Bentley announces grant to promote tourism
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – July 19
They once mined gold in those hills. Now economic developers in nine east Alabama counties are hoping to strike pay dirt through increased tourism thanks to a $60,000 grant, announced by Gov. Robert Bentley. The funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission will promote tourism in Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Randolph, Talladega and Tallapoosa counties…The University of Alabama’s Center for Economic Development will work with chambers of commerce, government agencies, merchant groups and interested persons to identify and promote tourism opportunities in each of the counties. A website will be developed to highlight attractions and recreational opportunities that have the most potential to attract visitors. During a series of 18 meetings, local groups will learn how to market attractions within their area and develop a strategic plan that promotes the region.
Cherokee County Herald – July 19
Event highlights opportunities after military service
Hattiesburg American – July 19
Sgts. Kevin White and Wilbert Cobb both listened intently Thursday to Peter Barnett with Excelsior College and occasionally chimed in with questions. The two were among several hundred military personnel and family members who attended the College and Career Festival at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on Thursday at the multipurpose building on post…David Blair, director of Veterans and Military Affairs with the University of Alabama, said his office makes sure soldiers understand and take full advantage of their GI bill. “We want to take them through the admissions process, all the way to the classroom and beyond,” he said. “With the mobilizations and all the troops coming back and forth through Camp Shelby, I think this gives them a great opportunity to see employers and schools.”
Expert: Jailer who faked cancer likely wanted attention
Times Free Press (Chattanooga) – July 20
A national expert on people who feign illnesses believes it’s likely a Hamilton County jailer who faces nine counts of theft after he was indicted Thursday for reportedly pretending to have cancer, likely just wanted to feel loved…Marc D. Feldman, a clinical professor of psychiatry and adjunct professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, has dedicated his study to Munchausen syndrome, where someone feigns and in some cases, actually self-induces illnesses. Feldman has not examined Daniel. “Typically they do it to attract attention, sympathy and concern they feel they are unable to get in any other way,” he said. “When you think about the money, at least it’s not that much, compared to the extent of his efforts to mislead people,” Feldman said. Feldman has studied hundreds of cases of the disorder in the last 20 years. The most common illness faked is cancer, he said. In his book, “Playing Sick,” the first chapter is dedicated to faking cancer.