Koch Foods Inc. has announced plans to invest $40.5 to build a feed mill in Randolph County. The mill will produce prepared feeds and ingredients to support a processing plant in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Koch Foods plans to hire 27 full-time employees and 19 truck drivers with a total annual payroll of $2 million.

“Koch Foods’ decision to locate their world-class facility here is great news for Randolph County,” said Marilyn Lott, executive director of the Randolph County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA). Koch is one of the nation’s largest poultry producers.

According to Alabama News Center, the RCEDA predicts that the mill will lead to the development of up to 190 new houses contracted by local farmers. Famers generally build houses leading from the feed mill to the processing plant. These developments could bring an estimated $95 million.

“With the right facilities such as this feed mill in place, Koch Foods will not only remain competitive but look to expand in this area,” said Mark Kaminsky, the company’s chief operating officer. “We appreciate all the support this project has received.”

Kaminsky said that the project could not have been successful without the support of officials in Roanoke and Randolph County. “This major investment by Koch Foods will create 46 well-paying jobs in rural Alabama and generate new opportunities in communities across Randolph County,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The project expands the company’s already significant footprint in the state and will support the growth of East Alabama’s poultry industry with many new growing houses.”

Roanoke Mayor Mike Fisher said his city of around 6,000 residents will benefit significantly from the project. “This company will bring new jobs and economic growth,” he said. “We are fortunate to have this business and we look forward to a long working relationship with them.”

In a statement released Monday morning, the Oxford Police Department is making it clear that shoplifters are not wanted in their town. In its announcement of six recent shoplifting arrests, the Oxford P.D. posted the following on its Facebook page this morning.

A quick reminder to those thinking of coming to Oxford to steal. Your picture could end up here. Don’t do it, it’s NOT worth it! For the week of 07/08/2017 – 07/15/2017 there were SIX shoplifting arrests that met the social media posting criteria. Like what we’re doing? Want to be in the know about what’s happening in Oxford? Let us know by LIKING THIS POST! Thank you to all of the Loss Prevention personnel at work in The City of Oxford that makes most shoplifting arrests possible!!!

This isn’t the first time the Oxford Police Department has used social media to warn would-be criminals and track down suspects. The men and women of the Oxford Police force hope that spreading the word on social media will keep the public aware of crimes and wanted suspects in their community. It’s not uncommon for criminals to post about their crimes on social media or boast about their illegal activities, apparently unaware that police can often see this information as well.

If you live in the Oxford area and would like to keep up with crimes and wanted suspects in your community, make sure to like the Oxford Police Department on Facebook.