West Alabama Wednesday Briefing
It is a sunny, blue sky beginning to Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and its not boiling hot. How can you not have a little extra spring in your step today? It is a beautiful summertime day across West Alabama.
The forecast for today is calling for generally sunny skies with highs in the mid to upper 80s. Tonight's forecast is just as good, fair skies and overnight lows in the 60s.
Look for the skies to remain sunny tomorrow and clear tomorrow night. The high tomorrow will bump up against 90 but the overnight lows will again be in the 60s. Just what you expect for this time of the year.
But there is always a "but" to every weather forecast. Heat will begin to build in toward the end of the week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the 90s, but the good news is it will stay sunny, and the humidity is not expected to return to dangerous levels for now.
Topping the News:
A yet to be named rider of a motorcycle died last night around 8 when he was involved in a multiple vehicle crash on I359. The crash took place between Cousette St. and the I20/59 interchange. Cause of the incident is still under investigation.
$4.5 million - that is the record setting goal for the United Way of West Alabama’s 2023 campaign that is now underway. The annual drive exceeded last year’s goal of 4.3 million. Chris Gunter of Buffalo Rock is this year’s campaign chair.
United Way supports a number of community organizations across West Alabama.
Utility relocation is closing Canterbury Road and its median crossover from today until August 25th at its intersection with Highway 69. This is the first step in preparing for construction of the Highway 69 flyover bridge that will keep traffic from having to stop at the Skyland Blvd. intersection. Bids are expected to be let on that 3-year construction in 2024.
After being delayed due to the school board failing to hire new teachers and school bus drivers, the Sumter County school year is underway, under oversight from the state. New Superintendent Dr. Marcy Burroughs is asking everyone to support the school system as it works through numerous issues. Sumter County Schools have been plagued with low student achievement.
C-Spire has been awarded a $26.2 million grant for a fiber construction project in Greene, Hale and Chilton counties. The project will bring internet access to underserved areas of rural Alabama. C-Spire has already invested $500 million in the fiber network.
The case of Carly Russell, the Hoover woman who faked her kidnapping, is moving forward. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October 11th in Hoover Municipal Court.
A more than 48-hour search that received national attention ended when the 23yo woman admitted her disappearance was a ruse. Russell is facing two misdemeanor charges and could receive up to two years in jail.
In sports:
It won't be long now if you are tired of watching reruns of college football games from the past on television. It is just 10 days until kick off of the 2023 college football season with Week 0 action.
The Crimson Tide takes the field for the first time in 18 days and the burning question being asked is: who will be the starting quarterback? Tide Coach Nick Saban told reporters yesterday he is telling his quarterbacks to block out everything and just concentrate on forcing the coaches to name them the starter. The Tide plays Middle Tennessee at Bryant-Denny on September 2nd.
The Atlanta Braves have returned to their torrid winning pace. They shutout the New York Yankees 5-0 last night. The Bravos go for the series sweep tonight.
Have a great "Hump Day"! The weekend is on the horizon.
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