Candidates speak at political forum

Chilton County residents had an opportunity to hear from those seeking public office locally at “Meet the Candidates” on May 20 at Clanton City Hall.

Fourteen candidates spoke at the event, including every candidate for the offices of superintendent of education, revenue commissioner, sheriff, coroner and state House of Representatives District 42.

The event was sponsored by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and moderated by District Court Judge Rhonda Hardesty.

Graduates reminisce, begin new journey

More than 400 Chilton County High School graduates received their diplomas May 22.

Graduation ceremonies were held at Chilton County High School, Verbena High School, Isabella High School, Maplesville High School, Thorsby High School and Jemison High School.

Band director retires after nine years at Jemison High School

With cues that were often direct, precise and followed with a foot tap and countdown of 1-2-1-2-3-4, Jemison Band Director George Martin captured the attention each day of more than 100 students.

“The kids were my reward,” Martin said. “When I started at Jemison High School in 2005, my philosophy was that I was going to be positive. We wanted to do the right things but put it in a positive spin. After that, we started attracting kids who wanted to be a part of the band. They wanted to have success so we grew out of that.”

Martin announced his plans to retire earlier this year from his position as band director at JHS, with his last day at the school on May 23.

Stella-Jones purchases Boatright’s wood treatment facilities

Canadian company Stella-Jones completed the acquisition of Boatright Railroad Products, with railroad tie treatment facilities in Clanton and Montevallo, on May 22.

The purchase price was $60 million and included facilities that manufacture, sell and distribute creosote and borate-treated crossties, switch ties, tie plugs and bridge timbers for railroads and railroad contractors.

The deal also included about $9 million of inventory.