Morgan county commission September 2020 Volume 8 No. 4

COVID-19 Commission working Safety procedures on 2021 fiscal budget implemented at Chairman pleased with bond savings courthouse appear The Morgan County Commission con- ducted budget hear- ings with elected offi- to be effective cials and department heads last month to By Sheryl Marsh prepare a budget for Communications Director the 2021 fiscal year. County government offices are running The commission ex- efficiently, and steps taken to keep em- pects to have a budget ployees and the public safe during Henry County Probate Judge David Money, right, outgoing president of ready to adopt before COVID-19 have been effective. the end of the current the ACCA Board of Directors, passes the gavel to District 2 Commissioner Long Visitors to the courthouse appear to fiscal year on Sept. 30th. Randy Vest to begin his term as president of the board. have adjusted to a new environment at Meanwhile, Chairman Ray Long reports the facility. a huge savings from a recent financial “We don’t have people waiting in hall- transaction. ways like in the past because they are following instructions of signs we’ve Vest inaugurated Please see Savings, page 5 stationed throughout the building and everyone is wearing a mask,” said Com- mission Chairman Ray Long. The hand president of ACCA sanitizing stations we have throughout inside the building are being used and it’s evi- denced by the number of times we have Election officials prepare for to re-fill them. Our employees are stay- Board of Directors Nov. 3rd ing healthy and therefore those who come to the courthouse don’t have to General worry about contracting COVID-19. By Sheryl Marsh ACCA Convention, which was vir- Election We’re just looking forward to the day Communications Director tual in all 67 counties with only the disease goes away.” District 2 Commissioner Randy one day of in-person activity. Page 5 License Commissioner Sharon Max- Vest gave a moving speech, chal- Before passing the gavel to Vest, well, whose office has consistent traffic lenging his colleagues to join him outgoing president David Money, in doing their best as leaders of who is probate judge in Henry on a daily basis, says her plan to deal Archives to unveil with social distancing is working. the Association of County Com- County and serves as chairman of “Our office seems to be running pretty missions of Alabama Board of the county commission, praised “Morgan County becomes of Age” smooth. We are still holding customers Directors. Vest’s character. Vest became president of the Page 7 Please see Safety, page 2 board during the annual 92nd Please see Vest, page 2 2- The Voice of Morgan County September 2020

cessed after 3:30 p.m. in either of the online at: www.easytagal.com. A $10 mit) removed and Class D added. offices.” fee is charged by the software compa- “This feature became available in our Safety In addition, Maxwell reminds resi- ny for this service. Also, driver’s li- office in January,” said Maxwell. “If dents that they may use online ser- cense renewals for customers who do the student tested and passed in 2019 Continued from page 1 vices in lieu of coming to the office. not have any changes and just need to they will need to go to the state exam- To renew online go to: renew their license can renew online iners office to have the “Y” removed outside when we have reached our limit www.altagrenewals.com/morgan. at: www.alea.gov. Customers who and Class D added.” on numbers inside,” Maxwell said. “They may also sign and mail their want STAR ID driver’s license will All county operations have adjusted “Overall, people are following safety prac- tag renewal notices in the enclosed have to go to the state examiners of- to the new normal. tices set in place. I’d just like to remind envelope and have their tags mailed fice on the first floor of the court- “We have good employees and our customers of our change in hours. The to them. There are no extra fees for house. Our office is not able to pro- residents are great when they come to courthouse and Hartselle offices are open using the services at this time. Cus- cess STAR ID.” the courthouse. Anyone who shows from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through tomers who purchase a vehicle from Students who took and passed the up without a mask, will receive one Friday; and the Lacey’s Spring office is an Alabama automobile dealership, road test at school in 2020 may go to before going through security. We open Monday through Thursday from 6 where the dealer processes a title ap- Maxwell’s office on the second floor to have someone there to pass out a.m. until 4 p.m. Titles will not be pro- plication may register the vehicle have the “Y” restriction (learner’s per- masks,” Long said. Vest Jury trials set

