April 2022 Edition of the Alabama Ledger
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY APRIL 22
A LABAMA L EDGER April 2022 Northeast Alabama Print Edition www.AlabamaLedger.com 12 Pages Published by The Sports Ledger, LLC
No More Common Core Alabama Governor
governor’s signature, this legislation eradicates these standards once and for all. “Literacy and numeracy are the blocking and tackling of education, plain and simple. For our students to have positive educational outcomes and to have success later in life, we must ensure proficiency in both reading and math is achieved. That is why,
here in Alabama, we are focusing on what matters, and that is core instruction – not any of the other nonsense. Alabama parents wholeheartedly agree with that," said Ivey. "We cannot accept passing our students along without the proper foundation as the status quo, and that is why I have proudly signed the Alabama Numeracy
Act into law," added Governor Ivey. "This strategic, targeted and wise investment in our children will provide necessary resources, will include high-quality instruction and will keep our schools accountable. The Alabama Numeracy Act delivers on my commitment to place the same sense of urgency on math as we rightfully have on reading."
Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 171, the Alabama Numeracy Act, into law. The Numeracy Act, is a strategic approach to improving mathematics achievement. In 2019, Governor Ivey and the State Board of Education eliminated Common Core from Alabama’s mathematics standards, and with the
Tax Relief For Small Business in Alabama
New First Responder Database Free Registration Available Alabama Governor Kay Ivey hosted the Magic Moments Easter Egg Roll at the Governor’s Mansion on April 2, 2022 . Joining the Governor were Magic Moments Executive Director Sandy Naramore, Magic Moments kids and their families, and Service Dogs of Alabama. Even the Easter Bunny made an appearance. Photo by Hal Yeager, Governor's Office HAPPY EASTER!
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed House Bill 391 into law. The new law will provide relief from the business privilege tax for Alabama small businesses. The exemption will provide relief to more than 230,000 Alabama small businesses. “Alabama’s small businesses are the soul of our economy, and as long as I am your governor, I will continue to be a champion for these hardworking men and women. We are providing real relief to our small businesses,” said Governor Ivey. “I commend Chairman (Steve) Clouse and Senator (Tom) Butler for their leadership and the Alabama Legislature for their work to support our small businesses. This will go a long way in providing support for some 230,000
small businesses for years to come,” added Ivey. When the new law is fully implemented, the exemption is projected to save the state’s small businesses an estimated $23 million a year. Beginning in tax year 2023, this new law cuts the $100 minimum business privilege tax in half to $50 for small businesses, and it completely exempts small businesses from the minimum tax beginning in 2024. Currently, the Alabama Business Privilege Tax levies a minimum of $100 annually on corporations, limited liability entities and other businesses in Alabama. The tax remains due every registered year until the entity is legally dissolved, regardless of whether or not such entity is actively doing business in Alabama.
Construction continues on the Highway 168 Bridge project over Short Creek, three miles east of US-431, between Boaz and Kilpatrick. The reported cost of the project is $3.5 million and it includes demolishing and replacing the old bridge, which was constructed in 1948, with a modern, wider and safer bridge. The project, which has been underway since November, is expected to take about a year to complete. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger Bridge Work Continues
By Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has a new database for first responders. The system, named the Shining Star database, will provide crucial information to first responders regarding citizens with special needs or special conditions. Shining Star citizens will be provided with an identification card and will be entered into the database. For example, if a parent of an autistic child is injured or incapacitated in a car crash, first responders will be able to run the subject’s identification information through dispatch, and dispatchers will be able to instantly advise those on scene of the specific information regarding the care of the subject and other immediate family members. The new system will give vital information to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services as to the condition of the subject, next of kin, and the right courses of action when helping the patient. Responders will also have contact information readily available for family who can respond to the scene and assist. “My inspiration for this program comes from my own daughter, Khloe, who has special needs,” said Welden. “I began to look at this issue from a parent’s
perspective instead of a law enforcement perspective.” “If our daughter is with us on a trip, and Lord forbid something happened to myself and my wife, first responders on scene would be unaware of her condition or how best to care for her. Some mental disorders can also mimic the symptoms of drug usage, and we do not want that mistake to happen, whether it’s our children or anyone else’s,” he said. The program will be available to all citizens of all ages with special medical needs, such as Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any mental disorder that can cause altered behavior. Caregivers and parents in DeKalb County may bring their loved ones to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (2801 Jordan Road SW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to register. Registration is free. “We are going to implement and refine this system at the local level, and hope that it can spread nationwide, so that our first responders have the information to best serve and protect, no matter the mental status of the citizen or situation,” added Welden. Sheriff Welden is also currently working with Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter to create a new car tag that Alabama citizens can purchase in the future to help fund the program.
