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2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

2013-14 AUM cheerleading information announced

Auburn University at Montgomery cheerleading coach Amanda Brasington is seeking interested individuals for the 2013-14 Warhawks' Cheerleading squad. Tryouts will be held from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28 in the AUM Wellness Center.

In order to participate in the tryout, individuals must be a full-time student enrolled at AUM and must have an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Freshmen or transfer students must have been accepted to AUM by the first day of tryout clinics and must bring their letter of acceptance in order to tryout.

Required information to bring to the tryout include: a physical form, tryout agreement and waiver, a tryout information sheet, a photo copy of your insurance card and a $40 cash or check (made payable to AUM Cheerleading).

Macon County's unemployment rate for February

Macon County's unemployment rate for February

Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Tom Surtees announced today that Alabama’s preliminary February unemployment rate is 7.2%, up from January’s rate of 6.9%, and equal to February 2012’s adjusted rate. February’s rate represents 154,885 unemployed persons, compared to 148,663 last month, and 155,673 last year.

In Macon County, the unemployment rate for February was 10.0%, up from 10.4% in January, and up from 9.7% a year ago.

“While we did experience a slight uptick in the unemployment rate this month, we also saw an increase in the number of people working, both over the past month and the past year,” said Surtees. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of people in the labor force.

Hospitals face blood shortages during spring break

Hospitals face blood shortages during spring break

As Easter weekend approaches, many are enjoying a spring break. But for our community’s hospitals, it is one of the most difficult times of the year. Schools and colleges close and people prepare for vacations, prompting a dramatic decline in the blood donations that are essential for our local hospitals to function. 

A rise in traffic accidents due to increased travel leads to a higher number of blood transfusions.

W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith inducted into Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame

W. Gaines Smith, retired director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and 4-H alumnus, was inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame March 19 at the Alabama 4-H and Youth Development Center in Columbiana. He was one of 24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. Smith was nominated by Alabama 4-H.

The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H honors, remembers and pays tribute to those who influenced the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment "To Make the Best Better."

W. Gaines Smith is the only director of the Extension System or its predecessor, The Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, to have worked at every level of Extension in Alabama.

Farrakhan wraps up Tuskegee visit

TUSKEGEE, AL (WSFA)- Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan wrapped up his controversial visit to Tuskegee University Friday night with a keynote address. Hundreds came out to hear Farrakhan speak and hear him address his critics.

"They hate Farrakhan and they want you to hate me as well," Farrakhan said. "It's not because I'm a bad person. It's just that what's in my mouth terrifies them."

 The minister spread his message of black self-sufficiency, and in so doing revealed that Nation of Islam leading figure Elijah Muhammad wanted to purchase Tuskegee University back in the 1960s.

"He wanted to buy this institution and return it to the principles of the great and honorable Booker T. Washington."

Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford presented Farrakhan with the key to the city and made him "honorary mayor of Tuskegee for life."

Copyright 2013 WSFA 12 News.  All rights reserved.

Irrigation improvement bill becomes law

Irrigation improvement bill becomes law

Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Irrigation Tax Credit Improvements bill into law Tuesday to encourage more farmers to install irrigation systems and construct reservoirs. Now, farmers can claim the irrigation tax credit over five years from the date a qualifying project is completed.

Alabama has approximately 120,000 acres of irrigated land, whereas Mississippi and Georgia have more than 1.5 million irrigated acres each. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said he hopes this legislation will make Alabama farmers more competitive and lessen the need for imported corn.
 
"Right now, we're importing corn from the Midwest," Orr said "Why can't we grow that corn here in Alabama with irrigated fields and higher yields and support our state's row crop farmers?

Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to speak at Tuskegee University

Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to speak at Tuskegee University

What: Leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, will address Macon County high school students and Tuskegee University about education, the need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and his plan to improve the economic conditions of black Americans. Invited by the Tuskegee University Muslim Student Association and the Black Belt Deliberative Dialogue, the leader’s visit is part of an ongoing series of addresses at HBCU campuses.

 

Figures of Interest: Farrakhan and Tuskegee University President Gilbert L. Rochon

 

EVENTS:

 

What: Viewing of “World Friendship Tour,” a documentary on Louis Farrakhan’s visits to Muslim nations over the years, and question and answer session with Farrakhan

When: Thursday, March 21

Time: 6 - 9 p.m. CST