Welcome To Chilton County News in Clanton, Alabama, located in the center of the State of Alabama in the Heart Of Dixie.

This web site contains local Peach Country information, news and happenings about the people of

Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, Isabella, Verbena and Cooper in Chilton County, Alabama.

Chamber Banquet

And Awards Program

Is February 13

    The annual Chilton County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet and Awards will be held Thursday, February 13, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.  The event will be held at 6th Street Warehouse, 202 6th Street South in Clanton.  Tickets are $30.00 each and are available by calling 205-755-2400.

Chili Lunch

January 26 At

West End Baptist

    The Gold Together Relay For Life team at West End Baptist Church will host a chili lunch on Sunday, January 26, immediately following the morning service in the Family Center from 11:30 until 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per person and includes chili made and donated by Jason Lea, owner of Neighborhood Grill, crackers, tea/water, and a dessert. You may dine-in or take-out.

    See any WEBC Relay For Life committee member (Misha Powell, Amy Minor, Angie Godwin, Shelli Sansom, or Sunny Mays) to purchase a ticket.

A table will be set up on Sunday January 19 in the East Lobby of the church for purchasing tickets. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Homecoming At

The Grove Church

    The Grove Community Church, 643 County Road 491 in Clanton will host Homecoming Services on Sunday, January 26.

There will be two speakers, Brother Boatwright and Brother David Kelley. Both will share powerful messages beginning at 5:00 p.m. There will be a potluck meal after the service. You are invited to take your favorite dish and enjoy food and fellowship.

Lighthouse Church

Plans Special

Day January 25

    The Lighthouse Church in Thorsby will host an all day, special day for women on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The day will start off with praise, followed by two morning sessions focused on two women of the Bible, Deborah and Esther. Lunch will feature a variety of salads and light desserts with drawings for door prizes.

The third session will focus on how women can be the Deborahs and Esthers of today. The day will end with worship and prayer. All women are invited to attend.

Firemen Issue Winter 

And Fire Safety Tips

For Extreme Weather 

 Some extreme winter weather is predicted for the state this week.  The Clanton Fire Department has issued some winter and fire safety tips. When using heating equipment, you should follow these helpful tips: keep flammable items at least three feet away from all heating equipment; do no leave space heaters unattended; only use space heaters that meet safety standards and place on a hard, non-flammable surface; limit the number of space heaters on circuits; do no heat with equipment not intended for heating; and follow manufacturer recommendations.

If you are using a fireplace, use a screen to catch sparks, dispose of ashes properly as they can stay hot for several days, do no let fires burn unattended and be sure and clean your chimney.

Candles should never be left unattended and keep them away from flammable objects. Many people tend to use generators especially when the power goes out. Do not operate those inside, even in garages or basements. Do no overload and always follow the manufacturer recommendations.

Extension cords should not be put under rugs, furniture, etc. and they are not for permanent use. Make sure they are fully extended with no sharp bends or knots. Do not overload extension cords and make sure the cords have no damage on them.

Fire extinguishers are a great idea for your home and you should have at least one, five pound minimum, and know how to use them.Use the acronym P.A.S.S.: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep back and forth.

Have one smoke detector on each floor of your home and outside each bedroom. Install the detector to specifications and test mostly. Remember to change your batteries twice per year, spring and fall. Carbon monoxide detectors should be used if you have any type of gas appliance, natural or propane. Install to specifications, test monthly and change batteries twice a year, just like you do a smoke detector.

Rescue Squad To

Share Building With

Senior Connection

   Senior Connection currently occupies a building in the city-owned Park Plaza Shopping Center in Clanton. The city is in the process of selling the shopping center and members of Senior Connection have been diligently searching for a new location. The square footage needed by the organization has presented a problem. Last week, it was announced that the Chilton County Rescue Squad was willing to share their building with the organization.

    Their building is located at 905 Airport Road where the old fairgrounds were once located. It is directly behind the old Department of Human Resources building, near the National Guard Armory. There is an access road to the building and signage will direct seniors to the location. The new location will provide seniors a place to gather for limited activities. There will not be room to move the existing exercise equipment. However, they will be able to continue with some exercise classes and other activities such as bingo, card games and pool games.

    Programs offered during the month will also continue such as crafts, crochet classes and lunch meals for the seniors which only cost them $2.00. Anyone 55 years and older is invited to participate in the activities. The center operates on donations, which are tax deductible. Before the move can take place and the new location is in operation, some regulations must be worked out.  Senior Connection has a social media page where members can stay in touch on updates and activities.

