Sartoris Literary Group announces the Release of Vampire Defense

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August 22, 2013

JACKSON, Miss. – Sartoris Literary Group announces the release of Vampire Defense by James D. Bell. Vampire Defense (Trade Paper, ISBN-13: 978-0-9858852-1-2, 283 pages, $14.95) is currently available at Lemuria Books and on Amazon.com.
The debut novel by James D. Bell, Vampire Defense features protagonist John Brooks. A brilliant young trial lawyer, John Brooks is working hard – but hardly getting any notice. Admired for his work ethic, integrity, and intellect, Brooks’ friends think he needs one big case that will show off his talents and help him make a name for himself.
Defending Hal Boyd might be just the case. Charged with arson and four counts of murder, Hal Boyd, known as the Butcher of Belhaven, is the central figure in a grisly murder mystery that has gripped the nation. Eager to cover the case, media from the world over descend on Jackson, Mississippi, and it looks like the Butcher of Belhaven case might be the one to put John Brooks on the map.
But this case may well turn into a career-ender when Brooks announces his unorthodox, and highly unusual, defense: Not guilty by reason of insanity, as his client actually believed the person he killed was a vampire. The media ridicules the “Vampire Defense” rendering Brooks and his defense team the laughingstock of the legal profession.
But ridicule soon becomes the least of Brooks’ concerns when he discovers a satanic cult intent on exacting murderous revenge not only against Hal Boyd but also against his defense team. And what follows is a dangerous, deadly, and dizzying onslaught of kidnapping, rage, and murder.
Between the trial of a lifetime, a burgeoning romance, a calculating courtroom adversary intent on making his life miserable, threats, escalating danger, and the case that could make – or break – his career, John Brooks will certainly have his hands full. Can he clear his client’s name? Navigate the murky waters of romance? And will he sink or swim when he tries the case that will be either the hallmark of his career – or the end of it?
One thing is for certain: it will be a long, harried, and harrowing ride before this defense attorney rests….
With its unforgettable cast of characters, mesmerizing plot, and pulse-racing storyline, Vampire Defense bristles with suspense, courtroom drama, action and intrigue. An inventive, imaginative, and spellbinding tale, Vampire Defense is a sensational and captivating debut. Vampire Defense has been critically reviewed and is listed as a five star novel.

James D. Bell is a retired Judge who received the highest bar association approval ratings ever given to a Mississippi Circuit or County Judge. Bell, who is listed in Preeminent Lawyers and Outstanding Lawyers of America, has been involved in some of the most significant cases in Mississippi, and drew on actual experiences in writing Vampire Defense. James D. Bell is a Mississippi native who lives in Ridgeland, Mississippi with his wife Joanne. Vampire Defense is his first novel.

CLASSIFIED

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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EMPLOYMENT

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time, Route Sales (Mgmt Development Candidate).

The Management Development Territory Manager is a route delivery driver and focuses on servicing our existing customer base and growing the customer base by selling new accounts.

Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time, Service Support Technician.

Technician ensures service work orders are being completed for all service events. Service events may include equipment repair, equipment installation and roll-outs, quality assurance inspections, training, and repair parts.

Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply please visit online at www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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University of Montevallo

Custodian I
Special Equipment Operator

Visit: jobs.montevallo.edu

UM is an AA/EO
Employer
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Substitute Daycare Teacher
The University of Montevallo is seeking a pool of energetic care-givers for employment as substitute teachers for the campus Child Study Center.
For detailed information visit: http://jobs.montevallo.edu
UM is AA/EO
Employer
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Part Time Camera Operator
College degree in television production field preferred or relevant work experience. One to two years exp. in television production preferred but not required. Must be available to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays. Send resume to Jean Ziegert, HR Director, ABC 33/40, 800 Concourse Parkway #200, Birmingham, AL 35244. Fax to 205-982-3928 or e-mail jeanz@abc3340.com. No phone calls please. EOE.
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DRIVERS
Drivers: Great Pay/Benefits!
Paid Vacation! Rider Program.
DryBulk, Longhaul.CDL-A w/Haz;
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SPECIALTY

SANDRA DESIGNER’S CLOSET
DRESS FOR LESS!
Call (205) 788-7862
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AUTOS FOR SALE!

