Full speed ahead: Piedmont Tech unveils roadmap for its future

Piedmont Technical College is forging ahead with a newly unveiled four-year strategic plan that aims to align education, business, and technology for sustained development. Announced on a Tuesday, the roadmap highlights the college’s priorities for expanding its organizational culture and preparing for the future.

Full speed ahead: Piedmont Tech unveils roadmap for its future

Ayersville Schools to start early in ’26-27 due to county fair conflict

Ayersville Local Schools will begin the 2026-27 school year earlier than usual. The district’s board of education made this decision to avoid conflicts with the county fair, ensuring both academic and community events run smoothly.

Ayersville Schools to start early in ’26-27 due to county fair conflict

THOM ANDERSON: Billy Graham preached in Florence

In 1950, Billy Graham drew an estimated 6,000 attendees to Florence Memorial Stadium, marking a significant moment for the local community. This large gathering created an atmosphere of unity and signaled the preacher’s growing influence. Even decades later, the event’s impact remains noteworthy for Florence residents.

THOM ANDERSON: Billy Graham preached in Florence

Hicksville council talks further on animal ordinance

Hicksville Village Council met Tuesday to discuss possible updates to the town’s animal ordinance. Members examined legislation that could affect how residents keep and care for animals within local boundaries, underscoring the intersection of law, government, and community interests.

Hicksville council talks further on animal ordinance

Hammond Council: No more minimum water charge

In a 4-1 vote at Tuesday’s council meeting, Hammond officials ended the long-standing 2,000-gallon minimum water service charge. Residents will now be charged strictly according to the amount of water they consume.

Hammond Council: No more minimum water charge

Brawley Police investigating fatal Sunday morning shooting

Brawley authorities confirmed that a 43-year-old man was shot and killed on a quiet Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood. Police have classified the incident as a homicide and are seeking any information that might shed light on this tragic event.

Brawley Police investigating fatal Sunday morning shooting

California lawmaker advances bill to speed opening of residential day care centers

A new proposal in the California Senate aims to exempt residential day care centers from time-consuming environmental reviews. Lawmakers hope this will help family-run facilities avoid the costly legal battles that have hindered small providers, such as Napa’s Le Petit Elephant.

California lawmaker advances bill to speed opening of residential day care centers

IUP, IRMC unite with new Collaborative to enhance rural health care

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Mountains Health/IRMC have officially formed a “Joint Collaborative” to bolster rural health care. Their partnership aims to transform medical services for communities that traditionally face limited access.

IUP, IRMC unite with new Collaborative to enhance rural health care

Cameron holds talk, book-signing for ‘Tried & True Garden Wisdom’

Angelina County Master Gardener Elaine Cameron recently gave a talk and signed copies of her new book, “Tried & True Garden Wisdom.” Held at the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, the event drew a crowd of dozens eager to learn about her proven gardening techniques.

Cameron holds talk, book-signing for ‘Tried & True Garden Wisdom’

$100K grant for housing upgrades

The American Savings Foundation recently awarded a $100,000 capital grant to the Friendship Service Center’s Interim Housing building in New Britain. This investment will help replace 98 aging windows with energy-efficient units, enhancing living conditions for those relying on the facility.

$100K grant for housing upgrades