News stories published in The Messenger’s Online Edition during March 16- 31, 2001 , included:
Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 1, 2001
March 16
Equal cutbacks request denied
Those in higher education are optimistic the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent decision is a temporary setback.
‘Highlights’ of a professional writer
Beverly Capozzoli could wallpaper a room with rejection notices.
Saturday proclaimed Mayor Al Gibbs Day in Troy
When Al Gibbs agreed to run for the Troy City Commission in 1968, he met with a group of supporters who contributed $25 each to his war chest.
Pike ranks 35th in growth
When it comes to growth, Pike County, though not leading the pack in the state of Alabama, got its fair share in the last 10 years.
March 18
Park boasts long, distinguished history
Troy has a long history of providing safe places for children to play and spend time with their families.
March 17, 2000 10 PM
Efforts under way to renovate Murphree Park
Children in Troy will have a first-rate playground if the community backs a project headed up by the Exchange Club of Troy.
March 17, 2000 10 PM
Thomas named to Sentencing Commission
Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas is representing sheriffs from across the state by serving on the Alabama Sentencing Commission.
March 17, 2000 10 PM
Library saddles up with Will James book collection
Every Texan is a cowboy at heart and B.B. Palmer is no exception.
March 17, 2000 10 PM
March 20
Goshen Fire Dept. adds new service, new costs
GOSHEN ­ In the event of a medical emergency, the town of Goshen is prepared.
March 19, 2001 10 PM
State PSC President Sullivan to speak in Troy
Jim Sullivan, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission, will be speaking at the Pike County Republican Get Together and camp stew supper on March 22.
March 19, 2001 10 PM
Police seek alleged sexual predator
A suspected sexual assailant is believed to be on the prowl in Troy and city and Troy State University police are encouraging citizens to take the proper precautions.
March 19, 2001 10 PM
Stephens named WTVY ‘Good Citizen’
Ivey Stephens is not one to toot her own horn, but there are those around her who will gladly blow it for her.
March 19, 2001 10 PM
March 21
Chamber to host golf tournament on April 2
It’s time to tee off with the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at the second annual Pike County Chamber of Commerce Business and Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament.
Southeastern Rendezvous takes trip in history
With today’s technology, it seems that almost anything is possible – everything except traveling back in time.
Officials think Troy numbers are inaccurate
Pike County’s growth over the past 10 years was only about 7.3 percent.
March 22
Gospel Choir tour includes Alabama, Texas cities
The Troy State University Gospel Choir that has won great acclaim for its campus performances will now take its show on the road.
March 19, 2001 10 PM
Housing Authority staff earns top honors
Troy Public Housing Authority’s "spirit of caring" recently earned the staff honors as the Southeast Alabama chapter of the National Association of Social Work’s Public Citizen of the Year.
March 21, 2001 10 PM
Proration’s grip hasn’t tightened ­ yet
For now, education is getting its full funding, but that could change at any moment.
March 21, 2001 10 PM
Trail Ride scheduled March 24
The sun is showing its face just in time for the Spring 2001 Pike County Trail Ride Saturday, March 24.
March 21, 2001 10 PM
March 23
TPD nabs alleged assailant
An intensive investigation into more than one case of alleged robbery, kidnapping and sexual assault bore fruit for Troy Police Wednesday night when officers arrested James Otis Guice, 30, of Troy.
March 22, 2001 10 PM
Thursday gunfire leaves Troy man injured
A Thursday morning shooting at a Troy convenience store parking lot left one man injured when a bullet tore into his car and hit him in the back. He is currently in serious to critical condition in a Birmingham hospital.
March 22, 2001 10 PM
Neighbor: Ukraine student finds second home
Veronica Zlukovskaya is a Troy State University exchange student from Ukraine.
March 22, 2001 10 PM
PCHS Pike Players snag 18 stage awards
If "all the world’s a stage," there are some Pike County High School students who are ready for the limelight.
March 22, 2001 10 PM
March 25
School boards consider renewing ad valorem tax
The Troy Board of Education and the Pike County Board of Education are looking into the issue of ad valorem tax.
Dance workshop to be held at Colley Senior Complex on April 7
Do you love to dance? Or do you wish you could dance?
Area representation may remain the same
The numbers are in and it appears this area’s representation will stay as is.
Pioneer Music Day set for this Saturday
Pioneer Music Day last April 1 was no April Fool’s Day. It was so successful that Pike Museum of Alabama (formerly Pike Pioneer Museum) committed to making it an annual event.
March 27
Police, D.A.: Don’t hesitate to call 911
Like local law enforcement officers, Mark Fuller, district attorney for the 12th Judicial District of Alabama, is concerned for the safety of young women in Pike County, particularly those in college, due to alleged attacks that have recently occurred.
Firefighters close in on fire house purchase
Fires have claimed the lives of a number of Alabamians and the Pike County Firefighters Association wants to make sure that does not happen here.
March 26, 2001 10 PM
Tickets on sale for Colley Complex Gala
The town is a-buzz with talk of the Colley Senior Complex Gala planned for April 21 at Troy County Club.
March 26, 2001 10 PM
County schools need renewal of taxes
Pike County Commissioners were updated on the ad valorem tax by local school superintendents.
March 26, 2001 10 PM
Sneed wins ‘Tar Wars’ competition
Kayla Sneed, a fourth grader at Banks Middle School, was named the winner of the 2001 Tar Wars poster contest sponsored by Dr. Kurtis Eaton of Troy.
March 26, 2001 10 PM
March 28
More buildings in Troy likely to be demolished
Two more buildings in Troy are likely to be demolished.
Lawsuit admits no fault of Ellis Metals
Although the insurance company representing Ellis Metals of Brundidge in a lawsuit resulting from a fatal accident has settled out of court, James Ellis maintains no fault on the part of his company.
Fire damages County Club home
A Tuesday afternoon fire caused extensive damage to a residence on Spradley Drive.
Howard honored with Masonic distinction
Wilburn Howard received a distinction awarded to few men.
March 29
Troy native may serve as U.S. ambassador
U.S. President George W. Bush has announced his intention to appoint a Troy native to the position of U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas.
March 28, 2001 10 PM
Officials defend response time to local fire
City officials are responding to accusations from some residents that fire trucks lagged in their response to a house fire Tuesday afternoon.
March 28, 2001 10 PM
National Library Week is April 2-7
Each year during National Library Week, Friends of the Library of Troy Public Library takes the opportunity to invite new members into their organization.
March 28, 2001 10 PM
April proclaimed Sexual Assault Awareness Month in city of Troy
One in every three females is sexually assaulted during her lifetime.
March 28, 2001 10 PM
March 30
Driver’s license or state ID required to purchase new tag
A change in an Alabama law has some vehicle operators confused.
March 29, 2001 10 PM
Wreck claims life of Ozark woman
BRUNDIDGE – A Thursday morning accident on Highway 231’s wet surface claimed the life of a 23-year-old Ozark woman.
March 29, 2001 10 PM
Neighbor: Stewart stays on his soap box
For a half century, Robert Stewart of Brundidge has been on a soap box, or to be more exact, in a soap box.
March 29, 2001 10 PM
Several events highlight weekend
Residents of Pike County will be taking steps to save the lives of babies during the March of Dimes WalkAmerica on Saturday.
March 29, 2001 10 PM