News
ACCS and Calhoun Launch Free Heavy Equipment Operator Training for the Public on March 27
Today, The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and Calhoun Community College in partnership with Wiregrass Construction and Midsouth Paving will launch its heavy equipment operator training at 10:00 a.m. across the street from Calhoun’s Decatur Campus at the Lineworkers pole yard. The training is part of the ACCS’s rapid training program called Skills for Success, which is offered through the ACCS Innovation Center in downtown Decatur. The innovation center works alongside with business and industry
Calhoun Community College Hosts Free Job Fairs for Job Seekers
The Calhoun Community College Career Services team will host its Annual Spring Job Fair on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) on the college’s Decatur campus. This event is free and open to Calhoun students and graduates, as well as the general public. According to Kelli Morris, Calhoun Director of Career Services, this annual job fair event is one of the largest in North Alabama and will feature over 40 companies
Calhoun Announces Thirty-four Scholarships Available to Alabama Residents Across the State
Calhoun Community College is excited to announce thirty-four automotive scholarships will be available to individuals living in the state of Alabama for the fall 2023 semester. According to Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President, the scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA). “Our automotive business leaders are in desperate need of students with an educational background in automotive,
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and their Team ONE Partners Host Job Fair
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (April 1, 2023) – On April 1, 2023, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and its Team ONE partners will hold a joint Team ONE Job Fair at the Huntsville Marriott at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, from 7:30 until 11:30 am. This event will be a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about MTM and the suppliers and service-providers who help build the all-new Toyota Corolla Cross and the all-new Mazda CX-50. Currently, there are still positions available at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, and
Calhoun Lady Warhawks Defeat Bishop State in State Quarterfinals Basketball Tournament and Byrd-Vinson named Coach of the Year
On March 8th, the Calhoun Community College Lady Warhawks Basketball team won its first game in the ACCC (Alabama Community College Conference) Basketball Tournament against the Bishop State Community College Wildcats with a score of 83-74. The tournament will be held all week at the Alabama A&M University Event Center. Eight women’s and men’s teams from across the state of Alabama are competing in the ACCC playoffs, which started Tuesday, March 7th with championship games on Friday, March 10th to close
The Calhoun Lady Warhawks Basketball Team Advances to State Tournament After 21-Year Comeback
The Calhoun Community College Athletics Division is excited to announce the Lady Warhawks Basketball Team has advanced to the 2023 Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) State Championship. They will take on Bishop State Community College on Wednesday, March 8, 12 noon in Alabama A&M’s new Event Center, 4900 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, AL. “This moment is surreal for the coaches, the students as well as our amazing Calhoun and community fan base. To say we worked hard to get to this place would
Calhoun Named Semi-finalist in the Regional Project MFG Integrated Manufacturing Competition
Calhoun Community College is excited to announce its been named among sixteen other higher education institutions to compete during the 2023 Project MFG Regional Integrated Advanced Manufacturing Competition. "I can't begin to explain how milestones such as these are testaments to the advanced curriculum our technologies programs continue to produce," commented Tad Montgomery, Calhoun Technologies Instructor. "Our students continuously go the extra mile in learning all the vital components of their programs
MeritHouse Realty & Capital Management Announces Expansion to Cover Southeast US
MeritHouse Realty & Capital Management is pleased to announce their expansion into Tennessee. In addition to their Decatur, Alabama office, they now have an office in Brentwood, Tennessee, with plans of a third office in Chattanooga, Tennessee by the end of Spring. With this expansion, MeritHouse Realty & Capital Management is able to serve clients in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Along with their expertise in the traditional residential market, MeritHouse Realty has agents
.jpg)
Hands Across Decatur Opens Emergency Overnight Shelter
Due to the deadly arctic air expected Christmas weekend, with highs reaching only 25 with lows of 11 (possibly below zero), HANDS ACROSS DECATUR has made the decision that we will be open as an emergency overnight shelter beginning Thursday afternoon at 4 pm through at least December 26, at 1 pm. The temps are expected to be 8 degrees by Thursday afternoon - going down to below 0 with wind chill before Friday morning. This is for our unhoused community and is due to the deadly arctic air expected by
Red Sage Communications Continues Expansion, Announces Three New Hires