Michelle Norwood, owner of A Little Something Extra Ice Creme, and her son Hunter work to train individuals at ARC of DeKalb County on how to become Ice Cream Experts on Thursday, April 7, 2022 in Fort Payne. ARC, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to and advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has partnered with A Little Something Extra Ice Cream to open the Company's second mobile ice cream truck. The new truck will provide opportunities for those at ARC to work and earn a paycheck. Ali Rogers, Executive Director of ARC, said they have already received a donated truck and purchased new freezers. She hopes to have the new venture operational by May 2022. ARC's truck will pick up some of the local events for the Ice Cream Business, which Norwood said operates at many local and statewide events, as well as serving Ice Cream to local businesses and their employees. Awesome Ice Cream Experts Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Vote May 24th, 2022 Republican Primary Paid political ad by Nick Jones, P.O. Box 5, Rainsville, AL 35986
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
PAGE 2 April 2022
Wildflower Saturday Set For May 7
BORDER SUMMIT Alabama was one of eight southern states represented at the recent Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Southwest Border Summit. The event was held for the state and local agencies to discuss ways to better combat the increased crime coming from the U.S.- Mexico border. “Border security and crime stemming from illegal immigration cannot be neglected, plain and simple,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “Failing to secure our Southern Border puts Americans – young and old and from all walks of life – at risk. I am proud that members of our Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are taking steps to combat the increase in crime coming from the U.S.-Mexico border. We in Alabama are continuing to do our part to protect our citizens,” the Governor said. Participants listened to a briefing from the Texas Department of Public Safety and discussed the current situation as it relates to the crimes coming from across the border and the impact on our local communities. Those attending shared law enforcement investigative efforts and challenges, crime trends and ways to utilize partnerships between state law enforcement agencies to address the crimes. “Bysharing intelligence and resources, we can more effectively curb the flow of drugs, human trafficking and gang violence coming into our states from the southern border, said FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen.
is marked for its difficulty level. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear & bring along water & snacks along on the hikes. Throughout the course of the day you will be able to choose from 3 separate hikes during the day, each hike with different leaders. The Hiking Trails include: The Azalea Cascade Hike : (Easy to Moderate) This trail starts on DeSoto's Azalea Cascade Boardwalk and ends at the Country Store. This one meets behind DeSoto's Country Store on the deck at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Azalea Cascade Hike has the easiest terrain, suitable for people with limited mobility or younger children. Starts out along the Talmadge Butler ADA- Accessible Boardwalk Trail & continues along for both an elevated & ground-floor view of the hardwood forest. Ends at Azalea Cascade, with an option to venture off the boardwalk on a trail that ends back at the country store. Various plants to see include Pink Lady Slipper, Mountain Laurel, Wild Ginger, Catesby’s Trillium, Galax, Trout Lilly, Sweet Shrub, Mountain Honeysuckle, Yellowroot, Dwarf Iris, New York Fern, Wild Geranium, Cucumber Magnolia and more. The Rhododendron Trail Hike: (Moderate to mildly strenuous) – This trail goes from Country Store towards DeSoto's pool area and down the yellow trail, ending at Indian Falls. Meets at DeSoto's Nature Center at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The Annual Wildflower Saturday will be held the first weekend in May 2022. Wildflower Saturday is an annual event held in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne. DeSoto State Park 30th staff & guest speakers will be on hand for a weekend of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain. Those attending can choose to stay the whole weekend, or just come for the day to enjoy the hikes and programs. The weekend starts off with a welcome social and guest speaker program on Friday night (May 6), a day full of hikes to choose from and a guest speaker on Saturday night. (May 7). Saturday’s events will start at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast at DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant. At 9:00 a.m. the Hikes start at DeSoto’s Country Store with three different hikes heading out. Following a 11:30 a.m. lunch DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant, Hike’s will leave out at 1:00 p.m. from DeSoto’s Country Store. There will be another Hike at 3:00 p.m. Dinner is at 5:00 p.m. followed by a 7:15 p.m. Presentation on Lodge Deck (speaker TBA). The event is free and open to everyone. No pre- registration required. The State Park is requesting that groups over 10 people RSVP in order to help make everyone's wildflower experience better. DeSoto's trails can vary from fairly flat terrain to slightly steep inclines & rocky ground. Each hike
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail at DeSoto State Park
Bluets, Galax, Sweet Shrub, Fringe Tree, Partridgeberry, and more. The Little River Hike: (Moderate to mildly strenuous) – This trail starts at Indian Falls, follows the yellow trail and circles back to Indian Falls. It meets outside DeSoto's Country Store on grass at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The Little River Hike starts at Indian Falls & goes down a slight incline to follow along the West Fork of Little River. Terrain is rockywith someminor rock- hopping next to the river. Trail curves around & starts
a gradual curve up to the bluff above Little River and ends back at Indian Falls. Various plants to see include Mountain Honeysuckle, Mountain Laurel, Catawba Rhododendron, Nuttall’s Rayless Goldenrod, Yellowroot, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Indian Cucumber Root, Wood Sorrel, Tag Alder, Ashy Hydrangea, Oxeye Daisy, Coral Honeysuckle, Flatrock Onion, Neverwet, Royal Fern, Joe Pye Weed, Cinnamon Fern, Rattlesnake Plantain and much more. All presentations and hikes are free.
The Rhododendron Trail Hike is classified as moderate to mildly strenuous because of the length and slightly rocky terrain; this hike is great for walking under the forest canopy & among flowing creeks. Follows along the bluff line overlooking the West Fork of Little River, and ends at scenic Indian Falls. Various plants to see include Catawba Rhododendron, Wild Camellia, Rhododendron, Yellowstar Grass, Wild Huckleberry, Mountain Laurel, Trailing Arbutus,
MISS POTATO PAGEANT The Miss Potato Festival will be held on May 7 at the Sylvania High School lunch room. The pageant is open to girls 18 years old or under and are residents of Jackson County or DeKalb County. Entry fee is $40 and pageant forms can be picked up and dropped off at Sylvania City Hall. For more information, contact Tara Kirby at 256.657.6994.
