Clarke County Democrat

Four burned in LP plant explosion

By Jim Cox Editor & Publisher — 05/08/2008

A fire and explosion at the new Louisiana Pacific Corp. oriented strand board mill south of Thomasville burned four employees around 2 o'clock Wednesday morning and they were airlifted to the USA Medical Center's burn center in Mobile.

And Clarke County's Junior Miss for 2009 is...

05/08/2008

Julie Dozier, right, had a look of surprise and shock on her face as she was announced as Clarke County's Junior Miss for 2009 following the program Saturday night at Sage Auditorium in Grove Hill. Ellie Wilson, 2008 Junior Miss, presented her with a Revere Bowl and other awards. Julie is the daughter of Drs. Frank and Daveta Dozier of Thomasville and a student at Thomasville High School. See more on the program and other winners on Page 1B. Photo by Jake Paul

Black bear caught near Coffeeville

By Kathryn F. Pickard News Reporter — 05/08/2008

A black bear traveled over 300 miles from northwest Florida to interrupt supper at a home on Cirrus Road north of Coffeeville Friday evening. Both Amanda Laster and her sister, Sandra Laster, have had a black bear walk right into their homes, evidently looking for food.

C'ville man to get CHS diploma- just 59 years late

By Kathryn F. Pickard News Reporter — 05/08/2008

Henry Dunagan is about to keep a promise he made to his mother 59 years ago. Dunagan should have graduated from Coffeeville High School in 1949, but quit school in order to join the navy.

Taking aim at the mayors

05/08/2008

Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day was given a sports coat with a big red bullseye on the back during the Southwest Alabama Community Coalition's roast of area mayors Saturday. It was all in fun as Congressman Artur Davis was on hand to help celebrate the unity of the area. See more on the program on Page 5A. Photo by Barry H. Hendrix

Nissan, limousine hit head-on

05/08/2008

A two vehicle head-on collision occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 3 on Lady Landing Road south of Jackson. A 1996 Nissan, driven by Blake Brandon Whigham, collided with a 2002 Cadillac limousine, driven by Nicole Sophi Fail of Jackson. Neither Whigham or Fail were injured. However, two passengers in the limousine, Patricia Caves and Evelyn Campbell, both of Jackson, were injured and transferred to Jackson Medical Center. Photo by Barry H. Hendrix

Vehicle runs off Highway 84 West

05/08/2008

A one-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on May 1 at the 31-mile marker of Highway 84 West involving a 1998 Honda driven by Sherri Deann Smith of Barataria, La. She was injured and transferred to Jackson Medical Center. Photo by Ross Wood

Hospital administrator concerned how high gas prices affecting employees

By Barry H. Hendrix Managing Editor — 05/08/2008

Doug Sewell, administrator of the Grove Hill Memorial Hospital, told the board of directors April 24 that he had asked facility managers to try to reschedule employees to limit the amount of travel due to increasing gas prices.

Correction

05/08/2008

Joel Marvin Thompson was not one of those arrested during a drug bust in Fulton as reported last week. Thompson was already in the Clarke County Jail on another charge, and his arrest had no connection to the drug bust.

Local hospital recognized

05/08/2008

AQAF, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Alabama, has recognized Grove Hill Memorial Hospital for its participation in a three-year statewide quality improvement and patient safety project that has saved thousands of lives since 2005.

Coffeeville preparing for 200th birthday celebration

By Barry H. Hendrix Managing Editor — 05/08/2008

The Coffeeville Town Council discussed plans Tuesday night for the town's 200th birthday celebration May 31. The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on that day as the road around town hall is blocked off for storytellers and live music on the town hall lawn.

Groundbreaking held for JHS athletic complex

05/08/2008

A groundbreaking was held Tuesday morning at Jackson High School for the new athletic complex. On hand for the ceremony were Clarke County School Superintendent Gerald Stephens, board member Barry Chancey, JHS Principal Ken Harbuck, Jackson Mayor Richard Long, city council members Paul South and Eddie Huggins, JHS athletes and coaches, and employees of McKee and Assoc. and HUB Construction. Photo by Barry H. Hendrix

Two men arrested in Coffeeville burglary, sale of stolen goods

By Barry H. Hendrix Managing Editor — 05/08/2008

Two men have been arrested in relation to a burglary of a home on Bethel Cutoff Road in the Coffeeville area. Richard Roy Dunagan, 34, of Coffeeville, was charged with burglary, second degree. Kacetiah Shavor Johnson, 22, of Coffeeville, was charged with receiving stolen property, second degree.

