Behind the Headlines: Recent Episodes
RadioAlabama
SylacaugaNews.com team members sit down community leaders, business people, and newsmakers taking you behind the headlines of all the latest stories in Greater Coosa Valley area.
In this episode, host Michael Brannon and CEO of Coosa Valley Medical Center Glenn Sisk discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and CVMC and the healthcare system's efforts to combat it.
In this episode, Michael Brannon and Rick Patrick discuss the birth of Christ and the season of Christmas.
Michael Brannon, host of Behind the Headlines, discusses the Stuff the Studio Food and Toy Drive with guests Jim Jones, co-founder of Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, and Margaret Morton, executive director of the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement.
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Michael Brannon talks with Brig. Gen. Robert Holmes (USAF, Retired) about the way American life has changed since that bright September morning, his service in Afghanistan shortly after the attacks, and the recent American pullout from the region.
The Miss Sylacauga Competition is returning. Michael Brannon talks with Director of the event, Kim Parker Todd.
Nancy Dickson from the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement joins the show this week after Hannah Hammonds covers the fro Sylacauga and the surrounding areas.
Hannah Hammonds talks with Sylacauga City Councilman about city updates inlcuding new splash pad, city pool, and the SPD's fight on crime.
Sylacauga City Councilman, Ashton Fowler joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Fowler went in depth discussing Sylacauga’s new garbage collection service, the coyote problem in the Valley View and Taylor Estates community, as well as highlighting what Sylacauga residents have to look forward to moving in the coming months.
Micha Harris, Operator of Chick-fil-a Sylacauga joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Harris highlighted what it’s like to be a Chick-fil-a franchisee, community involvement, challenges Chick-fil-a Sylacauga faced during COVID, as well as the roadmap to reopening the dining area.
Dr. Ted Spear and Jeff Turner joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Dr. Spear highlighted details about the Marble Festival, dates for each event, and sculptors that will be in attendance. At this year’s festival, Jeff Turner is reintroducing the Marble scavenger hunt that will be taking place throughout the Sylacauga community.
Dr. Jarod Speer from Childersburg Primary Care joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Dr. Speer discussed his background in the medical field, as well as the new equipment and services Childersburg Primary Care has to offer
that can improve your weight and muscles, while improving your overall health.
Jim Armstrong from Sylacauga Parks and Rec joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Armstrong discussed rec league sports, the Sylaward bike trail and provided updates on the new veteran’s memorial at Pinecrest Park.
Tim Allen from Allen Oil Company in Sylacauga joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Allen discussed gas prices, family history in the business, fundraising for schools in the community, and the Allen Brew Market brand.
Sylacauga Police Department Chief, Kelley Johnson joined Hannah Hammonds for a one-on-one interview. Johnson discussed crime in the Sylacauga during 2020, gambling machine take backs in the Sylacauga community and how individuals
should react during a routine traffic stop.
Hannah Hammonds caught up with Sylacauga Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Bell. In the interview, they discussed challenges the baseball team has faced during COVID and the upcoming season. Sylacauga is set to take the field against Thorsby on Thursday, Feb. 18 at Walton Cruise Field.
Michael Brannon filled in for Hannah Hammonds. Brannon was joined
by Brett Pritchard, Coordinator of High School and Public Relations of Central Alabama Community College. They discuss scholarships, dual enrollment, and more that CACC offers for students. Pritchard explains the difference between AP classes and dual enrollment classes and how each can benefit students wanting to further their education.
Hannah Hammonds talks with community advocate, Randy Clark about how he and others clean up litter throughout the city of Sylacauga. Later on, Hannah has an one-on-one discussion with newly elected Alabama House of Representative District 33, Ben Robbins.
Coosa Valley Medical Center's Amy Price and Jeff Wood joined Hannah Hammonds to discuss COVID-19 and the impact it has had on CVMC. The hospital will begin giving a limited number of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, Jan. 18 to those who are eligible. Both Price and Wood discussed the vaccination process, as well as the biggest challenges that CVMV has faced since last March. Price discussed how the hospital switchboard has been overwhelmed with phone calls inquiring about the vaccine which has hindered patient care. Individuals are asked to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health for inquiries about the vaccine.
Jim Armstrong from Sylacauga Parks and Recreation discussed the various programs the rec center offers to the community and challenges the rec center faced during COVID. The rec center had limited community involvement due to the pandemic. Armstrong also provided a construction update on the Veterans Memorial at the Pinecrest Park walking track.
Julie Sanders from Hurr Smith and Sanders LLC. Sanders discussed business development in downtown Sylacauga, as well as future plans for businesses and new living spaces in the Sylacauga community.
The Sylacauga community is overrun with stray animals. Mitzi Smith and Carolyn Morse from The Feral Dogs of Avondale Mills group discussed the mission of the group, needs for the shelter and the importance of spaying and neutering your animals.
Everyone has a passion for something. Jeff Turner discussed his passion for photography and what it is like being one of the only professional photographers in the community.
Nancy Dickson and Pete Storey from Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE). Dickson and Storey discussed the mission of SAFE, their background, special programs SAFE has to offer and special projects/events SAFE has coming up this Christmas Season to help families in the community.
DeCorey Hale talks about his passion for writing and community involvement. Hale also outlined his most recent community project, which will provide 50 families in the community with meals for the Christmas holiday.
Nancy Willis, Owner of TrailWares caught up with Hannah Hammonds to discuss owning a small business in Sylacauga and how the community support has helped her business thrive, especially during COVID-19
Finding an event venue in a small town can be a bit of a struggle. Owner of The Place on Broadway, Kimm Wright discussed her passion for event planning and being a business owner in a small town that is growing. Wright also talks about opening a business during the OCIVD-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has brought many challenges for educators around the nation. Sylacauga City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jon Segars how the Sylacauga City Schools system has operated during the pandemic and outlined the roadmap for all students to return to campus.
In this episode, Hannah Hammonds and Darden Walton caught up with Co-Owner of the Pinhoti Outdoor Center Nathan Wright. Wright discusses his love for the outdoors and how motivation behind partnering with other individuals to open the Outdoor Center. Wright also outlined details about the upcoming Pinhoti race.
Haydn Hughes, Owner of The Lily caught up with Hannah Hammonds and Darden Walton discussing her background and what it is like being a young business owner in Sylacauga. Hughes also discussed how community support helped her small business thrive during COVID-19.
Sylacauga Mayor, Jim Heigl caught spoke with Hannah Hammonds and Darden Walton about the business development throughout Sylacauga and how his previous military experience prepared him for a leadership role in the city of Sylacauga.
Michael Brannon, Executive Vice President of RadioAlabama caught up with Hannah Hammonds and Darden Walton discussing his journalism background and new marketing and digital advertising opportunities RadioAlabama will begin offering in 2021.
Laura Strickland, Executive Director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce spoke with Hannah Hammonds and Darden Walton about the importance of small businesses throughout the community. Strickland also outlined details about new student diplomat program.