The pictures below were made at the Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger)
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PAGE 3 April 2022
Marshall County Youth Tour Winners Receive Snead State Community College Scholarship
BOAZ CHAMBER BANQUET - The annual Boaz Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at The Event Center located at 201 Elizabeth Street. The event will be DowntownAbbeyAttire and the cost per ticket is $50. The banquet will include dinner, music, fun, games and a live auction. ROCK THE SOUTH - The "Biggest Party in the South” is back in Cullman on Aug. 5-6, 2022, with an incredible lineup of musicians. Morgan Wallen and ALABAMA will be the 2022 headliners with other well- known musicians, HARDY, Jamey Johnson, Koe Wetzel, Jimmie Allen, Colt Ford, Matt Stell and Dee Jay Silver. SNEAD STATE MUSIC EVENTS - Snead State Community College will hold it's Community Wind Band Concert on Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m., and the Snead State Music Department’s Spring Concert on Friday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Both performances will take place in the Bevill Center Auditorium. The Snead State Masterworks Chorale, formerly known as the Community Choir, will present a spring concert on Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m., also in the Bevill Center Auditorium. All of these events are free. 2022 BLOOMING FESTIVAL - The 38th annual Blooming Festival will be held on April 23-24 at the Ava Maria Grotto in Cullman. The Arts and Crafts fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. STYX CONCERT - The legendary rock band STYX, along with REO Speedwagon, are scheduled to perform at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.. STYX is known for a variety of 70's and 80's music, including hits such as "Come Sail Away" and "Renegade". 1950 US CENSUS RELEASED - The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) recently made population records from the 1950 Census available to the public for the first time. According to data from the US Census Department, between 1940 and 1950, the US grew 14.5%, to 151,325,798 people. New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, remained the nation's largest urban places. With a population of 1,970,358 in 1950, Los Angeles, surpassed Detroit to become the nation's fourth largest city. Western states saw enormous population gains with California's population growing an astounding 53.3% since 1940, while Arizona and Nevada's populations grew 50.1 and 45.2 percent, respectively. The nation's foreign-born population decreased from 11.4 million in 1940 to about 10.1 million in 1950. The 1950 Census was taken during the Presidential term from Harry S. Truman and it was filled with famous "firsts" and historic events. U.S. State Department official Alger Hiss was convicted of espionage and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were arrested for selling nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. Also, American consumers received their first "charge cards"; the Korean War began; actor James Dean got his first paid acting job; Charles Schulz published the first Peanuts comic strips; and the median value of the American home value was $7,354. In professional sports, Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton integrated professional basketball; and Yogi Berra and Joe Dimaggio led the NYYankees to a world championship. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - The US Library of Congress is seeking applicants for its Archives, History and Heritage Advanced Internship Program, which will run from Sept. 12 to Nov. 18, 2022. This 10-week paid internship is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate and doctoral students interested in learning and conducting research at the largest library in the world. The 2022 internship program will be a hybrid format that includes on-site and remote projects, allowing interns from near and far to participate. The deadline to apply is, April 25, 2022. For more information email AHHA@loc.gov or visit the website at https://www.loc.gov. ADMINISTRATIVE WEEK - Administrative Professionals Week will be celebrated at Gadsden State Community College with a professional development opportunity for administrative assistants and clerks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 in the Bevill Center Lecture Hall on the East Broad Campus. Registration is $25 and includes lunch. Participants must RSVP by April 22 to Baisha Woody at 256-549-8234 or bwoody@gadsdenstate.edu. CAMPGROUND RENOVATIONS - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (ADCNR) State Parks Division has announced plans to renovate and construct a new state-of-the-art public access campground, with a full array of utilities, for guests with motorhomes and travel trailers at Lake Guntersville State Park. As part of this project, the state anticipates upgrading/reconstructing the existing Town Creek Campground to add 25 RV sites with “full hookup” supplies, including 50AMP service, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi service. The campsite renovation may also include improvements to the entrance, an asphalt access drive, storm drainage improvements, a water main and related upgrades, a sewage dump station and pump station, water, internet/fiber connectivity, and electrical service at each campsite, as well as picnic tables and grills.
Snead State College recently presented one-year full tuition scholarships to the winners of the first round of the Alabama Youth Tour Competition, sponsored by Marshall-DeKalb Electric Cooperative. The competition required students to submit an essay and participate in an interview process prior to selection for the scholarship. All of the participants were eligible to be included in an Alabama Youth Tour trip to Montgomery, which took place on March 15-17. Students participating in the competition included Juleydi Franco Ramos of Crossville, Nicole Abercrombie and Katlyn Amanda Brothers, both of Douglas, Emma Cook and Elijah Slaton, both of Geraldine.
