A sinkhole continues to expand under a house on Mimosa Road in Lee County on Thursday
A barricade blocks the street at the site of a sinkhole on Mimosa Road in Lee County on Thursday
(left) stand in front of their house at 281 Mimosa Road in Lee County on Thursday
The Reinharts’ house is next door to a years-old sinkhole
which has partially fallen into a sinkhole on the property
The front corner of the house at 269 Mimosa Road in Lee County hangs over a sinkhole on the property on Thursday
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1/37Fairhope vs Central-Phenix City Playoff Baseball.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Ben Thomas | bthomas@al.comRock Gearhart homered twice for Fairhope in the first game and the fifth-ranked Pirates scored seven runs in the final three innings of Game 2 to complete a 7-3
3 Enterprise (32-1) in the semifinals next week
The Wildcats swept Auburn in their quarterfinal series
Rock Gearhart drove in 4 runs and the Pirates scored 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for the win
Gearhart’s 2-run homer gave Fairhope the lead for good at 4-3 and ignited the big sixth inning
Miller Humphries added a 2-run double and Will Sparks capped the rally with an RBI single
Gearhart finished 2-for-2 with a walk and 2 runs scored
Starter Miles Drew Johnson went 6 innings to get the win
He allowed 6 hits and 3 runs and struck out 2
Harrison Cook got the final three outs for the save
Sam Brown homered for the Red Devils and Cooper Kehoe drove in the other 2 runs
Fairhope scored 3 runs in the top of the fifth to break a scoreless tie
Kyle Hunter’s team added 4 more in the seventh to pull away for a comfortable win
allowing just 2 hits and 1 run and striking out 8
Starter Cam Norton took the loss for Central
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Over a hundred Alabama plant workers have recently found themselves out of a job after a round of mass layoffs
a poultry processing company that focuses on deboning
The company operates three plant locations in Alabama
AlaTrade Foods, according to the company itself
processes 400 million pounds of chicken annually and is the largest 100% employee-owned company based in Alabama
According to the Alabama Department of Commerce
the Phenix City location laid off 165 employees
The reason for the layoff — as well as opportunities and resources for employees affected by the layoff — are unclear
as AlaTrade Foods has not responded to requests for comment
More: Alabama manufacturing plant to end operations after almost 50 years and lay off 200
requires companies to notify workers in writing before mass layoffs
companies with over 100 employees are required to provide a 60-day notice of significant layoffs or plant closings to allow workers to properly accommodate for the loss of work
The WARN notice documenting the AlaTrade Foods layoff, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce
AlaTrade Foods' recent round of layoffs at its Phenix City location has sparked some investigation into their compliance with these policies. Strauss Borelli
announced that their firm is investigating a possible breach of WARN notice policies in this particular incident
they "believe AlaTrade Foods employees may be entitled to sixty days of severance pay and benefits."
AlaTrade Foods has not responded to requests for comment about the timing of the WARN Act notification
Sarah Clifton covers business for the Montgomery Advertiser
You can reach her at sclifton@montgome.gannett.com or follow her on X @sarahgclifton
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mark Clark | Special to AL.comThe sideline at Central-Phenix City High will have a new leader next season
Following a unanimous vote by the Phenix City Board of Education
Steve Rogers has been appointed as the Red Devils’ new head basketball coach
Rogers arrives at Central after a successful stint at Booker T
Rogers brings a wealth of experience to the Red Devils program with Central marking his third stop on his high school coaching journey
He began his career at Prattville High School (2020-2022) before taking the job at BTW in 2023
Washington squad posted an impressive 28-5 record this past season
One of those five losses came against Central
but it ultimately prepared us for the playoffs,” Rogers shared in a Tuesday evening phone interview
“Coach (Charles) Burkett and I both recognized the need for that level of competition
I’m excited to join the Central program and build upon the foundation Coach Burkett has established.”
Rogers is keenly aware of the significant roster turnover facing the Red Devils
who will be without 11 of the 13 players from a team that reached the Final Four for three consecutive years
including a run to the Class 7A championship game in 2023
“I understand that we’re essentially starting anew
but that’s a challenge I embrace,” Rogers said
“My coaching background includes building programs
and Central has always been a program that has interested me
I’ve long recognized the caliber of talent here
and I’m eager to get on campus and begin working with the team.”
Troy University's Board of Trustees decided on Saturday
to close the Phenix City Campus effective December 31
"Troy University's Phenix City Campus has been an integral part of our mission and educational outreach for more than 50 years
playing a significant role in higher education in East Alabama," said Chancellor Dr
with the increasing shift of adult learners toward online and flexible learning options
the demand for traditional in-person instruction at satellite locations has decreased
and community leaders who have helped build the Phenix City Campus into a legacy of excellence."
