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.

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‘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