SELMA POLICE CHIEF PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
SUNDAY UPDATE IS POSTPONED
DISASTER ASSITANCE FOR SURVIVORS OF JANUARY 12TH TORNADOES
Individuals in Autauga and Dallas Counties can apply with FEMA the following ways:
- Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Constituents may call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462- 7585).
- ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE 1-866-234-5382
DALLAS COUNTY RESIDENTS IN NEED OF A TARP CALL 334-261-8616
TORNADO DAMAGE 334-419-4608
IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER
334-419-2698
IF YOU NEED FOOD CALL GOSPEL TABERNACLE’S HOPELINE
334-876-0915
FOR OTHER RESOURCES CALL 211
CITY OF SELMA’S DAILY UPDATE FROM JANUARY 19, 2023
CITY OF SELMA’S DAILY DISASTER UPDATE FROM JANUARY 18, 2023
15 ALABAMA CITIES WILL BE HOSTING THIS EVENT CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO FIND A NEARBY CITY
https://www.naca.com/achieve-the-dream-mlk-holiday-2023/
BREAKING NEWS!!!
PERRY COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH VOTER FRAUD.
SECOND WATER UPDATE DECEMBER 26, 2022
December 26, 2022
SECOND UPDATE from the Office of Mayor
James Perkins, Jr.
Mayor, City of Selma
Superintendent, Selma Water and Sewer Board
Citizens of Selma, as frozen pipes thawed, more leaks have developed. The result, the water tables are dropping again. This time they are dropping from already low levels and this is not good. The crews have been working all day just to keep up. Now we must take a more drastic step. Starting immediately, the Water Board will begin turning off main lines throughout the city in an attempt to further isolate major leaks. This means your water may be turned off at any time and I cannot give you a time in which it will be restored. We will start in areas we believe are most suspect. I know you may need to catch some water but please limit the amount of water you draw for it will make the problem worse. Also, when we restore your water you will probably experience some brown water but resist the urge to flush your lines because that too will make things worse. I hope you are getting the picture.
Finally and again, check your properties. If your building has a basement, especially in the downtown area be sure to check the basement area. Check your sprinkler systems. Check your churches and walk your block. Look for puddles that should not be there. Listen for running water. Check ditch lines to see if there is more water than usual flowing through the ditch. Crews will be out tonight. Again, continue to share the updates and thanks for all your help.
December 26, 2022
UPDATE from the Office of Mayor
James Perkins, Jr.
Mayor, City of Selma
Superintendent, Selma Water and Sewer Board
Thanks to the great response from the water board system crew led by Robert Bridges, the support provided by Selma Public Works and Public Safety Departments; the great response by citizens over social media, and the help of mass media we were able to isolate enough leaks to contain the reduction in our water tanks volume. But we are still not clear. The current status is we are taking in about the same amount of water we are still losing. This means that the tanks are no longer dropping but we have another night of below freezing temperatures and we know that there is a major leak somewhere that we have yet to isolate and fix. Therefore we are thanking everyone for the great work you have done thus far and asking everyone to remain vigilant.
That’s it for now. In the meantime conserve water, be safe, and enjoy your day off.
BREAKING NEWS!!!!! DECEMBER 25, 2022
URGENT MESSAGE from Office of Mayor
James Perkins, Jr.
Mayor, City of Selma
Superintendent, Selma Water and Sewer Board
Citizens of Selma, due to the deep freeze, water pipes are bursting throughout the city causing a major loss of water to the point that if not stopped, there is a real possibility that we will run out of water.
Because of this situation, I am declaring a local State of Emergency within our water system.
Citizens, please check underneath your homes for busted pipes. If you have a busted pipe, you need to turn your water off at the meter. Immediately catch some water for flushing, washing, and drinking, and immediately turn the water off at the meter.
Business owners and Landlords, please immediately go to your business location(s) and check for water leaks. There are several pipes busted in local businesses and as we identify those locations were water is running out of doors or windows, we are turning the water off. But we cannot check all locations. You must check your business location as soon as possible. This is an EMERGENCY!
If you do not know how to turn your water off at the meter, please call the Selma Water and Sewer Board emergency line at 334-874-8857 or 334-349-1315.