Red Sage Communications, a top-ranked, full-service, integrated communications agency, has announced the hiring of three new team members, continuing several years of unprecedented growth within the agency. The new team members, Frank Patterson, Accounting Manager; Angelica Ramos- Chbihi, Traffic Manager; and Zack Hurst, Video and Multimedia Specialist, each bring specialized talents that will allow the agency to grow project capacity and efficiency. Remarking on the expansion positions, Red Sage
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department hosts annual “Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department is hosting its annual “Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive. Residents can purchase a new children’s bicycle and deliver to any of the Decatur Fire & Rescue stations across town or to the Decatur Public Safety Training Center, which is located at 4119 Old Hwy 31. Those who are unable to deliver their bike may also call Deputy Fire Marshal Kyle Brown at (256) 341-4856 to schedule a pick-up time. Bikes are requested for donation by Friday, December 9th. “Our
Valvoline Instant Oil Change to Host Grand Opening Event
Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM (VIOC) – the second largest quick lube service chain in the U.S. by number of locations – opened its first Company-owned service center in Decatur, Alabama on September 29, 2022. The new location is located at 2605 Hwy 31 South. No appointments are necessary. To celebrate, the service center invites the Decatur community to the Grand Opening event on Friday, November 11 from 8am – 7pm. Store visitors will enjoy exclusive giveaways and special promotions*, including: • The
.JPG)
New Hiking and Bicycling Trail Opens at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
A new hiking and bicycling trail at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is now open. The trail, portions of which overlay the existing Airport Road, has a fine textured gravel surface and travels through forests, along agricultural fields, and near Flint Creek. The new trailhead parking lot can be accessed from the main Visitor Center entrance. The trail, which forks near its end, provides for a roundtrip mileage of nearly 5.5 miles. The trail provides improved access to the outdoors, supporting the concept
Calhoun Offers Free Admission to Basketball Games
The Calhoun Community College Athletics Division is excited to announce free admission to all Warhawk basketball fans during its 2022-2023 season. The decision was made following the college’s decision to bring basketball back after nearly 21 years. “Our goal is to rebuild the fan base of our athletics programs,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. “We felt the best way to do that is to offer free admission for the community to come out and support the new Warhawk basketball teams and fall in
.JPG)
State of Education Forum Event To Address Progress Being Made in Local School Systems
The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education Forum is an opportunity to hear about the progress being made in our local school systems and the successes and challenges facing our education system. Panelists will include Superintendents from Decatur City Schools, Hartselle City Schools and Morgan County Schools, along with the Presidents of Calhoun Community College and Athens State University. Scott Mayo, Executive Director of Cook Museum of Natural Science, will moderate the
Calhoun has Spots Available for Brewing Course This Fall
The Calhoun Workforce Solutions (CWS) team is looking to fill a few spots in its fall brewing apprentice course this fall. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 7. “This apprenticeship course is the first of its kind in North Alabama, and was designed specifically for beginner to intermediate-level brewers,” commented Doug Brazier, CWS Interim Director and Business Developer. Breweries have become one of the fastest-growing recession-proof industries across the globe, and as the need for craft
1818 Farms Provides New Headquarters for Singing River Trail
Singing River Trail is now calling Mooresville home base thanks to a generous Limestone County family. The McCrary family, owners of 1818 Farms in Mooresville, is providing Singing River Trail a charming home and six acres of land to serve as the new Singing River Trail headquarters located at 4865 Arrowhead Landing Road, Mooresville, AL 35649. This new location will allow Singing River Trail to more effectively fulfill its mission to connect the North Alabama region and enhance the quality of life for
Decatur Fire & Rescue Hosting Halloween Event for Children with Special Needs
The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department is pleased to announce our first Halloween event for children with special needs on October 27, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the City of Decatur’s Fire and Police Training Center, located at 4119 Old Hwy 31. Halloween can be overwhelming for children on the autism spectrum and those with physical disabilities, so we’re excited to offer an event that exclusively focuses on creating an environment where children feel comfortable
Daikin America, Inc. announces the 2022 Daikin America, Inc. Minority Scholarship Program
Daikin America, Inc. announces the 2022 Daikin America, Inc. Minority Scholarship Program for the Decatur-Morgan County area. Daikin America, Inc., a leader in the Chemical and Fluoropolymer industry, will grant the scholarships in January 2023, to deserving minority college students from Morgan County. The selection process will consist of applications being screened by a panel of Daikin America, Inc. employees, with finalists being interviewed by a group panel consisting of Daikin America, Inc.