2005 Chevy Silverado
4 door / Automatic
(Habla Espanol)
Call Jay 205-863-7556

2008 Chevy
crew cab / Automatic
Call Ivory 205-821-0494

2009 Dodge Ram
Call Sammy 205-514-6454

2008 Dodge Ram
4 door/ Automatic
Call Ivory 205-821-0494

2006 GMC Sierra
crew cab / Automatic
Call Sammy 205-514-6454
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REAL ESTATE

Calling all singles ….

I have the best 2 BR with DEN home in Ensley Highlands for you. Beautiful yard, separate garage, C/A, porch and patio. Call me to take a look see; Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or Barnes and Associates (205)328-3330
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Veterans looking for a home? I will work with you in any area of town to find you the best on the market. Call Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
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OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Ideal for medical office or hospital equipment sales directly across from Baptist Princeton Hospital. Off street parking, private shower, beautiful reception room. Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
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REPAIRS
abc waterproofing we repair wet basements,
crawl spaces, install french drains
24/7 service call van at 230-8197 any time.
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LEGALS

APPOINTMENT OF A NEW U. S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE
U. S. DISTRICT COURT – NORTHERN ALABAMA
(ABBREVIATED NOTICE)

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time U. S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Alabama at Birmingham.
The current annual salary of the position is $160,080. The term of office is eight years. A full public notice and the application forms for the magistrate judge position are available on the court’s website at http://www.alnd.uscourts.gov. Applications must be submitted only by applicants personally and must be received by 11/1/2013.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
JEFFERSON COUNTY CONSORTIUM
PROPOSED AMENDMENT #1 TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
DISASTER RECOVERY ACTION PLAN

INTRODUCTION
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that in order to receive funding under the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG), The Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA), each entitlement city or urban county must prepare a Consolidated Plan. This Plan was prepared in the year 2010. The Plan identifies housing and non-housing needs over a five year period, assigns priorities to each of the needs and a strategy for meeting those needs, and sets out a one year Action Plan establishing funding. The overall goal of the community development programs is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. This Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan following approval by HUD will become a part of that plan.

Due to the nature of the CDBG-DR program, assistance may only be made available to residents of the designated areas within the Jefferson County Consortium affected by the tornado of April 27, 2011 as described in Section I. Impact and Unmet Needs Assessment. The Final Amended Statement for the CDBG-DR program will be developed after receiving citizen comments and views during the 7-day comment period and also at a public hearing to be held on August 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Suite A-440, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203. Special accommodations can be made available, upon request, for those with disabilities. Those needing special accommodations should contact the office at 205-325-5761 in advance.
Written comments regarding the proposed plan must be received prior to 5:00 PM on August 29, 2013. Written comments should be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to the following:

Proposed CDBG-Disaster Recovery
Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development
716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Ste. A-430
Birmingham, AL 35203
Attn: Frederick L. Hamilton
or
Written comments can also be submitted prior to 5:00 PM on July August 29, 2013 by electronic submission to the following: To: hamiltonf@jccal.org, Subject: CDBG-DR Comments.

