Home Care In Russellville, IN

RUSSELLVILLE — Residents of Russellville and Franklin County will have better drinking water and safer sewage disposal thanks to a pair of grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.

The grants total $546,000 for upgrades at the two public utility systems will ensure better drinking water and safe sewage disposal in Franklin County.

Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership program, will help the city of Russellville take steps to improve filtration at a wastewater treatment plant while the Franklin County Water Service Authority will use funds to improve water quality.

Russellville was awarded a $500,000 ARC grant, and Franklin County received $46,000.

“These two projects, although different in scope, have the same goal of ensuring that these facilities perform as they should and provide reliable service to the homes and businesses that depend on them,” Ivey said. “I commend local leaders in Russellville and Franklin County for their dedication to improving the safety and reliability of their utilities.”

Russellville will use funds to make structural and electrical improvements at the Radford “Joe” Murray Wastewater Treatment Plant. The ARC grant project is one of several improvements the city’s water and sewer board has made to the wastewater facility.

The Franklin County Water Service Authority plans to replace a leaking filter at its Horseshoe Bend water treatment plant to ensure better water quality for the 1,681 households and 16 businesses it serves as well as future customers in Franklin and neighboring Marion counties.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission has been a valued partner for more than 50 years to Alabama cities and counties within the ARC region,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA and Gov. Ivey are grateful for the ARC’s contributions to improving those communities.”

Ivey notified Dan Terry, chairman of the Russellville Water Works and Sewer Board, and Steve Swinney, general manager of the Franklin County Water Service Authority, that the two grants had been approved.

Russellville has pledged $791,000 for its project, and Franklin County has pledged $46,000 for its project.

ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Franklin County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.

“The grand opening of our new Foamular NGX manufacturing plant in Russellville marks a significant milestone in Owens Corning’s journey to deliver sustainable building solutions,” said Jose Canovas, president of Insulation at Owens Corning. “This facility reflects our commitment to our customers’ growth, innovation, and the vibrant Russellville community. We’re proud to invest in Arkansas, create new jobs, and grow alongside our customers with high-performance insulation.”

“Arkansas is growing at unprecedented rates and its companies like Owens Corning that enable us to keep up with demand,” said Governor Sanders. “They have invested in the Natural State for nearly 40 years, and the opening of their new facility in Russellville ensures they will be here for many more decades to come.”

“With the grand opening of its new facility in Russellville, we’re proud to see Owens Corning making products and creating jobs in Arkansas,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Russellville is helping companies like Owens Corning succeed because it provides a strong workforce and business-friendly environment, and this is leading to more investment in the River Valley. Congratulations to Owens Corning and the City of Russellville.”

Announced in February 2023, construction of the 150,000-sq.-ft. facility with state-of-the-art technology was completed in August and will be fully operational by year-end. The facility has created over 50 new jobs in the local area. The capacity will meet the growing demand for Foamular NGX insulation, which spans the non-residential and residential markets.

“Russellville as the chosen location for this strategic investment, along with the safe and successful completion of the plant’s construction, is a testament to the strong workforce and the dedicated state and local partners we have here,” said Clint Price, plant leader at Owens Corning. “We are proud to be part of a community that shares our values of safety, sustainability, and growth. We look forward to building lasting relationships and contributing to the future of Russellville.”

The event was attended by state and local elected officials, key partners, authorities, senior company leaders, employees, and members of the community. It featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, symbolizing the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art facility.

During the ceremony, Owens Corning Insulation business and Russellville plant leadership highlighted how this investment serves the growing needs of its customers by enhancing supply chain efficiency. Owens Corning remains committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

“Like many people, I’ve always associated Owens Corning with their famous Pink Panther mascot and excellent products. But after getting to know the members of their team, I’ve learned that Owens Corning is so much more. It’s a family, a culture of people who believe in excellence in everything they do. We are so excited to welcome the Owens Corning family to Russellville and have them become part of our community. Additions like this are what make our community truly special,” said Russellville Mayor Fred Teague.

“From the moment I first became acquainted with the Owens Corning Russellville project, I was impressed by their commitment to community and their commitment to their employees. It became immediately clear, Owens Corning is the exact type of business and industry that Pope County desires, and I feel blessed that they chose us,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross.

“Owens Corning’s new foam insulation plant is a major milestone for Russellville, bringing high-quality jobs to our area and reinforcing our community as a hub for advanced manufacturing. We’re thrilled to celebrate this ribbon cutting, which highlights our strong local economy and readiness for continued growth and opportunity,” said Dr. Megan Selman, chief executive officer and economic developer of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development.

Owens Corning has a long-standing relationship with the state of Arkansas, its workforce, and its communities going back nearly 40 years. Company employees are active volunteers in Russellville, and community engagement is central to its corporate citizenship. During the event the Owens Corning Foundation granted a $50,000 donation to the Russ Bus local nonprofit, an organization that serves the homeless population in the area by empowering, educating, and partnering with those in need. This donation will be used to pay the rent for all of the nonprofit charities that are housed in their building, supporting them to operate with reduced overhead costs.

James and Laurie Bibler understood that true legacy is about much more than any gift…it’s about the ripple effect.

Take a rock tossed into Lake Dardanelle. The outward ripples can be felt for many feet past where that rock landed in the water.