The closure decision follows a careful analysis of operational costs, enrollment trends and institutional priorities
Troy University to remain at Fort MooreTroy University remains committed to serving military service members stationed at Fort Moore Army Base
continuing its presence there to provide educational opportunities
Transition plan to be developed and implemented for current students and facultyChancellor Hawkins will oversee developing and implementing a transition plan to ensure current students can complete their academic programs without interruption
Faculty members will also receive support during the transition
Current Troy University students can access resources to finish their degrees online or at another Troy University location
Faculty members will be encouraged to transition to new roles within the University or continue their remote positions
No other campuses to close at this timeTroy University will continue to operate its satellite campuses in Dothan and Montgomery
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
confirmed that there are no plans to close these locations
emphasizing the University's ongoing commitment to expanding its strategic mission
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today
Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com
PHENIX CITY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey joined executives from Sierra Pacific Industries and local officials in Phenix City today to celebrate the official opening of the company’s new manufacturing campus
which will bring 300 jobs to the Russell County community
The $60 million investment in Sierra Pacific Windows
the company’s division focused on high-end window and door products
represents a major growth initiative for the California-based firm
The 610,000-square-foot facility will significantly expand Sierra Pacific’s manufacturing capacity
enabling the company to meet rising demand for its premium products used in both residential and commercial projects
Strategically positioned near key transportation corridors
the Phenix City facility will serve as a crucial hub for the company’s operations in the Southeastern U.S.
enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality products to a broad customer base across the region
Governor Ivey highlighted the importance of this project to both the local community and Alabama’s economy as a whole
“Sierra Pacific’s decision to expand here is a vote of confidence in Alabama’s economy and in our people
Their investment not only strengthens Phenix City but also continues to build Alabama’s reputation as a premier place for business and innovation,” Governor Ivey said
She added: “Sierra Pacific is opening new doors of opportunity for so many in this community
and I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds.”
joins Sierra Pacific’s existing operations in California and Wisconsin
bringing the company’s total manufacturing space for its Window division to over 2 million square feet
Sierra Pacific Industries CEO Mark Emmerson said the Phenix City facility — previously “an old
worn-out textile mill” — will become the “flagship of our Windows division.”
“This is a significant milestone for Sierra Pacific
for the Phenix City Community and also for the State of Alabama
What they’ve done with this facility is incredible.”
with the headcount expected to grow to 100 by mid-2026
It will reach 300 workers in 2026 and could go as high as 500 in the next few years
Read the company’s 2023 announcement
Rural Development Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce
emphasized the broader significance of the project for Alabama’s rural economic development efforts
“Sierra Pacific’s decision to establish its new manufacturing operations in Phenix City is a powerful win for the region and a testament to the potential of Alabama’s rural communities,” Tuck said
“This project demonstrates how world-class companies can thrive in rural Alabama
and it underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting their growth
“We look forward to the lasting impact this investment will have on the local workforce and economy,” she added
Learn more about rural Alabama
Manufacturing
Enterprise
Innovation
Rural Development
A $2.7 million grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will allow the Lawrence County Industrial Development Board (LCIDB) and local officials to expand an industrial site in the North Alabama county
Follow Alabama’s rapid
economic evolution—right from your inbox
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stvan4245 | Bigstock.comAlaTrade Foods has announced the layoff of 165 employees at its poultry further processing plant in Phenix City
The layoffs, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed with the Alabama Department of Commerce
The decision was made just months after the company announced that it had launched a new chicken paw heat treating project at the facility
It was announced that such production was to begin on September 2
AlaTrade stated that it invested approximately $2.8 million in time
and capital since the project began on May 3
to tap into the burgeoning international market for chicken paws
This strategic initiative was designed to enable AlaTrade to leverage the U.S
poultry industry’s capacity to meet China’s rising demand for chicken paws
and turn the opportunity into a substantial financial benefit with this newly established heat-treating line
The project was a joint initiative between AlaTrade
AlaTrade, which has been an employee-owned company since 2021
also operates plants in the Alabama communities of Boaz and Albertville
The company recently announced that John Pittard had retired as the CEO, with Josh Whitley succeeding him in that position. In 2024, Deborah Brown was named manager of the Phenix City plant
In 2020, a fatal stabbing occurred at AlaTrade’s Phenix City facility
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the Troy University Board of Trustees voted to close the university’s satellite campus at Phenix City
Troy University at Phenix City is a satellite campus of Troy University that opened back in 1975
The Phenix City campus was geared towards adult learners and included night
weekend and online courses along with smaller class sizes
Troy’s original campus in Phenix City opened in 1975
“We have for some time been analyzing the role of our three satellite campuses and with the operational costs and enrollment there and
the shift in recent years of students looking for online delivery or a hybrid delivery this was the best decision for the university,” Troy University Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr
“As much as we appreciate the 50-year history of our relationship with Phenix City we will not be supporting a physical campus there effective Dec
Phenix City graduated a total of 134 students with eight earning associate degrees
one certification and five Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees
Troy University at Phenix City had a total of 355 students enrolled during the fall semester of the 2022-2023 school year
a 17.25 percent decrease from the previous fall
Palmer said that Troy University would maintain its presence at Fort Moore in Phenix City
which is where Troy originally began offering night and weekend classes in the area in 1974
Palmer also said that current Phenix City students will be able to complete their programs and degrees without interruption
employees at the Phenix City campus would get other opportunities within Troy University
“We’ll physically teach and complete most of those (degrees and programs) by the end of 2025 but for the others we will have other means of them completing their programs,” Palmer said
“We will do everything we can to take care of our employees and offer them roles and be able to explore other career opportunities here at the Troy campus or at Montgomery or Dothan
It’s our goal to make this transition as smooth as possible for our students and staff.”