Area Chamber members named finalists for state small business awards
Three members of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce were recently chosen as finalists for the 2022 Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). The awards recognize the very best in Alabama small business and 46 small businesses have been named as finalist. M & M Servs, LLC, Express Employment Professionals, and Jackson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, all from Decatur, are
The BCA/CCAA Partnership Names Alabama Small Business Award Finalist
The Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), recognizes the very best in Alabama small business. 46 Alabama small businesses have been named as finalists for “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards. Presented annually by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the awards recognize businesses of merit based on a
Calhoun Brings Famous Musician to Princess Theatre
The Calhoun Community College Fine Arts Division is excited to announce famous jazz musician, Jason Marsalis, as its special guest for its ‘New Orleans, Then and Now’ Concert. The event will be held on Thursday, October 27, 7:00 p.m., at the Princess Theatre in Downtown Decatur. This event is FREE and open to the public. From a young age, it was clear that Jason Marsalis had what it took to be great. Jason is the son of pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis, and the youngest sibling of Wynton,
National Fitness Campaign Makes Fitness Free for Everyone in Decatur
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Decatur Parks & Recreation, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) today announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Decatur Parks & Recreation. The Fitness Court, located at Wilson Morgan Park near the trailhead, will open Thursday, October 20, 2022 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This Fitness Court was developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Decatur Parks & Recreation and NFC to expand free access to high quality workouts and create
Huntsville International Airport approved to land commercial space vehicles
Huntsville International Airport has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow commercial space vehicles to land in Huntsville. Huntsville International Airport, located in North Alabama, is the first commercial airport in the U.S. approved as a reentry site to receive a space vehicle landing. “Huntsville has propelled us into another historic first for our state with the award of the commercial space vehicle reentry license for Huntsville International Airport,” said Gov. Kay
Alabama’s First Internationally Sanctioned Hopscotch Course Comes to Courtland
The installation of Alabama’s first internationally sanctioned hopscotch course was completed this week by “Artlady” Sonya Clemons. Clemons, a Jackson County muralist, was commissioned by Singing River Trail (SRT) to hand paint the usable public art on the square of Historic Downtown Courtland. The court is now open to the public. In addition to being sanctioned by the International Society of Hopscotch, the Society has commended Singing River Trail for using this court to build community and deemed SRT
The 100th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week Spotlights the Importance of Fire Escape Planning
During the week of October 9, 2022, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) observes the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™, the longest-running public health observance in the United States. The timing of the annual event commemorates the date of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.1 In support of this year's theme for Fire Prevention
Drive Away Cancer
October means fall and breast cancer awareness. At America’s Car-Mart, for the sixth consecutive year, we will promote our ‘Drive Away Cancer’ campaign during the month. We will utilize our local dealerships to educate and increase awareness of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) life-saving efforts. For every vehicle sold during October, Car-Mart will donate a portion of our sales to the ACS, up to $10,000. For more information about Car-Mart please visit www.car-mart.com
Cerrowire marks milestone with celebration of a century
Hartselle, AL – Cerrowire® employees reveled in the celebration of a century at Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, AL, July 30 during the culmination of their nationwide observance of 100 years of operation. Nearly 450 team members and their families from the Hartselle, AL, facility, MC Cable business and corporate headquarters came together at the museum. During the evening, kids and adults explored museum exhibits and activities, learned fun facts at live animal shows, and enjoyed important
Decatur, Alabama Historic Preservation Commission receives NAPC’s Commission Excellence Award
DECATUR, AL – Decatur, Alabama Historic Preservation Commission received a Commission Excellence Award for Best Practices in Public Outreach and Advocacy from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). The awards program was established to recognize and honor outstanding efforts and achievements by local preservation commissions, as well as individual preservationists doing exemplary work at the federal, state and municipal levels. The Decatur Historic Preservation Committee was honored
Byars|Wright Insurance and Pritchett-Moore Insurance enter merger agreement.
Byars|Wright Insurance and Pritchett-Moore Insurance announced they have entered into a merger agreement. As a result of the deal, the Where Relationships Matter Group, LLC (WRM) formed.While the agencies will continue operating under their respective names, Byars|Wright and Pritchett-Moore Insurance are now members of the new WRM Group. This strategic partnership unites two successful agencies, each more than 75 years old. The complementary nature of their portfolios and cultures presents a
Ashton Dement Named River Bank & Trust’s North Alabama Region President & Executive Vice President
River Bank & Trust's Chief Executive Officer Jimmy Stubbs is pleased to announce the promotion of Decatur's Ashton Dement to North Alabama Region President. Dement has also joined the bank's executive management team as executive vice president. In April 2021, River Bank & Trust opened in Decatur, hiring Dement as Decatur Market President. As North Alabama Region President, Dement will continue leading in Decatur and oversee the bank's northern Alabama initiatives, including its recent arrival in
The Calhoun Foundation names Kim Lewis as new Board President
The Calhoun College Foundation is pleased to announce that Kim Lewis has been named President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Making history as the first African American to serve in this role, Lewis will succeed outgoing President, Rex Cheatham. “On behalf of Calhoun Community College and the foundation’s board of directors, we appreciate Rex for his leadership and direction of the foundation while serving during a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Johnette Davis, Calhoun