If you see water coming out of the ground on the street anywhere, please call and report this as soon as possible.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! We must stop as many leaks as possible or we will run out of water.
City Hall
Office of Mayor
222 Broad Street
Selma, Alabama 36701
(334) 874-2101
Hard Freeze Warning!!!
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Birmingham AL 1225 PM CST Sat Dec 24 2022 ALZ011>015-017>050-251200- /O.CON.KBMX.HZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-221226T1500Z/ Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun- Cherokee-Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair- Talladega-Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton- Coosa-Tallapoosa-Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore- Montgomery-Macon-Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour- Including the cities of Hamilton, Sulligent, Vernon, Fayette, Double Springs, Jasper, Oneonta, Gadsden, Anniston, Centre, Heflin, Carrollton, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Hoover, Columbiana, Pelham, Alabaster, Pell City, Moody, Talladega, Sylacauga, Ashland, Roanoke, Livingston, Eutaw, Greensboro, Moundville, Marion, Centreville, Clanton, Rockford, Alexander City, Dadeville, Valley, Lanett, Lafayette, Demopolis, Linden, Selma, Prattville, Fort Deposit, Hayneville, Wetumpka, Tallassee, Montgomery, Tuskegee, Union Springs, Auburn, Opelika, Phenix City, Troy, and Eufaula 1225 PM CST Sat Dec 24 2022 ...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST MONDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures will fall into the teens tonight and again Sunday night. * WHERE...All of Central Alabama. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Monday. * IMPACTS...Prolonged sub-freezing temperatures may cause pipes to burst. Bitterly cold temperatures can result in hypothermia or frostbite. These conditions are life-threatening to those with prolonged exposure or without access to adequate warmth. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. && $$
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Birmingham AL 1218 PM CST Sat Dec 24 2022 ALZ011>015-017>050-252130- Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee- Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair-Talladega- Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa- Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore-Montgomery-Macon- Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour- 1218 PM CST Sat Dec 24 2022 ...BITTER COLD AND BLUSTERY CONDITIONS EXPECTED INTO MONDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. .DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight. Very cold temperatures will continue through tonight. Temperatures will stay below freezing in most areas today and fall into the teens tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Low temperatures in the teens again Sunday night. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of storm spotters and emergency management is not expected at this time.
TOTXOCOLOGY REPORT RELEASED ON SELMA HIGH STUDENT
NOW SHOWING AT THE WALTON THEATER
BREAKING NEWS!!!! December 14, 2022
SOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS DISMISSIMG EARLY DUE TO WEATHER THREAT DECEMBER 14, 2022
Clarke County schools – Dismissing at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday
Dallas County Schools – Dismissing at 12 noon Wednesday
Demopolis City schools – Dismissing at 12 noon Wednesday
Greene County schools – Dismissing at 11 a.m. Wednesday
Linden City schools – Dismissing at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday
Selma City schools – Dismissing at 12 noon Wednesday
Sumter County schools – Dismissing at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday
Thomasville City schools – Dismissals starting at 11:30 and 11:45 Wednesday
Washington County schools – Dismissing at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday
Hazardous Weather Outlook
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Birmingham AL 355 AM CST Wed Dec 14 2022 ALZ011>015-017>050-151300- Marion-Lamar-Fayette-Winston-Walker-Blount-Etowah-Calhoun-Cherokee- Cleburne-Pickens-Tuscaloosa-Jefferson-Shelby-St. Clair-Talladega- Clay-Randolph-Sumter-Greene-Hale-Perry-Bibb-Chilton-Coosa-Tallapoosa- Chambers-Marengo-Dallas-Autauga-Lowndes-Elmore-Montgomery-Macon- Bullock-Lee-Russell-Pike-Barbour- 355 AM CST Wed Dec 14 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the counties served by the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. .DAY ONE...Outlook through Tonight. Severe storms will be possible this afternoon through tonight with the highest threat across southern portions of Central Alabama. Tornadoes and damaging winds will be possible. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding will also be likely today and tonight, generally across the northwest half of Central Alabama. Wind gusts outside of thunderstorms may approach 35 mph mainly across northern portions of Central Alabama today and tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. Minor flooding is possible along the Tombigbee and Lower Black Warrior River basins Thursday through Sunday. See the latest flood statements for more details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Activation of storm spotters and emergency management will be needed today and tonight.
