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Relatively Good Funding - Poor Results 3/17

Besides the poor testing results demonstrated on the chart to the right, an equally alarming case for Wilcox County may be the numbers which were reported to the State regarding school safety. Statistics that were released by the Wilcox County Public School System reported just 4 Assaults and 3 cases of students being caught with drugs for the entire 2003 school year. These numbers seem to seriously contradict local reports.
Studying the chart, one can deduct: the problems with the Wilcox County Public School system can not be blamed entirely on poor finances. To the contrary, Wilcox Schools spend more money per student than any of the other schools that are included in this diagram.

Reception For the Honorable Judge Marvin W. Wiggins 3/17
A reception for the Honorable Judge Marvin W. Wiggins will be held at the Perform-ing Arts Center, located at 1000 Selma Avenue in Selma, Alabama on Monday, March 22, 2004. The reception will begin at 4:30 pm. Wiggins is up for re-election as the Circuit Judge of Alabama’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox Counties. Your presence is requested at this reception. “Stickin’ with Wiggins!”  Election day is June 1, 2004.
Register to Vote!

AFRICAN AMERICANS RIGHT TO VOTE, IN JEOPARDY 3/17

(Editorial--By Kenyatta Ray Continued from the March 3rd Voting Rights Coverage)

The passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was powerful! Voter registration by African Americans increased dramatically! By 1968, nearly 60% of eligible African Americans were registered to vote in Mississippi. In other southern states, the numbers began to rise as well. Between 1965 and 1990, the number of black state legislators and members of Congress rose from two to 160.  The purpose of the 1965 Act was to restore the right to vote guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments. Some say that the Voting Rights Act, itself, was the single most successful piece of civil rights legislation ever passed. The Voting Rights Act was extended in 1970, 1975, and 1982. President Ronald Regan extended the Act for another 25 years in 1982. What this means is that in the year 2007, the extension by Regan will expire. At this time, whether or not Blacks retain the right to vote will depend upon current lawmakers and how they decide to vote concerning the renewal of this Act.

Spotlight on The Wilcox County Family Resource Center 3/17
The Voice’s Spotlight on Good Stuff in Wilcox County

The Family Resource Center is open Tuesday through Friday, and offers a wide range of activities including: adult education classes, 21st Century Leadership, BAMA Kids, technology programs, computer and internet access, after School tutoring, 4-H programs, an exercise room with equipment and African dance. The group works very diligently to expose their young participants to cultures outside of the borders of Wilcox County. The youth participate in numerous events throughout the year as well. The 21st Century Group, for instance, participated in the annual Jubilee Bridge Crossing Festivities in Selma, Alabama about three weeks ago.

Albert Turner, Jr. to Run for US Congress in District 7 3/17

This week in Camden, residents will notice new signs for the United States Congressional Race. Albert Turner, has decided to run for the Seventh District seat currently occupied by Artur Davis. Turner, by profession is a county commissioner and is from Marion, Alabama.

Ashcroft, Released from Hospital  3/17

WASHINGTON DC-- U. S. Attorney General John Ashcroft was released from the hospital last week following surgery to remove his gallbladder. Ashcroft, 61, will continue to rest and have some leisure time at his Washington home, according to Mark Curallo, spokesperson for the Justice Department. Deputy Attorney General James Comey is in charge of the department in Ashcroft's absence.

CSAT to Continue Wilcox DREAMS 3/17

Starting April 6th, CSAT will continue the Wilcox DREAMS (Determining Realistic Expectations and Managing Self) program. Funded by the Department of Education, the program will soon come to fruition. Not to be confused with the 21st Century Leadership Group, the 21st Century Learning Center is a separate program. Both programs share a goal however, of exposing youth to cultural activities and enrichment. Wilcox DREAMS is a partnersip between the Wilcox County Board of Education, BAMA Kids, Inc. and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. Please Contact Ms. Carolyn Jones or Ms. Yolanda Smith-Nicholson for additional information at 334-682-4289

 

Pres Harris of Alabama Arise Speaks at Wilcox county       3/17

Family Resource Center

 Pres Harris, a staff member of Alabama Arise, a political lobbying organization, attended the Wilcox County Family Resource Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2004. At the meeting, Ms. Harris updated the group on Arise's activities, provided an overview of Lobby Day and thanked the group for its continued support of Arise.
Arise supports: Tax Reform, Transportation, Medicaid, Landlord-tenant bills (to protect families from the negligence of poor landlords), Death Penalty Moratorium For a complete listing of all bills Arise supports and how these bills are being decided upon, visit www.arisecitizens.org

Teen Kills Deputy, Then Himself  3/17

On Friday, March 12, 2004, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, police was called to the home of Frank Harvey, Assistant District Attorney for Loudon County. Apparently, his teenage son, 16-year old Michael Harvey, had forced the Asst. DA’s wife out of their home. Mrs. Harvey fled to a neighbor's house for safety after Michael allegedly attacked her with a pipe for refusing to allow him to drive the car to school. Mrs. Harvey is said to have refused to let the teenager drive the car, because he had been drinking the night before. The first deputy to arrive was Deputy Jason Scott who was fatally shot the moment Scott stepped outside of his car.

