THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY SINCE 1912 Sunday, September 15, 2019
decaturdaily
decaturdaily.com
@decaturdaily
ROAD CONSTRUCTION ZONES
FORECAST TODAY
MON
TUE
95°/64°
96°/66°
97°/68°
Deaths on the rise
Complete forecast, A2
By Michael Wetzel Staff Writer
SPORTS Tide rolls Gamecocks in SEC opener Alabama dispatched South Carolina in the Tide’s league opener Saturday, while Auburn hosted Kent State in another tuneup before beginning SEC play. C1
A car goes past construction workers along Old Alabama 20. Work-zone crashes and resulting injuries and deaths are on the rise in Alabama. [JERONIMO NISA/ DECATUR DAILY]
Injuries and deaths in road construction work zones are on the rise, and officials fear crews could face greater hazards when motorists navigate additional projects funded by the recently increased Alabama gas tax. In 2018, there were 3,686 work-zone crashes in Alabama, according to the Alabama
Department of Transportation, up from 3,158 the year before and the most in at least 13 years. The 2018 crashes resulted in 1,216 injuries and 34 deaths. The 2017 work-zone wrecks resulted in 963 injuries and 31 deaths. In 2008, by comparison, 2,320 work-zone crashes resulted in 722 injuries and 17 deaths. Allison Green, spokeswoman SEE DEATHS, A3
LIVING DECATUR
Space crunch for Youth Services Mural in progress on Second Avenue Decatur native Adam Stephenson and Atlanta artist Yehimi Cambron will spend a combined 500 hours painting a mural on a building on Second Avenue Southeast in Decatur. E1
RIVERFRONT Daikin helped begin trend for Alabama Alabama has built on efforts that attracted Japan-based Daikin Industries to Decatur to begin operations 25 years ago, and there are now 77 Japanese companies with operations in the state, including five in Morgan County. B1
AREA DEATHS Era Andrews, Hazel Green Larry Bolzle, Cullman Barbara Sue Butler, Athens Patricia Cline, Moulton Anthony Holtzclaw, Trinity Carolyn Jackson, Decatur Mike Kelly, Moulton Charles Mauldin, Decatur Barbara Sue Munoz, Falkville Ryan Nelson, Trinity Marjorie Parker, Hillsboro Rosemary Powell, Decatur Randall Lee Scott, Killen Bill Spurlock, Hartselle Bobby Staples, Cullman Terri Joe Steadman, Moulton Norman Tobias, Moulton Eric Wetzel, Mouton Jimmy Whitfield, Moulton Death notices, obits, A8 Abby .................. E4 Books................. E6 Business ............D1 Classified ........... F1 Crossword.......... E4 Editorials ...........A4 Horoscopes........ E4
Living................. E1 Lotteries ............C3 Obituaries..........A8 Riverfront ..........B1 Sports ................C1 Weather.............A2
Decatur, Alabama 108th year, No. 145 42 pages, 6 sections
See More in Today’s Classified Section
Tutoring program, basketball league hampered by issues at 2 facilities By Bayne Hughes Staff Writer
Reduced space has forced Decatur Youth Services to cancel several programs for at-risk youths and to pack more students in tutoring sessions. DYS Director Bruce Jones said he feels the program for urban youth has gone backward since the City Council said he can’t use the now vacant Brookhaven Middle School, a loss of space soon to be complicated by problems at Carrie Matthews Recreation Center. Jones said he had to cancel AAU basketball’s plans to practice and schedule local games to create interest. He had to halt plans for a Friday evening program for older teens with activities like video games, tutoring and setting up a recording studio. He also canceled partnerships with Calhoun Community College and the Morgan County juvenile court system. Calhoun was providing English as a Second Language classes. The juvenile court planned to use DYS space for its alcohol and drug awareness program. A home-school program also had to find another place for its weekly meetings. “It’s very frustrating,” Jones said. But Council President Paige Bibbee said the council is still waiting on a plan and a request that would meet the program’s facility needs. “I’ve said I need them to tell us what they need,” Bibbee said. She said this is one of the reasons she wants to meet with department heads to talk about the fiscal 2020 budget at an 11 a. m. work session Monday. “I’ve asked for additional time for an appointment with Bruce so we can talk about their
Tutor Alexus Campbell, a senior at Austin High, checks on Larry Cooley, left, and Jakeem Pendelton during Decatur Youth Services’ after-school program at the Aquadome Recreation Center on Thursday. A directive that DYS no longer use the old Brookhaven Middle School next door has resulted in crowded tutorting sessions and the cancellation of several programs. [PHOTOS BY JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]
plans and needs,” Bibbee said. “What they’re doing is unbelievable, but they need to be ready to talk about their space needs.” Bibbee said Fire Chief Tony Grande has already given the council a plan for a new fire station and that department’s needs. Parks and Recreation Director Jason Lake is working with Jones and allowing DYS to use the Aquadome Recreation Center’s meeting rooms for tutoring on Mondays through Fridays. SEE SPACE, A3
Kimberly Jones, right, works with Dontay Garner during Decatur Youth Services’ after-school program at the Aquadome Recreation Center on Thursday.
- Classifieds on the cover -
- Classifieds on the cover -
- Classifieds on the cover -
- Classifieds on the cover -
- Classifieds on the cover -
GEMSTONE FOODS, LLC is now hiring Production and Support Workers. bgonzalez@ gemstonefoods.com 256-301-4572
Goss Electric - Decatur
HUGE ESTATE SALE!
Huntsville Area •ELECTRICIANS + •ELECTRICAL SUPERVISORS Must have commercial and industrial experience. Call Todd 256-303-9365
La-Z-Boy couch with recliners on each end + another reclining chair. Burgundy color. Excellent Condition! $575/all. 256-482-4101.
Local positions: •Electricians •Top Helpers •Voice and Data Techs
256-353-8751 jcole@gosselectric. com
►Sat. and Sun. 8AM◄
Trinity
270 Co. Rd. 386
Large variety of furniture, tools + items still in boxes. Outdoor furniture 2 + more
AMERICA’S LARGEST REPLACEMENT WINDOW & REMODELING COMPANY
Summer is here. Call today and wave goodbye to High Energy Bills!
0% g
Financin Available
(with approved credit) See Sales Associate for Details
Call for your FREE estimate today! Window World has earned the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for 10 consecutive years.
1804 Sportsman Lane Huntsville, AL www.WindowWorldHuntsville.com
256-895-3285
254184-1
301643-1
RACK PRICE: $1.50