María Camp

RUSSSELLVILLE – Liberty Learning Foundation programs at Russellville Middle School now extend through all three grade levels with sixth graders studying American history and character, seventh graders participating in service learning, and eighth graders receiving financial-literacy instruction. Sixth graders kicked off the American Character Program on Aug. 12. Eighth graders will participate in the middle school progression for the first time this school year, Principal Dr. Monica Moon said.

RUSSELLVILLE – A 19-year-old Russellville High School graduate was deported from the United States on Aug. 9, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An unnamed DHS spokesperson confirmed Juan Alberto Quim Tasej was arrested July 29 following a “287(g) transfer during a traffic stop.” The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported Tasej had an outstanding final order of removal more than three years old due to failure to appear for immigration hearings.

RED BAY — The 1923 steam locomotive at the Railroad Park is getting a new paint job as work on a concrete pad, lighting and other features continues. Red Bay Museum Curator Scotty Kennedy said the locomotive was painted in Pennsylvania before it was brought to Red Bay, but the surface was not properly prepared before it was painted. Joshua Lackey, owner- operator of Three B Painting in Talladega, said his crew began preparing the locomotive for repainting earlier this month.