Economic Summit addresses county growth

Moving forward as a county was the central theme as about 80 people gathered at the Chilton County Economic Summit on May 13 at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center.

The Chilton County Industrial Development Board, the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Power, LeCroy Career Technology Center, and Central Alabama Electric Cooperative sponsored the event.

“The purpose of the conference is to tell everyone where we are as a county right now,” Chilton County Industrial Development Coordinator Fred Crawford said in his opening remarks Tuesday morning. “In a county this size, there are often a lot of rumors about certain things, and this will hopefully clear up some of the rumors. Now, we need to pull together and move forward.”

State and local government representatives, local businesses, industries and educators attended the seminar to learn different facts about helping Chilton County continue to grow and prosper.

Meeting held to address issues in West End community

About 70 people, including concerned residents and city leaders, met May 15 to discuss issues related to West End community.

The meeting was organized by the West End Neighborhood Watch and held at West End Church of Christ.

The most pressing issue addressed at the meeting was the situation with the closed E.M. Henry Head Start Center.

Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver told those in attendance of plans to renovate the building in order to have it re-opened, so pre-school classes and other community events could resume.

“The majority thought we ought to try to rework what we have there,” Driver said of planned renovations.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were dilapidated houses in the area, and plans to open a police substation in the West End community.

DeJarnett said the conversation was productive on all fronts.

“We’re continuously asking that neglected properties be dealt with and that there be an increased positive police presence in the community,” DeJarnett said. “We’re all committed to that endeavor. We’re trying to help improve the quality of life for all residents.”