Behind the Headlines

Hannah Hammonds caught up with Sylacauga Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Bell. In the interview, they discussed challenges the baseball team has faced during COVID and the upcoming season. Sylacauga is set to take the field against Thorsby on Thursday, Feb. 18 at Walton Cruise Field.

Michael Brannon filled in for Hannah Hammonds. Brannon was joinedby Brett Pritchard, Coordinator of High School and Public Relations of Central Alabama Community College. They discuss scholarships, dual enrollment, and more that CACC offers for students. Pritchard explains the difference between AP classes and dual enrollment classes and how each can benefit students wanting to further their education.

Hannah Hammonds talks with community advocate, Randy Clark about how he and others clean up litter throughout the city of Sylacauga. Later on, Hannah has an one-on-one discussion with newly elected Alabama House of Representative District 33, Ben Robbins.

Coosa Valley Medical Center's Amy Price and Jeff Wood joined Hannah Hammonds to discuss COVID-19 and the impact it has had on CVMC. The hospital will begin giving a limited number of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, Jan. 18 to those who are eligible. Both Price and Wood discussed the vaccination process, as well as the biggest challenges that CVMV has faced since last March. Price discussed how the hospital switchboard has been overwhelmed with phone calls inquiring about the vaccine which has hindered patient care. Individuals are asked to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for inquiries about the vaccine.

Jim Armstrong from Sylacauga Parks and Recreation discussed the various programs the rec center offers to the community and challenges the rec center faced during COVID. The rec center had limited community involvement due to the pandemic. Armstrong also provided a construction update on the Veterans Memorial at the Pinecrest Park walking track.

Julie Sanders from Hurr Smith and Sanders LLC. Sanders discussed business development in downtown Sylacauga, as well as future plans for businesses and new living spaces in the Sylacauga community.

The Sylacauga community is overrun with stray animals. Mitzi Smith and Carolyn Morse from The Feral Dogs of Avondale Mills group discussed the mission of the group, needs for the shelter and the importance of spaying and neutering your animals.

Everyone has a passion for something. Jeff Turner discussed his passion for photography and what it is like being one of the only professional photographers in the community.

Nancy Dickson and Pete Storey from Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE). Dickson and Storey discussed the mission of SAFE, their background, special programs SAFE has to offer and special projects/events SAFE has coming up this Christmas Season to help families in the community.

DeCorey Hale talks about his passion for writing and community involvement. Hale also outlined his most recent community project, which will provide 50 families in the community with meals for the Christmas holiday.