One for the history books

Eufaula’s Terran Condrey soars to the basket during the Lady Tigers’ 64-53 win against Talladega in the Class 5A state championship game.

By Patrick Johnston
Published: December 30, 2008

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It was a history-making year in the Bluff City.

From the thousands of Barbour countians who helped elect the nation’s first minority president to the Eufaula Lady Tigers who won the school’s first state title in any sport this decade, there were several notable accomplishments this year.

While there were dozens of notable stories in the Eufaula-area this past year, we’ve picked out 10 that affected the lives of many residents.

The Barbour County Board of Education hired Gary Quick in April - much to the chagrin of some parents and students in the school system.

Many were upset that school board members did not hire an African-American to lead the system. Some students even protested in front of the Clayton courthouse.

“You try not to make it a race issue, but, ultimately, that’s what it boils down to,” parent Christine George said in an earlier interview.

Some of those who were upset later voiced their concerns at a community meeting regarding the school system.

Steve Newton was elected sheriff of Quitman County, defeating two county officials along the way.

Newton defeated long-time incumbent Lon Ming in the Democratic primary, and then bettered write-in candidate Charles Davis in the November general election.

Newton said one of his main priorities as sheriff would be fighting the drug problem in Quitman County. He has already announced plans to hire Barbour County Chief Deputy Eddie Ingram as Quitman County’s new chief deputy.

Barack Obama wins election: John McCain narrowly defeated Barack Obama in Barbour County, but that did little to quell the enthusiasm of Obama supporters who cheered his election to the White House.

President-elect Obama was buoyed locally by enthusiastic supporters who canvassed the entire county for the Democratic candidate.

Jewel Harris, the local coordinator for the Barbour County for Obama Committee, and fellow BCFOC members worked for more than a year.

“I never thought I’d live to see this day. I am elated … just elated!” Harris said after the election.

Many Eufaula-area residents have made plans to attend the inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Read more about the year 2008 in review in the midweek edition of The Tribune available Tuesday, Dec. 31.