Woman Charged with Murder for Refusing a C-section   3/17

After repeated warning by doctors that her babies lives were in jeopardy, Melissa Ann Rowland, 28, refused to have a cesarean section. Reportedly, Rowland did not want the scar that would be left behind after the surgery.
Rowland was pregnant with twins, but only one lived following delivery on January 13th. An autopsy revealed that the other baby died inside the womb two days prior to Rowland's labor date. According to doctors, both babies would have lived, had Rowlands had the c-section, which she had been encouraged to do since Christmas of 2003.

 

Man Charged With Family Slayings   3/17

Fresno, CA--Believed to have been a polygamist and involved in incest, Marcus Wesson, of Fresno, California is charged with the murders of nine family members. Wesson, age 57, is alleged to have fathered children with approximately four women, two of whom were his own daughters.  . When police arrested Wesson, he was covered with blood, yet he remained calm. The bodies of the victims were found under a pile of clothing. Identifying the victims and locating the next of kin became a gruesome task for the Fresno Police Department. Officers were called to the house Friday for a child custody dispute. Inside the home, police found 10 wooden coffins. It is reported that Wesson bought the coffins more than five years ago, stating that he'd planned to use the mahogany wood to refurbish a boat. After finding the ghastly scene, some officers were placed on administrative leave and are being given counseling. The victims were six females and three males, ranging in age from 1 to 24 and believed to be all Wesson's children and grandchildren.

CREEK INDIANS, FOSSILS, AND STEAMBOATS    3/17
OH MY !!!!!!!

Monroe County Heritage Museums is proud to present March 18-20th from 9am to 4pm, The Alabama River Festival.
Centered around Alabama River Museum, located at the Claiborne Lock and Dam, will be a collection of exhibits, storytelling, and living history demonstrations. See the traditions and lifestyles of the early inhabitants of Monroe County come to life with Native American dance, river music, flint knapping, and more. Go on a tour of the only museum located on the Alabama River in Monroe County and explore the prehistoric exhibits of early life captured in the fossils on display. See the steamboat exhibits recount the history of the riverboat towns.

Amazon Queen of Matamba WEST AFRICA (1582-1663)   3/17

A very good military leader who waged war against thesavage slave-hunting Europeans. This war lasted for more than thirty years. Nzingha was of Angoloan descent and is known as a symbol of inspiration for people everywhere. Queen Nzingha is also known by some as Jinga by others as Ginga. She was a member of the ethnic Jagas a militant group that formed a human shield against the Portuguese slave traders. As a visionary political leader, competent, and self sacrificing she was completely devoted to the resistance movement. She formed alliances with other foreign powers pitting them against one another to free

Arlington Presbyterian Church Celebrates 100 years

The Arlington Presbyter-ian Church, USA was packed with well-wishers as the church celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The guest speaker for the day was the illustrious young Congressman, Artur Davis, of District 7. Davis spoke of being impressed by the efforts of the church members to continue seeking miracles through the years. Prior to his speech the congressman was treated to several soulful and stirring selections from the Wilcox Central High School Choir. The youth are led by Ms. Jacqueline Nettles.

 

Mack Convinces Council to Try for New Four -Way Stop on Bypass Camden-- Citycouncilman Eli Mack convinced the Council Monday that there should be a four-way stop on the Camden Bypass near Bones Grocery (T.L. Threadgill and the Bypass) because there are too many accidents at the location. The City will work with the Highway department to try and find out if either stop signs or a traffic light can be placed at the intersection.

Fighting on the Ice Leaves Player with Broken Neck     3/17

Last week, Vancouver Canucks player, Todd Bertuzzi delivered a blind-sided blow to Colorado Avalanche player, Steve Moore. Moore suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck as a result and has been flown to Denver, Colorado where he will be treated for the injury. Moore also suffered a deep gash wound on his face and a concussion as result of the beathing. Avalanche fans were outraged by the hit and are calling for the National Hockey League to take serious action against Bertuzzi.

 

 

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