From Staff Reports

Jemison Police have arrested a Pelham man in connection with a recent burglary at Jemison High School.

Alton William Bean, 54, was arrested Tuesday and charged with burglary and felony theft of property.

Bean allegedly entered the eighth grade wing of the school on Sept. 2 and took a clarinet, music books and other items of value, totaling about $600.

Largely thanks to the school’s surveillance system, JPD investigators quickly developed a suspect and made the arrest in Calera four days after the burglary.

All of the stolen property was recovered inside a vacant house in Calera.

“It is difficult sometimes to identify suspects who are not local people, nor is it that common the stolen property is ever recovered,” Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer said. “I am proud of our officers and investigators for doing an outstanding job and delighted that we were able to solve this case.

“The clarinet belonged to a 13-year-old eighth grade student and band member. It is as much gratifying to me and our department that the stolen clarinet will be returned back to this kid as it is solving the case and making an arrest.”

Bean is being held in the Chilton County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

A bill sponsored by two local legislators would allow parents whose children have been bullied to transfer to a different school in the same system.

A similar bill was introduced by Rep. Kurt Wallace (R-Maplesville) and Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) during the last state legislative session but failed to gain traction.

The bill was named after Alex Moore, a Jemison High School student who committed suicide in May 2010, after being bullied at school, classmates said.

“We got involved because of the Alex Moore case,” Ward said.

Chilton County Schools, along with every other state system, was required to draft an anti-harassment policy before the beginning of last year.

The policy defines unacceptable behavior and the process of disciplining children who violate the policy. Also, the last page in the system’s Student/Parent Information Guide is a form to file a “harassment report.”

“Obviously, they should go to an adult they trust,” Chilton County School Superintendent Dave Hayden said. “Then, the principal will look into it and decide on the best option. You let the offender know the behavior is unacceptable, and then you can look at separating their seating, limiting contact, then maybe in-school suspension and, finally, maybe suspension.”

County educators have also completed several workshops on bullying, one held by the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department and another on cyber bullying.

“The adults—parents, teachers, administrators—need to be continually vigilant,” Hayden said. “As long as the adults are vigilant, you can keep it to a minimum.”

But Wallace and Ward said they wanted to go further.

The most significant change the bill would entail is allowing children determined to be the victims of bullying to transfer to another school in the same school system.

“This bill gives parents more rights than they had before,” Ward said.

The lawmakers said they intentionally left out of the bill any language that would attempt to define bullying.

“We’re not trying to get in and micromanage because we’re not educators; we’re not in schools,” Ward said. “You can never legislate away bullying, and we’re not trying to do that.”

The bill would place on teachers an obligation to report bullying to school administration while also allowing schools to expand their definition of bullying to account for cyber bullying, which is prolonged harassment through the Internet, including social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“In the future, as things change, the law can change too,” Wallace said.

Finally, the bill provides a solution in the form of a transfer—either the child being bullied or the one doing the bullying.

“If your child is a bully, and there’s a pattern of behavior, you’ve got to move that child,” Ward said.

Wallace pre-filed the bill in the state House of Representatives, and Ward did the same in the state Senate. The bill will be considered when the Legislature reconvenes in early 2012.

12th grade
All A’s
Agee, Chaquita Junae; Bowden, Heather Elise; Burnett, Chasity Nicole; Carter, Hannah Michelle; Caudle, Chelsea Leigh; Clements, Scott Dennis; Davenport, Anna Christine; Ellison, Amber Caitlin; Foshee, Heather Lynn; Gortney, Krystal Michelle; Hand, Emily Lauren; Haynes, Alexis Anne; Hutchison, Jarrett Gage; Kaylor, Zachary Adam; Long, Alex Taylor; Lutz, Cody Edward; Mims, Kelsey Rene’; Moore, Joshuah Allen; Naugher, Christopher Stewart; Samya, Callie Marie; Scarbrough, Abigail Rose; Sciandra, Frank MaKenan; Smith, Jeffrey Brett; Smithey, Emily Elizabeth

