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From press reports:  
     It was announced today that the Shaw Company, a global concern, from Baton Rouge will take over the final leg of readying the housing barracks at the former Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.
     Reports indicate that the barracks are in pretty good shape, but things like plumbing and ventilation need to be brought up to code. The facilities have been in mothballs since 1999 when the base was closed under by the BRAC commission. Fortunately for the 1000 evacuees who will be staying there, the buildings weathered well.
     Housing is really the least of the problems. All support services like provisioning, security, emergency services, medical, legal, etc. are still being worked out. Aesthetics are also important as men, women, and kids will be sharing the same space.
     Many factors have to be taken into consideration for what amounts to a small community of people who are starting out with basically nothing more than toothbrushes and face wipes. The theme that runs through the project is that everyone is doing all they can to make our guests feel at home.
     It's projected that the buildings will be ready for occupancy in two to three weeks and may be needed for 18 months. 

From press reports:  
     President Grant Lynch from the Talladega SuperSpeedway handed a check to the American Red Cross for $100,000 Tuesday. They pledged to make it a cool million before they finish. They plan to pass the hat among the great and generous racing fans who'll be flocking to the area for Race Week beginning on September 29th. This will be a very special and memorable race indeed for everyone in Calhoun County, AL and folks around the nation watching the event. The Talladega SuperSpeedway is located only about 12 miles west of Oxford in Calhoun County.

From press reports:  
     All area school systems in Calhoun County, AL have reported signing up kids from down south for the coming school year. This includes Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville, Piedmont, Calhoun County, and nearby Talladega schools.
     With 1000 folks coming to Anniston, Anniston will probably take the largest portion before all is said and done, but all area schools are welcoming whoever comes.
      Jacksonville State University and Talladega College are also expecting students from the evacuation.

From press reports:  
     Amateur radio folks are jumping to the task of emergency communication, as they always do in times of strife. Locally, the ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) group is getting set up to provide emergency communication and health and welfare reports for the residents who will be staying at the barracks at Fort McClellan. Calhoun County Emergency Coordinator Randall Landers, KG4EUD is asking all local amateur radio enthusiasts to get involved.

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