Alabama Center for the Arts breaks ground on first residence hall
Today, Calhoun Community College and Athens State University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the construction for new residence halls at the Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) in downtown Decatur. “Today is a great day for Calhoun, Athens State and the City of Decatur,” commented Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun Interim President. “This was a project we foresaw working towards in the future, but today bears the fruit of the great work and dedication of our elected officials, city government
Decatur Renasant team grows with city
Renasant is proud to share that the Decatur banking and lending team is growing. Recently, Tim Lovelace was named Northwest Alabama Division President; Charlotte Gregory was named Decatur Market President; Melissa Nichols was named Vice President, Private Banking; and Seddrick Williams was named Assistant Vice President, Commercial Relationship Officer. “We are happy to announce expanded roles for several of our long term team members who have been foundational in the growth and leadership of our bank
Sonny Craig honored with Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award at Annual Meeting
On Wednesday, Sonny Craig of Decatur was presented the 2022 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year award for his contributions and volunteerism to the community. The award, presented each year at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, is named after the longtime Decatur educator Miss Athelyne C. Banks and honors those whose life reflects the dedication, service and faithfulness to Decatur modeled in the example of Banks. A Decatur native, Craig graduated from Decatur
Community leaders honored at Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration
On Tuesday, three area professionals were honored by the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce at the annual Small Business Awards Celebration for their leadership, creativity and commitment to our business community. Keith Jackson, founder and owner of Jackson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Decatur, was named the Raymon Baker - John Cook - Ralph Jones Small Business Person of the Year; Jacob Ladner, CEO of Thirdmark Capital in Decatur, was named the Arthur Orr Young Professional of the Year; and
Excellence in Leadership Check presentation on June 8
What: The Chamber’s 2021-2022 Excellence in Leadership class has graduated, and the numbers are in from their highly successful golf tournament community project on May 12. This class raised $16,502.40, the most of any Excellence in Leadership class. The proceeds will be distributed to the following organizations: CEOTA-Scottsboro Boys Museum, Clothe Our Kids-First Priority of Greater Decatur and The Arc of Morgan County. Please join us in presenting these recipients with a check to further their mission
Chamber’s State of Healthcare Wednesday will provide an update on new technology and services at Dec
What: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Healthcare will provide an opportunity for business and community leaders to hear from Kelli Powers, President/CEO of Decatur Morgan Hospital, about new technology and services available at the hospital, future plans and an update on the pandemic. Who: Kelli Powers, President/CEO of Decatur Morgan Hospital When: Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 a.m. Where: The DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront, 1101 Sixth Ave. NE, DecaturFor Media:No
Decatur-Morgan County Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration Tuesday
What: The Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration event recognizes the contributions of small business to the local and national economies and honors business leaders in our community. There are approximately 32.5 million small businesses in the U.S., more than 408,000 of those are in Alabama making up almost 47 percent of the states’ employees, and nearly 80 percent of our Chamber’s members fall into that category. The luncheon is also an opportunity to highlight three area professionals
Chamber’s State of the City Forum to highlight growth, development and future in the River City
What: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City Forum is an opportunity for city leaders to highlight the city’s progress in economic development, residential growth, and infrastructure projects to our membership and business community. They will also look ahead at the year to come for the River City. Who: The event will feature Mayor Tab Bowling, Council President Jacob Ladner, and Council Pro Tem Carlton McMasters. Dave Hargrove, Regional Director of State Legislative and
Bo Weinman honored with Chamber’s Commodore of the Year award at Annual Meeting
On Wednesday, Bo Weinman was presented the 2022 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Rosie Hennessy Commodore of the Year Award. Weinman is currently the Admiral of the Commodores and has served as a Commodore since 2015. This group serves as ambassadors for the Chamber and network with new members at events such as ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. “Bo exemplifies true servant leadership. As a Commodore, he has invested numerous hours supporting new businesses and Chamber programs such as the
Chamber’s Annual Meeting Wednesday will highlight our accomplishments over the past year and announce Citizen and Commodore of the Year Award recipients
What: The Decatur–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Annual Meeting presented by Indorama Ventures is an opportunity to celebrate the past 12 months in our community while looking ahead to what’s next for our organization. The Chamber will present the 2022 Miss Athelyne C. Banks Citizen of the Year Award and the 2022 Rosie Hennessy Commodore of the Year Award. The Citizen of the Year Award honors a member of the community that reflects the dedication, service and faithfulness to Decatur modeled in
Chamber’s State of Morgan County address with Chairman Long to focus on growth, development and future
What: Each year, the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce partners with the Morgan County Commission on a variety of initiatives, including the annual State of the County Address. The breakfast provides the Commission Chairman the opportunity to highlight the county’s progress in economic and commercial development, financial sustainability and present an “annual report” to the Chamber membership regarding the accomplishments of the past year. The Chairman also looks ahead and plans to share what he
