Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, April 22, 2025
By Lanell Downs Smith
Daniel Rudolph appeared before the Lowndes County Commission Monday, April 14, asking commissioners to support efforts to raise funds for the Sheriff John Williams Memorial Scholarship.
Rudolph petitioned commissioners for aid with a motorcycle ride planned July 14. The annual event contributed around $5,000 toward the scholarship in 2024 and Rudolph said he expects even more donations this year.
“I would like for commissioners to put our flyer out in your district, [asking residents] to come out and support [the event] whether its just buying a soda or whatever,” Rudolph said. “Put the word out to come out July 14 to support this motorcycle ride.”
The event draws from 80 to 100 bikers, Rudolph said, with around 15 coming from Lowndes County. The scholarship benefits high school seniors who apply from one of the county’s three high schools — The Calhoun School, Lowndes Academy or Central High School in Hayneville.
Lowndes County Attorney Prince Chestnut was asked to verify the commission could allocate funding to the effort and report back at the commission’s April 28 meeting.
In other business, commissioners:
* heard concerns from citizen Shavon Davis who inquired about storm shelters for senior citizens;
* approved meeting minutes from March;
* approved issuance of an off-premises retail beer and wine license for Liberty Gas & Grocery in Letohatchee;
* appropriated $500 to Harvest Tyme Ministries from the discretionary fund of Commissioner Joseph Barganier;
* appropriated $5,000 to the STEP program from Commissioner Dickson Farrior; and
* discussed ongoing efforts to deal with bonfires disturbing residents in Burkeville.
The Lowndes County Commission will hold its next regular meeting April 28 at 6 p.m.