Continued from page 1 for September “In all the 72 years of my life I have never met a finer man,” said Money. DA, judges ready for work “He’s a man of integrity and honesty. “ Vest humbly accepted the gavel from By Sheryl Marsh Money and delivered his inaugural ad- Communications Director dress. After a total shutdown due to COVID- “I pledge to you that to the best of my 19, Morgan County jury trials are ex- th ability I will do my part in what I’ve pected to restart Sept 14 with a capital been given to energize and to improve murder case, according to District Attor- the quality of life in Alabama counties,” ney Scott Anderson. Vest told other members of the board. “This is the first day the Alabama Su- “And, I am going to play well the part I preme Court has set for anybody in the am given and I need you to play well the state to conduct jury trials and we intend part you are given whatever that part to start that day,” Anderson said. may be.” A specially set trial for Roger Dale Ste- He reflected on the time when he first vens, accused of the 2015 murder of his entered office in 2010 and how he was ex-wife, is scheduled for the re-opening determined to stop a turnover trend that date. Stevens allegedly killed his former plagued the District 2 commissioner’s wife Kay at Corner Bakery, which she seat. He said he was approached by oth- owned in Southeast Decatur. er officials in the organization to get in- Judicial officials will follow state guide- volved in leadership. He said he told District 2 Commissioner Randy Vest delivers his inauguration speech lines throughout the proceeding. “We will start qualifying jurors, a pro- them of the turnover and he knew he after becoming president of the Association of County Commissions of had to get re-elected. cess that usually takes about half of a Alabama Board of Directors during the organization’s 92nd annual con- He said the voters found him to be fit day, but due to the coronavirus it will to hold office and re-elected him in vention on Aug. 20th. take approximately two days,” Anderson 2014. explained. The reason for the lengthy After re-election Vest said: “I got in the time frame is because we’ll have to bring game.” ball were not held. The number of Board. jurors into the courtroom in panels of Vest said his mother taught him about officials was limited to create room 90. We have summoned 360 potential serving early in life and his goal is to for social distancing in the meeting As president Vest will preside over jurors, although we don’t anticipate that serve the people in the position that’s room. board meetings and perform vari- all will show up, which is always the been entrusted to him. Currently, Vest is serving his third ous administrative duties. He will case.” “There’s much work to do,” he said of term in office. play a major role in legislative bills Circuit Judge Jennifer Howell will pre- the year that he will serve as president “Randy does a great job as com- presented to the state Legislature. side over Stevens’ capital murder case. of the board. missioner of District 2 and he “He’ll do a great job,” Long said. Other specially set cases include one th Due to COVID-19 the convention serves the public with a mind of Vest will pass the gavel to a succes- against Lisa Lesher on Sept. 28 in could not be held at Perdido Beach and service,” said Chairman Ray Long, sor at the 93rd convention in August many activities, including an inaugural who is a past president of the ACCA 2021. Pease see Trials, page 4 September 2020 September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County –3 Senior centers still closed, hot meals served curbside

By Sheryl Marsh the number of cases in the Commission on Aging contin- We have hand sanitizer sta- sanitized at all times. Communications Director county and eventually stop the ue to serve meals to them tioned throughout the parks “Sanitization is a key element Due to the impact of COVID- spread,” said County Commis- through curbside and delivery and we sanitize restrooms in helping to fight the corona- 19, Morgan County senior citi- sion Chairman Ray Long. “All to their homes.” every 30 to 45 minutes. Those virus, especially in our senior zen centers’ reopening is am- of our departments in the Re-opening county parks was who work concession stands citizen centers. It is also im- biguous as county leaders courthouse and in offsite successful, according to Parks wear masks and sanitize con- portant for all county facili- continue to do everything pos- buildings are equipped with and Recreation Director Sean stantly because they handle ties where residents are sible to assist in halting dis- supplies and employees are Dailey. money. We’re doing every- served,” said Stisher. semination of the virus. following guidelines to fight “We have procedures in thing we can to keep the facili- District 1 Commissioner Jeff At the same time county against the virus. But, still we place. We are not allowing ties safe and so far it’s going Clark concurred. parks that re-opened in May have to protect the welfare of people to sit on bleachers. well.” “I’m pleased with the steps are doing well. our senior citizens therefore, They’re bringing their own District 3 Commissioner Don that all county employees “We are hopeful that the we are not rushing to re-open chairs and we have social dis- Stisher said it is important have taken toward safety with steps we have taken will lower the centers. Our employees in tancing in place,” Dailey said. that all county facilities are the public in mind,” he said.