$48 MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP LOW INCOME FAMILIES STAY WARM & COOL!!!
MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling nearly $48 million to help low-income households with utility costs during the cold winter and hot summer months.
The grants will enable 18 community service agencies to provide emergency funding to help low-income families heat and cool their homes in 2022-23.
“Alabama’s coldest and hottest times of the year hit many low-income residents particularly hard when they struggle to pay their utility bills,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will provide necessary funding to assist these Alabama families.”
Gov. Ivey awarded the grants to 18 community agencies that manage the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals seeking assistance.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting those who need help most during our hottest and coldest months,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These partnerships with local community agencies ensure that those who truly need assistance will receive emergency help with heating and cooling their homes.”
Below is a list of each grant, the recipient agency, counties served and the agency telephone number:
- $1.25 million to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) 256-766-4330
- $2.29 million to Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. (Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Shelby) 205-755-1204
- $1.16 million to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) 256-825-4287
- $1.3 million to Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) 334-821-8336
- $3.37 million to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison and Limestone) 256-851-9800
- $4.77 million to Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile and Washington) 251-457-5700
- $2.4 million to Montgomery Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Montgomery) 334-263-3474
- $3 million to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan and Winston) 256-355-7843
- $7.8 million to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall and St. Clair) 256-638-4430
- $2.9 million to Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes and Pike) 334-566-1712
- $3.09 million to Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) 251-626-2646
- $2.12 million to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) 256-362-6611
- $5.57 million to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter and Tuscaloosa) 205-752-5429
- $939,044 to Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. (Walker County) 205-221-4010
- $2.85 million to Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership Inc. (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry and Houston) 334-347-0881
- $476,371 to Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Pickens) 205-367-1283
- $1.13 million to Macon-Russell Community Action Agency Inc. (Macon and Russell) 334-727-6100
- $1.37 million to Community Action of Etowah County Inc. (Etowah) 256-546-9271
Mississippi State family mourns passing of Mike Leach
Mississippi State University head football coach Michael Charles “Mike” Leach passed away on Monday night at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, following complications from a heart condition. He was 61.
In a statement, the Leach family said: “Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father’s life.”
Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said: “Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.
“Mike’s death also underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks ago, Mike and I were together in the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. Mike Leach truly embraced life and lived in such a manner as to leave no regrets. That’s a worthy legacy. May God bless the Leach family during these days and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog family go with them,” Keenum added.
MSU Interim Athletics Director Bracky Brett said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Leach. College football lost one of its most beloved figures today, but his legacy will last forever. Mike’s energetic personality, influential presence and extraordinary leadership touched millions of athletes, students, coaches, fans, family and friends for decades.
“Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary. He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person,” Brett added. “We are all better for having known Mike Leach. The thoughts and prayers of Mississippi State University and the entire Bulldog family are with his wife Sharon, his children and the entire Leach family.”
Leach, who was named Mississippi State’s 34th head football coach on January 9, 2020, was finishing his third season in Starkville and 21st as a head coach. Forever a college football icon, he leaves an incredible legacy as a husband, father, friend and leader of young men.
The oldest of six siblings, Leach and his wife Sharon shared four children: Janeen, Kimberly, Cody and Kiersten.
Born in Susanville, California to Frank and Sandra Leach, Leach was raised in Cody, Wyoming.
After graduating with honors from BYU in 1983 where he played rugby, Leach earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Sports Academy and his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University, where he graduated in the top one-third of his class.
For nearly four decades, Leach had an unmatched impact on the game of football including thousands of student-athletes, coaches and staff. He was a two-time national coach of the year, three-time Power 5 conference coach of the year and the mastermind behind the NCAA record-setting “Air Raid” offense.
Before becoming head coach at Mississippi State in 2020, Leach also served as head coach at Texas Tech and Washington State.
In his 21 seasons as a head coach, Leach’s teams appeared in a total of 19 bowl games. Seven times his teams recorded nine wins or more in a season, and his career record was 158-107 (.596 winning percentage).
Leach went 19-17 in his three seasons at Mississippi State, including an 8-4 record this season. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 2.
