In 1992, the Blount County Commission voted to impose a doubled-barreled tax increase on the people of Blount County. They didn’t ask permission. They could’ve allowed county citizens to vote on whether they wanted to tax themselves or not. But they didn’t. There wasn’t time. Instead, they asked the Legislature to pass an act granting limited home rule and authorizing […]

Ray to be chamber luncheon speaker
The Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Twin Oaks at 12 noon. The guest speaker will be Evan Ray, chief operations officer-rural hospital operations for St. Vincent’s Blount. The luncheon will also serve as the kickoff event for United Way’s 2015 Blount County campaign. St. Vincent’s Blount will sponsor the luncheon. – Ron Gholson
Narcotics suspects arrested
The Blount County Sheriff’s Department arrested eight suspects on four warrants served in Blount County and one in St. Clair County during August, including one warrant executed on July 30. A total of eight individuals were arrested in connection with the warrants served Sheriff Loyd Arrington said. Total seizures for the month included approximately 3/4 lb. of methamphetamine, six grams […]

Joker in budget deck not mentioned last week
Road miles per district. Say it again to yourself: Road miles per district. That’s the issue that has been at the heart of the debate over how to divide the county road budget among the four districts for at least a decade-and-a-half, probably longer. It was mentioned in last week’s recap report on the 2015 budget. But, mainly through oversight, […]
Snead councilor announces receipt of $50,000 grant
Meeting in the town’s regular session, Councilman Greg Ogles reported the town had received word it had been awarded a $50,000 grant from Tyson Foods. The grant will be applied to the town’s park and recreation department. Ogles indicated uncertainty over any further limitations on use of the funds. He said he would check to determine if the town had […]
Walmart Neighborhood Market slated to open in fall
Walmart confirmed the Neighborhood Market in Snead will be opening later this fall. “We are excited to bring our Neighborhood Market store to Snead and provide our customers there the benefits of a Walmart closer to where they live and work,” said Amanda Henneberg, a spokesperson for Walmart. The store will have approximately 12,000 square feet, 30 employees, and include […]
Support for the Older Americans Act
An important bill is before Congress which will affect unless many action senior is taken citizens before lawmakers critical adjourn measures in December. Two will be sent back to square one when by the the legislative new Congress process is sworn in early next year. The issues are: legislation that restores workplace on discrimination race, gender, protection or religious areas for […]
A game plan for education
The Alabama State Board of Education uses the ACT family of tests to evaluate students in grades 3- 12. Revised Alabama standards have defined what students should know and defined how to test to prove the goals have been met. The game plan, whether a football game or an education, still must be executed to work. For college- bound students, […]
NEWSBRIEFS
VENTURING CREW 1 will have an open house on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at Palisades Park. Venturing is a co-ed high adventure program for older youth which can involve activities such as climbing, hiking, kayaking, or arts, hobbies, and plays. The youth suggest an activity and plan it from beginning to end. They earn awards and activities allow […]