Hartselle voters approved alcohol sales in a special election on Nov. 8. This was the top news story for 2016. | Enquirer File Photo

Top 10 news stories in 2016

Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Top news stories published in the 2016 editions of the Hartselle Enquirer include elections, education and tornadoes. From 1 to 10, the stories are listed as follows

1

Hartselle voters approve alcohol sales

Hartselle voters favoring the sale of alcohol beverages within he city limits prevailed in a special election on Nov. 8, 3,791 to 3,032 votes. “The people have spoken and they decided to move in a different path,” said Mayor Randy Garrison. Lee Greene, chairman of Hartselle Citizens for Economic Development said alcohol sales revenue would bring improvement to the city in the form of jobs and revenue. “I hope those who voted for the change don’t forget the dark side of alcohol,” said Jeff Johnson, leader of Families for a safe Hartselle.

2

SNAP celebrates completion with ribbon cutting

The John Mark Stallings Special Needs Accessible Playground (SNAP) observed its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and open house on May 6. The event marked the completion of a nine-year pay as you go project. Special guests were Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and former UA head football coach Gene Stallings. “A little bit of kindness to a special needs child is in the category of a big deal,” Stallings remarked. “This is a big deal.” Bentley added “We have a responsibility to help those who can’t help themselves. The people of Hartselle help people.” Project coordinator Bob Francis was applauded for spending countless hours fund raising and supervising work on the playground.

3

Randy Garrison elected mayor

Hartselle Enquirer publisher Randy Garrison defeated interim mayor Bill Smelser and Dr. Max Merrill for the office of mayor in the August Municipal Election. He polled

1,665 votes while Smelser came in second with 894 votes and Merrill had 142 votes. Two council places were filled without opposition. Incumbent chairman Kenny Thompson and former Mayor Dwight Tankersley were unopposed, former Councilwoman Virginia Alexander and newcomer Chuck Gill won their races and Matt Broom defeated Daniel Crowe in a run-off.

4

Tornado causes heavy damage in Danville-Neel area

An EF3 tornado, with wind speeds up to 140 mph, struck in the Punkin Center, Danville and Neel communities on Nov. 28, causing heavy property damage. Fortunately, no one was injured. The storm destroyed or damaged eight homes and six businesses, uprooted trees and disrupted power for many homes. Rapid responders spent the following day combing through the wreckage and restoring power. Volunteers joined storm victims in a cleanup effort that lasted several days.

5

Hartselle/County schools form partnership

Hartselle City and Morgan County Schools signed an agreement on Feb. 12 that will further educational opportunities for students of both school systems. Both systems put district lines side to implement the Academic and Career Technical Consortium (ACTC).

The agreement allows Hartselle students to enroll in vocational classes at Brewer High School and Morgan County students to enroll in academic classes at Hartselle High School on a space available basis.

6

Hartselle flood mitigation project launched

Phase 1 of a flood mitigation project was launched in Hartselle in April under contract to Reidco General Contracting Inc. on a low bid of $172,215. The scope of work included cleaning silt an debris from a 1,000 linear foot concrete box culvert underneath the downtown business district, cutting and installing storm grates on top of the culvert and constriction on a 4-acre storm water detention pond located on the east side of the board of education central office and the east side of the railroad tracks. The city plans to seek another FEMA grant to help fund phase 2 of the project.

7

Council approves tax abate-ment for Busche

Hartselle City Council approved an abatement of non-educational property tax and constructional sales tax at a meeting on March 8.  The abatement is for 10 years. Busche announced a $26 million expansion for new machinery and equipment and the addition of 75 new jobs over three years, with a payroll increase of $2.635 million. The abatement would amount to $650,333 for Busche with city and county schools would receive an additional $577,280 in property tax.

8

Hartselle Educators Hall of Fame organized

The inaugural class of Hartselle Educators Hall of Fame was inducted at a banquet meeting on May 21. The inductees were Issac Stallworth, J.C. Pettey, F. E. Burleson, J. P. Cain, Lizzie Reed Penn, J.H. Riddle, Caston McDaniel, Loy Greenhill, John Frank Parker and Idessa Wherry. Hartselle native Don Logan was guest speaker,

9

F. E. Burleson selected as CLAS Banner School

F. E. Burleson Elementary School was selected as one of 14 out of 178 Alabama schools that applied for CLAS Banner School recognition in 2015. The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools award recognizes schools and programs that serve as outstanding role models for other schools in the state. Burleson principal Debbie Queen and instructional partner Yulanda Hampton submitted an application for the award in 2015-2016, using “Under Construction” as their theme. They explained how the faculty and staff are investing in the future of their students and the community.

10

Hartselle/Priceville area struck by EF2 tornado

An EF2 tornado, with wind speeds up to 115 mph, touchdown down in North Hartselle and South Priceville on March 31, damaging several homes, uprooting trees and knocking down power lines. The storm touched down on Roberts Catfish Lane in North Hartselle where two mobile