SUSPECTED MURDERER OF 17 YEAR OLD ARRESTED IN DALLAS COUNTY
TO ORDER FENTANYL TEST STRIPS CLICK LINK BELOW
ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S
FAILING SCHOOLS LIST
THIS WEEK AT THE WALTON THEATER “WAKANDA FOREVER”
SELMA HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS HOMECOMING PARADE
DUBOIS INTEGRITY ACADEMY VISITS SELMA WITH 450 STUDENTS
SELMA POLICE DEAPARTMENT AWARDED 550 THOUSAND DOLLARS
SELMA RECIEVES 2 1/2 MILLION DOLLARS IN PRESERVATION FUNDS
SELMA POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NATIONAL NIGHT OUT!!!!
JUDGE DONAVAN MCGUIRE SWORN IN
PHOTO GALLERY
SELMAPOSTHERALD.COM REMEMBERS SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
SELMA’S GUNNAR HENDERSON MAKES HISTORY
SELMAPOSTHERALD.COM REMEMBERS EMMITT TILL , THE 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON AND USMC Sgt. John W. Barbee
City of Selma, AL Honored USMC Sgt. John W. Barbee, KIA-VN 6 Aug 1968 – The Savannah Tribune
—
What is your name please?
Patricia Barbee, Barbee I’m the only Barbee Doll here today.(Chuckle)
And what is your position with the Goldstar Families today?
My husband was killed in action, that makes me a GoldStar Wife. Today is 54 years since he was killed in Vietnam and I have been honored today by the City of Selma and the people who are part of all these walks, you see they’ve got their shirts and vests on and like it’s been a national honor for my honey because folks have come from all over the place.
Did that have anything to do with choosing Selma?
No, john Wynne, right there, he started a walk for Vets in 17 I mean 18, 19 and he ‘s walked all the way from Tybee Beach, Savannah, Georgia all the way to Santa Monica Pier and since the first night since then they have honored my husband all over the country and I keep up with them on the march and everything, I keep up with the news and all the things you need to know.
Anything you’d like to say to our audience?
You folks, thank you from the bottom of my heart and I felt my husband’s spirit as I finished my comments out at the bottom of the foot of the bridge. It’s fabulous, I’m so honored everyone , Thank you!
https://goldstarwives.org/
https://www.savannahtribune.com/articles/city-of-selma-al-honored-usmc-sgt-john-w-barbee-kia-vn-6-aug-1968/
https://walkforvets.org/
https://tributewall.org/
BEAKING LOCAL SPORTS NEWS!!!
8/26/22
Keith defeats Dallas County 28-6
•!• The National Trust of Historic Preservation is now taking letters of
intent for its Preserving Black Churches Grant Program.
From the National Trust: “We are now accepting Letters of Intent for
the Preserving Black Churches grant program, a new $20 million initiative with
leadership support from Lilly Endowment
_Inc and the National Trust’s African Americrncultural Heritage Action Fund!
Black churches are a living testament to the achievements and resiliency of
generations in the face of a racialized and inequitable society.
The Preserving Black Churches grant program is an investment in Black
communities to reimagine, redesign, and redeploy historic preservation to
address the institutions’ needs and the cultural assets and stories they
steward.
***Do you know a historic Black church seeking funding to strengthen its
capital, staffing, and operations? Learn if it’s eligible to submit a
letter of intent (due Sept.2)
I
click here for more info: https://forum.savingplaces.org/build/funding/grant-seekers
OR send an email to blackchurches@savingplaces.org
HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS AVAILABLE
The National Park Service is accepting applications for the FY22 round of the African American Civil Rights Grant Program. $21.7 million is available. Grants are available under two categories:
—History, which supports interpretive and research-based programs
—Preservation, which supports planning and “bricks and mortar” preservation/conversation work on historic buildings and structures.
NPS is very aware that there are a large number of significant Civil Rights sites in the Southeast that are outside of NPS boundaries and actively encourages tourism leaders to help identify the stories in their communities that need support.
More information on the grant program and links to the online application can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/african-american-civil-rights-grant-opportunity.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
The application deadline is November 8.
