Annsiton, AL – Commission Meeting Highlights from June 26, 2025
The Calhoun County Commission held its regular meeting Thursday morning, focusing on special recognitions, property nuisance matters, and several administrative items.
Special Recognitions
4-H Animal Control Art Contest
The meeting opened with recognition of winners from a 4-H animal control coloring contest that drew impressive participation with over 150 applicants. The contest, organized in partnership with the county’s 4-H department, asked students to design artwork related to animal control. Winners were called forward to receive certificates of appreciation from the commission. First place went to Paisley Bryant, with second place tied between Hoover Ellis and Rachel Gray, and third place tied between Collin Kelly and Zoe Mays. The commission expressed appreciation for the time and effort the young artists put into their submissions, with commissioners praising the quality of the artwork.
Alabama Power Foundation Grant Presentation
Alabama Power Foundation representative, Jacki Lowry, presented a significant $25,000 grant to support wayfinding signage along the Chief Ladiga Trail. The presentation was made on behalf of the foundation and Vice President Terry Smiley, who was unable to attend. The grant represents a partnership between Alabama Power, the county commission, and municipalities along the trail corridor.
The funds will be specifically used for wayfinding and signage along the trail, supporting eco-tourism initiatives that are central to East Alabama’s appeal to both residents and visitors. The Chief Ladiga Trail, a rails-to-trails project established in 1990, follows the historic Seaboard Air Line Railroad route and is named after a Creek Indian leader who signed the Cusseta Treaty in 1832. The proposed signage will include six strategic locations from the Alabama-Georgia border to downtown Anniston, providing trail users with information about nearby amenities, safety guidelines, and orientation assistance.
Lowry emphasized that Alabama Power has been serving the state for over 100 years and values partnerships with local governments like the county commission to enhance community assets and support tourism development.
Proclamation for Nancy Whitman
The commission honored 91-year-old Nancy Whitman with a heartfelt proclamation recognizing her retirement after 20 years of dedicated service as head of the county’s cleaning crew. The ceremony marked the end of a remarkable career spanning multiple decades of public service.
Whitman’s life story, as detailed in the proclamation, reflects resilience and dedication. Born on June 9, 1934, in rural Cleburne County, Alabama, she faced early adversity after losing both parents by age seven. She was lovingly raised in Anniston by her devoted aunt, whom she affectionately called “Mama Howell.”
Her work ethic emerged early when she took her first job at 16, selling Coca-Colas at the local theater for a dime each. In 1957, she built her home in the Blue Mountain community, where she has lived ever since. Before joining the county, Whitman served faithfully at the Fort McClellan Commissary and later at the Anniston Army Depot until her retirement in 2000.
Retirement proved to be only a brief pause for Whitman, who joined Calhoun County in 2005 to lead the cleaning crew. For the past 20 years, her fierce work ethic, high standards, and spirited determination made her a beloved and respected presence in the administration building, where everyone simply knew her as “Ms. Nancy.”
A devoted member of Edgewood Church for over 50 years, Whitman has drawn strength from her faith and family throughout her life. She cherishes the memory of her two children and finds great joy in her growing legacy as a grandmother of two, great-grandmother of eight, and soon-to-be great-great-grandmother of four.
During the ceremony, Whitman’s granddaughter spoke on behalf of the family, thanking the commission for welcoming her grandmother and providing her with a second purpose in life. She described Whitman as a treasure to both her family and the county, noting that once she considers someone family, they remain family forever. The granddaughter humorously warned that Whitman might show up to start cleaning again, as she continues to do so at home.
Whitman herself expressed gratitude for her time with the county, stating she loved working there and enjoyed all the years she spent serving the community.
Property Nuisance Actions
The commission addressed 17 nuisance abatement cases, with several property owners appearing to discuss cleanup progress. The commission approved abatement for properties where violations persist and dismissed seven cases where issues had been resolved.
Three properties were invoiced for completed abatement work: 505 Howe Street in Weaver ($11,426), 805 S Corning Street in Anniston ($3,026), and 79 Fieldstone Way in Jacksonville ($1,826).
The commission declared 21 new properties as public nuisances, with several owners present to discuss their situations and timeline for cleanup.
Business Items
Other actions included:
- Approving a $65,000 HVAC improvement contract for the County EMA building
- Authorizing agreements for courthouse security screening and animal rescue services
- Accepting the Revenue Commissioner’s report on insolvents and litigation
- Approving a tax abatement amendment for Kronospan OSB, LLC
- Appointing Commission Chairman Terry Howell as voting delegate for the National Association of Counties meeting
- Appointing Commissioner Lee Patterson to the ACCA legislative committee
- Appointing Riley Foshee to the Calhoun County 911 Board of Directors
- Rescheduling the July 10 meeting to July 24 due to commissioners’ travel schedules
Public Comments
Tourism Director Audrey Maxwell reported strong summer visitation driven by tournaments at Choccolocco Park and Woodland Park. The Oxford Performing Arts Center announced its upcoming season, and the Rubato International Piano Competition is scheduled for August 12.
Chamber of Commerce representative Jacob Williamson introduced Emma Adderhall, a summer intern from Oxford, Alabama. Adderhall, an upcoming sophomore at Auburn University majoring in political science with a minor in international studies, expressed excitement about working with the chamber and experiencing local government firsthand.
Chief Gary Sparks thanked the commission for appointing Riley Foshee to the 911 board, describing him as a good addition with experience as Deputy State Fire Marshal for the area who works with both law enforcement and fire departments. Sparks noted the devastating loss of Jeff Waldrep, whom Foshee is replacing, and praised the Oxford fire department’s operations, encouraging commissioners to revisit their facilities to see the significant growth since previous tours. He also reported that the 911 district received a clean state audit with no findings.
911 Director Kevin Jenkins echoed Sparks’ comments about the loss of Chief Waldrep and mentioned ongoing efforts to relocate a tower site to the Anniston Army Depot, which he described as potentially the last major project for the 911 system.
Investment banker Walter Lewis, visiting from St. Clair County, commended the commission for their professional conduct and collaborative approach.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