AVAILABILITY OF THE PROPPOSED CDBG-DR ACTION PLAN
Complete copies of this plan are available for review at the Jefferson County Office of Community & Economic Development, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North – Suite A430, Birmingham, AL 35203, by calling 325-5761, and online at http://jeffconline.jccal.org/comdev/home/Home.html in English and in Spanish. Arrangements can also be made available upon request to meet the Special Needs Requirements of those with disabilities and those who would like to request the proposed plan in other languages.
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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF
INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Thursday, August 29, 2013
City of Fairfield
4701 Gary Avenue
Fairfield, AL 35064
(205) 788-2492
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Fairfield.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or about Friday, September 13, 2013, the City of Fairfield a municipality of the Consortium of Jefferson County, will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for the release of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93-383) to undertake the following projects:

Fairfield Library Project (CD11-03-M1-FAI)

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City of Fairfield has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of Fairfield at the office of the Mayor, 4701 Gary Avenue Fairfield, Alabama 35064 where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the City of Fairfield. All comments received by Friday, September 13, 2013, will be considered by Office of the Mayor with the City of Fairfield prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City of Fairfield certifies to HUD that the Mayor of Fairfield consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the Jefferson County Commission to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City of Fairfield certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (which ever is later) only if they are on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Fairfield; (b) the City of Fairfield has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) shall be addressed to: Environmental Clearance, Mr. Charles Franklin, Director of CPD, U.S. Department of HUD, Birmingham Office, Region IV, Medical Forum Building, Suite 900, 950 22nd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last date of the objection period.
Mayor Kenneth Coachman
City of Fairfield
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA  AT BIRMINGHAM  BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) requests bids for:

1. Spain Rehab Roof Replacement, 1717 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233; UAB Project No. UH130306

UAB is a Signatory Sponsor to and affirms The Birmingham Plan – Construction Industry Program (see the requirements thereof as stated in Paragraph 9 of the Supplementary Instructions to Bidders, Specification Section 00120 and Standing Addendum No. 1 to the Supplementary Instructions to Bidders).
Pre-bid Conference Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM, North entrance, Spain Rehab Building, 1717 6th Avenue South (job site)

Bids will be received until 3:00/PM. CST on Thursday, August 29, 2013 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 105 of the UAB Facilities Building, 801 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Al 35294. Bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms furnished. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with the bidder’s name, address, State license number, the name of the project being bid, time and place of the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.
On the date of the bid opening Bids may be hand delivered to Architecture & Engineering (Room 205) Facilities, or received by Express Service mail at the Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, 801 6th Avenue South, Facilities Administration Building, Room 154, (Attention: Architecture & Engineering) Birmingham, AL 35294, or received by US Postal Service mail at the Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, FAB 154 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-4554 respectfully until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid, bids shall be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted and shall be properly identified. All bids received after 3:00PM August 29, 2013 will be returned unopened.
Construction Contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama. Construction Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, Chapter 8 as amended. Formal pre-qualification for bidders is not required; however, bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid documents and as stipulated by Title 39-2-4(e) of the Code of Alabama.
A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama Bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s bids. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the Contract is presented by the Contractor to the Owner.
UAB has designated that bid documents will be available for examination at the Plan Room of McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Parkway South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA. 30092. Plans and specifications are available from Alabama Graphics in Birmingham, AL at cost to bidders. Plans may be viewed online or downloaded from the Alabama Graphics Digital Plan Room (www.algraphics.com).
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The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:

Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority Elevator Maintenance Contract

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama.

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, Alabama will receive bids, up to the hour of 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the BJCC Executive Board Room 4th Floor, North Exhibition Hall in Birmingham, AL. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by the Authority. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with bidder’s name, address, STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, the name of the project being bid, and time and place of bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

A copy of this bid package is available at the above address or on our website: www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents.

Bids may be sent to BJCC Purchasing Department, Attn: Purchasing Coordinator, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Any bid not received by 8:00 A.M. September 10, 2013, must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in duplicate and shall be properly identified. All bids received after 2:00 P.M. on the bid date will be returned unopened.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s bids. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the contract is presented by the contractor to the Authority.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be conducted on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Bidders shall meet at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority Dock #6, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, Alabama.

