BREAKING GROUND*Participating in the groundbreaking ceremonies for a much-needed 4,100-square-foot auditorium at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center(SMREC) in crossville recently were, from left, Michael Weiss, Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station director; Earlon McWhorter, Auburn University Board of Trustees member; State Sen. Lowell Barron, who represents the Crossville area; DeKalb County farmer Waymon Buttram, an individual highly instrumental in making the new center a reality; AU Interim President Ed Richardson; and Gaines Smith, Alabama Cooperative Extension Center interim director. The new $491,000 facility will feature a seating capacity of 175, state-of-the-art media capabilities, a food preparation area and restrooms and will be connected to the existing office building by a covered walkway.Berry Construction of Scottsboro is the building contracor .Projected date of completion is July 15.

On 13 May, 2003, the first ever strawberry workshop and field day was held. Approximately 43 people attended the 3 hour program. Information provided covered from field prep to harvest. Speakers included Tony Dawkins, Superintendent,; Dr.Jim Jacobi, Ext. Plant Pathologist; Mr. Dan Porch, Ext. Agent-Blount Co.; and Bobby
Boozer, Area Horticulturist - Fruit Crops