T-Mobile has opened the application portal for the Fall 2022 round of Hometown Grants. T-Moblie is working to build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities through its Hometown Grant program, which will award 100 communities each year with project funding up to $50,000. Partnering with Main Street America and Smart Growth America the grants are focused on revitalizing community spaces. Projects funded include:
—Repairing the public swimming pool to make it more accessible
—Connecting visitors and businesses with the charm and history of its downtown with a modern public access wi-fi network
—Redevelopment of a waterfront park and amphitheater
—Remodel a downtown building to serve as a visitor center and local history museum
—Elevate a local park to a welcoming public gathering place with native trees and flowers
—Create a dynamic performing arts venue in the heart of downtown
—Fund public art projects to enhance community spirit and promote local arts and culture
—Add planter boxes with flowers and shrubs to revitalize a downtown corridor
—Create a nature-themed playground along a rail-to-trail to encourage outdoor play
—Build a permanent covered stage and paved roadway to bring more concerts and events to the community
More details on the program can be found here: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants. The application deadline for a Fall grant is October 1.
MARTIN NEELY PRESS CONFERENCE
USDA Recognizes National Homeownership Month with Rural Homeownership Celebration Event in Marion, Alabama
Celebration Event Includes Celebrating Success Stories, Recognizing Top Lender Partners and Nonprofit Organization Partners
MARION, Ala., June 27, 2022 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Alabama State Director Nivory Gordon Jr. hosted the agency’s Alabama National Homeownership Month celebration in Marion, Alabama. At the center of today’s event, USDA is highlighting programs that help people in rural areas buy, build and repair affordable homes and to pay their rent in Alabama’s smallest towns and communities.
“’Home’ is a word with many meanings”, said Gordon. “It’s the community that you’re from or that you live in. It’s the place that you’re connected to. It’s the structure in which you live, no matter if it’s a home that you own, or a place that you rent. Through USDA’s programs, we here in Alabama are hard at work helping families and individuals get into safe and comfortable places to live, to raise a family, or to proudly call ‘home’”.
Background:
USDA Rural Development Alabama is celebrating National Homeownership Month with an event to recognize success stories involving USDA’s housing programs, USDA lender partners, and USDA nonprofit organization partners.
Expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental assistance strengthens rural communities and helps families and individuals build wealth and achieve financial stability. This month, the Department is highlighting the ways that USDA has invested $401.7 million to help 2,243 families and individuals in rural and Tribal communities buy, repair and build homes through USDA Rural Development’s single family housing programs in fiscal year 2022 to date in Alabama. In fiscal year 2021, USDA invested $828.3 million to help 4,947 rural individuals and families buy, repair, and rebuild rural homes across the state.
In addition, USDA works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. The Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants nationwide afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).
USDA is also highlighting ways it is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Alabamians who have been unserved or underserved for far too long. USDA is using this event to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families and individuals. USDA’s single family housing programs are:
- The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.
- The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.
- The Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live.
- The Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
- The Housing Preservation Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens.
Single Family Housing Top Lenders of the Year Awards
USDA Rural Development Alabama recognizes lenders who partner with the agency through the Guaranteed Home Loan program. This program assists approved lenders in providing low- and moderate-income households the opportunity to own adequate, modest, decent, safe and sanitary dwellings as their primary residence in eligible rural areas. Eligible applicants may purchase, build, rehabilitate, improve or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area with 100% financing. The program provides a 90% loan note guarantee to approved lenders in order to reduce the risk of extending 100% loans to eligible rural homebuyers – so no money down for those who qualify.
In fiscal year 2022 to date, the top five lender partners participating in the program are:
- Top lender partner: Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin. Fairway helped 153 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee. This is the second year in a row that Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been the top lender.
- Second top lender partner: Renasant Bank of Tupelo, Mississippi. Renasant Bank helped 80 rural individuals and families to buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.
- Third top lender partner: Hometown Lenders, Inc., of Huntsville, Alabama. Hometown Lenders helped 67 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.
- Fourth top lender partner: FirstBank of Nashville, Tennessee. FirstBank helped 60 rural individuals and families buy homes backed with a USDA loan guarantee.
