EDITORS NOTE: This is the first of a four part series looking back at the year 2018 in Chambers County and Troup County.

Jan. 4

Whorton announces run for Circuit Judge

State Representative Isaac Whorton announced his candidacy for Circuit Judge Place 2 in the 5th in the Republican Primary. He said being a judge was always a dream of his.

He later won the primary race and the general election in November in 2018.

Jan. 5

Sledge arrested on arson charges

Former Chambers County prosecutor Roland Lewis Sledge, 64, of Valley, was arrested and charged with second-degree arson in connection with the Oct. 21, 2017 burning of a 305 U.S. Hwy. 29 home, near Valley High School.

Valley Police Department Mike Reynolds said Sledge was the owner of the property and later confessed to setting the fire.

Jan. 9

Debbie Wood announces run for District 38

Chambers County Commissioner Debbie Wood announced at a commissioners meeting that she would not run for re-election and will seek the District 38 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Wood won her primary race and later won the November general election.

Jan. 19

Valley Area recovers from winter storm Inga

Winter Storm Inga brought Chambers County more than three inches of snow, school and business closures, white scenery and winter fun in January 2018. It also brought close to 100 motor vehicle accidents.

Jan. 29

Lanett High School honors championship team

Lanett High School honored its 2017 Class 2A state basketball championship team on Jan. 29.

Feb. 14

Valley Taco Bell demolished

The Taco Bell restaurant located on Highway 29 was demolished in February.

The restaurant was demolished to make room for a better-looking store. The store was rebuilt in the spring with a building that was longer but not wider.

March 13

The demolition of Langdale Mill begins

It’s something a lot of local people had dreaded for a long time. It was the last remaining link to the Valley’s textile past. It’s also one of the oldest textile mills still standing in this part of the country and the only one still left on the middle portion of the Chattahoochee River.

March 14

AL SOLAR A LAUNCHES IN LAFAYETTE

Community and business leaders, as well as representatives from Walmart, Alabama Power and Clenera, gathered at the new 72-megawatt AL Solar A project in east Alabama to celebrate its successful launch and operation.

AL Solar A, one of Alabama’s largest solar facilities, is owned by Houston-based Centaurus Renewable Energy.

March 17

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLDS FIRST ST. PADDY’S DAY EVENT

For a first time event, St. Paddy’s on the River was a rousing success, according the Chamber of Commerce executive director Ashley Crane.

Crane said that considering this was the first year of the event, it was a great success with an estimated 2,000 people in attendance throughout the day.

March 21

IMPACT DAY BRINGS OUT 350

Point University’s Impact Day was held in March 2018. Classes were canceled to allow students to do some community service.

About 350 students spent most of their day cutting grass, weed eating and painting  some homes in a West Point neighborhood.

The cleanup effort served as a Block of Blessings for the Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project.