Questions should be directed to Jerry Nelms, BJCC Facility Engineer at (205) 458-8409 or email jerry.nelms@bjcc.org.
Sharon Proctor Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
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The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive sealed bids for:

BJCC Tenant Improvements 10th Floor Forum Building

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, Alabama will receive bids, up to the hour of 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 5, 2013, and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud at the BJCC Executive Board Room 4th Floor, North Exhibition Hall in Birmingham, AL. Bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished by the Authority or its representative. Bids shall be clearly identified on the exterior of the package with bidder’s name, address, STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSE NUMBER, the name of the project being bid, and time and place of bid opening. Sealed bids shall be properly identified.

A copy of this bid package is available at the above address or on our website: www.bjcc.org (under Jobs & Vendor Opportunities – Open Bids section). There is no charge for downloading bid documents. All project documents and drawings will also be available at the pre-bid meeting and in the BCIA plan room.

Bids may be sent to BJCC Purchasing Department, Attn: Purchasing Coordinator, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Any bid not received by 10:00 A.M. September 5, 2013, must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed bids shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All bids received after 2:00 P.M. on the bid date will be returned unopened.

Construction contracts shall be awarded only to qualified Contractors, licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors, as required by Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama. Contracts in excess of $50,000 shall be awarded only to Contractors licensed as required by the 1978 Code of Alabama, Title 34, and Chapter 8 as amended. Bidders must be “responsible” in accordance with criteria in the bid and as stipulated by Title 30-2-3-(e) of the code of Alabama.

A Cashier’s Check drawn on an Alabama bank or bid bond, executed by a Surety company duly authorized and qualified to make such bonds in Alabama, payable to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority in the amount of 5% of the amount of bids, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s bids. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract price will be required when the contract is presented by the contractor to the Authority.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be conducted on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Bidders shall meet at the Forum Building, 950 22nd St. N, Second floor lobby, Birmingham, Alabama. The pre-bid meeting will be conducted in the tenant space.

Questions should be directed to Jerry Nelms, BJCC Facility Engineer at (205) 458-8409, jerry.nelms@bjcc.org, or Nathan Varner at Williams-Blackstock Architects at (205) 252-9811, nathan@wba-architects.com.
Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
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Bessemer’s Mayor Kenneth Gulley A Man of Conviction

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Mayor Gulley Replaces Bernice King. — Mayor Gulley

By Charlene Holmes

When it comes to politics and most other things, there are two kinds of people. There are the people who sit on the sidelines and complain about problems and people who roll up their sleeves and work hard to solve problems.
Bessemer’s Mayor Kenneth Gulley falls in the latter category. He said, “I was dissatisfied with a lot of things that were going on in Bessemer’s City government, so I became involved” to help make the badly needed changes.
Politics are nothing new to Mayor Gulley. He started in city government at the age of 27 and served for seven years as former Mayor Quitman Mitchell’s Assistant and Chief of Staff. “After that, I had been bitten by the political bug,” he admitted.
“I served on every city board before running for mayor and I was satisfied serving. It was not until I was elected Mayor that I realized how bad things in city government actually were,” he said incredulously.
Mayor Gulley continued, “The city was almost 20 million dollars in debt. Seven hundred seventy thousand dollars ($770,000) were owed to local vendors such as NAPA and Walmart. They had put the city on a cash and carry basis.”
Reflecting, Mayor Gulley said regardless to the severity of the problems facing the city, “My work ethic has always been the same. My strengths are in managing and financing money, managing people and holding them accountable.“
He continued, “I believe in giving a man the resources that he needs to do a job efficiently and holding him accountable to do a good job.”
To hold himself accountable, Mayor Gulley said he keeps his campaign literature at the corner of his desk as “a reminder of what we said we would do. We have fought to change people’s perception of Bessemer. We wanted a more transparent government. We have Facebook and Web pages so that the public can see firsthand what the city is doing and where the money is going,” he added.
Mayor Gulley said the city has been running a budget surplus for the last two years. In 2012, he said the surplus was $6.5 million.
He added that many good things are happening in Bessemer. The city has begun paving streets, and all city employees were given a 4 percent cost of living raise.
The city recently secured $5 million from the Alabama Department of Transportation for road and bridge projects through the ATRIP program according to Mayor Gulley.
He said renovations have been made to the Municipal Courtroom and the Civic Center has been painted and new flooring has been installed.
Mayor Gulley continued, “I am pleased that the Mayor and City Council have a good relationship which is evidence that God’s favor is on this city and this administration. God is using His people to do what He wants done for the citizens of this city.”
Bessemer is a “unique city with unique people who are some of the best people in the world. They have love and pride for this city,” he said.
“Equality for all is the reason the city purchased the old James A. Davis Middle School building. A youth and senior citizens recreational facility will be built at Roosevelt Park near the track,” he said. “ I was born in 1968 and during that time, there was pool segregation. That is why we have pledged revenue via an increased 1 cent sales tax for the recreation center. This is a 12-15 million dollar project. We have the money and it will happen. Plans are also in the works to build a new city hall, as well. We can’t worry about skeptics. We must do what’s necessary and what is deserving in this city,” Mayor Gulley said.
When not spending time “hanging out with his wife and watching horror movies with his son”, Mayor Gulley said he likes to play golf.