Morgan parks open safely

Event leaves huge impact on local economy

By Sheryl Marsh Showcase Camp” from June 10-14. Communications Director “Seventy-five teams came from all over the Southeast as far away as Texas and County parks opened safely in May and Nebraska. This event gave a much need- sports got underway but, seasons were ed boost to the area’s hospitality indus- cut short due to COVID-19 restrictions, try. It was great working with Decatur according to Parks and Recreation Di- while helping to provide a great eco- rector Sean Dailey. nomic impact locally.” A Major national event at North Park The softball camp for ages 12 to 18 was in June yielded an estimated $605,270 held between North Park in Priceville for the local economy, officials said. and Wilson-Morgan Park in Southwest “We have worked with our recreational Decatur. leagues, giving the spring and summer “It was a showcase camp because they sports an opportunity to get some play were not allowed to compete due to the in this season. Baseball and softball governor’s order for COVID-19, which leagues had abbreviated seasons, and disallowed competition. It was more of soccer and football are currently experi- a skills showcase with college coaches. encing the same,” said Dailey. We got special approval from the Ala- “When the governor allowed the parks bama Attorney General to have the to reopen and youth athletics to resume, event,” said Dailey. we were ready and had a proactive plan “We were more than elated to be able in place. “We have done our best to to have this event at North Park and make sure that our staff and park pa- Wilson-Morgan. “Next year we will trons are as safe as possible. And, with partner with other area parks and recre- everyone working together we can miti- ation departments to host the Elite 50 gate the coronavirus’ impact while par- National Invitational, which is expected ticipating in park activities.” to draw 175 teams to our area.” Dailey worked with Decatur Parks and Top photo: Jacee Waits prepares nachos for a customer at the concession stand; Recreation to co-host the “Elite 50 Please see Parks, page 6 and in bottom photo Sierra Free serves a snow cone to a customer. 4—The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 Party face-off Kusta, Holland vying for District Court judgeship

By Sheryl Marsh custody disputes. In addition, he han- University of Alabama where he ma- vices of North-central Alabama where Communications Director dles circuit court civil and divorce, cus- jored in political science and history. he handled domestic and civil issues in Morgan County District Court Judge tody and protection from abuse cases. He earned his Juris Doctor from Sam- district court, including child support, Charles Langham will leave office in His experience extends to probate ford University’s Cumberland School custody, evictions and consumer is- January, and one of two candidates court where he of Law. He’s partner sues. He has a vast amount of experi- will move into the judgeship. GOP handles cases in- in the Ball and Kusta ence in juvenile court. He’s had a pri- nominee Kevin Kusta faces Democratic volving commit- Law Firm in Decatur vate practice in Morgan County since opponent Paul Ray Holland in the ments, probate of and a member of 2004, and he has high concentration General Election on Nov. 3rd. estates, adoptions, American Journal of in circuit criminal cases. He is a con- Kusta, who defeated Emily Baggett, guardianships/ Trial Advocacy. tract attorney for indigent defendants. a lawyer with City of Decatur Munici- conservatorships, Holland, who didn’t Holland holds an Associate in Arts pal Court, in a primary runoff in July, name changes, have any opposition degree from Northwest Alabama Jun- has 16 years of experience in district wills, leases, incor- in the Democratic ior College and a BS degree in political court. He has represented clients in all porations, powers of Kusta Holland Primary election in science and history from the Universi- the various cases, including juvenile attorney and living March, has more than 28 ty of North Alabama. He earned his dependencies, termination of parental wills. years in the legal profession. law degree from Samford University’s rights, child support, paternity and Kusta received a BA degree from the He worked 13 years with Legal Ser- Cumberland School of Law.

