TAPP Officially Opens At Sokol; Hillcrest's New Football Coach

Good Morning Tuscaloosa! Let's get this Thursday started.

In today's Daily, we have the latest and greatest playground opening up for all kids in Tuscaloosa County, updates from Wednesday's County Commission meeting, and all of the other stories Patch is reading and following today.

First today's weather:

Tuscaloosa can expect a cool, sunny Thursday with a high near 68 degrees and a low around 46.

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Patch Pick: The Tuscaloosa All-Inclusive Playground Project (TAPP) officially opened its first phase on Wednesday near Sokol Park. The park is designed with accommodations for children with disabilities, while being inviting to all.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. A Unity Rally was held at Tannehill State Park Wednesday night as around 1,100 members of United Mine Workers of America are on strike from Brookwood-based Warrior Met Coal. The union and company have yet to reach a middle ground on a new collective bargaining agreement.

2. Hillcrest High School recently introduced Jamie Mitchell to parents, teachers and faculty as he takes the role of head football coach for the Patriots (WVUA 23 News)

3. Tuscaloosa County School System Superintendent Keri Johnson and TTL Vice President Frank Summers presented the final plan for the access road to the new Northport Intermediate School at Wednesday's meeting of the Tuscaloosa County Commission. (More on Patch)

4. Tensions are high in Hueytown as the University of Alabama plans to clear-cut from a 700-acre plot of endowed lands in area, Isabel Hope reports. Residents say the deforesting would impact their way of life and the environment. (Crimson White)

5. The Tuscaloosa County Jail will soon be on the receiving end of $53,000 worth of new laundry equipment following heavy usage of the current machines during the coronavirus pandemic. (More on Patch)

Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

- A Moundville man was killed in a single-vehicle Tuesday evening on Alabama Highway 14, approximately 10 miles west of the Eutaw city limits. The victim was identified as Orville Kenneth Dill, 63.

- The Shelton State men's basketball team fell 73-60 to Chipola Wednesday in the second round of the 2021 NJCAA Basketball Tournament. (More)

- Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the Tuscaloosa area in the next few weeks. (More on Patch)

-The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force and PRIDE of Tuscaloosa will be set up at several locations on Saturday, April 24 to accept unused and expired drugs as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day (More on Patch).

- The University of Alabama's RISE Center will hold the RISE Tournament of Champions today and tomorrow at NorthRiver Yacht Club, along with a women’s doubles tennis tournament today at the PARA Tuscaloosa Tennis Center. Both events will benefit therapeutic services provided by RISE.

- Former West Alabama offensive coordinator Carmen Felus is reportedly returning to the UWA coaching staff as wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator.

Area softball scores

West Alabama 8, Mississippi College 4

West Alabama 2, Mississippi College 3

Tuscaloosa County 4, Helena 8

Now you're all caught up to get this Thursday started on an informed note. Don't miss out during the rest of the week, though! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content every day of the week.

I'll see you around!

- Ryan

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.