Midweek briefing for June 10, 2008

Special to the Tribune
Published: June 10, 2008

Photos wanted for contest
George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge will hold a Nature Photography Contest Saturday, Sept. 6.
The deadline for entry is Friday, August 29. Entries should be photographs taken on Lake Walter F. George or at George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge during 2008. Submit entries to Photography Contest, George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge, 330 Bagby Parkway, Fort Gaines, GA 39851.
The first place winner will receive a $100 savings bond. For more information, call (229) 768-2571 ext. 6214.

Former Eufaulian serves as page
Christopher King, a Ridgecrest Elementary student and former Bluff City Elementary student, served as a Legislative Page for the Alabama House of Representatives May 6-8.
As a legislative page, Chris participated in various activities including assisting representatives and staff on the house chamber floor, attending and assisting in the house judiciary committee meeting and providing general office assistance to legislative staff.
Chris witnessed debate on the house chamber floor that ranged in subject matter from funding education to improving health care in the State of Alabama.
The chairman of the judiciary committee, Rep. Marcel Black and the speaker pro tempore, Rep. Demetrius C. Newton, both commended Chris in writing for his good behavior and outstanding service during his week at the Alabama House of Representatives.
On May 6, Chris led the Alabama House of Representative in the Pledge of Allegiance.  In addition, Chris met and had photo opportunities with Speaker Seth Hammett as well as Rep. Lesley Vance, a representative from the Phenix City area.

Sparks: Spruce-up Day is successful
Eufaula’s second annual Downtown Spruce-up Day was a success, according to Main Street Eufaula Director Ann Sparks.
Ten volunteers lent a hand Friday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to help clean up around Broad Street. Sparks said Friday was a “trash day” which concentrated on making the downtown area litter-free.
“It went really well,” said Sparks.
Hugh Boyd was one of those 10 volunteers to help out Friday.
He said this was his first time to help out with the downtown cleanup.
Sparks added that Spruce-up Days are held to beautify the city’s downtown. Sparks hopes to hold three Spruce-up Days a year in which volunteers not only pick up litter, but also decorate the downtown.
The next Spruce-up will be held Nov. 7. During this time, volunteers will decorate the gazebo and downtown businesses.
For more information on Downtown Spruce-up Days, contact Sparks at 616-6170.

DA receives award
District Attorney Ben C. Reeves, Jr., has received the 2008 Douglas Albert Valeska District Attorney Award for outstanding dedication on behalf of victims and law enforcement. 
The award was presented at the Southeast Alabama Vocal (Victims of Crime and Leniency) Chapter and Wiregrass Angel House 11th Annual Memorial Service in Dothan April 13th. 
The crime victims’ candlelight vigil was held at the First Presbyterian Church and featured Attorney General Troy King as the guest speaker. 
In presenting the award, master of ceremonies Charles Linderman stated, “The recipient of the prosecutor award provides an incredibly valuable service to victims of violent crime.
He plays a major role in the transformation from victims to survivor.  This includes victims and their families. 
“His compassion, courage, and willingness to do whatever is necessary to meet the challenges in the courtroom exemplify his dedication to improving the criminal justice system for victims. 
“He is a dedicated professional, often working long hours on very difficult cases in the pursuit of justice.  During the prosecution, this nominee remembers to try his case using the words and terms the average person comprehends - leaving no doubt in the minds of jurors. He encourages victims and their families throughout the judicial process - always assuring respect and dignity for the victim.”
Attorney General Troy King then presented the award to Reeves. 
Reeves said, “I am very honored to receive this award, however, it is an award for my office and not just me.  Every person I work with is dedicated to fighting for victims and victims’ rights. 
“The criminal justice system and the courtroom can be a scary place for victims and their families and we try hard to make them feel as comfortable as possible. We want them to know we care.”