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Honoring a Local Hero: Centreville’s Tribute to Jimmie Lott
By Savannah Logan
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) recently unveiled signs along Highway 219 N. and Highway 5 in Centreville, marking the culmination of a nearly two-year project honoring local hero Jimmie Lott. Spearheaded by Mayor Mike Oakley, State Representative Russell Bedsole, and State Senator April Weaver, this tribute was the result of a collaborative effort involving various community members. Roger Kinard’s suggestion led to a heartfelt proclamation designating a portion of Highway 219 in honor of Lott, a distinguished veteran who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Beyond his military service, Lott’s selflessness and generosity in his local community left a lasting impact, seen through his church service and his dedication to helping others with medical and shopping transportation needs. His example of service and humility serves as a timeless inspiration. While the signs were installed before formal notification, Centreville plans to hold a grand celebration in the future to honor Jimmie Lott and gather the community to express gratitude for his remarkable life.
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Enhancing School Safety: Bibb County Employs School Resource Officers for Added Protection
By Savannah Logan
Bibb County took a major step in enhancing school safety by introducing School Resource Officers (SROs) into its school system, with two officers hired and plans for more recruitment across West Blocton, Woodstock, Brent, and Centreville. The initiative, a joint effort involving the Bibb County Commission, Board of Education, and the municipalities, took shape over approximately a year, gaining traction last summer as officials gathered to address the need for SROs. Superintendent Kevin Cotner led the effort, culminating in a comprehensive plan ensuring year-round SRO presence. Active shooter training at Randolph Elementary School proved pivotal, aligning all parties toward a unified strategy. The SROs, stationed full-time during school sessions and transitioning to road patrol during breaks, will receive specialized training, emphasizing safety for faculty, staff, and children. Commissioners Ty Corbell and Matt Downs highlighted the importance of this initiative, ensuring safety while positioning Bibb County’s educational institutions for a more secure future.
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Angela Thompson Honored with 2023 Herman Moore LAMP Award
By Savannah Logan
In September 2023, Angela Thompson, the librarian at West Blocton Middle School, was honored with the 2023 Herman Moore LAMP Award of Exceptional Service, an accolade bestowed annually by the Alabama Library Expo to recognize librarians and media specialists for their exceptional contributions to their schools and communities. Thompson, having spent 22 years at the school and serving as the librarian for 7 years, expressed her passion for using books to teach students diverse subjects. Her aspirations for the school library include reorganizing books by genre and increasing checkouts among 7th and 8th graders, aiming to make resources more accessible and engaging. This dedication to cultivating a culture of enthusiastic readers and lifelong learners exemplifies Angela’s profound impact on West Blocton Middle School, making her recognition with the 2023 Herman Moore LAMP Award well-deserved and an honor for the institution.
