West Alabama Tuesday Briefing
Good Tuesday morning West Alabama. It is September 10, 2024! It is also the statistical peak of the annual Gulf of Mexico Hurricane Season.
Right on time the tropics are heating up. Well, the water was already above normal temperature. That has created a cauldron for the formation of tropical weather, and they are lining up and moving westward.
The first of our concern is Tropical Storm Francine that is forecast to make landfall along the Louisiana coast sometime tomorrow afternoon as a Category 2 Hurricane (winds upwards of 100mph).
Once moving inland, Francine will begin to lose its punch as it moves northward through Mississippi. However, the storm will have an impact on West Alabama with wind gusts to 35mph, rainfall 2" to 4" and possible quick spin-up tropical tornadoes.
Read More: Tropical Storm Francine Brings a Severe Weather Threat to Alabama
The Forecast:
A new sportsplex just west of downtown Northport and the property is quickly taking shape. River Run Park in Northport began ground preparation in February for softball and baseball fields, concession stands and other amenities. Northport Engineer Tera Tubbs updated the city council last night about the progress saying the park should be ready for use this time next year.
Mayor John Hinto told media the park will attract travel teams and other sports programs and will be a major boost to Northport's economy.
Read More: Work Continues on Northport Shore’s $27 Million River Run Park
The last time local tax rates were increased to support education was in 1986. In the time since, the cost of educating the children of the City of Tuscaloosa has steadily increased while the tax revenue supporting city schools has not.
If the increase is approved, a significant portion of the revenue will go to school safety. Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria wrote in a letter to parents, " If this doesn't pass, it means we will continue to the do the best we can to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. However, as safety costs rise, it means we have to cut in other areas," said Daria
The increase would help pay to put a School Resource Officer in every school. Currently there is not enough money available to do that. The money would also improve physical security at schools.
A $19 million building permit has been issued for a new Psychology Building on the UA campus with the construction awarded to Harrison Construction of Tuscaloosa as the prime contractor.
Included in the project on Kirkbride Lane will be a large lecture hall, classroom, 35 clinical labs, 41 offices, graduate student offices and facility support space.
The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a half-million dollars to Walker County to assist with development of a Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store similar to the one in Cottondale. The site just off I22 on Highway 81 in Dora will employ 50 people.
A West Alabama Works hiring event is scheduled for today at the Hale County College and Career Academy 2 until 5 this afternoon. DCH Healthcare System and Alabama Department of Corrections are two of the employers that will be attending the event.
The Chamber of Commerce presented a State of the Economy briefing yesterday with State Finance Officer Bill Poole. He told participants at the Tuscaloosa River Market that unemployment remains low and the economy strong in the state.
The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal is facing yet another crisis. The shelter had to euthanize 56 dogs due to a distemper outbreak but is now already filled with dogs again. The animals are now ready for a new forever home.
The shelter is encouraging owners to have their pets spayed and neutered to reduce the rapidly growing population of animals that are turned out.
32-year-old Bessemer man Jesse Sillero of Bessemer has been charged with attempted murder after a Friday stabbing in Tuscaloosa. The incident left a man covered in wounds and badly injured according to court documents filed Monday. Tuscaloosa Police officers were called to a residence in the Springbrook neighborhood off McFarland Boulevard Friday night just before 9 p.m. on reports of the assault.
Read More: Tuscaloosa Police Charge Bessemer Man With Attempted Murder After Stabbing
The Junior League of Tuscaloosa was recognized at last night's Northport City Council by designating September 19 as International Find the Good Day, supporting the Junior League of Tuscaloosa's mission to recognize and promote positive community contributions that bolster West Alabama's resilience.
Read More: Junior League of Tuscaloosa Honored by City of Northport for Community Service
Volunteers with the Black Warrior River Keeper collected 430 pounds of litter along the Northport River Walk this past weekend. The volunteers were from the University of Alabama Center for Service and Leadership.
Topping Sports News:
A fight in the stands between adults at the Holt vs Oak Grove game this past Friday has school officials and the Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Office investigating what happened.
The fight took place in the home stands of Woody Clements Stadium. It is still not known what started the fight or if anyone was injured.
Holt Principal Dr. Daniel Dickens issued a statement saying, "Ther is no room for violence or hate at Holt High School."
No arrests have been made but the investigation continues, and county school officials say they are cooperating.
For three quarters Saturday night the Alabama Football Team played "unacceptable" football according to Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.
Bama's defense will have to play much better and produce turnovers if it is to have a chance at Wisconsin Saturday morning.
Read More: Kane Wommack “It Was Unacceptable”
Alabama Softball has announced its fall schedule of games. There will be three home doubleheaders and a road game at Jacksonville State to give fans a sneak peek at what is expected to be a team with improved hitting in the spring.
Read More: Tide Softball Fall Ball Schedule
Click TuscaloosaThread.com throughout the day to keep up with the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.
Have a great day!!
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