After working more than 10 years with the Andalusia Police Department, Officer Jimmy Lassiter is retiring.
The APD recognized Lassiter Wednesday by giving him a plaque with his accomplishments on it.
“I think the thing I’m going to miss the most is going to be working with all of my fellow officers,” Lassiter said. “They have been a joy to work with and it is going to be hard to leave them.”
Lassiter said he will also miss working for the City of Andalusia.
“The City of Andalusia is so special to me because of the citizens,” Lassiter said. “They really showed up whenever Bubba (Bailey) got sick and have always been so kind and generous.”
Lassiter has been working as a police officer for 25 years and started in 1988. His career has taken him to departments in Mississippi and Alabama.
He was also employed by the Florala Police Department for three years.
“I think my fondest memory of working here would be all the good times I’ve had with my fellow officers,” Lassiter said. “I can remember two years ago when ADP had a night out on the town and we had karaoke set up. It was such a blast and I am going to miss all of the bonds that I have made with my coworkers.”
Since Lassiter is an experienced police officer of 25 years, he has some advice for the new incoming officers.
“You have to be smart on the street,” Lassiter said. “Treat people like you would like to be treated and when it comes time when you have to do your job, do it. In this business, what comes around always comes back around.”
Lassiter plans to spend his time during retirement at his paint and body shop fixing up vintage cars.
“In the past, it is what I would do in my free time and I would still be a police officer,” Lassiter said. “Now that I will always have free time, it is going to be nice to fix up some of the old cars I have.”
Construction workers used a giant crane to begin removing the concrete roof from the stage-end of the Andalusia High School auditorium on Wednesday.
Plans for the renovation of the AHS auditorium call for additional height above the stage area so that a fly loft can be added.
A fly system enables a stage crew to fly (hoist) quickly, quietly and safely components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people.
Brian Ray of Wyatt Sasser Construction explained that the concrete roof had to be sawed into manageable pieces before they could be removed. A temporary roof will be put in place, 18 feet will be added to the exterior walls, and a new roof will be added.
Meanwhile, additional crews were moving dirt for the construction of the plaza of the AHS stadium, working on the drainage system for the football field, and working on the foundation for the building that will house dressing rooms for visiting football teams, soccer teams, and softball.
The stadium is expected to be completed in time for football season.
Council OKs additional tax abatement, says it will ‘secure jobs for generations’
What was heralded as great news for the local economy a year ago has gotten even better.
Last April, the Andalusia City Council and the Covington County Commission agreed to abate taxes associated with Shaw Industries $184 million upgrade to equipment at its local facility.
On Tuesday, Shaw officials Ron Fantroy and Carol Carter and Covington County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Rick Clifton asked the Andalusia City Council to approve an additional tax abate for more than $60 million in improvements. The same request will be made to the county commission next week.
“The total project right now is right at $250 million,” Clifton said.
“Better stated, this is a quarter-BILLION dollars plus investment in our community,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “This is an unbelievable investment in our community.”
“They are remaking the plant out there, and implementing latest, most high-tech tools available,” Johnsons said. “This will in effect secure Shaw Industries in our community for a couple of generations
“They will continue to have approximately 1,000 jobs out there, and the additional equipment will make them competitive for a long, long time.”
Shaw officials said in December the project includes construction of new and expanded building assets, and installation of substantial amounts of new manufacturing equipment. The new equipment is expected to be set and operational by mid-2018.
The company is based in Dalton, Ga.
Shaw employs approximately 1,000 associates at Plant 65, which creates fiber used to manufacture carpet.
Recent improvements by Shaw Industries have led to the growth and expansion of a local subcontractor, who is poised to move to the city’s industrial park.
The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday agreed to purchase the building formerly occupied by SQ Fabrication for $300,000, which is $40,000 less than its appraised value.
City Clerk John Thompson said the purchase will be made jointly by the city’s Industrial Development Board and the city, with each contributing $150,000.
In turn, the building will be leased to Triple H, a subcontractor for Shaw.
“They came to us because they had outgrown their current location,” Thompson said.
At present, they are located near the entrance of Shaw Industries.
Thompson said the city will lease the building to Triple H for $2,531 per month, with an option to buy at the end of five years.
“They have doubled their current employment in the last year, and expect to see five or 10 employees added to their work force,” Mayor Earl Johnson said.
Andalusia’s Adult Activity Center is preparing for its 23rd Annual Senior Appreciation Day with a luau theme on Thur., March 29, at the Kiwanis Community Center.
An exciting fun-filled day of activities and entertainment is planned, including music and entertainment, contests, door prizes and lots of surprises. The featured entertainment will be “Ron Taylor & The Country Brand.”
Doors open 8:30 a.m. The show begins 9:00 a.m. and continues until 2:30 p.m. It’s all free!
Contests include a costume contest in luau theme; group banner contest; group skit contest; a dance contest; a cake contest with decorations; and a talent contest. Prizes will be awarded.
The event includes a Senior Trade Day. As in the old days, you can buy, sell and maybe even trade a variety of items, such as arts, crafts, jewelry or even yard sale items. Booths are sure to offer you an enjoyable time browsing; in fact, you may even find that item that you can’t live without. Booth applications for individuals or groups must be completed to rent a booth.
The event is sponsored by the City of Andalusia’s Adult Activity Center & Nutrition Center, with support from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Andalusia Health, and the Martha and Solon Dixon Foundation.
There are specific rules for each contest. For more information, call (334) 222-6891.