City Changes

Due Date

Effective January 2025

     The Water Works & Sewer Board of the City of Clanton is changing the due date for water, sewer and garbage bills to the 15th of each month. Customers will not be required to make any changes to existing auto draft (ACH) payments, the new draft date will be the 15th of each month. The cutoff date for nonpayment will be the 26th of each month.

YMCA To

Purchase

Building

   The City of Clanton and the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Chilton County are pleased to announce a cooperative agreement to allow the non-profit organization to purchase the building and property that comprise the YMCA complex on Ollie Avenue. The lease-purchase agreement includes the existing YMCA building, 1.37 acres of property as well as the area utilized as the Youth Soccer Complex.

    The ten-year agreement will allow the purchase of the property without creating financial hardship for the YMCA organization. The agreement includes a commitment by the YMCA to provide additional opportunities for Senior Citizens to utilize the facility and grounds for walking and other exercises at reduced or no costs.

    The agreement also provides additional programs to allow senior citizens to utilize the gymnasium for indoor walking and exercise during specific times of the day. Because the YMCA facility is located adjacent to Ollie Park, walking paths and other recreational opportunities will also be conveniently available. Expanded programs will also be provided for senior citizens to enjoy luncheons, meetings, card games and other recreational opportunities.

    According to Director Lori Patterson, “Many of our senior citizens also have an exercise benefit with their insurance plans that will cover the costs of a full membership to the YMCA. This will allow participation in our Silver Sneakers classes that are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, our Brain and Body classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and access to all weight equipment.” 

    In announcing the agreement, Mayor Jeff Mims stated, “We recognize and appreciate the many contributions of the YMCA to our community. The positive impact of the YMCA on our young people is readily apparent by the number of participants involved in the Youth Programs. The YMCA serves a vital function in meeting the needs of residents of all ages and we especially appreciate their continuing efforts in creating opportunities for people to improve their lives and their communities.” 

    Director Patterson stated that she and the Board of Directors of the YMCA are excited about the opportunity to purchase the current building and soccer field property.  The YMCA of Chilton County and the City of Clanton have a long-standing relationship of cooperation and mutual advocacy for our community. The YMCA of Chilton County plans on continued growth as we serve the people of our community through programs that focus on Youth Development, Social Responsibility, and Healthy Living.  

    The YMCA of Chilton County is a non-profit organization. For additional information on the YMCA of Chilton County and services offered, contact a member of the YMCA staff at 205-755-2382 or visit their website at https://ymcaofchiltoncounty.com. The YMCA of Chilton County is located at 405 Ollie Avenue in Clanton. 

Reserve

Baseball And

Softball Fields

   You can now reserve Clanton's baseball and softball fields online!

1. Select your desired field from the subfacilities list.
2. Check the field's availability on the calendar.
3. Click "Request Reservation" and follow the steps to submit your request.

Important Notes:

• Separate reservation requests are required for each individual field.
• Payments must be made in person at Clanton City Hall, Water Department window, located at 505 2nd Avenue N., Clanton, AL.
• Your reservation will only be approved once full payment is received.

    We look forward to seeing you out on the field! For any questions, feel free to contact us at 205.755.6840.

ALDOT To Perform

Bridge Maintenance

Over Coosa River

    The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) plans to perform bridge maintenance on the SR-22 bridge over the Coosa River, connecting Chilton and Coosa counties.

    The work, which also includes repainting the bridge its current gray color, is intended to extend the lifespan of the bridge.

    The project began Monday, November 11 and will continue for approximately one year, weather permitting.

    The contractor will install temporary portable traffic signals to help manage traffic flow and enhance safety when work requires a single-lane closure.

    Cekra was awarded the project at $3.33 million.

    Motorists should expect possible delays and are encouraged to observe work-zone speed limits.

Wireless Antennas 

Installed In Clanton

    Construction crews began work recently to install a series of wireless communication antennas on an unused water tower owned by the City of Clanton. Installation of the antenna array will allow an expansion of the coverage area of the Verizon Wireless network and provide improvements in service and reliability for subscribers. 

    The cooperative agreement between the City of Clanton and Verizon Wireless provides for a five-year renewable lease. The antenna array will be installed on the unused water storage tank located near Keystone Drive. Utilization of the tank for this purpose will eliminate the need for construction of a stand-alone cellular tower. 

    According to Mayor Jeff Mims, the terms of the lease agreement will generate additional revenue for the city. A portion of the proceeds of the lease agreement have been applied to repainting and refurbishing the water tower for use should the city require additional storage capacity in the future. The revenue generated by the lease agreement will provide sufficient funds to complete the refurbishment project at no additional cost to the city.

    Completion of the antenna installation and other improvements to the network will expand and improve the 5G mobile coverage area for Verizon Wireless subscribers.

