By Staff
Local GOP leaders sponsoring Riley luncheon March 9
Governor Bob Riley will be guest speaker at a barbecue lunch for the governor at Sparkman Civic Center Auditorium on Thursday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is being sponsored by Republicans Bill Wood and Tom McCutcheon, co-team leaders for the Riley for Re-election Campaign in Morgan County.
The public is invited. Tickets for the luncheon are $12 each. A random drawing from ticket stubs will be conducted at noon. Winners will have the opportunity to join the governor at his table to eat lunch.
Anyone wishing to order tickets in advance may do so by contacting Wood at 751-0888 or McCutcheon at 773-7661.
Joe Wheeler raises rates
Customers of Joe Wheeler EMC will see a 7.1 percent increase in their electric bills starting April 1. The increase comes on the heels of a 9.95 percent increase approved Tuesday by TVA, Joe Wheeler's supplier.
"A rate increase of any kind is never good news," Joe Wheeler General Manager George Kitchens said. "I understand TVA's need to increase rates is due to record high fuel costs. In meetings that I have attended, TVA has done a reasonably good job of explaining their need for this increase."
TVA said the increase was needed to offset higher costs associated with coal, natural gas and purchased power.
An average Joe Wheeler EMC residential customer consuming 1,375 kwh per month will see an increase of $7.90 in their monthly electric bill. Joe Wheeler has not increased its base rates, or the portion of the rate that is used to operate the co-op, since 1997.
Spots available on city boards
Two six-year terms on the Mental Health Board, a five-year term on the Airport Board, and a five-year term on the Hartselle Park and Recreation Board are available.
People interested in the positions may pick up an application at city hall or complete an on-line application at www.hartselle.org. Deadline for applications is March 2.