Participants of the 2022 Alabama Youth Tour competition, sponsored by Marshall-DeKalb Electric Cooperative, received a scholarship to Snead State Community College to use once they graduate from high school. (Pictured from left) Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore presented the scholarships to Juleydi Franco Ramos, Nicole Abercrombie, Amanda Brothers, Emma Cook and Elijah Slaton while MDEC representatives Kelli Whorton and Hannah Hanson offered their congratulations. Photo Courtesy of Snead State
Andrew Albrechet, Owner/CEO gives remarks, during the AUBix Grand Opening on Monday March 28, 2022. In August 2021, Governor Kay Ivey announced that AUBix LLC planned to open this $120 million data center in Auburn. The 40,000-square foot facility is located just outside Auburn University’s campus. AUBix is a firm founded by Auburn businessmen and will serve as a secure, multi-tenant data center. It is designed to bring technology parity to underserved communities across the state and is expected to become an economic catalyst for Alabama. Photo by Hal Yeager, Governor's Office Auburn Data Center Holds Grand Opening
GARTH BROOKS CONCERT - County music legend Garth Brooks has announced a concert for June 4, 2022 in Birmingham. Tickets went on sale Friday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. You can blame it all on our roots when we show up in boots to welcome Garth Brooks back to Alabama on June 4 for the new Protective Stadium’s first concert. "I am proud to have Garth here in Sweet Home Alabama and knowAlabamians and folks from all over will give this country legend a warm welcome in Birmingham this summer," said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. MOON OVER BUFFALO - The Gadsden State Theatre Department will present "Moon over Buffalo" at 7 p.m. April 21-23 and 28-30. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. For tickets or more information, please visit wallacehall.org. MEMORIES OF MAYBERRY - The Town of Valley Head will be hosting Memories of Mayberry on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The event will include your favorite Mayberry characters, a cruise-in, arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and various vendors. There will be an Aunt Bee's Dill Pickle Contest and a Pie Baking Contest. The Dill Pickle contest judging will be at 10 a.m. at City Hall and the Pie Baking contest judging will be at 11 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Valley Head Fire Department. The day of fun will kick off at 9 a.m. For more information call 256-899-3776 or 256-635-6814. RENT ASSISTANCE - The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that through February 2022, state and local Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) grantees have made over 4.7 million payments to households and spent or obligated approximately $30 billion in assistance of the program’s total $46 billion. Treasury expects the vast majority of the remaining funds to be deployed to households or paid to grantees by the middle of 2022. For more information please check out the Alabama Ledger's web site at www.AlabamaLedger.com.
WOMEN'S FOUNDATION GRANT - Snead State Community College has received a $50,000 grant from the Women’s Foundation of Greater Birmingham to serve women within the Marshall County and surrounding area The grant will fund scholarships for career skills training for up to 15 women who meet the eligibility requirements. Students receiving a scholarship as part of this project will have access to comprehensive career coaching services. They will earn credentials needed in the manufacturing industry, such as Certified Production Technician, OSHA 10 Hour General Industry, NC 3 Precision Measurement, National Career Readiness and Alabama Certified Worker. In addition, the other training received will be soft skills, digital and financial literacy and parenting workshops. Childcare and transportation assistance will be available as needed. Snead State is accepting applications for the Career Scholarships for Women, and classes are scheduled to begin May 16. For more information or to apply for the Career Scholarships, call (256) 840-4152 or email cherri.barnard@snead.edu. BLACKBERRY SMOKE CONCERT - The Sand MountainAmphitheater inAlbertville is set to host the Spirit of the South Festival, which will feature music from Blackberry Smoke, Drake White, and the Read Southall Band. The concert will be held on June 24, 2022. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION - Earth Day is set for Friday, April 22, 2022 and the Town of Valley Head is planning a special Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 21 at the Valley Head Town Park. The event will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. and will include a Duck Race at 5 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and come enjoy various display, activities and games. Food will be available for purchase. The events special guests will include Bigfoot and Smokey the Bear. For more information about the event contact the city of Valley Head at 256-635-6814.
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PAGE 4 April 2022
Proper Training Needed With New Constitutional Carry Gun Law
By David Rainer ADCNR Governor Kay Ivey recently signed legislation to make Alabama the 22nd state in the nation to adopt a constitutional carry law that eliminates the requirement for a person to obtain a concealed carry permit to lawfully carry a pistol. The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2023. The constitutional carry law was among the topics of discussion last week during the Shooting Sports Showcase at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park. POMA (Professional Outdoor MediaAssociation) and SEOPA (Southeastern Outdoor Press Association) hosted the event at the stellar 500-acre shooting range with Cheaha Mountain as a backdrop. Captain Marisa Futral, who is the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division Hunter Education Coordinator, has helped facilitate the shooting event with numerous firearms manufacturers, distributors, tourism representatives and outdoor media. Futral said proper training is even more important and increasingly requested by the public because of the continued surge in purchases of firearms used for target shooting, hunting and personal safety. “More and more people are buying firearms for self defense, and they need a place to shoot, a place where they feel comfortable,” Futral said. “They also learn at a place where they can return to shoot in the future.” One of the ways that happens is through the WFF’s Firearms 101 – Introduction to Handguns classes that are held at public shooting ranges throughout the state. At the Firearms 101 events, certified firearms instructors teach students the basics of firearms safety: - Always treat all firearms as if they are loaded. - Never allow the muzzle of the firearms to cover anything you are not
willing to harm.
