Editor’s note: This is the final installment in the Times-Journal’s look back at some of the top stories of 2015. Here’s the Year in Review for November and December.

 

Alabama River floods 

As a result of continuous rain throughout the state, the Alabama River flooded at levels not seen since the historic floods of 1990. The river crested at 49.58 feet. At least eight county roads were closed because of the flooding  or threat of floods.

The floods spread all the way to Bloch Park, where locals took out a canoe and enjoyed what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The levels the December flood reached was the 13th highest ever and the highest since 54 feet since 1992.

 

christmas parade has perfect weather

 

People lined Broad Street for the annual Christmas parade, which featured bands from several of the local schools including Selma High School and Dallas County High School. Dance studios and sororities also took part in the parade.

Floats also rode down Broad Street, with Sesame Street characters and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus also in attendance. The weather was perfect, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

“I thought it went super well,” said Selma Mayor George Evans. “We had some breaks there because the bands talking and dancing, but it was a great turnout, great numbers and everybody enjoyed themselves.”

 

F.D. Reese announces retirement

 

The Rev. Frederick Douglas Reese stepped down Dec. 20 from preaching at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he’s been pastor since 1965. Reese was responsible for leading a group that invited Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to Selma to advocate for voting rights equality in the 60s.

Reese delivered his last sermon at Ebenezer Dec. 27.

“It has been quite a pleasure to have had the experience of meeting people and trying to lead people and letting people know how good the Lord has been, not only to me, but to all those people that I’ve had the experience to have lead,” Reese said.

 

Paul Grist State 

Park reopens

 

After closing on Oct. 15, Paul Grist State Park reopened Dec. 3 after state officials handed the keys over to the Dallas County Commission. The park closed down due to budget cuts.

The park’s closing was not popular with many who enjoyed visiting the park, and the closing even prompted a Facebook group to arise called “Save Paul Grist State Park.”

“It renewed our trust in the government that something can work right,” said Anita Ellison, who played an active role in trying to get the park reopened.

 

willingham to retire

 

In December, Dallas County Superintendent of Schools Don Willingham announced he would retire at the end of the school year. Willingham, who has worked with the Dallas County School System since 1978, said he will enjoy being superintendent until his last day on the job.

“I still enjoy the job but I do realize at some point you want to move on and enjoy some other parts of life,” Willingham said. “This is probably a good time for that, but as far as going to work today or going to work in March or April, I still look forward to it.”

Dallas County Board of Education President Carolyn Bates said the search for a new superintendent has already started. She hopes to name a new superintendent around March.