Jackson to become JSU's Eminent Scholar in History

05/08/2008

Dr. Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson, III, Professor and Head of the Department of History and Foreign Languages at Jacksonville State University (JSU), will step down from those responsibilities at the end of August to begin a new assignment as the Eminent Scholar in History.

Unity, leadership focus of 'celebrity roast'of mayors

By Barry H. Hendrix Managing Editor — 05/08/2008

The mayors of Coffeeville, Fulton, Grove Hill, Jackson and Thomasville were honored May 3 with a "celebrity roast" at the Jackson Community House. The program, sponsored by the Southwest Alabama Community Coalition, could have been easily called a celebration of unity for county officials.

CPS students visit state capitol in Montgomery

05/08/2008

These seventh graders from Clarke Prep School took a trip on April 3, 2008, to Montgomery. First, they visited the State House where they observed the House in session. Marc Keahey, our representative, had his picture made with them. Next, the group went to the Department of Archives and History and enjoyed the tour. Finally, the tour of the capital building was most interesting, and they learned much from their well-informed guide. Students who participated are Lane Parden, Mary Katherine Bradford, Graham Wilson, Christa Rice, Catherine Paul, Randi Ward, John Dyess, Rush Wiggins Brianna Hawk, Nicholas Bishop, Daniel Harrison, Tiffany Pugh, Cheyanne Hicks, Katie Newton, Trey McKinley, Drew Larrimore, Hunter Furrow and Kirk Hill. Also pictured are Marc Keahey and Mrs. Ouida McIntyre, their teacher. Contributed Photo

Annie Moses Band to perform May 31 in Grove Hill

05/08/2008

Annie Moses band to play in Grove Hill May 31.

Community Calendar

05/08/2008

AIDS Prevention Coalition to meet The Southwest Alabama AIDS Prevention Coalition will have its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. in the Monroe County Health Department Friday, May 9. For more information contact Maureen Nichols at 251-275-7108.

Church Announcements

05/08/2008

Oak Grove clean-up day Oak Grove Baptist Church located in the Chilton community will have a clean-up day Saturday, May 10 at 8 a.m. Anyone with a family grave is asked to help and asked not to place glass containers in the cemetery.

"THE FIREMEN AND THE SNAKE"

05/08/2008

Read James 1:15 Ukrainian firemen ran in panic from a burning building. On their way out, one of them tripped over what he thought was a water hose. When he reached to pick it up, he found that it was a 10-foot python. Many have tripped over things that appeared to be harmless, only to run in panic and pain.

Why stop at mayor? Run for president!

05/08/2008

Long ago, back in the times when the Nethermost was first being created, some of my friends used to amuse themselves and anyone standing nearby by asking me if I was interested in running for the office of Mayor of Grove Hill. Even recently, I was stopped in the post office with this question.

Senate's carbon copy

Steve Flowers — 05/08/2008

The 2008 Legislative Session is in its waning days, yet very little has been accomplished. The budgets are still awaiting action. The partisan acrimony persists. It is basically a carbon copy of last year's wasted session. The Senate's partisan battle has stymied any legislative progress or achievement for at least two years of this four year quadrennium.

Cartoon

05/08/2008

Fuel prices continue to rise

Jo Bonner — 05/08/2008

Day after day gas prices continue to hit record highs, and with the summer travel season just around the corner, there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight. Last week, truck drivers from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to protest the soaring cost of diesel fuel, which has increased $1.15 since last year to $4.04 a gallon.

Past can help determine future

Joyce B urrage — 05/08/2008

Ah! That season again. Time for reunions and decorations (that ritual that still occurs in some local cemeteries in Clarke County when honor is given to the deceased by placing flowers on the graves of loved ones.

From The Democrat's Files

05/08/2008

35 years ago A representative of Pinebelt Cablevision told Grove Hill Town Council members his company was interested in installing a cable TV system in town. The cost to citizens would be $6.25 per month.

All were winners in '09 Clarke County Junior Miss

By Jim Cox Editor & Publisher — 05/08/2008

There were 13 contestants in the Clarke County Junior Miss program Saturday night at Sage Auditorium in Grove Hill. All couldn't win, but all offered great performances for the nearly-packed auditorium crowd and are to be congratulated for their contributions to the program.

Go 'green' with your next meal

05/08/2008

After watching TV this week, I perceive that I am not doing enough to go "green." I must admit green has never been my favorite color. I once paid John Thompson, a great handyman around our community, to paint my living room green while I was at work.

