This day in CCN history
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
Thirty years ago today, the July 1, 1992, edition of “The Coosa County News” was the second edition of the newspaper to feature color print.
The first edition to have color was the June 24, 1992, edition, which saw the introduction of spot color to the front page using blue ink. The July 1 edition followed with spot color on the front page again, this time utilizing red ink.
That edition 30 years ago today also featured the first engagement announcement to be run in “The Coosa County News.” It was for Misty Lynn Graham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Graham of Kellyton, and James Adams Wade, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Wade of Alexander City. The wedding was set for September 5, 1992.
Additionally, the July 1, 1992, edition recognized and highlighted the Weogufka High School Class of 1972 with a group photo of a class reunion held at Lay Lake. In total, 17 class members attended the reunion, with other members of the class being recognized by name, as well.
Some of the headlines from 30 years ago included the Coosa County Board of Education seeking voter approval of a 12 mill ad valorem tax increase, Hatchett Creek Presbyterian Church celebrating its 160th anniversary, progress on the Goodwater beautification project, the United Way of Coosa County seeking support for volunteer agencies with coverage of the organization’s annual meeting, and more.
That week’s edition from 30 years ago today also noted that the state’s mandatory seat belt law would go into effect July 18, reporting that on that day Alabama troopers would begin giving $25 tickets to motorists who do not wear seat belts.
It further noted that the seat belt law went into effect in July 1991, with more than 30,000 warning tickets given for non-compliance. However, the law had a one-year grace period provided for public education by the Alabama Safety Belt Act of 1991.
At the local level, that week’s edition also shared information on nursing assistant training at the Coosa County Vocation Center, Marcus Simmons and Trotzky Pearson assisting the Goodwater Police Department under the Summer Youth Employment Program and members of the Rockford Volunteer Fire Department undergoing training by practicing interior fire attack techniques at the Windsor farm.
Those noted as participating in that training were Jamie Johnson, Terry Ogle, J.W. Justice, Hollis Wyckoff, Wayne McDaniel, Ray Ellison, Mike Arms, Wayne Windsor, Bryan Wood, and Wade Brown. At that time the Rockford VFD had 16 members.
While it would be hard for some to remember a time when the bridges were not in place along U.S. Highway 231, 30 years ago today the newspaper reported that the long-awaited completion of two bridges and the opening of U.S. Highway 231 south of Coosa County had finally arrived.
It was reported that the road was “officially” open two days prior and that “traffic over the bridges has been building the past two weekends.”
Also of note, the newspaper reported 30 years ago that the Rockford Post Office was undergoing modernization, with a photo of Raynard Sturdivant installing new post office boxes in the lobby. The photo showed both the older and newer post office boxes.
In addition to all post office box holders receiving new keys for the updated boxes; some box holders, including “The Coosa County News;” also received new box numbers, with the newspaper’s originally being P.O. Box 499.
See other highlights of 30 years of “The Coosa County News” periodically in future editions throughout the year as we continue to celebrate three decades of dedicated local news coverage.