One of the points of concern I heard at the shooting event was the availability of ammunition for the rest of 2022. Craig Kelley, a representative for Hornady Manufacturing for decades, said demand and the availability of components are stressing the ammo manufacturers. “In talking to Hornady, we think we will see some relief in hunting rifle ammunition by the end of 2022,” Kelly said. “It is kind of disheartening. There’s been a shortage in the system, from distributors to retail customers. In general, the trade is out of product. We’re starting to see some relief on the popular handgun calibers and the 5.56 (mm) and .223 calibers. Those will probably catch up first because they can be manufactured more quickly, and you have domestics and imports. “For hunting ammunition, there’s a real shortage of brass. Powder and primers are in short supply. It’s a perfect storm for the conditions we have in the market right now. Hopefully you’ll see some
hunting ammunition by the time hunting seasons open this year. But before you see it in quantity on the shelves, it’ll be a while. And it’s not that manufacturers are not producing the products. Hornady has shipped between 15 and 20 percent more product this year compared to the prior year.” Not only is availability going to be a problem for consumers, Kelley warned prices are going up considerably. “While Hornady has only gone up one time since COVID started, I know some of the major manufacturers have gone up four times,” he said. “So, when product does become available in quantity, people are going to have sticker shock with prices up 30 to 40 percent.” While Kelley certainly doesn’t advocate hoarding of ammo, he does suggest a reasonable purchase now if your caliber is in stock. “I wouldn’t wait until June or July to see if it’s in stock,” he said. “If your retailer has it now, I would advise getting one or two boxes to be sure you have your hunting ammo.”
To use WFF Public Shooting Ranges, Alabama residents are required to have a valid hunting, wildlife heritage, fishing, or WMA license for all range users between the ages of 16-64. For non-residents, a valid WMA license or non- resident hunting license is required for all range users ages 16 or older. The participants learn handguns basics from their personal instructors with Smith and Wesson and Ruger .22 caliber handguns. WFF provides all necessary firearms, ammunition and safety equipment for the new shooters. Speaking of Ruger, the Arizona company was one of the firearms manufacturers to display its products at the Shooting Sports Showcase, and Ruger’s Public Relations Manager Paul Pluff was pleased that Alabama’s constitutional carry bill has been signed into law. “I think the fact that Alabama has become a constitutional carry state is going to be a benefit to current shooters but new shooters also,” Pluff said. “It allows them the freedom to purchase that gun and carry it for personal protection. I absolutely think constitutional carry benefits far outweigh having to have a permit to carry. I think it’s a positive thing for Alabama.” One of the trends in the firearms industry is the proliferation of noise-suppressing devices on firearms. One of the exhibitors at the showcase was Dead Air Silencers, which provides an array of suppressors for most shooting and hunting firearms. I shot a suppressor- equipped rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, and the recoil was reduced significantly. “Suppressors for hunters are game-changers in my opinion,” said Dead Air’s Rod Cleveland. “It controls recoil. It controls noise so you save your ears. I do think, from the hunting segment, we want to bring more kids into that. For kids and new shooters, suppressors take away the
two things that bother them – recoil and noise. It’s a huge benefit in that respect. “Once you shoot suppressed on your hunting rifle, I don’t think you’ll go back.” Cleveland said the process to buy a stamp for a suppressor through the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) has been streamlined as of late December 2021. The ATF Form 4 is now available through E-File, and wait times for the $200 stamp have been reduced. “You can go to your dealer with the capabilities and have your photo and fingerprints transmitted to the ATF electronically,” he said. “It uploads into the ATF system to process it. Instead of taking eight to 12 months to get it back, a few folks are reporting getting their forms back in 60 days. This is just at the beginning of this transition, so this is good news.” During the event, attendees tested a variety of products from Century Arms, Trailblazer Firearms, and others which meant plenty of spent brass was collected after the event concluded.
- Always keep your trigger finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the conscious decision to fire. - Always be sure of your target and what is beyond - The participants learn the fundamentals of operating both a semi- automatic and a revolver. They learn how to load a magazine, insert the magazine into the handgun and manipulate the safety and slide release. Instructors ensure that the students follow all safety procedures and offer tips on the proper grip for best control of the firearm and accuracy. Students also learn malfunction clearance procedures and how to safely store their firearms when not in use. “At our Firearms 101 events, you get lessons from certified instructors,” Futral said. “Then you can go back to the same range where you learned to shoot that firearm and shoot more on your own or come back to a second class. This class offers one- on-one instruction, not just group instruction, so you get personal time with your own instructor. It’s quite the bargain for the cost of a Wildlife Heritage License. “All of our feedback from the classes has been positive. Everybody has been very complimentary of the instructors. We’re doing our best to spread out across the state, so we’re partnering with some county sheriffs’ offices. If you haven’t been able to find a class close to you, keep checking back on our website as we add more classes.” The next Firearms 101 classes will be held at the Cahaba River WMA Shooting Range near Helena on Saturday, April 16, 2022, and at the Swan Creek WMA Shooting Range in Limestone County on April 23, 2022. Visit the web site www.outdooralabama.com/ programs/ f i rearms-101- introduction-handguns on a regular basis to check for updates.
Coloring Corner
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed the General Fund Budget. She was supported by Finance Director Bill Poole, Rep. Steve Clouse and Sen. Greg Albritton. “This year’s General Fund is once again proving that Alabama’s fiscally conservative approach is churning success. Thanks to the wise approach by the Legislature over the years in saving dollars and putting these funds to good use, during my time as your governor, we have not once used the word ‘proration’ or spent beyond our means. Here in Alabama, we are not only delivering tax cuts to Alabamians, we are passing balanced budgets, and I was proud to officially put my signature on our General Fund - the sixth consecutive balanced budget I’ve signed as governor. I commend Rep. Clouse and Sen. Albritton for their leadership and for the hard work by the Legislature. We are prepaying the General Fund obligations for the People’s Trust Act through at least 2028, fully funding the General Fund Budget Reserve Fund for the first time in history, ensuring we are increasing pay for hardworking folks like our state troopers and mental health workers, and we are making historic investments in programs that will make a difference not just today, but for years to come," said Governor Ivey. Governor Signs General Fund Photo by Hal Yeager, Governor's Office
"Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others." _Rosa Parks
PAGE 5 April 2022
7-Year-Old Dies In ATV Crash A single vehicle crash
The following Death Notices are published as a courtesy of the Alabama Ledger and local funeral homes. To include more information, or a photo of your loved one, in a future Edition of the Alabama Ledger contact us at 256-506-7368. You can also find more obit information on the Sand Mountain Obits Facebook Page.