A’s and B’s
Bice, Brianna Nicole; Bird, Sarah Danielle; Bolton, Mason Spencer; Brown, Shelby Caroline; Bryant, Cameron O’Neil; Burnett, Meagan Nicole; Campbell, Brandon Lee; Darden, Lauren Ashley; Dutton, Brandi Lynn; Flores, Sergio Antonio; Garrett, Ronald Eugene II; Gibson, Ashlyn Logan; Glasscock, Jacqueline Elizabeth; Hawotte, Misty Louise; Hayes, Garin Gregory; Hendrick, William Logan; Jones, Jordan Chad; Jones, Macy Nicole; Killingsworth, Jerin Dwayne; Littlejohn, Jordan Colin; Moore, Robert Larry III; Pate, Ashley Madison; Pless, Savannah Renee; Posey, James Andrew; Robinson, Charles William; Simmons, Cody Darrell; Smith, Jasmine Gabrielle; Wells, Kasi Rebecca; Williams, Jacob Matthew; Woods, Abigail Corrine

11th grade
All A’s
Carlisle, Jaclyn Renae; Jackson, Hylan Ruth; Liveoak, Tanya Eloyce; Nemec, Amanda Carey; Posey, Morgan Rhea; Wigington, Christopher Thomas

A’s and B’s
Amos, Hallie Dawn; Bass, Jacob Andrew; Childress, Alyson Morgan; Chisholm, Tequylla Jonyese; Collum, Jessica Marie; Emerick, Cody Alexander; Freeman, Guy Willliam Jr; Glass, Tyndall Brooke; Griffin, Tiffany Alishia; Herrera, Maria Rosario; Hicks, Chaniece Megan; Hilyer, Katherine Elizabeth; Hood, Haley Nicole; Johnson, Brannon Michael; Knight, Ashlyn Elizabeth; Lawrence, Marquis Tony; Lemley, Kristin Elaine; McCall, Joi JerNiecee; Mims, Jeana Michae; Porter, Brian Lee; Roberson, Amanda Lynn; Robinson, Shayna Jo; Smith, Cynthia Amber; Stafford, Justin Del; Swindle, Javea Evonte; Wakefield, Rachel Lauren; Waldrop, Wendy Leigh

10th grade
All A’s
Anderson, Trevan Davis; Deavers, Kaitlin Victoria; Evans, Courtney Nicole; Gilmore, Morgan Dian; Greer, Morganlynne Marie; Henderson, Krista Nicole; Hernandez, Jessica Silvestre; Higgins, Dylan Lee; Johnson, Brandon Lee; McAlister, Shelby Jean; Millard, Kristen Nicole; Parsons, Ariana Gabrielle; Phillips, Matthew Heath; Price, Lauren Kayci; Roop, Jacob Dwayne; Smitherman, Haley Nicole; Vinzant, Jill L

A’s and B’s
Bice, Brooke Danielle; Burgos, Amairani Barrados; Cummings, John Dylan; Daniel, Heather Michele; Eslinger, Daniel Charles; Fallin, Michael Edward; Gentry, Sara Lizabeth; Glass, Courtney Dawn; Howard, Shane Austin; Loyd, Charlie Olan III; Morales Lara, Giovani; Raines, Chassity Summer; Ray, Lacy Nicole; Ray, Makenzie Del; Scruggs, Lisa Star; Steinmetz, Christopher Lee; Wallace, Ashly Nichole

Ninth grade
All A’s
Bittle, Ansley Rose; Blankenship, Ashland Raye; Burnett, Courtney Cherie; Camarillo, Yoandra; Dabel, Jayni Marie; English, Elijah Lee; Glasscock, Allegra Scout; Lagrone, Christal Katlin; Lucas, Morgan Faith; Mazingo, Kristin Tayler; McGee, Abria Lashai; Miskelley, Candace Leldonna; Parker, Jessica Hope; Paschal, Brettson K; Stokes, Brandon T; Woodley, Kaiser L