Engineer Greg Bodley prepares Rebuild Alabama accountability report

By Sheryl Marsh bama plan by August 31st for the upcoming fiscal year and the plan Communications Director may be amended during the year While Morgan County commis- by adopting changes in an open sioners are working on projects meeting,” Bodley said. under the Rebuild Alabama pro- In January government entities gram, County Engineer Greg Bod- must report the status of work ley is preparing detailed reports from the preceding year during a that outline the work and how the commission meeting. funding from the gasoline tax is being spent. “The report must detail the ex- penditures so the public will “The program was created know how and where their money Prepared by County Engineer Greg Bodley through legislative Act 2029-2 is being spent,” Bodley said. and provides additional funding “Various annual program reports for road and bridge projects,” are also sent to the Legislature.” Trials Bodley explained. “The funds must be used for direct construc- Morgan County commissioners Continued from page 2 Jr. on Nov. 9th. Davis, of Norcross, GA, is tion costs and cannot be used for adopted the FY 2021 plan during accused of the 2017 murder of a Georgia equipment purchases or employ- the August 25th meeting. Circuit Judge Stephen Brown’s courtroom. woman at a Decatur hotel. ee salaries and benefits.” Lesher faces multiple charges, including “One of the projects under Mor- rape. “I know we have cases set for trial during Transparency and accountability gan County’s 2020 plan was re- Regular dockets are set for October the first two weeks in December,” Ander- are mandated in the state law. surfacing Hulaco Road, east of through December. son said. “We’re coming out of the chute Highway 67, and it is currently “Each year entities must adopt Circuit Judge Charles Elliott is set to pre- running. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and publicize their Rebuild Ala- Please see Report, page 5 side over the murder trial of Carey Davis and get back to work.” September 2020 September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County—5 Savings

Continued from page 1 Re-funding a bond series acquired for the county jail in 2013 , brought a savings of almost $800,000 and lower interest rates. Long said the transaction took place in early August. “Interest is lower than it’s ever been, as far as I can remember. It’s never been a better time to go to the bond market,” Long said. “Doing so also reduces our payments, saving us between $60,000 and $100,000 each year. “It’s something to be proud of,” he said. Long said he met with an agent of Stifel Financial Corp in August for the transac- tion which refunded Warrant Series 2013 A and B, which financed county jail con- struction. The total debt is $10.5 million for both bonds. The savings from refund- ing is $785,341.

Probate Chief Clerk Kate Terry, left, and Deputy Chief Clerk Christie Tapscott, right, with voting supplies to place in Report the storage room , where disinfectants and other products are stored to use during the General Election in Novem- Continued from page 4 ber. waiting for the widening phase to be let for bid through the state,” said Bodley. “Widening of the road is part of a sepa- rate program administered through the Morgan election officials preparing in Alabama Department of Transportation and must be completed before resurfac- ing the road,” he added. “Since Commis- sioner (Greg) Abercrombie had already advance for Nov. 3rd General Election completed an in-house widening project on Talucah Road the 2020 Rebuild Ala- By Sheryl Marsh cial distancing as well as other steps go to the polls, they may choose to bama plan was amended to include the Communications Director being taken, they felt more comfort- vote absentee based on a provision Talucah project in the 2020 plan and During the primary runoff elec- able,” Terry said. “They saw the poll afforded them due to COVID-19. tions in July some voters were hesi- workers sanitizing areas and all “We’re going to do everything we put the Hulaco Road project in the 2021 tant when arriving at county polling that. We have already ordered sup- can to make sure people go to their plan.” places but their discomfort was plies for the General Election with polling places, but ultimately it’s District 2 Commissioner Randy Vest eased when they saw safety safety being priority.” their decision,” said Cain. It’s a has completed paving a stretch of Iron measures the probate judge’s office Sanitizer, ink pens, gloves and matter of whether they feel com- Man Road under the Rebuild Alabama put in place to shield against masks will be available for voters fortable or not and if they don’t, COVID-19 . and poll workers. absentee is an option. If they plan; and Commissioner Jeff Clark has a Probate Judge Greg Cain and Each voter will get a different pen choose absentee I recommend that major project underway at the intersec- Chief Clerk Kate Terry want to reas- to mark ballots and, sanitizer and they vote early after absentee voting tion of Modaus and Old Moulton roads. sure voters the same practices along gloves will be available for them to starts.” Clark says the project will be finished with more will be implemented use if they like. Poll workers will Circuit Clerk Chris Priest says before the end of summer. during the Nov. 3rd General Elec- wear masks, gloves and keep areas voters may apply for absentee bal- tion. sanitized during the day. lots now. District 3 Commissioner Don Stisher “The folks we spoke with at some “We are striving to make the vot- “Although ballots will not be in the has prepared Union Hill Church Road of the polls said they were a little ers feel as safe as possible when office until Sept. 9th, voters may for resurfacing and he plans to have the leery when they first went into the casting their ballots,” Terry said. apply now. They may come to project completed this year. polls, but when they saw all the so- Although voters are encouraged to Please see Election, page 9 6—The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 Parks

