Hardware store hosts newest Connie’s Cabinet
RUSSELLVILLE — Austin Williams said Monday he hopes a cabinet in front of Green’s Dependable Hardware helps those in need for food but also serves as a reminder of the type of kindness his mother displayed.
“She was the light to the world,” Williams said during an event marking the addition of Connie’s Cabinet in front of the store at 15220 U.S. 43. “This is the perfect way to express who she was. She would take people to doctor appointment in Huntsville and Birmingham for free.”
This is similar to the Connie’s Cabinet that opened in 2022 at Heritage Park in Rogersville. Since then, another opened at the Athens-Limestone County Public Library.
The timing of the May 9 opening came just as Alabama Law Enforcement Agency officials sent out a reminder to the public a $5,000 reward remains available for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who killed Ridgeway.
Williams said he hopes the reward entices someone with knowledge about the case to come forward.
Doug Green, owner of Green’s Dependable Hardware, speaks during a ceremony for the installation of a new food located in front of his store.
“I’m sure someone in Rogersville knows what’s going on,” he said.
Ridgeway was stabbed to death in her Rogersville apartment on Oct. 23, 2015. Casey Cole White was charged with capital murder in Ridgeway’s death after confessing to the crime in 2020.
White was serving a 75-year sentence in Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer after being convicted of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and thirddegree burglary when he was involved in a crime spree that began on Dec. 1, 2015.
Mark White, who graduated from Lauderdale County High School with Ridgeway’s son, Austin, in 1997, has helped organize the Connie’s Cabinet projects. White, a radio host, often raises awareness about it on “The Mark White Show.”
“What we’re trying to do is shine a light in tragedy,” White said. “Hopefully, something good comes out of something bad.” Green’s Dependable owner Doug Green said he is honored to have a cabinet outside his store.
“It’s really needed,” Green said. “I would love to make this a community project where groups could take the lead and help fill it. Anyone can bring items to add to the cabinet or take what they need, no questions asked.”
State Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, said this is the type of project that a community rallies around.
“This allows the community to help the community,” Kiel said. “This is what neighbors are for.”
CONTRIBUTED/DAN BUSEY
Alabama State Representative Jamie Kiel, center, joins hands with others in prayer during a ceremony for the installation of a new food cabinet in honor of the late Connie Ridgeway.
Musician Marty Raybon, who was among those attending Monday’s event as a show of support, said one of the things he likes most about this project is it is uncomplicated.
“Good folks help good people,” Raybon said. “People who need it can come as they need it and not deal with bureaucracy. I encourage people to drive by every once in a while, and if it’s empty, run to the grocery store.” Casey White confessed to Ridgeway’s death while he was in prison, so he was taken to the Lauderdale County Detention Center awaiting court dates in the capital murder case when he and Vicky White, who was assistant director of corrections at the time, left the detention center.
That sparked a nationwide manhunt that ended when Vicky White died on May 9, 2022, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after she crashed the vehicle she and Casey White were in while being pursued by law enforcement in Indiana.
Casey White was apprehended and charged with felony murder in Vicky White’s death. He ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree escape and received a life sentence in 2022.
The case involving Ridgeway remains up in the air, and there are questions regarding the possibility Casey White confessed to her death just to get to temporarily be transferred to the Florence-Lauderdale Detention Center since Vicky White worked there.