McClain-Bumpers to wed May 17

05/08/2008

Nelson and Glenda McClain announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Stephanie Leigh Mc- Clain of Marbury, Ala., to Wesley Glover Bumpers of Jackson, the son of William and Faye Bumpers of Jackson. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of George B. and Elizabeth McCord of Prattville, Ella McClain and the late William "Bill" McClain of Marbury, Ala.

McClain honored with wedding showers

05/08/2008

Stephanie McClain of Marbury, Ala., daughter of Glenda and Nelson McClain and bride elect of Wesley Bumpers, son of Faye and William Bumpers of Jackson was recently honored with several bridal showers. A miscellaneous bridal shower was hosted, April 13, at the Rocky Mount Bed & Breakfast in Prattville.

Oak leaf hydrangea a favorite

05/08/2008

If I had to winnow down my list of favorite plants (which is admittedly too long to be of any real value), oakleaf hydrangea, H. quercifolia, would make the cut every time .Unlike most shrubs, this flowering beauty has great landscape value through all four seasons. It leafs out in early spring with a pleasing show of lime green leaves at the ends of all the branches.

Final Plans

05/08/2008

Jackson-Williams Avis M. Jackson and Roger Williams will exchange wedding vows Saturday, May 10 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Olive No. 1 Baptist Church in Rockville. Miss Jackson is the daughter of Curley and Evelyn Jackson of Gainestown.

Harrison receives ASCC scholarship

05/08/2008

Clarke Preparatory School's Senior Annie Harrison of Thomasville has been chosen to receive the Ambassador Scholarship presented by Alabama Southern Community College. She won the Louise Wilson Scholarship from The Alabama Cattle Women's Association. She plans to go into Sonography.

Community theatre production June 5-7 at Thomaston center

05/08/2008

The Heritage Players will present the dark comedy "Dearly Departed," at 8 p.m. on June 5-7 at the Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston. When Daddy Turpin keels over dead in the first scene, the whole family gets involved with his burial. Admission will be charged. Ask about a play/dinner package at the Mama Nems gourmet bistro.

Kinman-Robinson to exchange vows

05/08/2008

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kinman announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Ann Kinman, to Derek Steven Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Florence Robinson. The wedding will be an event of Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 12 p.m. at Amity Baptist Church.

THS Class of 1952 holds reunion

05/08/2008

The Thomasville High School Class of 1952 held its 56th Class Reunion at Gaston's Grill in Thomasville Saturday, April 26. The following attended, first row, left to right, Carroll Scarbrough, Charles Lyles and Bobby Reid, second row, Charles Ray Larrimore, Jean Singleton, Kenton Brasell, Janiece Nichols, Dot Champion, Janet Reynolds and Dottie Mae Hudgens, third row, Pete Sheehan, John Harrison, Phillip Nichols, Georgia Mae McGee, Ouida McIntyre, Winnie B. Anderson and John Brantley. Contributed Photo

CPS students read 'the Hobbit'

05/08/2008

Mrs. Jones' sixth grade class at Clarke Prep School is in the process of studying J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy, "The Hobbit." The students recently made paper mache figures of different characters featured in the book. The creatures included dwarves, trolls, Hobbits, elves, dragons, Gollum, and Gandalf. Contributed Photo

Hutto-Gates plan June 28 ceremony

05/08/2008

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Hutto of Grove Hill announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittney Dawn Hutto, to Jeffrey Robert Gates, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Gates of Dickinson. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Hutto of Chance, Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Moore of Whatley, and the late O.B. and Minnie Carlisle of Grove Hill.

Study Club meets at Methodist Church

05/08/2008

The Community Study Club of Grove Hill held the April 15 meeting in the Fellowship Hall of the Grove Hill United Methodist Church at noon. Mrs. Suzanne Cox and Mrs. Kate Jordan were hostesses. Mrs. Pat Williams, program chairman, introduced Chris Beverly, Clarke County Revenue Commissioner and President of the Clarke County Historical Society.

Hospital Auxiliary holds April meeting

05/08/2008

The Grove Hill Memorial Hospital auxiliary met Wednesday, April 23 at 9 a.m. Mrs. French Downey, program chairman, introduced Mrs. Mary McKinley, O.B. Care Coordinator. Mrs. McKinley shared information about the 17 years she has worked in the hospital. During her O.B. Care years the youngest mother in her care was 14 years old and the oldest mother was 41 years old.

Family welcomes birth

05/08/2008

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Jones (nee Abby Edge) of Jackson announce the arrival of a son, Jacob Michael Jones, born April 23, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. Jacob weighed nine lbs., six ozs. and measured 22 inches.