Continued from Page 3 looking forward to a good season for those sports, also.” In addition to North Park, the Matt Adams, event director of MJ county’s West Park in Danville and Events LLC, praised Dailey. South Park in Falkville were filled with action. “The professional approach to which Sean and his staff went “Almost every weekend we’ve had about making sure this event was a between one and three events top priority is very much appreci- since reopening the parks,” Dailey ated,” said Adams. “It is because of said. “United States Specialty that, I fully expect this event to Sports Association (USSSA) and continue to grow in the coming Baseball Players Association years. We look forward to contin- (BPA) rented the county parks for uing to build a lasting relationship their tournaments. We’ve been with Morgan County Parks and doing their events every weekend. Recreation for this event.” Over six weekends 13 tournaments were held in the parks. We had a Estimate of Local impact Left, a raccoon, the park’s “mascot” for a day, resting on a fence while Parks /Rec Direc- record June and July in revenue of Elite 50 Showcase Camp tor Sean Dailey repairs a backstop net at West Park. from rental and concessions, Five days/4 nights –1,325 hotel room): $132,500 Total estimated impact: $605,270 $33,000 in June and about rooms in Morgan County $18,000 in July. Soccer and youth Daily spending for food, gas, etc.: Source: Decatur Parks/Rec football began in August and we’re Average lodging costs ($100 per $472,770 Marketing Director Park Activity during a pandemic September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County—7 Archives to unveil new exhibit in September

By Sheryl Marsh Communications Director Morgan County experienced major Rendering of “Morgan County Comes of Age” exhibit changes from 1870 to 1940, a period when African Americans built robust culture and industry, the founding of Display cases will showcase artifacts lines.” communities, taking advantage of op- Hartselle and New Decatur, the segre- from the period, which will include The display was made possible by a portunities afforded them through gationist Constitution of 1901, Deca- items from the famous Tavern, and grant from Alabama’s Mountains, Riv- freedom, according to Archivist John tur’s rowdy waterfront, churches, re- Miss Kate Lackner’s glassware and ers and Valleys Resource Conservation Allison. formers and the arrival of Tennessee more. and Development Council that was Allison plans to present that story in Valley Authority (TVA).” “A touchscreen display will provide secured with the aid of State Sen. Ar- a display this fall titled Morgan Coun- Also, biographies of people who were more content, including an interactive thur Orr. ty Comes of Age. instrumental in the county’s develop- map of 19th century Decatur, a photo “We are extremely grateful to Sen. “Like many areas of the South in that ment will be featured in the display. album and historic newspaper head- Orr for his continual support.” period our country entered the indus- trial age as mills and factories in cities attracted families previously engaged in agriculture,” he explained. Probate Judge Greg Cain, wife “Advances in transportation technolo- gy connected isolated areas to major population centers and attracted new residents from all over the nation, and Cindy welcome twin grandsons the world beyond, to the county’s de- velopment. This period of change was accompanied by great upheaval and Identical bundles of joy trials. African Americans created vi- brant communities after the granting Morgan County Probate Judge Greg Cain of long-time denied rights that were and his wife Cindy recently welcomed their theirs while still struggling against first grandchildren. Identical twins Wyatt new injustices.” and Elijah Williams were born on July 30th In addition, disease and natural dis- to Dr. Grace Cain Williams and Andrew Wil- asters placed the county’s greatest liams of Greenville, S.C. economic “engine” the City of Decatur Judge Cain, Cindy and their daughter Hope at risk, according to Allison. were present for the babies’ arrival. “Swings in the economy forced many “We are very excited about our first grand- citizens to deal with extreme poverty,” babies, and we look forward to spending a he said. “By the end of this period lot of time with them. I love these kids. Morgan County had entered the mod- They’re awesome,” the judge said. Cindy ern era and the stage was set for the Cain and Hope are elated , also. world we know today.” There will likely be a lot of visiting between The exhibit will include information Alabama and South Carolina. about the emergence of modern agri- 8-The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 September 2020 Commissioners’ Report

