U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby will visit with Crenshaw County residents on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the SMART Plant in Luverne. Shelby visits each county within the state of Alabama at least once a year.

The county visit is open to the public and will take place at noon.

According to his office, Shelby has made some 1300 such county visits since he was elected to office. Shelby said the visits serve as an indicator of his commitment to the people of Alabama.

“Over the years, these meetings have provided an excellent opportunity for area residents to listen and voice their opinions on the activities of our government,” Shelby said in a released statement.

“This will be a great chance to discuss the important issues facing our state and our nation as the 109th Congress convenes.”

Shelby last visited Crenshaw County in January of 2005.

Shelby will address issues pertinent to Alabamians as well as his agenda for the 109th Congress during the visit. The floor will be opened for questions from those attending following his opening remarks.

One of the more high-profile U.S. Senators, Shelby recently returned $1,000 from former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pled guilty to conspiracy and federal tax evasion charges.

As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Shelby recently announced $30 million for the Joint

Common Missle Program – good news for Troy’s Lockheed-Martin missle plant.