“That was a day many of us can remember,” Spann said. “The death toll was 252, and that was simply inexcusable. It was a horrifying thing for us.”

Spann was the guest speaker Sept. 2 at the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce luncheon where he spoke about several different topics including tornadoes, weather sirens, snow, and Twitter.

Spann said after the tornado outbreak in 2011, he has worked with his team to educate others on the importance of adequately preparing.

“What good am I to people if I don’t communicate effectively?” Spann said.

New president elected for Chilton County Humane Society board

Chilton County Commissioners met the new president of the Chilton County Humane Society Board on Sept. 8.

Donna McCary introduced herself as the new president who will take the place of former president Kathy Plier.

McCary explained that at a recent humane society board meeting, new board members were elected.

Pilot makes emergency landing at airport, avoids injury

A plane was damaged but there were no injuries Sept. 16 when a pilot made an emergency landing at the Chilton County Airport.

Billy Singleton with the Chilton County Airport Authority said the pilot was en route to Atlanta when his Mooney single-engine aircraft lost power to the engine.

He was able to land the plane at Gragg-Wade Field shortly after 5 p.m. but ran off the runway and into a mandated “safety area.”

Commission passes budget amid concerns about shrinking revenue

The Chilton County Commission passed a budget of about $14.5 million on Sept. 22 for the upcoming fiscal year.

The projected revenue is down from last year’s budget of roughly $15.3 million.

Commissioner Joseph Parnell told commissioners that out of necessity for the law, he thought commissioners should pass the budget, but suggested continuing to work on the budget throughout the year.

“I think as a commission, we need to take a department each month and figure out how to cut costs,” Parnell said.

Verbena student surprised with tickets to Auburn game

Tyler Abbott will be happy on Sept. 27.

Abbott, an eighth grader at Verbena School, will be attending his first Auburn University football game, thanks to the generosity of some complete strangers.

Abbott will also be thankful for the simple fact that he’s able to attend the game, after a tractor accident on Aug. 30 that cost him his right arm but not his life.

He was recognized before the Verbena junior high football game on Sept. 23, and presented with several gifts, including a helmet autographed by Auburn players, a football signed by former Auburn star Cam Newton, a photograph signed by coach Gus Malzahn, $150 and four tickets to the game against Louisiana Tech.