The Covington County Veterans Day parade is set for 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in Andalusia.
U.S. Marine Corps Major (Ret.) Christopher Lawson, a Pleasant Home graduate, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Veterans Day program, set for Mon., Nov. 12, immediately following the parade.
On Saturday, The Star-News will publish a magazine tribute to veterans, featuring the war stories of many from this area who served during times of conflict. John Vick contributed much of the content of the magazine, based on dozens of interviews he’s done with veterans.
And throughout the weekend, Huddle House restaurants throughout Alabama – including Andalusia and Florala – are honoring the military with a “sweet” gesture this Veterans Day. From Nov. 9-12, to all active duty, retired and veteran military members with a military ID will receive a free order of Sweet Cakes during their visit.
Just ask, and show a current military ID.
Purchase will settle decade-old debate over house
The Andalusia City Council settled a decade-old dispute Tuesday when it agreed to buy two lots at the intersection of Sheraton Drive and Lindsey Bridge Road.
The council, which authorized the purchase of the lots for $33,000, intends to put a pedestrian park there, with benches and lighting, for the convenience of those who use new sidewalks in the area and need a place to rest, Mayor Earl Johnson said.
The owner of the lots, Nathan Frank, has 60 days to remove a house or the city will demolish it, Johnson said.
The house has been a bone of contention for residents of the area who said it did not meet the standards of nearby Meadowbrook Subdivision for more than 10 years. Frank moved the house to the lots, but then learned the lots were zoned commercial. The Planning Commission denied a request to rezone the property residential in 2007, and outrage over the structure led the city council to pass a house-moving ordinance.
U.S. Marine Corps Major (Ret.) Christopher Lawson will be the guest speaker at this year’s Veterans Day program, set for Mon., Nov. 12, immediately following the parade.
Lawson is a graduate of Pleasant Home High School and currently works in the Social Security Administration office in Andalusia.
During his 21-year military career, he was stationed in Quantico, Va.; Parris Island, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Gainseville, Fla.; Cherry Point, N.C.; Whidbey Island, Wash.; Pensacola; Iwakuni, Japan; and San Antonio, Texas.
He was deployed in 2007 to WestPac in Iwakuni, Japan; and in 2008 and again in 2009 to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.
He received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (5th Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, Drill Instructor Ribbon, Recruiter Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Commendation, Sea Service Deployment (3rd Award), Overseas Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), and National Defense Medal (2nd Award).
He also earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Auburn University in 2002.
Lawson is the son of Dige and Patricia Lawson of the Pleasant Home community. He and his wife, Renee, have two sons, Blake, 19, a University of Alabama student; and Brian, 17, a senior at Pleasant Home High School.
The annual Veterans Day parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Andalusia High School and end at the Covington County Veterans Memorial. High school bands from area high schools will be marching in the parade.
Mayor Earl Johnson helps demonstrate the Christmas in Candyland app, an augmented reality app, which is available for free. The app allows users to capture Candyland magic by adding snow to photos, or to find enchanted characters throughout the venue which add interesting items - like this snow scene and train - to photos.
The Andalusia City Council last night authorized a total budget of up to $96,000 for Christmas in Candyland, but expects to recoup a portion of its expenses in ticket sales and sponsorships.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy outlined the event budget, adding that a good portion of the budget is for capital expenses, including a new train engine for the Candyland Express, the development of a new Christmas in Candyland app, and a new maze.
Because the Candyland Express runs constantly when the venue is open, and is always pulling weight, the original train engine is beginning to show wear. The new engine will include a diesel engine, and the existing engine will be used as a back-up.
Duffy said the city recoups part of its expenses from ticket sales for the Polar Bear Slide and ice skate rentals, which usually generate an income of $30,000 during the month-long event.
This year, Duffy said, there also is a new website for the event, christmasincandyland.com, which includes information about lodging, dining and other local attractions for those who travel to Candyland from outside the market. It opens Dec. 1.
First United Methodist Church on Sunday broke ground on a 6,500 square foot addition that will provide classrooms and a play area for children while improving security and incorporating technology into the learning environment.
The project, which is the second phase of major construction project undertaken by the church, is expected to be completed in 2019.
Speaking from the pulpit on behalf of the board of trustees and finance committees, Billy Bergfield said the project also includes a main entrance and new lobby that will provide direct access to both of the church’s elevators.
Once the construction is completed, the existing children’s wing will be demolished, and additional parking will be added.
At the groundbreaking following Sunday morning’s service, Mayor Earl Johnson was invited to share some thoughts.
Johnson quoted Winston Churchill, who said, “First we shape our buildings. Thereafter, our buildings shape us.”
The mayor talked about the importance of the Methodist buildings through the years, not just to church members, but to the community, as the setting for Boy Scout meetings, elementary school outings, and many other events.
Sarah Sightler, who represented the church’s architectural committee, said as a lifelong member of the church, she is excited to watch the project unfold, ultimately offering opportunities for her own children.
the first phase of construction included renovating the fellowship hall and kitchen, as well as addressing water damage in several places, including the church’s iconic bell tower.