Clanton Fire

Department

Incidents

December 1, 2024

20 Block Park Drive South-General Illness

I65 210 Mile Marker South Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

300 Block Smith Street-Public Assist

800 Block Ashley Court-Chest Pain

400 Block Thrash Road-Difficulty Breathing

100 Block Morris Avenue-Fire Alarm

I65 209 Mile Marker South Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

2100 Block 7th Street South-Altered Mental Status

December 2, 2024

100 Block Thompson Avenue-Public Assist

December 3, 2024

100 Block Avalon Way-Medical Alarm

800 Block Trilliam Lane-Chest Pain

700 Block Cobblestone Circle-Fall

400 Block 2nd Avenue South-Fire Alarm

Jackson Avenue and 7th Street-Motor Vehicle Accident

I65 210 Mile Marker South Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

20 Block 2nd Avenue South-Abdominal Pain

700 Block Cobblestone Circle-Public Assist

300 Block 11th Street South-General Illness

December 4, 2024

100 Block Avalon Way-Fire Alarm

10 Block Vinson Place-Public Assist

20 Block 2nd Avenue South-Abdominal Pain

300 Block Arby Drive-Fall

20 Block Park Drive South-Stroke

800 Block 8th Street North-Brush Fire

1600 Block Kincheon Road-Public Assist

2000 Block Yellowleaf Road-Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Lilly Street-General Illness

2200 Block 7th Street South-Altered Mental Status

December 5, 2024

I65 207 Mile Marker South Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Medical Center Drive-Unresponsive

2200 Block 7th Street South-Chest Pain

600 Block 1st Avenue-Difficulty Breathing

200 Block 2nd Avenue South-General Illness

1600 Block Jackson Avenue-Fire Alarm

20 Block Park Drive South-General Illness

1900 Block Glendale Drive-Public Assist

December 6, 2024

1400 Block of 4th Avenue South-Seizure

2900 Block Yellowleaf Road-Fall

500 Block 2nd Avenue South-Brush Fire

2800 Block 7th Street North-General Illness

1100 Block 7th Street North-Police Matter

600 Block Airport Road-Motor Vehicle Accident

December 7, 2024

100 Block Coosa Street-Seizure

600 Block 6th Street South-Electrical Fire

2100 Block 7th Street South-Seizure

400 Block Ollie Avenue-Fire Alarm

900 Block Enterprise Road-Blood Pressure Check

100 Block Authur Drive-Blood Pressure Check

400 Block 7th Street North-Syncope

100 Block Oak Ridge Lane-Fall

I65 208 Mile Marker North Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

December 8, 2024

1500 Block Westlyn Avenue-Structure Fire

2100 Block Temple Road-Motor Vehicle Accident

2100 Block 7th Street South-Unresponsive

20 Block Vinson Place-General Illness

700 Block 15th Avenue North-Chest Pain

3000 Block 7th Street North-General Illness

December 9, 2024

200 Block Health Center Drive-Chest Pain

500 Block Enterprise Road-Diabetic Emergency

900 Block 7th Street South-Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Park Drive North-Seizure

300 Block Hinkle Road-Assault

7th Street South and I65-Motor Vehicle Accident

December 10, 2024

600 Block 7th Street South-Motor Vehicle Accident

100 Block Colonial Circle-Unresponsive

400 Block Thrash Road-Fall

2000 Block 2nd Avenue North-Natural Gas Odor Investigation

2800 Block 7th Street North-Public Assist

December 11, 2024

2100 Block 7th Street South-General Illness

1400 Block 7th Street South-General Illness

400 Block 6th Street North-Public Assist

1400 Block 7th Street South-Difficulty Breathing

100 Block Health Center Drive-Stroke

1400 Block 7th Street South-Motor Vehicle Accident

1100 Block Lay Dam Road-Chest Pain

600 Block Inverness Drive-Altered Mental Status

December 12, 2024

2500 Block 7th Street South-Chest Pain

300 Block Arby Drive-Chest Pain

500 Block 2nd Avenue North-Chest Pain

500 Block 2nd Avenue North-Chest Pain

400 Block Lay Dam Road-Medical Alarm

I65 200 Exit South Bound-Vehicle Fire

December 13, 2024

1400 Block 8th Street North-General Illness

100 Block Maplewood Drive-Diabetic Emergency

I65 208 Mile Marker South Bound-Motor Vehicle Accident

December 14, 2024

2000 Block Lay Dam Road-Fire Alarm

300 Block City Street-Seizure

900 Block 4th Avenue North-Chest Pain

1400 Block 7th Street South-Altered Mental Status

800 Block Golf Drive-Fall

200 Block Lilla Avenue-Fall