Troy University relocated its Phenix City campus from its original home off U.S
Highway 431 and opened its new riverfront campus in downtown Phenix City on the banks of the Chattahoochee River
four-story building was an $11.5 million project
Palmer said the university did not have immediate plans for the building or property the campus in Phenix City is located on but the university hoped whatever happens with it will benefit the community there
“We’re looking at future possible uses for it,” he said
with such a great relationship with Phenix City
that there is a way for the facility to help the community there
Our main goal there is to do what’s best for that community.”
Palmer also said that the Dothan and Montgomery campuses would continue on and would receive additional resources and investment in the future
“Dothan and Montgomery remains part our strategic plan and those campuses will see increased resources and investment,” Palmer emphasized
“We’re planning on some things we believe can really help move the campuses forward in Montgomery and Dothan.”
Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr
also released a statement on the Phenix City campus closing
“Troy University’s Phenix City Campus has played a vital role in our mission and educational outreach for over five decades
significantly contributing to higher education in East Alabama,” Hawkins said
as more adult learners shift toward online and flexible learning options
demand for traditional in-person instruction at satellite locations has declined
and I am profoundly grateful to the faculty
and community leaders who have built the Phenix City Campus’s legacy of excellence.”
Chancellor Hawkins acknowledged that the decision to close the campus was a difficult one
reached after careful analysis of operational costs
but our commitment to students in the Phenix City area—including those at Fort Moore—remains as strong as ever,” Hawkins said
but we’re not going anywhere—we will continue to serve this community.”
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Central-Phenix City.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Randy Kennedy | preps@al.comThe Hoover Bucs are one win away from completing one of the greatest seasons in Alabama high school basketball history
The Bucs ran their record to 34-0 with a 94-67 win over Central-Phenix City in the Class 7A state semifinals Thursday at Legacy Arena
Hoover has won 44 straight games dating back to last season
With a win over Florence in Saturday’s state championship game
the Bucs would be the state’s first undefeated boys’ team since Valley High School in 2023
“Somebody said to me that Hoover is a basketball school now,” said Hoover coach Scott Ware
The Bucs certainly accepted the challenge early against a talented team from Central-Phenix City (28-4)
Hoover 6-foot-9 center DeWayne Brown scored the first time he touched the ball 15 seconds into the game
The Tennessee signee finished with 27 points
Most impressively he made 13-of-14 field goal attempts and his only free throw
A lob dunk from UAB signee Salim London to Brown followed by a London fast-break layup staked Hoover to a 21-2 lead six minutes into the game
Central pulled within 11 points with one minute left in the first half on a layup by Jacksonville State signee Jacoby Hill
But Hoover quickly re-established a large lead
The Bucs opened the second half on a 19-6 run to lead 59-33
The lead was never less than 18 points the rest of the way and ballooned to as much as 29 points in the last minute
Star of the game: It’s hard to pick anyone other than Brown or London (22 points)
but it might have actually been all of the Hoover shooters
The Bucs were perfect on 13 free throws and shot 65.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent on 3-pointers
Stat sheet: Central guard Jayddence Ford was spectacular in the last game of his junior season
Ford sank eight 3-pointers on his way to 28 points
Hill scored 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to complete the high school career for a player coach Charles Burkett called
They said it: “We had a great start and probably took them out of some of things they wanted to do.” – Hoover coach Scott Ware
But this one game definitely won’t define these players.” – Central-Phenix City coach Charles Burkett
winning the last two boys state championships and the last four girls titles
The Bucs will go for the sweep again Saturday
Central-Phenix City and Hoover sent both their boys’ and girls’ teams to the Final Four
but only Hoover had both teams advance to the state championship game
Remaining 6 Classes gearing for Semifinals this week
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