Projects underway throughout county districts

By Sheryl Marsh Communications Director Road projects are underway in each of the county’s four districts while crews work to keep roadways free of brush and sagging tree limbs that could cause visibility issues for drivers. District 1 Commissioner Jeff Clark has be- gun a major project at the intersection of Clark Vest Stisher Abercrombie Modaus and Old Moulton roads. “We’ve got a good start on improving the bama. “We plan to have it finished While District 4 employees perform “We are also working on putting intersection, which is a huge project,” said this year,” said Stisher. “Also, we are routine maintenance on roadways, shoulders on Talucah Road and get- Clark. “We’re going to improve drainage patching roads, trimming trees and Commissioner Greg Abercrombie ting it ready for paving. The Talucah and realign the intersection. We’ve spent keeping brush cut back on the road- says a major project is underway, project is being paid for from funds about $140,000 for concrete pipes from the sides. There is continual work to do also. “We are doing the ground work from the Rebuild Alabama pro- money we received from the gasoline tax and we are glad to do it. We strive to for the new tag/revenue office be- gram. While we have all that going that makes up the Rebuild Alabama fund. It keep our roads safe.” hind the District 4 shop,” Abercrom- on , District 4 employees are trim- is money that’s being put to good use. We’ll bie said. ming trees and brush .” likely work on the intersection through the summer to complete the work.” In addition, Clark’s district shop employ- ees are maintaining roads, mowing grass, and trimming trees and brush from road- sides. District 2 Commissioner Randy Vest used Rebuild Alabama funding to resurface 7.1 miles of Iron Man Road. The stretch was from the Lawrence County line to Highway 36. “We also, along with District 3, completed resurfacing New Cut Road,” Vest said. “We are working on site preparation for a gym at West Park and hopefully we’re getting close to being able to release it for bids. Also, the asbestos mitigation has been completed and we will soon begin demolition of the old Park and Recreation building. Then, the contractor can begin on the new facility. We’re also mowing and trimming trees and brush on rights-of-way.” District 3 Commissioner Don Stisher’s shop employees are preparing Union Hill Church Road for resurfacing. The project is Left, Work at the Modaus and Old Moulton roads intersection in District 1; and right, newly paved Ironman Road in financed by funding from Rebuild Ala- District 2. Both are Rebuild Alabama projects. September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County— 9 Road work in action

Building shoulders for newly paved Nee Curt Road in Massey Preparing Campground Road in District 3 for widening and paving

Contractors work on concrete slab after District 2 employees completed site prep Progress at Modaus-Old Moulton intersection in District 1 for the new recycling building for environmental services.

Election

Continued from page 5 ballots by the U.S. Postal Service they Priest. vote is Oct. 19th. can use another mail service, UPS, Morgan County has 80,857 active The last day Priest will accept absen- our office on the first floor or the main FedEx or DHL,” Priest said. voters and 3,136 inactive voters, ac- tee ballots is Oct. 29th. office on the fourth floor,” Priest said. He expects absentee ballots to dou- cording to Board of Registrars Chair- Also, after they get the ballot they ble. woman Adonis Bailey. Bailey says they’ve added a lot of new may vote in the office they choose to “We usually have about 2,000 absen- “The inactive voters can still vote by voters and expect more to come to the go to for an absentee ballot. Others tee ballots but we’ve been told to ex- going to the polls and updating their office, which is located on the first who choose to mail have options for pect double the number due to the registration information,” Bailey said. floor of the courthouse. the General Election. climate we’re experiencing with To be able to vote in the General To learn more about absentee voting, “If they don’t want to return their COVID-19. We’re prepared,” said Election, the last day to register to please call: 256-351-4643. 10—The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 MCS School News

Mazda-Toyota employees trained at MCS Tech Park

Morgan County Schools Technology Park was a training center for the Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing United States paint shop during the spring and summer. Glenn Winton, MCS collision repair technology instructor was the leader of instruction for Mazda-Toyota employees. Training included sanding, polishing, buffing and spot paint repair. “Our job is to get students ready for the next level, whether it’s college or work”, said Dr. Jeremy Childers, the school district’s Career and Technical Educa- tion/Workforce Development Director. “The partnership is invaluable. We are excited about Mr. Winton’s experience and how he will be able to share it with his students during the upcoming school year.”

