Twenty years ago, the city of Brewton approved a $4.2 million budget, which included a raise for all city employees.

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) announced the use of a new Program System of Caring to keep families together if at all possible. For so long many people have believed that the DHR system would pull families apart, but the department wants the public to know that is not the case.

During another election year, Escambia County students were given the opportunity to go to the polls and vote. In this case, Bill Clinton was the winner.

Every time I see one of these polls I believe that it reflects the views of the students’ parents in most cases.

The 21st Judicial Drug Task Force had a big roundup of persons on drug related charges. Thirty-six people had been arrested. Sheriff Hawsey said the department would not rest until every one of the 62 people indicted by the Grand Jury were rounded up.

This drug force got a lot of illegal stuff off the street. Too bad their funding was cut. Unless you know someone who has a drug problem, or have it yourself, you will never know the ramifications of having to deal with the problem, and I hope you never do.

A former employee of the District Attorney’s office was sentenced to six years on theft charges and one year for ethics violation. I guess no one is immune to temptation, even in the office where she worked.

The First National Bank merged with Monroe County Bank. I believe that would be what is now TrustMark Bank. It has gone through several merges over the years since it opened its doors.

T. R. Miller and W.S. Neal met in the area championship game with Coaches Jamie Riggs (T.R. Miller) and Jim Fountain (W.S. Neal). Neal won the game 36-14 taking the Area 1, 4A title. It broke an 11 game winning streak for the Tigers.

Now we are looking at another face-off between these two teams. How will it go? No matter who wins, it will still be one of the most important games of the season. Good luck to both teams. This one will make the 70th regular season match-up since the rivalry began in 1946.

For those who don’t know, it all began with a ball game that had not been originally planned. The local hospital needed some funds and the ball game was a way to raise those funds. Miller and Neal had never played each other but that night a thousand people turned out for what is now called “The Battle of Murder Creek.” It started a tradition, that to this day, is the most talked about of the season. Players on the old Rotary Field that night 70 years ago have told me that they, as players, had no idea it was the beginning of something big. It was just another game for them.

Halloween season has just ended, but in 1996, The Brewton Standard had a two page spread of local children all dressed up in their costumes.

Betty Perry retired from T.R. Miller High School after having worked there for 25 years.

I remember Betty being there a long time, but I didn’t think it was that long.

An engagement caught my eye in the newspaper during this time. The happy couple was Kim Cotten and Wesley Brittain. Congratulations you two. I remember you from when you were both little kids. How time flies!