2025: Mid-South RC&D's Biggest Year Yet

Mid-South RC&D and AARCDC staff group picture
Mid-South RC&D and AARCDC staff group picture
Three people pose together in what appears to be an office or institutional building, with an exit sign visible in the background. A man in a navy blazer and light blue shirt stands on the left, a woman with short blonde hair wearing a blue and white floral dress stands in the center, and a woman with dark hair wearing a bright multicolored floral dress stands on the right. All three are smiling at the camera.
Representative Jerry Starnes smiling with Mid-South RC&D Executive Director, Pam Hughes, and Programs Manager, Krystal Ward.
Exectutive Director Pam Hughes speaks with Billingsley teacher Logan Strock
Exectutive Director Pam Hughes speaks with Billingsley teacher Logan Strock
Three people seated at a white table in what appears to be a conference room. A Black man in glasses and a light blue shirt sits on the left, a woman with dark hair in a light blue blouse sits in the center wearing a name tag, and a woman in a denim jacket sits on the right with her arm propped against the center person.
Mid-South Treasurer Rose Mary Smith sits with her daughter and fellow Butler County committee member, Allin Whittle.
Mid-South RC&D Montgomery County committee members Monnie Carol Carter and Julia Precise with District Conservationist James “Jad” Dawson.
Mid-South RC&D Montgomery County committee members Monnie Carol Carter and Julia Precise with District Conservationist James “Jad” Dawson.
Chief Tommy Sanford speaking with Senator Will Barfoot.
Chief Tommy Sanford speaking with Senator Will Barfoot.
Senator Billy Beasley and his friend Bubba Blue.
Senator Billy Beasley and his friend Bubba Blue.

Mid-South RC&D enjoyed a wonderful day gathering with many friends and supporters for its annual meeting in September 2025. Council Members from Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery Counties, friends from partnering organizations, grantees, and Alabama State Legislators gathered to celebrate another year’s worth of hard work and dedication to filling the gaps in the Mid-South RC&D region. 

This Year’s Accomplishments

Executive Director Pam Hughes and Chairman J.O. Norris congratulating Mid-South RC&D Board Member and NARCDC President William A. Hodge for receiving AARCDC award.

Many great accomplishments were recognized during this year’s meeting. In 2025, the Mid-South RC&D Council funded 35 General Projects and 43 Education projects, representing a 2.94% increase for General projects and a 48% increase for Education projects compared to 2024 and impacting around 613,601 community members. In addition, this year, two Mid-South RC&D Board Members received recognition for their dedication to the RC&D Mission in 2024 by the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils (AARCDC). Chairman J.O. Norris was inducted into the AARCDC Hall of Fame. Mid-South RC&D Board Member and NARCDC President, William A. Hodge, also received the 2024 AARCDC Council Member of the Year award. 


Mid-South RC&D Chairman J.O. Norris and Executive Director Pam Hughes gave everyone a warm welcome and started the day’s events. Speakers from partnering organizations shared updates and praise for the year’s success. Among those speakers were NARCDC President, William A. Hodge;  AARCDC Executive Director, Katie Conner; Mid-South RC&D Board Member and newly appointed President of the Association of Alabama’s County Commissioners, Miles Robinson; Santuck Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tommy Sanford and Chaplain Dennis Paquette; Billingsley FFA teacher Logan Strock, student Adriana Rasberry, and student Caleb Cook; Cosby Company Program Director, Noopie Cosby; Senator Billy Beasley, Senator Clyde Chambliss, Representative Kelvin Lawrence, and Representative Jerry Starnes.

Our Grantees’ Testimonies

Three men standing in an office hallway. On the left, a man with a gray beard wearing a dark polo shirt and khaki pants. In the center, a firefighter in full gear including a yellow helmet marked "3," tan and yellow reflective turnout coat and pants, and breathing apparatus. On the right, an older man with a white beard wearing a white polo shirt with fire department logo and dark pants. The setting appears to be inside a government or municipal building.
Santuck Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tommy Sanford, Chaplain Dennis Paquette, and Firefighter David Bell
Four people posing in front of a projection screen displaying "Mid-South RC&D Council Annual Meeting" with a floral border design. From left to right: a young man in a navy blazer and checkered shirt with khaki pants, and three young people in navy blue FFA jackets with official emblems. The three on the right wear formal attire including white shirts and ties or bow ties. The setting appears to be a formal meeting hall or government building with wood paneling visible in the background.
Billingsley FFA teacher Logan Strock, student Caleb Cook, student Adriana Rasberry, and student Abigail Longcrier

Santuck Volunteer Fire Department spoke as one of Mid-South RC&D’s grantee guests, showcasing their project and demonstrating how impactful the grant was for them. Fireman David Bell stood in front of the room in his fire gear while Chief Sanford pointed at each piece of equipment to explain its cost and lifesaving function. However, Chief Sanford also spoke about everything that went into operating a volunteer fire department, including how much money it cost to maintain fire trucks, the various roles these volunteers need to master, and how much training they undergo to safely protect their community. 

“Not only do we answer emergency calls, but it also takes many hours a year to train. We have to be secretaries, fire truck mechanics, janitors, and property maintenance—that includes clearing the area around our fire hydrants and three separate fire stations. So, it’s more than just seeing firetrucks going down the road to properly be able to respond to emergencies.”

Chief Tommy Sanford

Billingsley School FFA took to the stage as the second grantee guest. FFA Chapter President and student, Adriana Rasberry spoke about the “Billingsley FFA Youth Livestock” project and how it enabled them to acquire a livestock trailer for their new Livestock Teaching Laboratory, which will allow for students to safely gain hands-on experience with cattle handling.

“Beyond the classroom, the facility will engage local cattle producers by providing a space for them to bring calves for processing. This creates viable live work for students while also supporting farmers in our community. The project strengthens the bond between our agriscience program and the agricultural community while preparing students for future careers in agriculture, veterinary science, and animal health.”

FFA President, Adriana Rasberry

Forever In Our Hearts

The 2025 Annual Meeting was concluded with a special moment to celebrate the life of James “Tootie” Chambliss, who was dedicated to the Mid-South RC&D mission and had a passion for changing the world. James has been a member of the Mid-South RC&D Council since 1992. During those 33 years, he made many contributions to his community and Mid-South RC&D. 

James’s memory will always be with us as a Council Emeritus member. In addition, Max Conway, James’s life-long friend, accepted a donation and a plaque on behalf of the Fort Deposit Arts Council in his memory. Many of Tootie’s friends came together to reminisce and reflect over how he touched their lives.

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