- Fifth top lender partner: DHI Mortgage Company of Austin, Texas. DHI Mortgage Company helped 55 individuals and families buy homes backed with an USDA loan guarantee.
Visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact a Rural Development Alabama Area Office to learn more about USDA homeownership programs in Alabama.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
CAMDEN TELEPHONE (334) 682-4116
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender
HOLLYWOOD COMES TO SELMA
Selma, AL Sunday June 26, 2022 at the Walton Theater the Dolph Lungren’s premiere of Caslte Falls rolled out the Red Carpet for an event hosted by local actress Alicia Chestnut
Arts revive hosted “Meet the Artist” Wideman Davis Dance on Tueday June 14, 2022 THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF PUBLIC EVENTS TO EVENTUALLY PERFORM “The Migratuse Reimagined project” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALABAMA DANCE COUNCIL AND IS A CONTINUATION OF “Migratuse Ataraxia” A VIDEO OF WHICH IS BELOW.The Meet The Artsit was held at ArtsRevive Carneal Building in Selma and was attended by local residents and the artists as the seating arranged them in front of each other.
ARTS REVIVE TO HOST “MEET THE ARTIST” WIDEMAN DAVIS DANCE ON TUESDAY JUNE 14 AT 5:30. THIS IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF PUBLIC EVENTS TO EVENTUALLY PERFORM “The Migratuse Reimagined project” IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALABAMA DANCE COUNCIL AND IS A CONTINUATION OF “Migratuse Ataraxia” A VIDEO OF WHICH IS BELOW.
NOW SHOWING JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION
Thursday 6:00 pm
Thursday 8:15 pm
Friday 3:30 pm | 5:45 pm | 8:00 pm
Saturday 12noon | 2:15 pm | 4:30 pm | 6:45 pm
Sunday 3:00 pm| 5:15 pm
MOTORCYCLE CLUBS VISIT SELMA
DR. SCOTT HARRIS SPEAKS TO SELMA ROTARY CLUB
DR. SCOTT HARRIS ANSWERS QUESTIONS
DALLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX NAMED IN HONOR OF LOCAL ATTORNEYS
KICK COVID HAS BEEN LAUNCHED BY ADPH
The Alabama Department of Public Health has partnered with Bruno Event Team to launch the KICK COVID vaccination and testing campaign. The objective of KICK COVID is to promote vaccinations and education regarding vaccine efficacy by leveraging the state’s passion for college football.
The statewide campaign will offer COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in prominent locations at select home games for each FBS / FCS football program this fall. Each school will have a dedicated promotional campaign targeted to both fans and students. Student athletes will be a significant part of the campaign messaging and promotion.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “With the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant circulating, and cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing, we continue urging all eligible people to be vaccinated as quickly as possible. These new and popular venues will provide additional opportunities for people to learn more about the virus, the vaccine, and receive testing and vaccine on-site.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to utilize the power of college football as a platform for promoting the need to get vaccinated,” said Bruno Event Team CEO Gene Hallman. “The 2020 season was lacking the passion that comes from large crowds cheering for their favorite team. We need to do everything possible to ensure players and fans can safely return to stadiums to experience college football as we know and love it.”
Participating schools and dates - *subject to change
· University of West Alabama vs. North American University, September 16
· Jacksonville State University vs. University of North Alabama, September 18
· University of South Alabama vs. Alcorn State University, September 18
· Alabama State University vs. Bethune-Cookman University, September 25
· Auburn University vs. Georgia State University, September 25
· Miles College vs. Central State University, September 25
· Samford University vs. East Tennessee State University, September 25
· University of Alabama vs. University of Southern Mississippi, September 25
· Tuskegee University vs. Edward Waters College, October 2
· UAB vs. Liberty University, October 2
· University of North Alabama vs. Campbell University, October 2
· Alabama A&M University vs. Jackson State University, October 9
· Troy University vs. Liberty University, October 9
For more information regarding the KICK COVID Program, visit https://www.kickcovid19.com/
SLAIN OFFICER LAID TO REST
by Randy Williams
Selma, AL - On Thursday August 5, 2021 a sad chapter in Selma’s history came to an end as the first Selma Policeman murdered while on duty came to an end as Officer Marquis Moorer was laid to rest after a lengthy procession of law enforcement vehicles and well-wishers ended at Pineview Gardens in Valley Grande, AL. The final procession started at the Selma Police Department and the Cecil C. Jackson, Jr. Public Safety Building on Alabama Avenue. Led by a Motorcycle Brigade down Alabama avenue the procession turned right on Broad Street and proceeded on Broad until it turned into Alabama Highway 22 and followed it to Pineview Cemetery in Valley Grand as well wishers lined the streets solemnly along the way.
