Jeff Thompson

Tuskegee, AL

Letter from the editor

Afternoon, all. I've been absent from the Topix thread for weeks now devoting time to The Tuskegee News' general design and Web site (among other things) and I apologize. I hope many of you now regularly use thetuskegeenews.co m, but I know some still wait to see something new pop up on the Yahoo! RSS feed. In light of that, I'll be posting weekly updates from The Tuskegee News on Topix. The posts will be in a similar format to what I did today, so let me know if it's working for you. Personally, I like the editorial blip, but if most of you care nothing about my opinion feel free to let me know... The Tuskegee News is currently doing well and I'm looking into expanding services. If all goes as planned (somebody approves the funds) I can have video clips with stories up sometime this year. I started a Twitter account a couple weeks ago and feel like I'm just as bad at it now as I was then. In any case, check that out if you're into that sort of thing (@tuskegeenews). Facebook might be next, but I'm not sure which social network would benefit our readers more. Let me know. I can get an account up and running soon if people will use it. So far, as more of a news guy and less of a tweeter, I'm happy devoting time to Topix. As always, send me your feeback, news ideas, general critique and hate mail to jeffthomp@bellsout h.net. Thanks for reading. Jeff Thompson Managing Editor The Tuskegee News jeffthomp@bellsout h.net  (Jun 11, 2009 | post #1)

Tuskegee, AL

Tuskegee budget woes continue

Mr. Porter, I must agree with Ms. Willis on this. I work for The Tuskegee news and spend much of my time ankle-deep in local efforts to restore Tuskegee to the prestigious status it held more than 50 years ago. This community is suffering from 30+ years of complete depression - both mental and fiscal. Many people are struggling to bring the collective mindset out of the dumpster, but are constantly met by a wall of apathy. People in this city need to buy into the true meaning of community before those on the outside will see any difference. For those of us here in town, mammoth changes take place all the time. But a $7 million annual budget for a city with as many employees as Tuskegee has doesn't afford anyone - even a standout new mayor - the opportunity to do much. Jeff jeffthomp@bellsout h.net  (Feb 4, 2009 | post #3)

Tuskegee, AL

Rants and Raves: Keep public records open to public

More than a year ago, The Tuskegee News reported several of the claims affirmed in the State Examiner's report. As one who has covered this story for years now, I am happy the state has finally taken notice. Look for a full report of the auditor's findings to release on The Tuskegee News Web site, www.thetuskegeenew s.com, and in the print edition on December 4, 2008.  (Nov 30, 2008 | post #1)

Health

Study: Banning fast-food TV ads could dent obesity

How could we even consider this before banning pharmaceutical ads?  (Nov 20, 2008 | post #4)

Tuskegee, AL

Retired Tuskegee Teacher Death now a Murder Investigation

I'm hearing very little. Police believe Ms. Hagins knew her assailant, which gives them several suspects, but I can't tell from the statements I've received from authorities if they know exactly who their looking for or it's just a shot in the dark until forensics tests come back.  (Aug 6, 2008 | post #3)

Tuskegee, AL

Murder of Bryan Collins

Shena, by, "I just found out this past weekend what happened," that you have additional details on the murder? I haven't heard anything else from police since the shooting and I, as well as the public, would like to know any new information.  (Jun 10, 2008 | post #12)

Tuskegee, AL

Reed Center

The poll was surprisingly in favor of the Health Authority's decision 2 to 1. I don't get it. Central Alabama Comprehensive Health, our FQHC, extended its hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. M-F and is now open Saturdays. Allegedly they are working toward 24-hour care, but I don't expect that to be a reality for at least a couple years.  (Jun 10, 2008 | post #2)

Tuskegee, AL

Murder of Bryan Collins

No arrests have been made in Bryan's case. Three suspects have been questioned as of Friday afternoon (3-28). Officers believe this was not a random act and assume the motive was personal, but again, no arrests have been made yet.  (Mar 28, 2008 | post #7)

Tuskegee, AL

Murder of Bryan Collins

As of Friday afternoon (March 21), the Tuskegee Police Department has released no information on the murder of Bryan Collins, 26, on Railroad Street. Check here or thetuskegeenews.com for information as it breaks. We expect a statement Monday.  (Mar 21, 2008 | post #1)

Tuskegee, AL

New Web site for The Tuskegee News

Absolutely, and growing by the week. Please see for yourself at www.thetuskegeenew s.com ... and tell anyone else who may be interested, we are happy to bring the news that matters most in Tuskegee to as many as we can reach, we just need to make sure they know where to find it.  (Mar 3, 2008 | post #13)

Tuskegee, AL

View SB 191, Penn's bingo revision

Read this bill carefully. If you followed SB 390 last year, this should look very similar. I'm not surprised McGregor's lobbyists didn't change much, even though the Macon County Council of Governments requested something completely different from Penn. The bill is already out of committee, passing 8-0.  (Feb 8, 2008 | post #1)

Tuskegee, AL

What should be the first step to improve Tuskegee?

Stay posted then. I'm about to make that the only issue in the paper this election season. I guess I didn't put TRACC on there because it's a county board, but I couldn't agree more.  (Feb 6, 2008 | post #2)

Tuskegee, AL

Shiloh starts down road to Washington

After meeting with the team that's working on Shiloh's application, I think it's got a legitimate shot at making the register. Hopefully, even though the government appropriated money for a museum/tribute to Syphilis Study participants that's been in the works for more than a decade now, they'll make a National Park out of Shiloh.  (Jan 10, 2008 | post #1)

Tuskegee, AL

Health Care Authority changes by-laws; still completely broke

Amazing, eh. Three Authority members showed up to the Comprehensive Health meeting last night, but didn't have a meeting for their own board this month.  (Nov 28, 2007 | post #2)

Tuskegee, AL

City to abate Tuskegee Inn

I'm not say your suggestion isn't viable. What your saying, though, requires the city to seize the property through a lien. The owners of the hotel refuse to sell, so the option of having someone else pay to knock it down isn't possible because we can't be certain they'll get the property. Tuskegee would have to own it first. Right now, all the city has power to do is abate the property and clean it up. It still belongs to HolyLand until the lien goes through.  (Nov 16, 2007 | post #4)