Here’s a look at what we’re working on for the Saturday, July 18, 2009, edition of The North Jefferson News. Don’t forget, you can find us on Twitter at NorthJeffNews and we’re also now on Facebook.



Leaders, merchants praise sales tax holiday



Those shopping for school supplies in north Jefferson County should see some savings at the check-out counter next month.

The cities of Fultondale, Gardendale, Kimberly, Morris and Warrior have all passed resolutions to take part in the state’s tax holiday on Aug. 7-9.

While those cities are taking part in the weekend that offers tax breaks on exempt items, cash-strapped Jefferson County has decided not to participate. The county commission recently voted against taking part in the holiday on the grounds that it would reportedly generate at least $200,000 and save as many as seven county jobs.

Gardendale did not participate in last year’s tax holiday and instead decided to make a $350,000 donation to the Jefferson County Board of Education. That money is being used to build a new field house at Bragg Middle School.



Fund-raising concert, dragway swap meet on tap for weekend



Anyone looking to enjoy Saturday’s mild temperatures have two very different fund-raising events they can attend.

Beginning at 8 a.m., a swap meet will be held at the Lassiter Mountain Dragway off Coalburg Road. Lassiter Mountain spokesman and drag racer Randall Shew is inviting all racers and residents to “clean out their garages” and bring any old spare engine or racing parts to the dragway to sell or trade.

“We buy parts when they’re a bargain and anytime we have extra money, we buy them,” he said. “Sometime whatever you’re doing in racing changes, so you offset the cost by selling those parts and buying something else. It helps keeps the cost way down.”

Also, a north Jefferson County ranch for special needs children will be the site of a benefit concert on Saturday afternoon.

“A Night of Praise” will be held at the Cornerstone Ranch, located off Powder Mill Road. The concert, featuring The Generation Band from Gardendale and Outcry from Cullman, is being held to raise awareness and funds for the facility.

Rusty Rouse of Cornerstone Ranch said he and other workers have been working for the last two months clearing brush from the property to make room for the stage and concert goers.

He said in addition to teaching special needs children how to ride horses, the concert is another example of how the 1,200-acre property can be used.

“Having this here will not only help the handicapped kids, but we’ve wanted to be able to do something like this,” he said. “We don’t know how many will be here, but we’re going to prepare to accommodate as many as we can.”

“A Night of Praise” will last from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission is a $5 donation to the Cornerstone Ranch. Rouse invited those attending to bring a lawn chair.

For more information and directions, visit www.cornerstone-ranch.org and click on the “events” button.



Hayden camp to house women



Some changes are in store for one of Hayden’s busiest organizations.

Buried deep in the woods not far from Rickwood Caverns, the Alabama Teen Challenge (ATC) men’s camp will soon house women instead.

In an effort to save money by reducing staff, ATC is transferring Hayden’s male students to the existing ATC Men’s Induction Centers in Selma and Bay Minette.

“We have been affected by the economy much like everyone else,” said Brandon Lackey, director of development for ATC. “With income being down and expenses going up, we had to do something.”

Lackey said losing quality staff members was one of the most difficult aspects of the decision.



Gardendale library to close next month for renovations



For two weeks, you can check ’em in, but you can’t check ’em out.

The Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library is closing Aug. 1-15 for a remodel of the inside of the library.

City of Gardendale and library officials have talked of building on to the library, but the funds are not yet there for an expansion.

In the meantime, the library staff is doing what it can to accommodate all of its patrons.