A’s and B’s
Bates, Jacob Austin; Chapman, Austin Hanley; Dansby, Austin Ryan; Endress, Kayla Marie; Hall, Joseph K; Hatch, Jacob Tyler; Jemison, Keyshawn Dewayne; Johnston, Chase Erickson; Lane, Matthew Connor; Long, Jacob T; Lucas, Melissa M; Martin, Robert Tyler; McDaniel, Gilbert P; Mendoza, Itzel Paola; Morton, Andrew B; Parsons, Micaiah Elizabeth; Singletary, Gloria Daniela; Smith, Leslie Dale; Smith, Madison A; Smith, Morgan K; Swindle, Miles Smith; Wilburn, Brittany Michelle

Eighth grade
All A’s
Broussard, Jessica C; Burnette, Griffin W; Clark, Jordan Ashley; Deavers, Amber Elizabeth; Flores, Gilberto; Glasscock, Kyra C; Henderson, Tyler B; Martin, Grant F; Martin, Wesley G; Millard, Derek M; Powell, Emma Kathleen; Pritchard, Karlee Danielle; Robertson, Christopher M; Shaner, Dylan Rae; Stephens, Daniel Robert; Street, Griffin Benjamin; Thompson, Macey B

A’s and B’s
Akers, Courtney Danielle; Aldrich, Alexander Kenneth; Alvarado, Sarai; Baker, Amelia N; Barradas, Norma Sheyla; Brantley, Sarah Nicole; Brigner, Charles Leroy II; Bryant, Brittany Alana Nicole; Caputo, Shelby M; Caudle, Andrea L; Champagne, Dustin Blaise; Champagne, Taylor Mary-Aline; Chen, Linfang; Cleckler, Jasmine M; Cohron, Logan Dakota; Crawford, Hunter L; Crosby, Lauren E; Crumpton, Austin G; Curtis, Tylor A; Dismukes, Ciara Raven; Dutton, Ashley O; Dutton, Richard Harley; Flores, Sayeg Alejandro; Frith, Alisha L; Graves, Brady Caleb; Harris, Magan N; Hartley, Jacob B; Hayes, Allison N; Hayes, Alyssa Rose; Hayes, Jonathan Gabriel; Jones, Marisa L; Lawley, Lexie R; Lowery, Delaney Suzanne; Loyd, Jennifer Brook; McGraw, Erica Marie; McIvor, Michael Glen; Mims, Kory Ross; Mims, Quinton David; Moore, Jonah Lee; Morris, Sara J; Noble, Zachary James; Paschal, Jennifer M; Pinon, Samantha Sarai; Powell, Brittany Nicole; Rangel, Abdias Felipe; Ray, Trent Horton; Robinson, Keegan Danial; Robinson, Shelbie Lee; Sandlin, Angela J; Shafer, Matthew Ryan; Simpson, Taylon J; Smith, Quincy Alexander; Street, Griffin Benjamin; Thornton, Mikala Cheyenne; Thrash, Tyler Andrew; Tillery, Jerry L; Vinzant, Laura Lawana; Williams, Breanna Hope; Wilson, Allie Pierce; Woods, Christopher A; Yeager, Dustin Alexander

By Drew Granthum | Staff Writer

It’s never too early to start planning ahead. Just ask Jemison volleyball coach Leighsa Robinson.

Her squad won’t play a match until the fall, but they’re already working on the finer points of their game during their annual two-day camp.

The camp is being led by former University of Alabama and current Birmingham-Southern coach Judy Green, and held in Jemison’s own Alton Cobb gymnasium.

Robinson says the combination of having someone with Green’s renown teaching in the comfort of the Panther’s home court is hard to beat.

“Being here allows for the players to get individual attention,” she said. “The coaching expertise and the quality of the coaches is tremendous.”

Green said she felt that the players’ desire to learn is what made the difference.

“The most remarkable thing about Jemison is that I know the work ethic comes from a long tradition,” she said. “People at Jemison love the game of volleyball and want to be good at it.”

Green said the main thing being worked on during the camp’s four sessions were the skill areas of the game.

“We try to identify where they need to improve skill wise,” she said. “If you can’t pass and serve, the rest really doesn’t matter.”

