By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



The following events were reported in The North Jefferson News during this week in 2003, 1998, 1988 and 1978.



Five years ago

• There is much confusion in Fultondale because signs put up by the county, the city and churches have different spellings for Fultondale’s main thoroughfare: Walker Chapel Road, Walkers Chapel Road, Walker’s Chapel Road and Walkers’ Chapel Road. According to Jefferson County, two spellings are accurate: Walker Chapel or Walkers Chapel.

• Fultondale City Council members voted to begin taking bids for a massive road-paving project that will cost about $600,000.

• Betty Kimbrell of the North Jefferson Quilter’s Guild won the Hancock Fabrics/St. Jude’s Quilt of Dreams contest.



10 years ago

• Gov. Fob James visits Gardendale High School to help kick off Drug Awareness Week. Students assembled in the gym to hear James warn them that using illegal drugs could ruin their lives.

• Seeking local votes, Lt. Gov. Don Siegelman dropped by Gardendale, Fultondale and Warrior during a blitz of northern Jefferson County in his bid for governor.

• In mock elections at Bryan Elementary School, Republican Gov. Fob James defeated Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Don Siegelman, 437 votes to 260.



20 years ago

• Classes at Roy F. Bragg Junior High School in Gardendale were returning more or less to normal by Tuesday after an unexpected day off on Halloween for students due to a fire in the school’s library.

• A crowd of 4,500 went to see the Verdict this year at Gardendale First Baptist Church. The problem of crowding was one that youth pastor Steve Bell isn’t complaining about.

• Warrior Pharmacy is advertising an offer that allows customers to order any ArtCarved high school class ring and get a second “Get Acquainted” ring free. This sensational offer expires Nov. 30, 1988.



30 years ago

• North Jefferson voters chose Republican Guy Hunt for governor, although Fob James won the state election.

• Jack Biddle III was elected by a good majority over Republican candidate Bonnie Mitchell for the District 35 House seat in Alabama.

• More nominations have come in for the upcoming “Citizen of the Year” award sponsored by the Fultondale Chamber of Commerce. New nominations include Nell Sertell, Bill Strickland and John B. Fassina.