training, he knew that he wanted to be an aircraft mechanic or a pilot. That was an exciting period until he learned that he was color blind. The color blindness dashed all of his dreams of being an aircraft mechanic or pilot. “You got a lot of little wires
said. “It’s all about the kids.” The decision follows at least nine months of debate over whether the city should honor an agreement to help pay for the service, which Superintendent Matt Akin has identified as an essential com-
Anita Kilgore
Jerry Harbour in front of his 1966 Ford Mustang. Harbour has an interest in old cars and enjoys going to see them whenever they are shown to the public.
Matt Mullinax, an 11th grade student at Spring Garden High School, has been chosen to participate in an elite program this summer. Mullinax will spend a week in Annapolis, Md., where he will participate in the U. MULLINAX S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar program. The academy invited a select group of about 2,550 young men and women from across the nation and abroad to attend the program this year. The seminar is a fastpaced leadership experience for rising high school seniors. It’s designed to help educate, motivate and prepare those who are considering applying for admission to the academy. Mullinax said he’s not sure what he’s ■ See MULLINAX, page 7
PHS technology students bring home state awards Placed third overall, two first place winners This year, the Piedmont High School Technology Student Association attended the 35th annual state conference in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. In preparation for the conference, State Secretary Andrew Posey, and Executive Board Member Jamie Miller attended three executive meetings to plan the conference.
Piedmont placed third overall and had two first place winners, Nina Gouger and Andrew Posey. This was also the first year that Piedmont High competed in VEX Robotics competitions. The students would like to thank Farmers and Merchants Bank for sponsoring their trip for the state conference. It would not have been possible without their kind support.
Submitted photo
ABOVE: Nina Gouger and Andrew Posey,1st place winners.
•PLEASE SEE PAGE 10 FOR GROUP SHOT OF STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED.
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THE PEIDMONT JOURNEL
VOLUME 33 | NO. 21
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OBITUARIES See page 3.
• Martha W. Daniels,90 • Grace Juanita McCurdy, 86 6
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