Archives
September 2006
Wet-Dry Referendum
Sep. 28, 2006
By: Leisel Caldwell
More rumors to report on the Wet - Dry Referendum for Randolph County: according to our sources the Randolph County Probate Judge had issues with the way people signed the petition. Many signers choose to print their name to make it more legible. This was not acceptable to the Judge. The signers who printed their names were thrown out as well as illegible signatures. As a result the petition came up short for the needed number of voters' signatures.
The story is not over, not yet anyway. It has been reported that a couple of the organizers of the petition have headed to Montgomery. They are looking for help in overruling Randolph County's Probate Judge. Will the voters of Randolph County be allowed to vote on the sale of alcohol in this county in November? Stay tuned because just like in soap opera world the story continues.
View more entries tagged with: Wedowee,
Randolph County,
Wet Dry Referrendum,
Alabama Politics
Lake levels are a cha- cha- changing
Sep. 19, 2006
By Kelly Caldwell
If you were at Lake Wedowee for Labor Day weekend, you surely noticed how low the lake was. According to Alabama Power Company’s website, the lake level was recorded as 787.8 which was 5.2 feet below full pool. Several boats were beached and several more docks were dry.
The reason, according to Alabama Power, for the lower than normal lake levels was the dry conditions the area has experienced all summer.
“Drought operations were anticipated in mid-May and all hydrogeneration was reduced to conserve water for use later in the year, should it be needed,” the press release said. “Over the past four months, the water released from Alabama Power reservoirs has been reduced to the minimum amounts required by the company’s federal hydroelectric project licenses.”
Lack of rain has played a part in the lower lake levels across the state and since Labor Day the area has received more rain than typical at this time.
As of Sept. 19, the lake level is 789.3 feet, a level the lake has not seen since Aug. 10. While it is still a ways from being at full pool if the rain continues, we might still have several months of playing on the lake. And, it could be worse. Smith Lake near Birmingham is down more than 16 feet as of Sept. 19.
View more entries tagged with: Lake Wedowee,
Water Levels,
Wedowee
Lake Wedowee Rumors
Sep. 12, 2006
Story by: Leisel Caldwell
The houseboat ban has been discussed since early spring of 2006. The houseboat ban is tied to the rumors of a Reynold's Plantation type development coming to Wedowee. The bill has recently met with opposition from a boat dealer and other individuals on Lake Martin. Click here for more about the boat ban: http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2006/as-local-0827-cjarvis-6h26u1338.htm
A petition is currently being circulated for a wet/dry referendum to be placed on the November elections in Randolph County. Again, speculation is tied to large developers looking at Lake Wedowee.
It is being said that one or two large developers from other southeastern lakes are in negotiations with Alabama Power on land owned by Alabama Power on Lake Wedowee. Rumor has it, it is the Reynold's family who developed on Lake Oconee in Georgia and Russell Lands from Lake Martin. Both large developers who have strong ties to The Southern Company, parent company to Alabama Power and Georgia Power.
I do feel the rumors has some substance since Alabama Power just recently purchased 80 acres of waterfront property on Lake Wedowee. Why would they purchase additional land on the lake when they already own 65% of the shoreline now? Another fact supporting the rumors, Alabama Power has made a request to the Randolph County Commissioners to close County Road 90. This road dead ends into the lake just above the 48 bridge. Alabama Power states they want it closed due to it being a "nuisance area for us". In my opinion, it is another step to gain more control of the area around the 48 Bridge. For more on the road closure story, click on the link: http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2006/as-local-0824-cjarvis-6h23w0718.htm . See map below for a view of the road they want closed and the amount of land Alabama Power owns in this area.
We have so much to offer with our rural setting, clean lake and close proximity to Atlanta. More growth is sure to come. It is definitely time for this county to plan for its future. We need leaders who are forward thinking and are not afraid of change. Leaders who will not sell out to the highest bidder but look after our County's best interest.
We would like to know what others think. Please feel free to make comments.
View more entries tagged with: Lake Wedowee,
Boat Ban,
Alabama Power,
Reynolds Plantation,
Russell Lands
Besides the lake, what’s there to do in Wedowee?
Sep. 12, 2006
By Kelly Caldwell
Having lived in Randolph County for most all of my childhood and teen years, I have pondered that question countless times. We had to go out of town to watch a movie, go shopping, or even go to a chain restaurant that wasn’t fast-food. Not a lot has changed as far as Roanoke is concerned but there is more to do than you might think.
The Art Studio and Gallery in downtown Wedowee is a perfect example. The shop offers a funky and eclectic mix of art, jewelry and even glass wind-chimes. The owner also teaches art to children and offers workshops during the week and sometimes on weekends. Children can pick a craft or project and depending on the time involved can take it home that day.
There is also an abundance of antique shops and a consignment store in the downtown area that provide bargain hunters many hours of entertainment.
As for Roanoke, children of all ages can lace up their roller skates and take a spin at the Roanoke Skate Center. An often asked question of where is the nearest Wal-mart is answered in Roanoke with the SuperCenter located on U.S. Highway 431. There are also two movie rental stores, in the summer “Sno-on-the-Go” can be found serving Hawaiian Shaved Ice in a variety of flavors. Roanoke has two claims to fame. The town is home to the Ella Smith Doll and Megan May winner of the 2001 national Wendy’s High School Heisman. Randolph County is the epitome of small town life covering all the basic needs.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, Randolph County is perfect. If not, the bustle of a larger city is only a half hour drive away.
View more entries tagged with: Wedowee,
Randolph County
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