Birmingham’s Eric Essix debuts “Evolution” to the City

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (ASC) will present Birmingham’s own Eric Essix as he premieres his 20th landmark album, “Evolution,” as part of the ASC’s September 2013 commemoration of the historic Civil Rights events of 1963 in Alabama.
“Evolution” musically charts the growth and healing of his hometown after events including the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, which energized the U.S. Civil Rights Movement 50 years ago and forever changed the nation. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame member will perform with Atlanta-based 5 Men on a Stool and vocalist Tracy Hamlin. The show is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $38.50; visit the ASC online at www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.
On “Evolution”, Essix’s guitar fronts contemporary jazz arrangements supported by traditional jazz instrumentation. Featured are six new, original compositions by Essix, plus hand-picked covers, including “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
“With this project, I definitely wanted to, of course, acknowledge the past, but also highlight the amazing progress we’ve made over the past 50 years,” Essix said. “Birmingham is my home. I have seen the segregation of the past and the tremendous growth of this city first-hand, and I’m proud of where we are today and of the strength and resolve of the people here.”
ArtPlay will present a Meet the Artist School Show with Essix and hundreds of area schoolchildren at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall. When Essix is not on stage, he serves as artist coordinator at the ASC, as well as an instructor of jazz studies and music technology in UAB’s Department of Music. Essix is co-founder of the annual Preserve Jazz Festival in Hoover.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist church bombing, the ASC is developing and producing community events and performances for the week of September 15, to engage the community through the healing power of the arts.  On Sept. 15, the ASC and its education and outreach division, ArtPlay, will present a staged reading of Christina M. Ham’s “FOUR LITTLE GIRLS: Birmingham 1963,” part of Project1Voice’s nationwide, simultaneous event of staged readings commemorating this seminal event in American history. Directed by ArtPlay Teaching Artist Alicia Johnson-Williams and featuring members of ArtPlay’s teen Make It Happen Ensemble, ArtPlay students and a multi-generational cast of community actors and performers, the staged reading is set for 3 p.m. in the ASC’s Sirote Theatre. Tickets are $15.
At 8 p.m. Sept. 21, the ASC will present the long-awaited world premiere of internationally renowned composer Yotam Haber’s “A More Convenient Season,” commissioned by the ASC and philanthropist Tom Blount. “A More Convenient Season” will include the Alabama Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Morgan, featuring an all-female choir that includes four young soloists from the area, electronic music by the acclaimed Philip White, a documentary video by Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Petersen and audio recordings from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute’s Oral History Project. This multi-media, orchestral work will be performed in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall. Tickets are $62.50, $51.50 and $39.50.

In addition, ArtPlay will present a composition Master Class with Haber and young composers at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, in the ASC’s Jemison Concert Hall. Those interested in observing the class should call 205-975-4769 for more information.