Mazda-Toyota employees receive training at MCS Technology Park. MCS supports off campus studies through remote learning

The first and most desirable option for all parents and students is to participate in traditional learning by attending school on campus with their teacher in a classroom. However, the Morgan County School System respects the fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and students are choosing to stay home and participate in remote learning. As a result, learning must continue and MCS is determined to help our students succeed. Our school system defines re- mote learning as instruction created, provided, and supported by a Morgan Coun- ty Schools teacher. Our teachers are utilizing Schoology, an online platform, providing students and teachers access to course material anytime and anywhere. Schoology works on any device, which means students have access to instruction by using their iPad, iPhone, or Chromebook as long as their device has internet capabilities. For students who have trouble accessing the internet, they can com- plete assignments by visiting any MCS school campus and utilize the school’s se- cure internet connection. Morgan County teachers are working diligently to en- sure our students are provided high quality instruction, both in their classrooms and over the internet when necessary. Morgan County teachers love their stu- dents, and are using every tool available to help them achieve academic success. Morgan McCutcheon participates in virtual training for MCS staff. September 2020 September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County—11 School News

Smiles behind the masks Morgan County Schools re-opened August 12th with everyone don- State winners ning masks, and posing for first-day photos throughout the school system. There was, however, a definite sparkle in their eyes as they The A.P. Brewer String Band finished second in state competition for the 2019-2020 school once again graced the hallways. Some were a little apprehen- year. The string band competition consists of a majority of stringed instruments. Song selections sive with all the new procedures in place but most were eager to were from genres of bluegrass, classic rock, gospel and/or country. The contest was held virtually see friends, and all were muffled. As faculties and students adjust due to COVID-19. Band members, left to right: Cody Miller, Gabe Hill, Brooke Robinson, to changes, MCS teachers and administrators are committed to Braden Rusk and Carter Latham. making this a successful and memorable school year.

Virtual training Morgan County school teachers and administration have been creative since the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure professional development continues on an on- going basis. Teachers and employees took advantage of several virtual professional development opportunities, rather than face to face training. Examples of summer training included: Science of Reading, I-Ready Math, ISIP Reading, LETRS, Schoology, Schools PLP, and local school professional development. Go- ing virtual has enabled training to occur and remain focused and meaningful. 12—The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 Brandy Davis promoted to EMA director

By Sheryl Marsh plementation of a mass com- Prior to coming to work at the Communications Director munications system for county courthouse, she was an admin- Commission Chairman Ray employees and residents. The istrative assistant in the engi- Long chose Brandy Davis to system would send notification neering department for the City replace retired Emergency of road closures and other of Decatur. Management Agency Director events. Also, the system would She grew up in Eva and gradu- Eddie Hicks. provide a gateway for adminis- ated from Brewer High School. Davis began working in EMA trators to relay information to She and her husband Steve six years ago as an administra- employees electronically. have a daughter, Sage. tive assistant and later went to Residents and employees We were glad to give Brandy the position of EMA Specialist would have portals to access an opportunity to be director of as did two other employees in the county system, Davis said. the department. She’s worked the department. An Auburn University gradu- there for six years and gained Davis As director, Davis says she will ate, Davis holds a BS degree in experience,” Long said. We like continue with renovation of rural sociology and her minor to promote from within when place Hicks on the Morgan EMA director to hold a spot EMA facilities in the basement studies were in agriculture eco- we can. “ County 911 Board of Direc- on the board. Davis super- of the courthouse as well as im- nomics and animal science. Long appointed Davis to re- tors as is customary for the vises two employees. 2020 Census Help save congressional representation in Washington and prevent loss of billions in federal appropriations to state