Law enforcement from all over came to Selma to pay their respects from as far away as Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN. Former Selma Police Chief Riley came back for the funeral.
The day before with Lewis Brothers Funeral Home in charge his body laid in honor at the Carl Morgan Convention Center from 11am Wednesday morning until 6pm that evening family and community paid their respects.
A week before the viewing a suspect was arrested at an apartment complex near Tuscaloosa, AL without incident. ALAE issued the following statement: “At the request of Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) initiated an investigation into the murder of Selma Police Officer Marquis Moorer on Tuesday, July 27.
Officer Moorer was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 27, at the Selma Square Apartments in Selma. SBI Special Agents and other assisting investigators worked nonstop, throughout the night following up on tips, leads and interviews. Agents were able to identify a suspect, Javonte Stubbs, 18. SBI Agents obtained a probable cause arrest warrant for Stubbs. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 28, Stubbs was arrested by the U.S. Marshals-Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and SBI Agents near Tuscaloosa and formally charged with Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Capital Murder-Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling, and Attempted Murder. Agents and Officers with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal’s Service, 4th Judicial Task Force, 17th Judicial Task Force, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office were instrumental in assisting and supporting the investigation, along with locating and apprehending the suspect”. Stubbs a former Selma High School football star was arraigned on Friday August 30, 2021 in Dallas County Court. A press conference was held in Selma afterwards which District Attorney Michael Jackson answered a few questions.
SELMA CITY SCHOOLS PREPARE TO OPEN
HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE
Selma, AL - Friday August 6, Selma City Schools Superintendat Dr. Avis Williams held a press conference about the opening of schools. As Selma City Schools begin the 2021-2022 school year, the following guidance is offered based on recommendations from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). 1. Selma City Schools will reopen for all scholar on August 16, 2021. 2. All scholars are expected to attend school in-person unless enrolled in Saints Virtual Academy (grades 6-12 only). 3. Vaccinations are encouraged for teachers and students over the age of 12. Vaccinated individuals identified as a close contact will not have to quarantine so long as the individual remains asymptomatic. 4. Continued social distancing in the schools will be beneficial to mitigate the further spread of COVID. 5 . Masking is required for all staff, scholars and visitors in all schools and offices and while riding school buses. 6. Temperature checks will continue for any persons entering SCS office and school buildings. 7. Schools will be required to report suspected and diagnosed cases of COVID to ADPH. 8. Individuals who test positive or are diagnosed with COVID will quarantine for 10 days. 9. Subject to the following exclusions, school officials will notify individuals who are close contacts to a diagnosed COVID case as soon as possible and send them home for 10 days. However, asymptomatic close contacts who are vaccinated, who wear masks, or who have tested positive for COVID and recovered in the previous 3 months will not need to quarantine. 10. All individuals should practice frequent handwashing and respiratory etiquette. 11. All students and staff who have symptoms of COVID should remain at home and be referred to their healthcare provider for testing and care. 12. Routine, extensive cleaning will take place in all learning and office spaces. 13. At this time, there are no restrictions on attendance at extracurricular activities. 14. The SCS COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated weekly. 15. We will continue to partner with local health service agencies, including Rural Health and ADPH, to provide vaccination clinics. Finally, please recognize and remember that COVID remains a threat outside of the school setting. Vaccinations, face-coverings, social distancing, and hygiene are the best tools to combat this pandemic in all areas of our society. Selma City Schools may modify this guidance based on changes to the ADPH and CDC recommendations or as conditions may warrant.