Much like the rock created ripples in the water that are experienced far beyond the initial impact, James and Laurie Bibler created a ripple effect that will impact generations of students at Arkansas Tech University.

In November 2020, Arkansas Tech announced the Biblers had pledged six million dollars to Arkansas Tech University. That gift was the largest personal pledge the university has ever received.

The gift will support the James and Laurie Bibler Scholarship fund and the University’s Greatest Need fund.

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to offer scholarships to young adults who have a desire to further their education but do not have the means to do so,” said Laurie. “James and I realize that education is so important to young adults. If they are not given the opportunity for post-secondary study, they risk being left behind. We don’t want that to happen. We want them to succeed and achieve their goals.”

James Bibler passed away in January of 2021, but his legacy will live on through the scholarships awarded to future students.

The Biblers hope their philanthropy will do more than just help ATU students. Through their service as honorary co-chairs of the first comprehensive campaign in university history, their goal is to help others realize their own legacy and consider supporting Arkansas Tech financially, now and in the future.

“If we can provide a college education for even just one person and that person goes out and succeeds to their fullest, think about the impact that they will make,” said Laurie. “It is important to give back from what we have been given. We hope that others are inspired to include Arkansas Tech in their estate plans.”

As state funding continues to be stretched, private dollars are more important in higher education than ever before, and gifts to Arkansas Tech University help the university educate and empower students to achieve their dreams and in turn transform their communities.

“Equipping students for their future is the core commitment of Arkansas Tech University. It’s why we exist. Our commitment to this is evidenced by the fact that we’re number one in the state for upward social mobility, and we have been for the past seven years,” said Jason Geiken, vice president for advancement. “However, for us to continue that effort, more private dollars will be needed to support our students.”

The legacy of the Bibler family will be felt for generations to come at Arkansas Tech. The funds donated will provide opportunities to help students achieve solutions to problems that don’t yet exist.

But for James and Laurie Bibler, one of the most exciting aspects of their legacy is leading the charge of ATU alumni and friends who are stepping up and supporting the university to ensure that it continues to thrive and serve Arkansas students.

“Arkansas Tech is a vital part of Pope County. I live in this wonderful community, and we need to support Arkansas Tech,” said Laurie. “My desire to help Arkansas Tech has grown through the years.”

Their legacy runs much deeper than two people. The Bibler family legacy is about encouraging others to join in giving back in a meaningful way that moves Arkansas Tech forward. An inspiring legacy for lives well lived.

Who are the Biblers?

James Bibler

Mr. Bibler was the third generation in his family to work at Bibler Brothers Lumber in Russellville. After high school, he attended Arkansas Tech for two years studying business administration before joining the family business.

Through hard work, he rose through the ranks and became president of the company in 1967. The family sold the company in 1973, and in 1986 he formed James Bibler Enterprises and purchased all of the stock in Bibler Brothers Inc. After leading a transformational modernization of the company and its equipment, he sold 90% of the company to Freeman Brothers, Inc., in 1998.

Mr. Bibler has been inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. He is also a past president of the Southern Forest Products Association. He is a past chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, having been appointed to that board by Gov. David Pryor and re-appointed by Gov. Bill Clinton. He served as vice-chairman of the public timber division of the National Forest Products Association. Additionally, he was named Timber Processing’s Man of the Year. Finally, he served as chairman of the Ouachita Timber Purchasers Group and as a member of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau Board of Directors.

In addition to his expertise in the agriculture and timber industry, Mr. Bibler had a passion for hunting. After his retirement, he made multiple trips across the continents of Africa and Asia in pursuit of big game. For him, the trips offered the ability to enjoy his hunting hobby but also provided a way to learn more about the natives he’d interact with during the trips. His hunting pursuits were proudly displayed in his 6,000-square-foot trophy house in Russellville, where animals adorned the walls.

A better community was important to Mr. Bibler. Through his philanthropic activities, Mr. Bibler supported Arkansas Tech on numerous occasions, and he played a key role in helping the ATU accounting program achieve accreditation during his service on the Business Advisory Board. Additionally, he received the highest honor possible at Arkansas Tech for his service, membership into the Hall of Distinction in 2011.

However, his philanthropic efforts didn’t end with ATU. Mr. Bibler also supported the United Methodist Church and served as president of the Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the airport commission.

Laurie Bibler

Laurie and James Bibler married in 1984 and supported one another for more than 30 years. James described Laurie as the one who enriched his life, believed in him and inspired him to reach higher. He referred to her as the family rock through the strongest of storms.

A native of North Little Rock, Laurie studied at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville after high school. There, she earned a two-year degree and went to work at First American National Bank, where she rose to the rank of administrative assistant/officer of the executive department and secretary of the board of directors.

Laurie’s prowess in business also provided multiple opportunities for leadership in the family company and in the community. She served as vice president, secretary, and chief financial officer of the company. She also later enrolled in Arkansas Tech’s real-estate licensing program.

Serving the community is important to Mrs. Bibler, and she has served as a longtime member of the Arkansas Tech University Foundation Board. Currently, she serves as the secretary of the ATU Foundation Board. Additionally, Laurie was a member of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce and served as secretary on the Chamber Board. She also served on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club in Russellville and is a lifetime member of the Russellville Junior Auxiliary.

-By Carrie Harris Phillips for the Tech Action, Fall 2021