There are 14 new computers available for use at the Andalusia Public Library, thanks to the nationwide broadband opportunities program.
The selection replaced five old computers, as well as provided for five new desktops and four laptops, said library director Karin Taylor. Funds for the purchase were made available through a $4.6 million award to Auburn University by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“The money is to be used to expand the availability of broadband technology in Alabama’s rural libraries and public schools,” Taylor said.
Under the programs guidelines, it works to improve public access to broadband services in underserved areas of the state in order to bridge the “digital divide” between low-income rural areas and wealthy urban areas.
Taylor said she applied for the funding in November. The laptop computers will be used to help with onsite tutoring, she said.
“This is a great opportunity for small libraries such as ours to increase our technology services for our patrons,” she said. “Patron use of our computers has increased dramatically during these trying economic times. We hope to receive more computers through this initiative in the coming months.”
Taylor said the library’s new website is now available onsite and work is under way to “go live” in the coming months, making it possible for patrons to check out electronic books.
“We will be fine tuning the configurations for it today with our library software vendor, and hopefully it will be ready for access offsite very soon,” she said. “We are in the final phase of training for our EBook service. We are part of a consortium that consists of several libraries throughout Alabama. We expect the service to be available sometime in June.”
With just over two weeks left before the April 27 Covington County Relay for Life event, fundraising is wrapping up, said Chairw-oman Allison Tew.
“I checked online earlier (Tuesday) and we have $32,641 posted,” Tew said. “That’s $1,000 over where we were this time last year, so we’re pleased with the effort. Every dollar counts and every dollar we raise is a dollar the American Cancer Society didn’t have to find a cure for cancer.”
Tew said for those who have not turned in fundraising monies, bank night is on Mon., April 23, at CCB Community Bank. “There are still a couple of fundraisers that are ongoing. The city team is raffling off a golf cart. Tickets are $2 each and available at the utility office or at city hall. We’re also still taking sponsorships for ‘torches of hope’ for $100.”
Tew said the torches will bear the names of sponsors and will line the track.
The night of Relay events will be big on competition, she said.
“Our theme this year is ‘Go Long for a Cure,’ and we want to capitalize on that,” she said. “We won’t have a concession stand this year, and we’re encouraging teams to do the full tailgating experience by bringing your own food. Then, go one step further and enter our ‘best of’ competition.”
For $5, participants can enter a meat, side dish, dessert or drink in the competition. Survivor participants will serve as judges and the winners will receive a cash prize.
“We ask that you prepare your food on site or at home,” Tew said. “No store bought items. Don’t go to Winn-Dixie and get their potato salad and try it call it your own.”
Tew said 19 teams are slated to participate in the event, and the public is invited to attend.
“We’re going to have great entertainment, all the Relay events like the survivor’s lap and dinner and sports games, plus fireworks,” she said.
The event will be held at the Kiwanis Center fairgrounds. Gates open at 2 p.m.
For more information about Relay or the night’s events, contact Tew at the county board of education building at 334-222-7571.
The Andalusia City Council Tuesday reappointed Gwen Kelley, Martha Duggan and Emma Locke to the Tourism and Relocation Committee. The council also appointed one new member, Elaine Manning.
There were two applications for the opening. The committee plans to invite the other applicant, Carla Mooney, to attend their meetings.
The council also adopted a resolution assigning abatement costs to certain pieces of property. If the property owners don’t pay those fees, the fees will be added to their property taxes. The costs ranged from $120 to $2,200 for cleaning up property. The lowest charges were for weeds; the highest for removing the remains of a mobile home.
Andalusia Star News
Fans have just over a month to score concert tickets to Little Big Town’s May 5 show in Andalusia. The outdoor concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale for the country music act, which will headline the Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club third annual Three Notch market arts and crafts festival. The event will be held at the historic Springdale Estate located in historic downtown Andalusia.
Advance tickets, which are $10, are available at Southern Independent Bank, Harold’s, CCB Community Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, and from any AJWC member. They also will be available at Red Garter Review tonight and tomorrow night. Tickets, if still available, will be $15 the day of the show.
For ticket information, contact Terr Jones at 208-0643.
City of Andalusia employees Pearl Givens and Kathy Ammons had the ‘cookout fever’ as they were all smiles while taking up money for the city’s annual ‘Cookout on the Square’ Relay for Life event held on the Court Square. Residents had a choice of Billy Jo Stallworth’s famous hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade ice cream. The morning showers were not enough to stop local residents from partaking in the festivities.