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W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith, retired director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4-H alumnus, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame March 19 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana. He was one of 24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. Smith was nominated by Alabama 4-H.

The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment "To Make the Best Better."

W. Gaines Smith is the only director of the Extension System or its predecessor, The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, to have worked at every level of Extension in Alabama.

AUM student wins Myron C. Penn Youth Award

AUM student wins Myron C. Penn Youth Award

AUM student wins Myron C. Penn Youth Award

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - La'Brandon Tyre, an Auburn Montgomery senior double majoring in communication and dramatic arts and secondary education/language arts, has been awarded the 2013 Myron C. Penn Youth Award for overall excellence in academics, leadership, communityservice and creative projects.

Tyre is a native of Midway, Ala. and a graduate of Overton High School of the Creative and Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn. At AUM, he serves as president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has starred in several productions at Theatre AUM. He is also an accomplished singer. He plans to graduate in Fall 2014 and aspires to work as an educator for the Department of Defense.

Area students compete in SkillsUSA Welding Competition

Area students compete in SkillsUSA Welding Competition

Area students competed in the SkillsUSA District High School Welding Competition held on February 21 at Enterprise High School. SkillsUSA is a nonprofit organization serving educators and high school and college students to prepare for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, including health. The goal is to develop and maintain a skilled workforce. The competition was judged by industry representatives and Wallace Community College welding instructors.
 

Students competed in a variety of skills such as oxy-fuel cutting, flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding. Skills had to be completed within a four-hour time limit.

High school welding students can pursue further trade instruction after graduation.

Black Belt Adventures Announces Big Buck Photo Contest Winners

 Black Belt Adventures Announces Big Buck Photo Contest Winners

Montgomery, Ala. — The winners for the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Big Buck Photo Contest have been announced.

The organization, a public-private partnership that promotes outdoor recreation and tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt, sponsored a “big buck” photo contest for deer harvested in the 23-county region.

Winners have been chosen in three categories -- youth typical (up to 12 years old), youth typical (ages 13-18) and adult typical. Photos were posted on Facebook, and three finalists were determined for each category based on the highest number of “likes” received. Sports journalists then picked the winners.

The winners were:

 

Youth typical (up to 12 years old): Clark Bain of Carrollton. Other finalists in this category were Lyman Thomas Ramsey and Ethan Duncan.

Youth typical (ages 13-18): Danner Butler of Mobile. Other finalists in this category were Tanner Cox and Noah Hadley.

The search is on for Alabama's Outstanding Senior Volunteers

The search is on for Alabama's Outstanding Senior Volunteers

The search is on for Alabama’s outstanding senior volunteer.

The Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, honors the contributions of adults 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volunteer service to their favorite causes.

Nominations for outstanding senior volunteers will be accepted between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2013. State winners then will be selected by popular vote at SalutetoSeniorService.com. Online voting will take place from April 15 to April 30, 2013. From those state winners, a panel of senior care experts will pick the national Salute to Senior Service honoree.

Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite nonprofit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame.

Governor Bentley appointes new Children's Affairs Commissioner

Governor Bentley appointes new Children's Affairs Commissioner

Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday announced the appointment of Jeana Ross as the state’s new Department of Children’s Affairs Commissioner.

“Jeana Ross brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with a strong commitment to serving children and their families,” Governor Bentley said. “She also has a tremendous enthusiasm for early learning. I am excited she is joining us to lead this important state agency. She will play a fundamental role as we work to serve the children of Alabama.”

Ross most recently served as a federal programs coordinator and grant administrator for Madison City Schools. She has developed, directed and evaluated programs that impact Alabama’s children from the time they enter pre-K classes until graduation. In addition, she has extensive experience in grant writing, securing more than $7.5 million in grant funds for Alabama schools and programs.

Bullock Co. probate judge dies

Bullock Co. probate judge dies

Bullock County Probate Judge Johnny Williamson has died. WSFA 12 News confirmed the judge's death through the Union Springs Police Department and Bullock County Hospital.

It was not immediately clear how the judge died, and hospital officials said Judge Williamson's family did not wish to speak with the media.

Judge Williamson was the outgoing probate judge for the county. Retired Auburn police officer Capt. James E. Tatum won the position during recent elections and was set to be sworn in on January 21, 2013.

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