By Sheryl Marsh tion, but that’s not enough for us to us have a better future.” of an array of programs provided Communications Director avoid loss of federal funding and pos- Cissy Pearson of North Alabama Re- through federal funding based on the The deadline to complete the 2020 sibly congressional representation in gional Council of Governments gives a census count. United States census is approaching Washington,” said Commission Chair- personal account of what the census “Working at NARCOG has allowed and if residents continue to ignore the man Ray Long. We need for everyone has meant to her. me to understand how the census tru- form, it could result in the state losing to rise to the occasion and do their “I was like most everyone else, I real- ly impacts everyone,” Pearson said. billions of dollars for federal programs part because whatever we end up with, ly didn’t understand the significance Most of the community programs of- that include allotments for roads and loss of funds or a congressional seat, of responding to the census until the fered such as food assistance, Medi- bridges. we will have to live with it for the next last few years,” she said. “The census care and healthcare assistance, hous- In addition, Alabama could lose two 10 years. A decade is a long time to has helped me personally by providing ing programs and transportation rely seats in congress. suffer loss simply because our resi- a critical resource as I began looking on funding based on census counts. The last day to complete a census dents did not fill out a census form to into family history. I have been able to Our success in counting everyone in form is Sept. 30th. be counted in our population.” verify birth dates and places of resi- 2020 will impact funding for these Loss of funds and representation in “I urge everyone who has not filled dence for family members by looking and other programs for the next 10 Congress would be effective for the out the form to either call the toll-free at census records. There is so much years, and that is why it’s so important next 10 years when another census number provided in this publication, interesting information and data to count everyone in Morgan County. will be taken. go online to fill one out, or mail one in available.” We need to keep our share of federal “Morgan County has 69% participa- before the deadline. Doing so will help Pearson emphasized the importance funding.”

Local Count as of Aug. 24

Date National Alabama Cullman Lawrence Morgan 8/20/2020 64.2 61.4 64.5 64 69.1

Date Morgan Decatur Eva Falkville Hartselle Priceville Somerville Trinity

8/20/2020 69.1 68.8 72.2 68.6 75.1 82.7 58.2 70

September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County—13 14-The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 Passing out masks For public safety

To ensure that everyone entering the courthouse wore a mask, Chairman Ray Long hired two tempo- rary employees for the sole purpose of passing out complimentary face coverings in July. Right, in the top photo David Clark, son of Person- nel Specialist Star Loyd, is stationed at the first-floor entrance near security officers, passing out masks; and beneath, Terrance Martin worked near the secu- rity station on the second floor, giving masks to visi- tors. “We want to do our part in combatting COVID-19,” said Long. “And, that’s why we hired them to pass out the masks.” Although masks were not required at the court- house, Long initiated the mask giveaway before the Decatur City Council’s ordinance mandating the wearing of masks in public places, and prior to Gov. Kay Ivey’s state order for face coverings. Martin and Clark worked eight hours Monday through Friday, and they worked overtime offering masks during the primary runoff election held on Ju- ly 14th. The courthouse is a voting precinct. The pay for the temporary jobs is $10 per hour. Martin, a 2020 Austin High School graduate, left for college and he’s a freshman at Alabama State University. Clark is still working at the courthouse.

Sponsor of this publication Sponsor of this publication

Branch Locations

211 Lee St. NE

1830 Modaus Road SW

1309 Stratford Road SE Support local businesses September 2020 September 2020 The Voice of Morgan County-15 On the website Showcasing Morgan County Morgan County has much to offer in many areas, and CGI Communications will make people aware of its offerings soon through community videos. The clips will feature several areas includ- ing education, industry and entertainment. The purpose is to attract people for resi- dency here, as well as more industries for local employment. Right, Chairman Ray Long is shown in the image of a video press release that’s current- ly on the county’s website. In the video Long is informing businesses about the New York-based company representa- tives who will call on local businesses to support the project through pur- chasing advertisement to surround the video footage. You may view the video press release by going to : www.co.morgan.al.us Chairman Ray Long tuned into the National Association of counties’ annu- The county has enjoyed a working relationship with CGI since 2013 when the company cast the first community videos on the website. al business meeting in July where he received another term on the organiza- CGI has created community videos for several counties and municipal- tion’s Board of Directors. He’s shown in his office after participating in the ities throughout the state, including Montgomery. virtual meeting.

Sponsor of this publication 16—The Voice of Morgan County September 2020 About The Voice of Morgan County

The Voice of Morgan County is a product of the Morgan County Com- mission and none of its content may be reproduced without permission from the governing authority. The commission established the Communications Department, from which the quarterly publication was created in 2012, and it currently goes into more than 48,000 homes throughout the county. It is produced by Communications Director Sheryl Marsh.

Rx cards available

The Morgan County Commission has free Rx discount cards for county residents. Collectively, the cards have resulted in hundreds of thousands of Morgan County Commission dollars in savings for people who have used them.

To get your card please go to our website: www.co.morgan.al.us and click on Coast to Coast to request one. We will mail it to you. There are no eligibility requirements. @MorganCoComm