Red Cross blood drive May 18 in Jackson

05/08/2008

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on May 18 at the Wal-Mart in Jackson. The American Red Cross is currently in need of volunteer blood donors with all blood types, particularly those with Type O Positive or Type O Negative, due to the continuing critical need.

Son born to Chaney family

05/08/2008

Mr. and Mrs. Grant Chaney of Jacksonville, Fla. announce the arrival of a son, Colin Gillis Chaney, born April 21, 2008. He was named for the late Grant Gillis of Grove Hill. He was welcomed home by his sister, Catherine Ella.

Boys and Girls Club to start summer program

05/08/2008

The Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Alabama will start a summer program in Thomasville. The summer program for youth will be Monday, June 2 beginning at 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The fee will be $30 per week per child and a $25 membership fee if they are not already a member.

Arrests booked into Clarke Co. Jail

05/08/2008

The following arrests were booked into the Clarke County Jail for the week of April 29th through May 6. Lashan Kennedy, 34, theft by deception, first degree, $20,000 bond, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff's Dept. Gerry Leonard Davis, 49, probation violation, $30,000 bond, arrested by Clarke County Sheriff's Dept.

Arrests made by Thomasville Police

05/08/2008

Arrests listed from the Thomasville Police Department for the week of April 28-May 4 include: Juvenile, burglary, third degree, arrested April 28. Rhonda Tellinne Harris, buying/ receiving stolen property, second degree, arrested April 28.

County Records

05/08/2008

Marriage license applications Duston Dale Moore, to Nancy Kathleen Kelley; Prentice Valdis Martin, to Lytonya Louise Besteda; Eric Vacorey Robinson, to Wanda Shanell McCaskill; Jonathan Thomas Mercer,

Character counts at Clarke Prep

05/08/2008

Citizenship was the character word for March! Being a good citizen means more than knowing how the government works. It means working to make your community, country, and world better places. The students (above) were nominated by their teachers for being good citizens for the month of March. Pictured are (back row) Andrew Stephens, Emily Thompson, Maggie Cox, Mary Ellen McConnell, and Christopher Cox; (front row) Tyler Baggett, Leah Bagley, Sydni Andrews, Whitney Brasell, Virginia Hodge, Anna Morgan Duke, and Allison Johnson. Contributed Photo

Mr. and Miss CPS announced

05/08/2008

Clarke Prep School recently announced Mr. and Miss CPS. J.D. Powell and Corrie Allen (seated) were named Mr. and Miss CPS. Also pictured are (clockwise) Erika Williams and Drew Harrigan, third runner-up; Heather Dozier and Tanner Tucker, second runner-up; Tess Ackerman and Taylor Becton, first runner-up. Contributed Photo

CPS students selected for Honors Band

05/08/2008

Kirk Hill and Katie Newton were selected to participate in honors band held on the campus of The University of North Alabama on April 27- 29. One thousand students were nominated for this honor, but only three hundred were chosen. They spent their weekend preparing for a concert given on the campus. On April 28, The University of North Alabama band performed a concert, using an arrangement of "Yakety Flutes" composed by their band director Mr. Gene Clark. Contributed Photo

Brown

05/08/2008

James Thomas Brown Sr., 65, of Coffeeville died April 26, 2008 at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born Sept. 11, 1942. He was a member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Luberta Cox Brown, Coffeeville; two sons, James Brown Jr., Mobile, Brad Brown, Coffeeville; two daughters, Shelby (Franklin) Grayson, Stephanie (B.J.

Caves

05/08/2008

Willie Caves, 77, of Jackson died April 29, 2008 at his residence. He was born Dec. 7, 1930. He was a member of Mount Olive No. 1 Baptist Church of Rockville. Survivors include one son, William (Patricia) Caves, Jackson; one daughter, Juanita Webb, Jackson; one brother, Ossie (Coreen) Caves, Mobile.

Taylor

05/08/2008

Margie Ann Taylor, 70, of Jackson died May 2, 2008. She was born July 8, 1937. She was a member of St. Union Baptist Church of Jackson. She was a member of the Missionary Society Circle No. 1. Survivors include her mother, Abbie Blanks, Jackson; three sisters, Lillian (Pat) Adams, Jacqueline Blanks, Belinda Beck, all of Jackson; one brother, Jessie Blanks, Jackson.