Adams Brown Service Funeral Home Christopher Allen Gore, age 48, of Albertville Geneva Bell Hewett, age 91, of Albertville Sherrell Diane Parrish, age 75, of Albertville Betty Morrow, age 85, of Albertville Margie Ruth Sanders Thrash, age 94, of Albertville Wendy Kay Nolf, age 42, of Albertville Marjorie Jones, age 96, of Albertville Jeffery Edward Farr, age 60, of Albertville Linda Carol Murray, age 71, of Albertville Jimmy Ronald Scott, age 77, of Boaz Agnes Estell Pankey, age 92, of Albertville James Dennis Burgess, age 62, of Albertville Mary Helen Strickland, age 77, of Albertville Katie Irene Baum, age 87, of Albertville Barbara Ann Rowell, age 78, of Albertville Rena Alice Sampson, age 84, of Albertville Ardellia A. Kellett, age 95, of Guntersville Albertville Memorial Funeral Home Lucas Spencer Holton, age 21, of Altoona Doris Marie Yeats, age 90, of Rainbow City Martha Sue Tarvin Umphrey, age 81, of Boaz Dorothy Joyce Peak, age 89, of Huntsville Lavaughn White, age 89, of Boaz Kristy Brooks, age 50, of Boaz Lelas Loyd Beck, age 67, of Albertville Geneva Gilliland, age 88, formerly of Albertville Hanna Grace Hogeland, age 7, of Boaz Burt Funeral Home Patricia Ann Fike, age 81, of Fort Payne Cody Wayne Hughes, age 31, of Scottsboro Julia "Judy" Ann Culpepper Martin, age 81, of Fort Payne Raquel Garcia Cordova, age 67, of Fort Payne Alan McLeod Manning, age 63, of Valley Head Carr Funeral Home in Boaz Elizabeth Potter, age 68, of Boaz Richard Dennis Long, age 65, of Albertville Carr Funeral Home in Guntersville Richard Lee Buch, age 66, of Albertville Mitchell Lee Bolding passed away at age 63 James Elworth Chamlies, age 79, of Guntersville Shirley Stafford Garrett passed away at age 88 Austin Franklin Phillips, age 82, of Guntersville Patricia Carol Champion, age 78, of Guntersville Collier-Butler Funeral Home Mary Frances Pearson, age 86, of Gasdsden David Shepherd Evans, Jr., age 91, of Ashville Zaddie Maude Spinks Johnson, age 104, of Gadsden Nanci Brooks Clifton, age 63, of Glencoe James Edward Cochran, age 77, of Glencoe James "Jim" Merwin Gatgens, age 81, of Rainbow City Lee B. Daniel, age 88, of Southside Dr. Clifton Earl Osborn, age 84, of Southside Lillie Muri Lipscomb Weaver, age 92, of Southside Marzell Pope Lasseter, age 98, of Gadsden Delores Jean Kelley, age 74, of Gadsden Raymond "Matt" Matthew Brasell, age 68, of Southside Irene Lay Gargus, age 81, Coates Bend Sandra Frost Harris, age 70, of Gadsden Jason Allen Thompson, age 36, of Ashville Cecil Douglas Walden, age 72, of Gadsden Collinsville Funeral Home William Leon Anderson, age 71, of Collinsville Jesse Dale Kirby, age 44, of Pisgah Windell Gibson, age 85, of Flat Rock/Bryant Shawn Anthony Free, age 47, of Flat Rock Roland Charles Bowen, age 92, of Flat Rock Erslene Young Brown, age 79, of Henagar Chadwick "Chad" Gregory Hughes, age 30, of Flat Rock James Carlton Barrentine, age 65, of Pisgah Lisa Diane Shirley, age 56, of Dutton Betty Jo Brown Ellis, age 82, of Flat Rock James "Jody" Deaun Marston, age 55, of Fort Payne Ted "Grumpy" Giles, age 75, of Flat Rock Rev. Dee Buthune, age 79, of Bryant Ray Pete Thomas, age 81, Flackler (Crow Mountain) Harry Truman Williams, age 76, of Flat Rock Mary Ruth Corbin, age 91, of Henagar Crossville Memorial Chapel Thomas A. "Tommy" Griffin, age 84, of Crossville Cornerstone Funeral Chapel in Ider David Clifton Noblitt, age 64, of Crossville Beverly Jean Shelley, age 61, of Collinsville Harley Lasseter, age 14, of Crossville Geraldine Funeral Home Rev. John Bethel Satterfield passed away at age 88 Mary M. Mashburn, age 78, of Collinsville Jackie Thomas Myers, age 85, of Crossville Guntersville Memorial Chapel Gregory Farrell Allen, age 56, of Guntersville Charles Lenwood "Len" Lecroy, Jr., age 67, of Albertville C OLLINSVILLE D RUGS Brandon Boswell h Pharmacist/Owner h 256-524-2981 “Caring for You Like Family” 588 South Valley Avenue P.O. Box 498
Nellie Pearl Helton, passed away at age 86 Vida Sue Cornelius, age 86, of Guntersville Paul David Fortenberry passed away at age 79 Gayla Ann Holland passed away at age 74 Etowah Memorial Chapel David Arnold Dodson, age 77, of Altoona Ronald Wayne "Rah-Rah" Roberts, age 74, of Boaz Ruby Doris Gillis Keener, age 88, of Gallant Angela "Maw Maw Angel" Carroll, age 56, of Gadsden Brenda Gail Nelson Gilliland, age 61, of Steele Clayton Thomas McGarry, age 61, of Gadsden Peggy Ann McLeod Stanfield, age 79, of Attalla Janice Carolyn Cunningham, age 67, of Gadsden Linda McCright, age 79, of Boaz Theresa Benefield Hawkins, age 73, of Ivalee Community Mauntez Winkles Brown, age 95, of Boaz Johnny Scales, age 66, of Attalla James "Buddy" Howard Jr., age 62, of Boaz Kerby Funeral Home in Henagar Bobby Ray Hudgens Sr., age 67, of Flat Rock
Johnson was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment. The crash occurred on Brock Road near Miller Road, approximately five miles west of Boaz. No additional info is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident.
