By Staff
May, 2001
* Construction began on Madison's new Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Madison at the Village Green. A flagpole was erected and a Main Street monument was relocated to the site.
* Bob Jones High School juniors performed above state average on the new and tougher Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).
* Lexington subdivision resident Andrea Landin voiced concerns to the Madison City Council regarded increased traffic in the subdivision and child safety, leading to the Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 campaign initiative.
* The Madison Police Department implemented new high-tech law enforcement equipment in order to remain state-of-the-art and ahead of the game.
* The Bob Jones High School Baseball Team received a warm community send-off as the team prepared for the 6A championship series in Montgomery. The team forced game 3 in the series but slipped late to Daphne.
* The Madison City Council approved pay raises making Madison police the area's highest paid officers. Pay step opportunities were also increased by four.
* The Madison Optimist Club recognized Madison Police Officer John Stringer as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
* Thrifty Car Sales opened its Madison location at 9290 Madison Blvd. The business recently changed ownership to become Avis Car Rental.
* Madison City School Board of Education member Dr. John Walters announced his resignation citing concerns of balancing time between family and work. Walters was later replaced by Julie Mills.
* Col. Ed Zompa rapped a set of education rhymes to honor retirees at the end of year Madison City Schools teacher and staff celebration.
* Veterans Memorial Park is named for Madison hero Jessie O. Wilke, Jr.