For tickets to events presented by the ASC, visit www.alysstephens.org or call 205-975-2787.

Macedonia Ensley Church Family

By

Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Macedonia Church Famiy1 — Dr. W. M. Norwood with his family in celebration

photo by Winthrop Nall

The Macedonia Ensley Church Family celebrated 60 years of Service as Pastor and 75 years in the Ministry of Dr. W.M. Norwood on Sunday August 18th. Guest Minister was Dr. Collins Pettway, Pastor First Missionary Baptist Church of Pratt City.

Actor Lee Thompson Young Found Dead at Age 29 from Apparent Suicide

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lee Thompson Young, who began his acting career as the teenage star of TV’s “The Famous Jett Jackson” and was featured in the film “Friday Night Lights” and the series “Rizzoli & Isles,” was found dead Monday, police said. He was 29.
There was no official cause of death, but Young’s manager, Paul Baruch, said the actor “tragically took his own life.”
“Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed. We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends as this very difficult time,” Baruch said in a statement.
Young’s body was found at his North Hollywood home by police Monday morning after he failed to show up for work on TNT’s crime drama “Rizzoli & Isles,” police Officer Sally Madera said. The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned and pronounced him dead at the scene, she said.
LAPD robbery-homicide detectives and the Los Angeles County coroner office were investigating because it is a high-profile death, she said. Madera had no details about the cause of death.
In the TNT series, Young played Barry Frost, a computer savvy — but squeamish— police detective.
Earlier Monday, the channel announced it was renewing the series that stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander.

Grab Your Helmet and Get Ready to Ride!

By

Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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The Dixie Divas Riding Club will host their 5th Annual “Revvin’ 4 Research” Charity Motorcycle ride on Saturday, September 7. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA).
With the support of Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson in Pelham, a host of generous sponsors, an incredible group of volunteers, the annual ride has raised nearly $70,000 in four years with proceeds benefitting local breast cancer research.
The Dixie Divas Riding Club contacted the BCRFA in 2009 with the idea to host a “Ride for Research.” The ride was a success the first year with 148 bikes. Since, the ride has more than doubled in size hosting nearly 400 bikes and passengers for the largest attendance in 2012.
Riders of this year’s event will enjoy breakfast while registering at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson at 9 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 a.m. The charity event is a police-escorted ride ending back where they started at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson. The After-Party will include live entertainment by Rory and the Riff Raffs, a catered lunch compliments of Habaneros, beverages from Coca Cola Bottling Company, and a LIVE and silent auction. Valuable prizes will be given away all afternoon to registered riders.
The Dixie Divas and BCRFA together are making a strong contribution toward research for a cure. Please join us for a great time, a great ride, and take a stand against breast cancer! Register online at www.revvin4research.com today!

Seniors praise decision of Alabama Public Service Commission

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Jobs, a stronger Alabama economy and the pocketbooks of seniors score a big win with decision that upholds current regulatory structure of energy industry.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The 60 Plus Association on behalf of its 80,000 senior citizen supporters in the Yellowhammer state recently offered a heartfelt “thank you” to the Alabama Public Service Commission for their decision upholding the current regulatory framework affecting the Alabama Power Company.
Proposed changes supported by environmental groups as well as the AARP would have imposed heavy new burdens on the energy industry that likely would have led to job losses and rate hikes for Alabama families and seniors, many of who are on fixed incomes.
Said 60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin, “We would especially like to thank Commissioners Jeremy Oden and Twinkle Cavanaugh not only for the transparency of this hearing process, but most importantly for their common-sense decision to uphold the current regulatory structure which serves to provide the citizens of Alabama with reliable energy at a fair and stable price. The hysterics of the opposition were unfounded, and this fair and open process proved that in full public view.
“In these difficult economic times it is crucial that energy costs be kept in line to protect the standard of living of Alabama families, and the most vulnerable among us. Commissioners Oden and Cavanaugh are heroes for throwing a lifeline to the hard working people of this great state who currently are having a difficult time keeping their heads above water. Regretfully Commissioner Terry Dunn chose instead to throw the people of Alabama an anchor, voting in support of the extreme agenda of the EPA and AARP that will kill jobs and result in higher power bills for all.
“Seniors need to ensure their voice is heard in this crucial debate that affects the financial well-being of every family. We urge you to take the time to thank Commissioners Oden and Cavanaugh, as well as ask Commissioner Dunn why he is taking the extreme position of the AARP to burden Alabama industry with unnecessary regulations and Alabama families with higher utility bills.”

