Warrior Met Responds To Strike Notice; Left Hand Soap Co. Moving

We're almost to the weekend Tuscaloosa!

In today's Daily, we have a West Alabama coal producer's response to a proposed strike, a popular Tuscaloosa business relocating to Birmingham and all of the other stories we are working on and following to start this Thursday!

First, today's weather:

Sunny, but cool, with a high near 55 degrees and a low around 30. A Freeze Watch is currently in place for Tuscaloosa.

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Patch Pick: Here is our latest Patch Digital Feature, following a raid of a puppy mill in Marion County on Tuesday.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. Warrior Met Coal released a lengthy statement on Wednesday following news of a strike order issued by United Mine Workers of America, which could see as many as 1,100 members go on strike today at 10:30 p.m. if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached.

The company said:"History has shown that we must remain vigilant in preparing for the volatility of coal prices. Despite a declining market and global pandemic last year, we are especially proud of the fact that we remained open as an essential industry and were able to protect the livelihood of our 1,400 employees ... We provide some of the highest paying jobs in Alabama and they contribute immensely to our state’s economy. Metallurgical coal is a vital component in steel manufacturing and is accountable for 50% of the revenue generated by the Alabama State Port Authority. We take this responsibility for our employees, neighbors and our state’s economic growth very seriously. We have and will continue to work with the UMWA to reach a resolution. While we are disappointed that the UMWA has taken this extreme step to declare a strike while we continue to negotiate in good faith, we have continuity plans in place to continue meeting the demands of our key customers."

2. Tuscaloosa's Left Hand Soap Company has announced it will move to Birmingham and open a brick-and-mortar store in the historic Sensabaugh building at Pepper Place, Jenna Murray reports (Tuscaloosa Thread).

3. Mark Hughes Cobb penned a thoughtful anniversary piece as the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater celebrates a decade in operation. Fun fact: I was on the front row for the very first concert featuring Band of Horses and The Avett Brothers! (Tuscaloosa News)

4. The University of Alabama's Honors College has Cassander Smith as associate dean of academic affairs, Grace Schepis reports. Smith will assume the new role on May 16. (Crimson White)

5. Antonio Montez Denson, 33, pleaded guilty to unlawful transport of firearms by a convicted felon on Jan. 28 for a Tuscaloosa Police Department case going back to 2018. U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler sentenced him to serve 120 months in prison at a sentencing hearing held in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday.

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Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

- Shelton State Community College’s dual enrollment program will hold a virtual information session for students interested in respiratory therapy on April 15 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. The session requires registration, but is free of charge.

- The Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority has officially rebranded to become the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. During its March TCIDA Board meeting, the Board of Directors passed a resolution to do business as TCEDA and adopted a new logo featuring the new name.

- No word yet on injuries from a crash involving an overturned vehicle on McFarland Boulevard at Airport Road early Thursday morning in Northport.

- The Northport Police Department on Thursday gave a public shoutout to Animal Control Officer Jerry Jones, who has been with the City of Northport since 2006. Thank you for your service Jerry!

- Beth Spradley, a 7th grade science teacher at Davis-Emerson Middle School, was recently named Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher by the Alabama Science Teachers Association.

- Central High School senior defensive lineman Reginald Chapman signed on Wednesday to play football at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky, where he plans to major in psychology or nursing.

Now you're in the loop to get this breezy Thursday started on an informed note. But don't miss out the rest of the day! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates throughout the day!

I'll see you around!

- Ryan

About me: I grew up in Tuscaloosa. I'm a graduate of the University of Alabama, an experienced journalist, editor and columnist and the founder of Tuscaloosa Patch. You can find me at baseball games, public meetings, events in the local arts community and wherever live music is played!