RAILROAD TIES IN BURNSVILLE CATCH FIRE
SELMA CITY SCHOOLS POSTPONE OPENING
RAILROAD TIES IN BURNSVILLE CATCH FIRE
SELMA CITY SCHOOLS POSTPONE OPENING
8/2/2021) Over the summer, several sources of moisture stemming from a leaking roof at School of Discovery caused mold to grow in various learning and office spaces. After an analysis of School of Discovery, the building was deemed unsafe for occupancy. Because of this, Selma City Schools will delay the start of the school year for all scholars until August 16th instead of August 9th. All teachers will still report back to work, as planned, on Tuesday, August 3rd, however, the week of August 7th will now be used as additional planning and preparation time for the upcoming school year. All students will report to school on August 16th. The school calendar will remain the same after August 16th. Knox Elementary will now be the home location for School of Discovery. Families with scholars set to attend School of Discovery this school year will receive direct communication from school administrators about next steps. This is an issue exclusive to School of Discovery and there are no concerns about mold at our other schools. Be assured, health and safety are our priority. Selma City Schools will maintain a mask mandate and other COVID-19 precautions as we continue to grapple with the pandemic.
TABERNACLE MB CHURCH REACHES YOU WITH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
MLK FREEDOM CENTER OF OAKLAND CALIFORNIA VISITS SELMA
SELMA POLICE MURDER SUSPECT CAUGHT
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE CENTRAL ALABAMA FESTIVAL
USDA'S STATE DIRECTOR ALLEN BOWAN INTERVIEWED BY RANDY WILLIAMS
GOVERNOR IVEY SPEAKS AT BROWN CHAPEL RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING
CONGESSWOMAN SEWELL SPEAKS AT BROWN CHAPEL RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SELMA
LATE COUNCILWOMAN NANCY SEWELL HONORED WITH A PROCLAMATION
CONGRESSWOMAN TERRI SEWELL AND BROTHER ANDREW ACCEPT PROCLAMATION
LAKE FRONT CORVETTE CLUB OF NEW ORLEANS VISITS SELMA
ELLIOT GRAY OF NEW ORLEANS
SELMA'S FIRST BLACK COUNCILWOMAN PASSES AWAY AT 81
Nancy Gardner Sewell
(September 16, 1939 – June 10, 2021)
Rep. Sewell Announces Details of the Celebration of Life Services for her Beloved Mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell
Birmingham, AL – Today, Rep. Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) announced the details for the Celebration of Life Services for her mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, June 10, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
“My brother and I were blessed to have an amazing mother who blazed trails in education, public service, and community activism,” said Rep. Sewell. “As the first Black Councilwoman for the City of Selma, Nancy Gardner Sewell paved the way for the journey that now I have the privilege to travel as Alabama’s first Black Congresswoman.”
“My mother was the epitome of a servant leader from her more than 50-year commitment to serving underprivileged children in the Alabama Blackbelt to holding international positions in her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to her lifelong dedication to uplifting the Selma-Dallas County community,” continued Sewell. “We know that our mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, sowed many seeds and that her legacy will live on in the many lives that she impacted.”
Arrangements are as follows:
Friday, June 18, 2021
11:00am CST - HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR NANCY GARDNER SEWELL
*Beulah Primitive Baptist Church
3304 County Road 37 South
Hope Hull, AL 36043
*NOTE: This is Nancy’s family church where she grew-up. The church was pastored by Nancy’s father and is currently pastored by her brother, Tom Gardner III.
Saturday, June 19, 2021
10:00am-12:00pm CST - LYING IN REPOSE
Historic Brown Chapel AME Church
410 Martin Luther King Street
Selma, AL 36703
*NOTE: Mask required; No Photos allowed
12:00pm CST - MEMORIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE OF NANCY GARDNER SEWELL
*Historic Brown Chapel AME Church
410 Martin Luther King Street
Selma, AL 36703
*NOTE: This is Nancy’s home church where she was a faithful member for over 40 years. She taught Sunday School and served as a member of the Board of Trustee of the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church and Secretary of the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church Preservation Society, Inc. (Foundation).
Interment:
New Live Oak Cemetery
22 Dallas Avenue
Selma, AL 36701
TALENT SEARCH THANKS DALLAS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SHERIFF
5TH ANNUAL WARD 7 STOP THE VIOLENCE HELD!!!
SELMA CELEBRATES MEMORIAL DAY