What happened: The board approved an agreement with KIT Network Cabling for an upgraded access control system.
Background: The system is for the hardware and the background software for the control system for all door access. The current system is more than 20 years old, and the upgrade would bring it up to date.
What it means: Using swipe cards, the new system will give the district the ability to track which access doors are being used and who has been going in and out. The district will be using Openpath Cloud Access Control System at an initial cost of $55,949, with an annual cost of $5,950 for subsequent years.
From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT The National Weather Service in Birmingham upgraded the tornado that hit the Fultondale area to an EF-3. Damage was reported primarily north of Walker Chapel Road NW to U.S. Highway 31 and to New Castle Road. Crews said winds were at least 150 mph on the evening of Monday, Jan. 25, 2021.
“Keep in mind that intensity & width varied along its path,” the NWS posted on Facebook. “The EF-3 damage was focused near Lykes Blvd. to New Castle Rd.”
The tornado had a path length of 9.5 miles and a max width of 500 yards, according to the NWS.
Some Jefferson County schools closed Tuesday following damaging storms
Damage to Hampton Inn in Fultondale By WBRC Staff | January 26, 2021 at 1:40 AM CST - Updated January 26 at 12:46 PM
JEFFERSON Co., Ala. (WBRC) - Some Jefferson County schools will be closed Tuesday, January 26 because of the extensive and devastating damage across the county.
Fultondale High, Fultondale Elementary, Center Point High, Erwin Middle, Erwin Intermediate, Center Point Elementary, Clay-Chalkville High, Clay-Chalkville Middle, Bryant Park Elementary, Chalkville Elementary, & Clay Elementary are all closed Tuesday.
No classes will be held for either traditional or remote students at these schools. All other JEFCOED schools will be open Tuesday.
From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT The National Weather Service in Birmingham confirmed one person was killed in an apparent tornado late Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Around 30 people were injured. Major structural damage was reported in Fultondale and Center Point and other damage was seen in Clay.
In Fultondale, a 14-year-old boy was killed in the area of New Castle Road. The child was a student at Fultondale High School. Authorities said the child was with his father in the basement of their home when a tree fell on the house. The father was also hurt. The Hampton Inn and Hurst Towing and Recovery also had major damage.
By Crystal McGough
CLAY Big news for the city of Clay was announced at the city council meeting held on Dec. 22, 2020. City Manager Ronnie Dixon informed the council that the city of Clay was chosen to host Alabama’s first pickleball tournament, which will be held the week of Spring Break, March 25-28, 2021. The city opened its four pickleball courts, as well as four new tennis courts, in August 2019.
Photo credit: City of Clay Facebook page
“I have an exciting announcement,” Dixon said. “The city of Clay has been chosen to host the first annual Alabama open in pickleball. I think it’s our first real opportunity to have something that we can create that will be on par with the Butterbean Festival as we grow into it. I don’t know yet how many participants there will be. Of course, with it being an open tournament, anyone can sign up for the age groups.”