MonticelloLive

Billy Barnett of Monticello (center) looks at the custom-built UAM Boll Weevil bass boat he won Saturday night as part of a fund-raising project for the university’s new athletic facility. Pictured with Barnett are Hugh Heflin (left), chairman of The Campaign for Athletics, and UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter (right). Barnett, after a couple of days making his fishing buddies jealous, will donate the boat back to UAM to be used in continued fund-raising efforts for athletics. “My wife, Mary Jo, and I have decided to donate the boat back to UAM,” said Barnett. “UAM provided both of us with our education and the beginning of what has been a wonderful life. We hope this gift will bless others as we have been blessed by having an educational institution in our community that will continue to grow and prosper.”