The Haleyville City Schools now has a full-time School Resource Officer (SCR). Billy James, a former State Probation Officer was hired by the HCS at $15.00/hour and began work on Monday. James was hired through the city, but all his expenses including pay, uniform and equipment will be provided by the HCS.

With all members present, the Council approved Change Order #2 to a 2018 Paving Project. The contractor, Burkhalter Paving, requested the change to adjust the asphalt quantity and placement of asphalt on additional streets. The base bid was for 350 lbs/sq/yd and the company actually used only 200lbs/sq/yd. The addition asphalt was placed on additional streets. The Council approved a street light at Knight Road and Highway 13 (5). Led light for the Sports Complex Parking Lot and a blower for the Street Department were approved.

The next scheduled Haleyville City Council meeting will be Monday, November 19.

This is the one local referendum which should be approved by the voters.

This referendum seeks to adjust the salary for the Winston County Coroner in line with current realities. The current salary is less than $80.00 per month to pay for an official responsible for investigating and certifying the cause of every “unattended” death which happens in Winston County 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

The change, if approved, would increase the pay to around $10,000 per year.  The job requires a response to every fatal accident, homicide, drug death and every suspicious death which occurs in the county.  In addition, new requirements require the coroner to approve every death scheduled for cremation and review every hospice death.  The coroner actually pronounces death in over 100 cases a year where the patient is simply not under the care of a physician.

Many cases require the coroner to take charge and custody of remains until an autopsy can be scheduled and conducted by forensic sciences and then issue and sign the death certificate.

The demands of this position have changed drastically over the years.  Accuracy and thoroughness are critical to criminal prosecutions. We cannot expect anyone to respond throughout the county at all hours of the day and night for less than $1.80 an hour.

Dr. David Sunseri with parents Kay and Ken Sunseri

David Sunseri started his education with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Alabama. He continued his education at Florida State University by pursuing his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry with a focus on chromatography.

In August of this year, Dr. Sunseri was appointed CEO of PMI BioPharma Solutions. In this position, he is responsible for leading the overall strategic direction of the company. His previous role as Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development and Chief Business Development Office within PMI Bio held him responsible for leading developmental programs and providing new business opportunities to drive growth for the company. This experience has prepared him for his new role, which he is excited to take.

Dr. Sunseri stays connected by serving on UNA’s Foundation Board of Directors. He is the Treasurer of the Foundation; Chair of the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee; and member of the Executive Committee. He also serves on the University’s College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Council.