Southside News

(Southside, AL - May 14) It is not normal for one who writes the news to be interviewed. But that is exactly what happened this afternoon, via Skype.

This afternoon, Fox News Channel's host of "On the Record," Greta Van Susteren used Skype to put out a call for interested individuals to contact her through the internet videophone service. By the luck of the draw, GadsdenMetro publisher, Phillip Swindall, happened to be one of the first to actually contact Susteren.

The interview centered around issues dealing with the national problem of illegal immigration. Starting with the state of Arizona and quickly making a move to discussing the issue here in Alabama, Swindall was able to explain to the highest rated 9 p.m. (Central) host on cable television of the problems faced regularly by Alabamians.

Explaining that some Northeast Alabama cities are being taken over, jobs are being taken over and major crimes are being committed by illegal immigrants, Swindall says he "tried to describe to the best of my ability how illegal immigration is not just a border states issue... it affects everyone.. even here in the deep south."

You can view the entire conversation by watching below.

"On the Record" can be seen daily on Fox News Channel at 9 p.m., Central Time. Check your local listings for details. (And DVR it and watch it later if you're not gonna watch it live... she asked us to!)

(Southside, AL - April 5, 2010) Southside businessman, and Republican candidate for Public Service Commission Seat 2, Terry Dunn, says his second change of races this year is not motivated by economic interests.

Dunn had originally declared his intention to run for State Treasurer, then switched to PSC, Seat 1 in the Fall of last year. Then, when Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh announced her intention to run for the first seat of the Public Service Commission, Dunn found himself switching races yet again.

In a statement on his Facebook profile, Dunn says he wishes to set the record straight. "My move from PSC 1 to PSC 2 was not the fear of Beeker's campaign funds as was insinuated in some political blogs. I can match him dollar for dollar with the stroke of the pen," he fires with the opening salvo of his statement.

Dunn, the owner of Dunn Development Corporation and Dunn Investment Group says he has managed his companies well enough that he has been able to retire at age 45. His Statement of Economic Interests, he says, will reveal his ability to fund his campaign quite easily.

"The reason I switched races," his statement continues," was because of Twinkle entering the PSC 1 race." He continues by explaining his friendships with those who would support Cavanaugh, which would have ended up splitting the vote, resulting in an opponent winning the race.

Dunn says that consideration was also involved in his switch from the Treasurer's race last year. "The family ties with Wallace caused me to make the switch to the PSC race," his statement says.

Dunn explains that his financial situation is such that he does not need to run for political office. "My livelihood does not depend on being elected, which I believe should never be the reason for seeking political office. Alabamians have a choice to elect a proven businessman that will truly be looking after their interests and not his or her own personal pocket book."

Dunn has previously stated that he is the only PSC candidate who is state licenses in municipal for utilities over the past quarter century. He says Alabama taxpayers ask the commission to look out for their interests to ensure their rates are just and reasonable. I Know from experience trying to meet payroll and the household expenses that just a slight rate in utilities makes a big difference in whether you'll be able to make ends meed."

Dunn promises an announcement to more fully discuss and disclose particulars of his statements issued this morning.

(Southside, AL - March 11, 2010) Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin and School Resource Officer David Bankson says they appreciate the Fayette County Sheriff's department for bringing in a casket and hearse to Southside High School.

Hundreds of Juniors and Seniors from Southside High School met in the high school auditorium to hear a harsh message about the dangers and effects of alcohol and drugs. Officers with the Fayette County Sheriff's department drove a tricked out 1982 Cadillac Hearse with a “virtual” casket that uses a video camera and high-def video screen to put the student in the casket.

Bankson says he found out about the program through a ZeroMeth brochure in the Southside Police Department. He showed the brochure to Sheriff Todd Entrekin and Southside Principal Dr. Alan Cosby. "We thought it would have a very positive impact on the students, so we took advantage of the ZeroMeth program to bring the Fayette County group in."

Bankson says the timing is perfect, since schools are entering into the prom season, and heading quickly toward graduation.

Beginning with alcohol and marijuana, the students learned about party drugs such as Extacy and GHB. “Everyone of these drugs lead up to crystalmeth, simply because its cheaper to make and provides a higher high,” the officer says.

The program is part of the ZeroMeth program, which started as a result of Alabama Governor Bob Riley's involvement in a drug-bust in Etowah County with District Attorney Jimmie Harp several years ago.

During the program Sheriff Entrekin offered assistance to any student who needs help to fight meth or any other drug – before they're arrested.

Following the presentation, Southside Principal Dr. Alan Cosby says he is pleased with programs like ZeroMeth that help raise awareness of students about the dangers and consequences of drug use.

Cosby tells GadsdenMetro that he doesn't see the effect of such programs having a direct impact on the lives of students, "I think it makes them think and leads them to make correct decisions in the long run." Cosby says sometimes, the "Fear Factor is a good tool to use,"

At the end of the presentation, students were given a chance to walk up to the casket to see what they would look like inside the "virtual casket." Several students remarked that the program will definetley make them think harder about using alcohol and drugs.

So far, the Southside High School presentation is the only one in Etowah County for the visiting group. However, Chief Deputy Barry Corkren says his presentation has traveled all across the state. Corkren says he's willing to travel the three hours to Southside, or six hours to Orange Beach "if we can save one life."

(Southside, AL - March 11, 2010) Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin and Southside School Resource OFficer David Bankson are presenting an anti-drug program for Junior and Senior students at the county's largest high school this morning.

The program will provide a look at the lives of the students, from a different perspective. SRO Bankson says the program is "designed to remind students about the dangers of drinking and driving, and about the consequences that drugs can have on their life.

The assembly program will occur in the Southside High School auditorium at 9 a.m.

One of the main props of the presentation is a virtual hearse and casket that will give the students an idea of what they would look like lying in a casket. The casket and hearse is provided by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.

Entrekin says programs like this is a "great way to remind students, especially during prom season, that their life is in their own hands."