News
From Homeschool to Higher Ed: 12-Year-Old Prodigy Enrolls at Calhoun
Now 13, Van-Houston Begins His College Journey at Calhoun this Fall While most students his age are preparing for seventh grade, Van-Houston McMillion is preparing for college. Enrolled at just 12 years old, he became the youngest student in Calhoun Community College’s history. Now 13, this remarkable young scholar will begin classes this fall, working toward an Associate of Science in General Education with a focus on chemistry. His story is more than remarkable. It is a powerful reminder of what is
Calhoun Brings First Respiratory Therapy Training Program to the Rocket City
Calhoun Community College is answering North Alabama’s growing demand for respiratory therapists with the launch of a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy. Beginning this fall, students will be able to pursue this program at Calhoun’s Huntsville campus. According to Ken Kirkland, Calhoun’s Dean of Health Sciences, this accelerated five-semester program was created by a Respiratory Therapy Advisory Committee made up of representatives from more than 20 local healthcare employers,
Calhoun Athletics Announces Denton Bowling, Two-Time State Champion and 2023 Aswa Coach of the Year, as Its New Head Softball Coach
Decatur, AL — The Calhoun Community College Athletics Division is proud to announce Denton Bowling as its new Head Softball Coach. Bowling joins Calhoun with a distinguished coaching résumé and a reputation for building high-performing teams grounded in discipline, accountability, and player development. Most recently, he served as Head Softball Coach at Hatton High School, where he compiled an impressive 242–132 record over seven seasons. A two-time state champion and the 2023 ASWA Coach of the Year,
Calhoun Athletics Announces Cam Chafetz, Former University of West Alabama Hitting Coach and Offensive Recruiting Coordinator, As New Baseball Coach
Decatur, AL — Calhoun Community College Athletics is proud to announce Cam Chafetz as its new Head Baseball Coach. Chafetz will take the reins effective immediately, leading the program into the 2025–26 season and launching recruiting efforts to build momentum with future Warhawk student-athletes. Chafetz brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to the Warhawks program. Most recently at the University of West Alabama, he played a pivotal role in the Tigers' 2025 Gulf South Conference (GSC)
From Classroom to Community: Calhoun’s New Social Work Program Opens Career Paths
Calhoun Community College is excited to announce that it is expanding its programs to address Alabama’s growing need for skilled social workers, one of the state’s most important and in-demand fields. With two distinct degree pathways now available, Calhoun is making it easier than ever for students to confidently enter the world of social work, whether they are eager to join the workforce quickly or plan to continue their education toward a four-year degree.Dr. Donna Estill, Calhoun’s Dean of Humanities
Dr. Ryan Cate Gibson Graduates from Prestigious Appalachian Leadership Institute
Dr. Ryan Cate Gibson, co-owner of Holistic Performance Group and a lifelong advocate for leadership development in the Appalachian region, has officially graduated from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Leadership Institute. The graduation ceremony will beheld in July, marking the culmination of a rigorous, year-long program designed to empower and connect leaders across Appalachia. Chosen as one of only a select group of Fellows from across the 13-stateARC region, Dr. Gibson engaged
When Algorithms Meet Hustle: How AI Tools Can Fuel Small Business Marketing
In the scramble to stay relevant, visible, and engaging in a constantly shifting marketplace, small business owners often find themselves spread too thin. The task of managing campaigns, content, outreach, and analytics on a shoestring budget leaves little room for creativity or experimentation. This is where artificial intelligence steps in—not as a monolithic replacement, but as a tireless partner. Far from cold automation, these tools are becoming the secret ingredient in personalized, data-driven, and
The Right Tools, Right Now: Streamlining Small Business One App at a Time
You’re short on time, high on stress, and trying to get five days of work done before lunch. That’s the daily grind for most small business owners. But guess what? You don’t have to live in spreadsheet hell or chase invoices until midnight. With the right digital helpers, you can carve hours out of your week and maybe even breathe a little. This isn’t about chasing every flashy app, it’s about finding the ones that quietly do their jobs so you can do yours. Let’s break it down. Track Where Your Hours
Cybersecurity Isn't Optional Anymore: A Hard-Earned Guide for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Running a business is hard enough without needing to become an amateur IT expert on top of it, but today's entrepreneurs do not get to skip out on cybersecurity. Whether you are launching a food truck or managing a fifty-person creative agency, the risks are very real and the costs of ignorance are only getting higher. It is not just about protecting yourself from shady hackers hunched over keyboards in dark basements either, it is about safeguarding every relationship, every invoice, every carefully
The Real Art of Merging Digital and Physical Marketing for Small Businesses
Running a small business today means juggling two very different worlds at once. You have your storefronts and sidewalks, your mailers and open houses, right alongside hashtags, newsletters, and Google reviews. Many owners are told they need to choose where to focus, but in reality, the smartest approach is learning how to let both sides feed each other. It is less about throwing a wide net and more about weaving a net that is strong and personal enough to catch attention. Let Your Space Tell a Digital
Decatur Banker David Lively Joins River Bank & Trust
North Alabama Region President Ashton Dement is pleased to announce that Decatur banker David Lively has joined River Bank & Trust. He will serve as Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager, helping neighbors and businesses throughout the area reach their financial goals. "In David, we have a strong banker with 22 years of experience and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed," says Ashton. "He is a great addition to our team, and his insight will be invaluable to our customers and
The Art of First Impressions: What Belongs in Your Digital Welcome Kit
When someone agrees to work with a new business, there's a moment of subtle anticipation—on both sides. It's not just about the product or service anymore; it's about experience, tone, and trust. That's where a digital welcome kit becomes more than a polite gesture. It's the starting point for a relationship, an opportunity to set expectations, and a signal that professionalism meets personality from the very first exchange. Lead With a Personalized Welcome Letter Before diving into links, logistics, or
Joe Wheeler EMC Opens Solar Installation
Trinity, AL Dec. 11 – Joe Wheeler EMC (JWEMC) is excited to announce the opening of its first solar installation in partnership with Peak Solarworks, LLC. This innovative project will generate clean, renewable energy directly into the JWEMC grid, offering cost savings and supporting sustainable energy efforts. The seven-acre facility, located at the intersection of County Road 222 and Cooperage Way, sits directly across from the new First Solar manufacturing facility and exclusively uses American-made
Winning Strategies for Small Businesses to Overcome Financial Hurdles
In an era where economic fluctuations are the norm, small businesses must adopt resilient strategies to thrive. The unpredictability of the market demands a proactive approach to ensure stability and growth. By focusing on strategic planning and resource optimization, small business owners can transform potential threats into opportunities. This article explores practical measures that can fortify your business against economic downturns, ensuring not just survival but also long-term success.Streamline
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
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
