Here’s a look at what we’re working on for the Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, edition of The North Jefferson News. For complete stories, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s paper or check back with us at 4:30 p.m.



Emotions run high at MJHS meeting



Schools are extremely important in north Jefferson County, as proven during a heated meeting Monday night at Mortimer Jordan High School.

The Jefferson County Board of Education is planning to build a new high school for Mortimer Jordan, moving it from its existing site of less than 20 acres in Morris to a sprawling 122 acres in Kimberly.

There was a community meeting at Mortimer Jordan Monday night during which architects, engineers and school board officials disseminated information about the new school.

Jim Hartsell of Davis Architects said the school, to be located on Bone Dry Road, is tentatively slated to open in 2011.

The new school will be 232,000 square feet. Hartsell said the existing school is about 130,000 square feet.



Five Mile Creek Festival planning begins



Organizers of an annual festival in Brookside are hoping for healthy attendance figures and a healthy dose of sunshine at this year’s event.

The third-annual Brookside Greenway Festival will be held April 4 at the town’s ballpark facility and will feature many of the same attractions as previous events.

The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Organizer Staci Glover said there will be some notable differences, including a children’s midway featuring games and inflatables for children. The festival is also interested in having more arts and crafts and trade day vendors.



Jeweler displays generosity after burglary



A common reaction to being a victim of a burglary may be anger or fear.

However, a Gardendale business owner has decided to put a positive spin on the experience two weeks after his store was targeted.

This week, Jeff Dennis of Jeff Dennis Jewelers, gave away jewelry in an effort bring hope to his community. On Monday, Dennis had 100 cross necklaces to hand out. The 18-inch sterling silver chain and cross pendant would normally sell for $39.95.



ACT prep course to be taught at GHS



Students in north Jefferson county will have a chance next month to brush up on their ACT skills.

Angelle Taylor is scheduled to teach a course called Test-taking Tips for ACT at Gardendale High School.

Colleges and universities use ACT scores when considering admission and scholarships for students.

Karen Smith Nix, member of the Jefferson County Board of Education, said the course is useful for both first-time ACT test-takers and for those who have taken it several times.

“Students will learn test-taking tips in the first class session. During the following classes, students will practice tests from different sections of the ACT test,” said Nix. “Just a matter of a few points can make a difference in scholarship money. What you get in return can be hundreds or thousands of dollars.”



In sports

Two local wrestlers win gold medals at the AHSAA Wrestling Championships in Huntsville, Hayden’s girls win an area basketball championship by upsetting ninth-ranked Springville, and Fultondale’s boys are stung by Vincent in their area title tilt.