Robinson felt she had several players ready to have a breakout year, and that the team was becoming more and more focused on winning.

“Our setter, Lauren Price, has big shoes to fill, but she’s been working on her conditioning in the off season,” she said. “Morgan Posey and Tanya Liveoak both played club ball in the off season and are working hard. It’s more than a game to [the team].”

Coach Robinson also said she felt confident about her squad, given the hard work being put in.

“We pride ourselves on hard work,” she said. “When you expect more, you get more. If you don’t mind working hard, and have dedication, you’ll accomplish great things.”

By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

Jemison Middle School will likely continue to occupy Jemison Intermediate School for at least one more school year.

The intermediate school was built last year to ease crowding by giving Jemison four schools.

Shortly thereafter, education officials decided the transition would include moving the middle school to the intermediate school, located adjacent to Jemison Elementary, so that renovations could be completed at the old middle school building, which is adjacent to Jemison High School.

But the high cost of the renovations coupled with evaporating state education funding has put the project on hold, at least until the Alabama Legislature passes a budget.

“None of us like the building sitting empty like that, but right now we’re just having to wait,” Chilton County Superintendent of Education Dave Hayden said.

No timeline has been decided on beyond waiting to see what action is taken by the Legislature.

Before students could move back into the old building, the gymnasium—which has been declared unsafe—would have to be demolished, a new gym constructed and the entire facility renovated, Hayden said.

A two-year-old estimate on the project was $1.8 million, a number that could be higher when work actually begins.

Hayden said getting an answer about state funding would be the first step; he would then meet with the Board of Education to discuss whether the renovations would be possible.

If and when the updates were completed, a decision would have to be made about which grades would move back to the old building and which ones would remain at the intermediate. Even grades that are currently at Jemison’s high and elementary schools could be moved.

The elementary school currently houses grades kindergarten through fourth grade, the middle school houses grades 5-7 and the high school houses grades 8-12.

Jemison Middle School Principal Mark Knight said the intermediate school building meets the needs of his teachers, students and administrators.

As for the future, Knight said he plans only to be back in the new building next school year.

“We’re assuming next year will be the same,” Knight said.

By Theadoris Morris

The Chilton County Board of Education agreed Tuesday to move forward with a to a building to Jemison High School.

Sen. Cam Ward recently awarded the school a $25,000 state grant to build a multi-purpose building for the school.

Circuit Clerk Glenn McGriff, Principal Alan Thompson and Wayne Howell represented Jemison at the meeting.

“The building is going to have a batting cage and is going to be a place where cheerleaders or whoever can enjoy,” said McGriff. “We are asking for permission to move forward.”

The next step is to get with an architect to certify the building, and then send it to the Alabama Building Commission, said Howell.

“It has to go to the Alabama Building Commission before they can approve the grant,” he said.

In other business, the board decided to discuss ongoing renovations at Jemison Middle School at a later date so more information can be gathered and studied.

The board also increased the system’s mileage rate to 51 cents per mile, amidst rising fuel prices and a memo from the state comptroller’s office.

By Justin Averette

A tea Saturday afternoon at Fountain Chapel AME Church honored the historic accomplishment of 2010 Peach Queen Jessica Swindle.

Swindle was crowned Miss Peach back in June, in process becoming the first black woman to hold the title.

Several community leaders addressed Swindle, praising her accomplishments, encouraging her to continue to work hard and wishing her good luck in the future.

“I’d like to say congratulations to Miss Swindle and encourage you to keep on keeping on,” County Commissioner Bobby Agee said. “I also want to thank you for being a role model for other young people.”

Other community leaders who spoke were Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver, Clanton City Councilman Greg DeJarnett, Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed, Maplesville Mayor Kurt Wallace, and Probate Judge Bobby Martin.

“We really appreciate Miss Jessica Swindle,” said Driver. “We are proud of you.”

“It’s been a long road, but you’ve persevered and gotten here,” Martin told Swindle.

Swindle was also presented with several scholarships and gifts.

