EDITORS NOTE: This is the fourth of a four-part series looking back at the year 2019 in Chambers County and Troup County.

Oct. 1

Ivey visits Chambers County

Gov. Kay Ivey visited the Bradshaw-Chambers County Library on the last day of September to unveil a plaque for artist Chuck Moore, who created the “Sarge and Scrappy” statues that now stand outside the library.

Oct. 3

Lanett turns fountain pink

The City of Lanett turned the water in its new downtown fountain pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fountain stayed pink throughout the month to honor the memory of those who have passed away from breast cancer and to serve as an expression of hope for those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Oct. 4

W.F. Burns principal placed on leave

W.F. Burns Middle School Principal Dr. Frankie Bell was placed on administrative leave in October, and the reasons remain unclear.

Fuller Center dedicates 11 homes

The Chattahoochee Fuller Center dedicated 11 more homes in Beauregard, bringing the total to 17 since March. The Fuller Center led a national effort to rebuild homes after a March tornado killed 23 people in Beauregard.

Oct. 8

50 years and counting

Chambers Academy celebrated 50 years as a school in October with a gathering of alumni. A large gathering was present inside the school gym for fellowship, dinner and the 50-year anniversary program. A slideshow was shown of past and present events at the school.

Oct. 10

Lanett man charged with attempted murder again

In October, a Lanett man was charged with attempted murder for the second time in five months by the Lanett Police Department. According to police, Richard Lee Hugley, 45, of Lanett, was arrested for attempted murder on 14th Street SE. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a 33-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was flown from the scene to a medical center in Columbus. On May 17, Hugley was charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Dustin Short.

Oct. 12

Valley mayor, council

approve pay raise

The next Valley mayor and council will receive a pay raise, after the current council voted in favor of an increased salary for those positions in October. Following the next election cycle, the mayor will make $1,500 a month and council members $1,100 a month. Currently, the mayor makes $1,000 a month and the council members $800 a month.

Oct. 22

Rodeo raises money for First Responder Crisis Fund

A rodeo raised thousands of dollars for the First Responders Crisis Fund, a nonprofit that benefits first responders dealing with adversity in their personal lives.

Oct. 23

Man allegedly sets

intentional fire at Walmart

A fire at Valley Walmart in October caused the store to be evacuated. According to Valley police, a man lit a full cart of paper products and cardboard on fire and ignited it and other products. The Valley Walmart was closed for several days as repairs were made. Troy Maloy Brown, 28, confessed to setting the blaze the next day and was charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief.

Oct. 31

Boyd sheds interim tag

The Lanett City Schools District named Jennifer Boyd as superintendent in October. Boyd had served as the interim superintendent since July 1, following former superintendent Philip Johnson’s retirement. Marlon Jones, director of Federal Programs at Anniston City Schools, and Alicia Lyles, director of Federal Programs at the Chambers County Board of Education, also interviewed for the position.

Chambers County has two schools on ‘failing schools list’

The list released by the Alabama State Department of Education listed John P. Powell Middle School and LaFayette High School as “failing schools.” This was John P. Powell’s second consecutive year on the list and LaFayette’s first time since 2017, according to previous records by the state. According to the state, the “failing schools” are in the bottom six percent of public Alabama schools for the 2018-2019 school years based on the state’s standardized assessment in reading, English and math.

Incumbents hold seats

Sandra Thornton, Gerald Ledbetter and Deedee Williams will keep their council seats after final numbers were tallied Tuesday. Thornton obtained the most votes with 422. Ledbetter received 397 votes and Williams rounded out the winners with 340 votes. West Point Development Authority board member Wiky Gladden came in fourth with 328 votes and local business owner Kesha Edwards-Coniglio received 147 votes.

Nov. 17

Kia celebrates a decade in West Point

A celebration was held at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia in November, celebrating the plant’s 10 years in West Point. Local and state officials attended, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. “I’m also glad that there are over 3,000 hard-working Georgians that are employed here now,” Kemp said. “I know that the effect on the community is much, much more than that.”

Municipalities proclaim

‘Miracle for Myers’ weekend

Every municipality in Chambers County, plus West Point, read proclamations to help raise money for the Myers family. Cheryl and Hermon Myers are the founders of the Christian Service Center, which helps families in need throughout the year and even more throughout the holidays. The family has recently been through tragedy with their oldest son, James Myers, suffering a staph infection. The illness has put him in a wheelchair and he will need back surgery, which will cost thousands of dollars.

Nov. 22

Chambers County Schools names teachers of year

The Chambers County School District named its teachers of the year Wednesday for the elementary school and secondary school levels at its board of education meeting. At the elementary school level, Lindsey Ennis, first-grade teacher at Bob Harding Shawmut Elementary, was named teacher of the year. In the middle and high school level, Christy Brock-Johnson, teacher education program instructor at the Chambers County Career Technical Center, was named the winner.

Dec. 13

Valleywide Christmas

parade held

The annual Valleywide Christmas parade was held in mid-December and awards were handed out for best floats. Receiving trophies in the school category were Chambers County Career Technical Center was in first place; Fairfax Elementary came in second; and ACTS Academy finished third. Zaxby’s came in first in the business category. Terminix was second and East Alabama Medical Center came in third. In the community entries, winners were the City of Lanett in first, Missiles for Christ second, and the Valley Swim Team third.

Dec. 14

Chambley withdraws

Republican candidate Casey Chambley officially withdrew from the superintendent race after learning he would not be able to qualify for the primary election, according to Greg Ward, Republican Party Chairman. Democratic candidate Winford Ashmore also learned he would not qualify for the race on the Democratic side of the ticket. According to the Alabama Secretary of State office, any person attempting to run for superintendent must have a signed certificate from the state superintendent of education, proving they hold a certification of administration and supervision. That certificate had to be turned into the Chambers County Probate Judge’s office by Dec. 12. Chambley said he planned to qualify for the November 2020 general election as an independent.

Dec. 15

TCSO nurse arrested for inappropriate relationship

A 26-year-old woman working as a contract nurse employed by We Care, in the Troup County Sheriff’s Office medical unit was arrested in December for having sexual contact with an inmate, according to the Troup County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff James Woodruff received information that TCSO nurse Dorathy Pike was having an improper relationship with a trustee working in laundry Monday morning.

Dec. 17

Merry Go round hits 3

million riders

Seven-year-old Ethan King of Lanett was king for a day at the Christmas Merry-Go-Round in Valley in December. He was the three millionth person to ride the merry go round since it started in 1956. He received a $100 gift card to Walmart, a bag of candy, a free Merry-Go-Round T-shirt and other prizes.

Dec. 21

Pike sentenced for federal charges Friday

A man wanted in Chambers County for a 1985 murder was sentenced on federal charges in the U.S. District Court of the District of Puerto Rico. According to court documents, David Anthony Pike, 57, was sentenced to two years in a Florida prison for aggravated identity theft.