40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Lee Wedding Anniversary1 — Photo by Winthrop Nall Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Robert and Maxine Lee of Detroit, Michigan.

Photo by Winthrop Nall Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Robert and Maxine Lee of Detroit, Michigan. — Photo by Winthrop Nall
Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary Robert and Maxine Lee of Detroit, Michigan.

One Man’s Opinion

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Birmingham Times

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August 22, 2013

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Prove me wrong!!!

by Jesse J. Lewis, Sr.
Every election is important. I would rate the upcoming election on August 27th as one of the top five most important ever held in the City of Birmingham. We stand on the threshold of moving forward or backward as it relates to the City of Birmingham and, moreover, our educational system.
The law that was passed in the last legislative session, the Alabama Accountability Act which allows parents to remove their kids from failing schools, is going to be devastation to our school’s financial structure. We all know that the state funds Boards of Education by student headcount. Every year we are losing more students. As a result, we have to cut services, consolidate schools and lay-off teachers and the Birmingham system still has several schools below the educational standard.
In order for the Board of Education to survive, we must put the proper people in place so that we can move in the right direction to save our system. This is not an endorsement because I do not personally know all the candidates running, but I do know the history of the ones presently seated. If you keep doing the same things, you keep getting the same results.
We need a City Council that will be accountable to the taxpayers and fund those projects that are revenue producing. I’ll be the first one to say that parks and recreation complexes are important to the growth and development of any city. We all know they do not produce tax revenue. Therefore we must rely heavily upon bringing new industry and businesses into the City so we can have more parks and recreations for our people.
I contend that the next four years will set the stage for what happens in Birmingham in the next 50 years. I happen to think that there will be very few surprises in who will return to the City Council and Mayor’s office. Mayor William Bell’s chance to return is 99.9 percent; Steven Hoyt’s chance of returning is 72.4 percent; Maxine Parker’s chance is 69.2 percent; Jay Roberson’s chance is 54.2 percent; Jonathan Austin’s is 51.3 percent; Kim Rafferty’s chance is 53.9 percent LaSaunda Scales is 50.8 percent and Valerie Abbott’s is 100 percent because she has no opposition and will automatically return.
In Carole Smitherman’s seat Sheila Tyson will win after a run-off and Roderick Royal’s seat will go to Marcus Lundy after a run-off. We are all aware that a low turnout favors the incumbent. I am predicting that the turnout will be 25 percent or less. I sure would like to be wrong – TURN OUT AND PROVE ME WRONG.
It is really too early to discuss 2016, but it just so happens it seems to be the topic of conversation especially to those people interested in the presidential election. Based upon all I hear, Hillary Clinton’s chances of winning the Democratic nomination is 98.9 percent. Her chances of winning the Presidency is 54.8 percent assuming she does not make any more blunders. She made one last week – making a campaign speech. Once you make campaign speeches too early and have to defend every word you say, you give your opposing candidate ammunition to criticize. Once she starts campaigning for President she’s going to have to go against some of President Obama’s policies. At some period in time she’s going to have to separate herself from her own husband. But she needs Obamas’ campaign machine and she needs her husband as interpreter of information. There is no doubt in my mind whether or not she is going to run in 2016. The truth of the matter is she is already running and the problem is she is starting too soon.

e-mail: jjlewis@birminghamtimes.com