Tucker

05/08/2008

Vincent Darrell Tucker, 48, of Jackson died April 30, 2008 at his residence. He was born Sept. 9, 1959. He was a 1977 graduate of Jackson High School. He attended Hobson State Community College of Thomasville. He was a United States Armed Forces veteran. He was a member of Greater Mount Sinai No. 1 Baptist Church of Jackson.

Baugh

05/08/2008

Leon Lawrence Baugh, 76, of Grove Hill died May 1, 2008 at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born April 6, 1932 in Grove Hill. He was a member of Bassett Creek Baptist Church of Grove Hill. He was a retired logging foreman from Scotch Lumber Company in Fulton.

Wilson

05/08/2008

Ree" Wilson, 92, of Leroy died May 1, 2008 at her residence. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Leroy. She was a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, Dr. Louie Cecil (Gail) Wilson, Mobile, Ronnie A. (Merilyn) Wilson, Grove Hill, Larry W.

Boler

05/08/2008

Murray Edward Boler Sr., 78, of Pine Hill died April 28, 2008 at Southwest Alabama Medical Center in Thomasville. He was born April 7, 1930. He was a native of Thomaston. He was a member of Pine Hill Baptist Church. He was a roofing contractor.

Rogers

05/08/2008

Norma Dell Sollie Rogers, 88, of Sweet Water died April 28, 2008 at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Miss. She was born Oct. 21, 1919 in Stonewall, Miss. She was a member of Aimwell Baptist Church. She was a former postmistress of the Aimwell Post Office, a former seamstress with Vanity Fair and a former Avon representative.

Mitchell

05/08/2008

Jerry Lee "Jody" Mitchell, 64, of Choctaw Bluff, died April 29, 2008. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 11 in Minnesota. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy L.

Winston

05/08/2008

J. C. Winston, 77, of Whistler died at a local health care facility April 29, 2008. He was a native of Demopolis. Survivors include three daughters, Kale Robinson, Eight Mile, Debra Franklin Winston, Norfolk, Va., Tongia Brown, Prichard; three sons, James "Pete" Winston, Prichard, Al Winston, Eric Winston, both of Rockville, Md.

Card of Thanks

05/08/2008

Dear Friends, There doesn't seem to be words adequate enough to Thank You for all of your acts of kindness shown to us in the loss of our loved one, Perry. He had been physically unable, for the last three years, to do so many things he enjoyed about life, but he never gave up.

MEMORIAMS

05/08/2008

In Loving Memory of Bobby Glover May 8, 2007 Yes, the one we loved has passed beyond our present sight. And the world we know is without his radiant light.

Local teams end softball seasons

05/08/2008

Lady Gators lose at state The Clarke Prep School Lady Gators saw their run through the AISA state Class AAA softball tournament come to an end last Friday as they lost 6-2 to Edgewood. Corrie Allen went 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Haley Hill added a double.

Ladies can teach us a lot about sportsmanship

Sports Scene Ross Wood Sports Editor — 05/08/2008

Last week Western Oregon University was playing Central Washington University in a softball game in a game with playoff implications. It was a true game of meaning. Sara Tucholsky was batting for Western Orgeon and, with two runners on base, hit her first ever homer over the fence.

'Coolers Ain't Cool' 3-on-3 hoops tournament May 17

05/08/2008

Lower Peach Tree will be the site again for the Coolers Ain't Cool 3-on-3 basketball tournament. "We had a great turnout last year and we want to keep it up this year as a family friendly event," said James Crawford, organizer.

Cross signs baseball scholarship

05/08/2008

Clarke County High School's two-time all-state shortstop/ third baseman Hunter Cross signed a college scholarship to play baseball for Wallace- Hanceville Community College in North Alabama. Here he is pictured with his parents Tammy and Bo Cross as Coach Chris Young and Assistant Coach Ted King look on.

Coffeeville High's archery team

05/08/2008

Coffeeville High School's archery team recently competed in the State Archery-in-Schools Tournament in Birmingham. Pictured are, front row, left to right: Richard Gattis, Gracelyn Aarogon, Andjou Martin, Oscar Parks and Robby Brown. Back row, left to right: Gerald Howze, instructor, Roy Soutullo, Eli James, Kyle Dunagan and Joe Henderson, instructor. The high scorers for the Panthers were Richard Gattis with a 263 and Gracelyn Aarogon with a 261 out of a possible 300 points.

Snakes are moving

05/08/2008

The changing of the temperatures have the snakes on the move. Cody Powell, holding the snake, and Rush Wiggins, killed this four and a half foot long rattlesnake recently. The snake had 10 rattlers and a button. The snake was killed behind Powell's house.