A reception followed the ceremony in Fountain Chapel’s fellowship hall. The tea was sponsored by the West End Neighborhood Watch

Swindle is the 18-year-old daughter of Dwight and Madeline Swindle. This month she will start college at Alabama A&M University.

By Ben Flanagan

North Chilton County schools are preparing for the 2010-11 year by holding orientations to allow students to see their class schedules early, visit with teachers and fill out paperwork ahead of time.

Jemison High School will hold several orientation sessions for students next week, beginning Monday, July 26 at 6-7:30 p.m. for grade eight. Grade 12 will meet on Tuesday at 5-6:30 p.m., and grade 11 at 6:30-8 p.m. that same evening. Grade 10 will meet on Thursday, July 29 at 5-6:30 p.m. followed by grade 9 at 6:30-8 p.m. On Wednesday, July 28, JHS will hold a new student orientation from 9 a.m. to noon. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register. Students can provide family contact information as well as check-out information, which indicates who can check students out of school for illness or emergency situations. Students will also receive their class schedules at orientation, and they can purchase lockers for $10.

Jemison Middle School will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 for registration where parents can meet their teachers and parents can fill out any necessary paperwork. They are also invited to tour the new facility. Students are required to rent lockers this year at a $5 cost. They will not be allowed to carry backpacks during the day.

Jemison Elementary School will hold orientations on Aug. 3 for kindergarten at 6 p.m. and first grade at 7 p.m. They will hold orientation on Aug. 5 for second grade at 6 p.m., for third grade at 6:30 p.m. at fourth grade at 7 p.m.

Thorsby School will hold a new student registration meeting Aug. 2-3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. in the counselor’s office. Orientation for all students will take place on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. Students can bring school supplies and purchase lockers for $10.

By Stephen Dawkins

Seven really was a lucky number for 2010 Miss Peach Queen Jessica Swindle.

The 18-year-old Jemison high grad estimated Thursday that she had been in a total of seven Peach Pageants in various age groups before finally winning a crown.

“I’m so honored. I can hardly believe it,” Swindle said moments after her name was called at Chilton County High School.

Her parents, Dwight and Madeline Swindle were ecstatic — and quite proud too.

“She’s worked for this since she was a little kid,” said Madeline Swindle.

Her dad added: “Anything she’s ever done, she has always put her best foot forward.”

Swindle said she looks forward to her upcoming journey as Miss Peach and representing Chilton County.

Durbin Farms Market sponsored Swindle. In the fall, she plans to enroll at Alabama A&M University and study telecommunications. She would like to be a meteorologist in the future.

Linlee Karn won the swimsuit portion of Thursday’s pageant. She was also named Miss Congeniality.

Swindle’s court includes first alternate Marisa Hilyer, second alternate Candace Pierce, third alternate Leigh Anna Shavers and fourth alternate Krisi Caudill.

Earlier in the week, Kaitlin Ray was crowned Junior Miss Peach, Leah Easterling was named Young Miss Peach and Gracie Owens was chosen as Little Miss Peach. All four girls will be on hand for this weekend’s Peach Fest activities, including the Peach Parade and Peach Auction on Saturday.

From Staff Reports

The Chilton County Board of Education approved employees for the 2010-2011 school year Monday afternoon at its monthly meeting.

The following individuals at North Chilton County schools were approved:

•Jemison Elementary: Counselor and Media Specialist Jared Hood, Elementary Teacher Brandi Bean, Elementary Teacher Samantha McClendon, Elementary Teacher Melissa Short.

•Jemison Intermediate: Cafeteria Assistant Manager Alyson Glass (transfer), Media Specialist Karen Hayes, Special Education Teacher Assistant Rebecca Faucett.

•Jemison High: Cafeteria Assistant Manager JoAnn P. Hall (transfer), Eighth Grade English Teacher Jaime E. Mitchell.

•Thorsby: Assistant Cafeteria Manager Frances Allison (transfer), Science Teacher Timothy K. Williams, Science Teacher Derrick Littleton, Collaborative Education Teacher Holly Deavers (transfer).