There are 40 students participating in Upward Bound at LBW Community College this year.
Upward Bound is a federally-funded program designed to give first-generation students with a low family income a chance to prepare for college. The program serves nine schools from Crenshaw, Butler and Covington counties for students grades 9-12.
Currently, the students are on the LBW campus participating in the summer residential portion of the program. For six weeks, students have the opportunity to experience “college life,” complete with a stay in a dorm room. Four days a week students attend classes, and in the evenings are treated to group activities such as bowling, before retiring to their “dorm room” at the Andalusia Econo Lodge.
“It’s great,” said Brittany Blakenship, a Greenville High School student. “This is my second year in the program. It’s given me such a great advantage and a great way to get ahead in college. It’s challenging. It really makes you feel grown up. It’s a true college experience.”
Fellow attendees Spencer Stallworth and Melanie Kondrat’yev, both of Red Level, agreed.
“It’s my first time away from home, too. It’s been a great way to meet new people,” Stallworth said.
Kondraty’yev said she’s enjoyed the experience.
“It’s been amazing,” she said.
“We especially love the trips,” Blakenship said. “We got to go to Six Flags, and we get to go to Washington, D.C., in July.”
Blakenship is the daughter of Sonya and Robert Blakenship. She plans to attends A&M University in Huntsville and become a pediatric nurse.
Stallworth is the son of John and Beverly Stallworth. He plans to attend Auburn University and become a marine biologist.
Kondrat’yev is the daughter of Andre and Oksana Kondrat’yev. She plans to attend the University of Alabama and become a lawyer.
World War II and Korean veterans who have not signed up for the next Covington County Honor Flight still have a chance to sign up.
President Tonitta Sauls said the flight will leave from South Alabama Regional Airport on Sat., Oct. 1, and will fly directly to Washington Dulles International Airport.
Veterans who take part in the flight will see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery.
Veterans fly free of charge, but guardians must pay $550.
For more info, call Sauls at 488-5065.
The Andalusia City Council last night gave its approval to the first of two murals planned for the Pirate Graphics building on East Three Notch.
A three-panel mural on the side of the building facing East Three Notch will depict early utilities in the county. The council authorized the mayor and clerk to enter a contract with Dothan artist Wes Hardin for the mural.
Murals committee chairman Pat Palmore also showed the council preliminary sketches for the second mural planned for the building, which will include the Three Notch Trail and Hank and Audrey Williams, who were married in the building, as noted by a nearby historic marker.
In other business, the council:
* reappointed Mark Ingram, Emma Locke and Steve Bozeman to the Recreation Board.
* accepted CenturyLink’s low bid for phone service.
* declared a 1996 Crown Victoria in the police department surplus.
Mechanical problems have temporarily closed Cooper Pool in Andalusia.
Director of Leisure Services Dwight Mikel said the pool will be closed today, Thurs., June 23, and tomorrow, Fri., June 24.
City workers are waiting for parts to repair a pump, he said, which affects the ability to properly chlorinate the water.
All swimming lessons have been cancelled for this week, as has tonight’s swim league practice. Those enrolled in swimming lessons will get a free week, he said.
“We’re going to pretend like this week didn’t happen and start over next week,” he said. “If someone has scheduling conflicts with that, they can move to the third two-week session.”
No scheduled pool parties should be affected, he said.
Meanwhile, Coleman Pool will be open to accommodate public swimming both days Cooper is closed.
Andalusia’s Pic-N-Sav grocery store will open in its new location Wednesday.
The grocery store, which is currently located in the Covington Mall, is the last tenant to fill the old Walmart building on the West Bypass.
Beverly Armstrong, head cashier, said the new store features an array of new items, as well as an expanded deli.
“It’s bigger and better,” Armstrong said of the new store. “The deli will also feature sliced meats and cheeses, as well as the same great food.”
Store hours are 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., seven days a week.
The current location in the Covington Mall will also remain open, she said.
“But, it won’t offer the deli, meats or produce,” she said. “It will be kind of like a superette or a mini-mart.”