on Tuesday, April 5 claimed the life of a 7- year-old child in Marshall County. According to law enforcement, the child was fatally injured when the Polaris all-terrain vehicle (ATV), on which the child was a passenger, left the roadway and overturned. Patricia D. Johnson, age 28 of Boaz, the driver of the ATV, was also injured.
DEA Warns of Increase in Mass-Overdoses Involving Fentanyl
Don Davis, age 64, of Flat Rock Sam Smart, age 84, of Pisgah Carolyn Ann Tiffin, age 74, of Pisgah Gary Izell, age 66, of Sylvania Infant Myles Jett Cooley, of Pisgah Shirley Jean Strange, age 70, of Boaz Virginia T. Benson, age 94, of Albertville Edna Sue Hibbs, age 81, of Boaz Joe Hall Baggett, Sr., age 85, of Scottsboro
Marshall Memorial Funeral Home
The Drug Enforcement (DEA) recent sent a letter to federal, state, and local law enforcement partners warning of a nationwide spike in fentanyl-related mass-overdose events. Administrator Anne Milgramoutlined the current threat and offered DEA support to law enforcement officers responding to these tragic incidents. “Fentanyl is killing Americans at an unprecedented rate,” she said. “Already this year, numerous mass-overdose events have resulted in dozens of overdoses and deaths. Drug traffickers are driving addiction, and increasing their profits, by mixing fentanyl with other illicit drugs. Tragically, many overdose victims have no idea they are ingesting deadly fentanyl, until it’s too late.” According to the Administration DEA, Fentanyl related mass overdose events, characterized as three or more overdoses occurring close in time and at the same location, have happened in at least seven American cities in recent months, resulting in 58 overdoses and 29 deaths. Tragic events like these are being driven by fentanyl, which is highly-addictive. It has been found in all 50 states, and drug traffickers are increasingly mixing it with other illicit drugs—in powder and pill form—in an effort to drive addiction and attract repeat buyers. These mass-overdose events typically occur in one of the following
recurring scenarios: when drug dealers sell their product as “cocaine,” when it actually contains fentanyl; or when drug dealers sell pills designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions, but are actually fake prescription pills containing fentanyl. This is creating a frightening nationwide trend where many overdose victims are dying after unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. Fentanyl is driving the nationwide overdose epidemic. The CDC estimates that in the 12-month period ending in October 2021, more than 105,000 Americans died of drug overdoses, with 66 percent of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Last year, the United States suffered more fentanyl-related deaths than gun- and auto-related deaths combined. The DEA is working diligently to trace mass-overdose events back to the local drug trafficking organizations and international cartels responsible for the surging domestic supply of fentanyl. The DEA continues to seize fentanyl at record rates. In the first three months of 2022, the DEA has seized almost 2,000 pounds of fentanyl and one million fake pills. Last year, DEA seized more than 15,000 pounds of fentanyl—four times the amount seized in 2017— which is enough to kill every American.
