On August 31, 1949, an important community event was announced in The Star. Boyd Vaughn informed residents of the Saks community about a crucial meeting scheduled for the following evening at Saks school. The central agenda of this gathering is to explore the feasibility of extending a natural gas line to the Saks area, a move that could significantly improve local infrastructure and convenience. A representative from the gas company will be present to clarify the company’s policies and procedures related to such an extension, providing residents with detailed information and addressing any questions or concerns they may have.

Additionally, on the same date, Loui Devine, the mechanical superintendent of The Anniston Star, made headlines as well. Mr. Devine had just returned from a two-day session of the Southern Newspaper Mechanical Conference held in Atlanta. At this conference, he was re-elected to the executive board, reaffirming his leadership and expertise in the field. Notably, Mr. Devine led a comprehensive panel discussion focusing on the mechanical challenges faced by small daily newspapers, sharing insights and solutions that could benefit his peers.

Fast forward to August 31, 1999, The Star reported on the evolving entertainment landscape at Quintard Mall. A new movie theater is poised to showcase major blockbusters next summer, sparking excitement among local moviegoers. However, a significant mystery looms over the Olde Mille site nearby: will it host another movie theater complex or not? Jim Morrow, the former owner of the parcel located near Interstate 20 and Alabama 21 in Oxford, expressed uncertainty regarding the new owners’ intentions. Although plans for a 12-to-14-screen theater were announced a year prior, there has been no visible progress to suggest its imminent construction.

Conversely, preparations at the mall are proceeding swiftly. AmStar Entertainment is developing a 12-screen cineplex there, with expectations of opening by summer 2000 or at the latest, by fall of that year, according to signage at the site. Efforts to get comments from officials at Carmike Cinemas—owners of Anniston Plaza and Carmike cinemas with six screens each—have been unsuccessful. They did not respond to inquiries about how they perceive this upcoming competition from AmStar Entertainment.