McRae Funeral Home in Boaz
Richard C. Bowers, age 78, of Boaz Charles Heflin, age 86, of Boaz Talmage Holcomb, age 90, of Boaz
Morgan Funeral Chapel and Crematory Marion Harlan "Doc" Daugherty, age 82, of Southside Ester Emerson Dunston, age 82, of Steele Ann Dollar Watson passed away at age 71 Rhonda Jean Ellis, age 72, of Rainbow City Janice Darlene Osborne, age 62, of Attalla Frances Abercrombie Graham, age 84, of Attalla Harold L. Burton, age 77, of Southside Charles Lee Morgan, age 73, of Gadsden Robert Steven Sanders, age 52, of Rainbow City Meldie Jeraldine Boggs, age 80, of Steele Russell Aubrey Harris passed away at age 81 Donald Wayne Strange, age 60, of Attalla Jacqueline Kris Geer, age 44, of Gadsden Alan Lee Mullinax, age 63, of Rainbow City Beverly Dianne Cain, age 73, of Gadsden James Budd Stokes, age 83, of Attalla Rainsville Funeral Home Ryan Wesley Phillips, age 32, of Scottsboro Janice Cotton, age 58, of Centre Jessie Monroe Williams, age 73, of Fort Payne Ollie Dwight Corbin, age 78, formerly of Rainsville Wayne Dalton, age 78, of Fort Payne Cheryl Teresa Wilborn, age 65, of Rainsville Phyllis Sharp, no age listed, of Collinsville Ruby Maness, age 91, of Fyffe Jo Helen Shirey Broyles, age 84, of Albertville The Valley Funeral Home Dean Wynne, age 83, of Stevenson Nitta Jones, age 59, of Bridgeport Kathy Freeman, age 65, of Scottsboro Matthew "Buck" Rogers Stewart, age 44, of Bridgeport Gary J. Belyeu, age 70, of Southside Windell Collins, age 79, of Attalla Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne Dora Slater Atkins, age 83, of Fort Payne Thomas "TJ" Jefferson Warren, Jr., age 92, of Fort Payne Terry D. Stephens, age 71, of Fort Payne Gena Nicole Dumas, age 27, of Centre Marie Wallis Fortner, age 84, of Fort Payne Kenneth Maurice Edwards, age 79, of Hokes Bluff W.T. Wilson Funeral Home Johnnie Fay Champion, age 87, of Geraldine Judy West Morrow, age 74, of Fort Payne Rayford B. Phillips, age 87, of Fort Payne Jimmy Ray Wilbanks, age 69, of Crossville Jerry Lee Smith, age 76, formerly of Fort Payne Ricky Alvin Knott, age 68, of Albertville Janice E. Martin, age 73, of Rainsville Elizia Francois, age 58, of Albertville Roderick Keith Orr, age 61, of Gadsden Becky Darlene Knott, age 66, Albertville Benjamin Sheffield Strickland, age 35, of Geraldine Mary Nell Atkins, age 88, of Rossville, GA Kenneth Charles Matthews, age 29, of Ider James Wayne Floyd, age 46, of Henagar Mary Ellen Hairell, age 64, of Fort Payne Sheila Gay Patterson, age 71, of Grove Oak Terry Wayne Ramza, age 56, of Fyffe Milford Duane Williams, age 71, of Rainsville George Henry Dobson, age 83, of Fyffe Bernice Fay Satterfield, age 89, of Fort Payne Jean Alice Lawson, age 80, of Geraldine Rayford Douglas Stephens, age 81, of Scottsboro Madison Michelle "Maddie" Renfroe, age 19, of Albertville James Cameron Stephens, age 41, of Boaz Richard Larry Miller, age 82, of Rainsville Douglas McArthur "Cowboy" Williams, 79, of Crossville Dimple Yvonne Wooten, age 87, of Rainsville Anna Elizabeth Isom, age 85, Formerly of Painter John Talmadge Hairston, age 59, of Valley Head Garvin Massey, age 82, of Scottsboro Bobbie Caulder, age 82, of Stevenson Jay Warner, age 58, of Scottsboro Joshua Terrell Fennell, age 29, of Scottsboro
Two DeKalb County residents passed away in a recent vehicle accident and a third person later died. According to Alabama State Troopers, a single-vehicle crash at approximately 2:20 a.m. Saturday, April 9, has claimed the lives of Pamela R. Pike, age 51 of Henagar and her passenger, Julie W. Lankford, age 50 of Ider. State Troopers reported that both individuals were fatally injured when the 2015 Nissan Sentra driven by Pike left the roadway and struck a tree. Neither Pike nor Lankford were using a seat belt at the time of the crash and were both pronounced deceased at the scene. Another passenger, Milian D. Penick, age 56, of Henderson, Nev., was injured and airlifted to Erlanger in Chattanooga, TN. He passed away at the hospital. The crash occurred on DeKalb County 141, approximately four miles north of Ider, in Dekalb County. No additional information was available at press time as Troopers continue to investigate the incident. Three Dead After Wreck in DeKalb County
Collinsville, AL 35961 (256) 524-2981 (256) 524-2987
Happy Easter
Brandon Boswell, PharmD Pharmacist/Owner
Infant Matthias Rosas passed away Anna Ree Goza, age 85, of Rainsville
PAGE 6 April 2022
GSCC To Spend $17 Million on Improvements
Several capital improvement projects have been completed with many other projects underway or in the planning stages at Gadsden State Community College. Over $17 million total will be spent on all projects planned through the end of 2022. Since 2020, $2,987,975 has been spent on capital and public works projects on four of Gadsden State’s five campuses. Projects in progress and those that will get underway this year total an additional $14,381,533. Murphy said the College is utilizing federal COVID relief dollars as well as tax revenues from Etowah County to fund the projects. “For several years, these projects have been delayed due to the lack of funding,” she said. “When it was determined that replacing or upgrading HVAC units and renovating existing buildings were acceptable, we put together a master plan to ensure that we are addressing the most pressing issues on our campuses.” Completed projects include HVAC replacement and interior renovations at Naylor Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus and the demolition of three buildings – Browder Hall, as well as Mitchell Hall and the Realtime Reporting Building on the East Broad Campus.
“Those facilities were aging and were very expensive to maintain,” Murphy said. “We no longer needed Browder Hall, which housed our science programs, with the completion of the Science Building on the East Broad Campus in late-2019. Mitchell Hall had not been occupied in years, and the Realtime Reporting Program was moved to a more suitable location on the East Broad Campus.” Repairs and new installation of flooring at all campuses took place in 2021 as well as the installation of water bottle filling stations. Other completed projects include renovated storage units, restriped parking lot and updated signage at the Valley Street Campus; remodeled resource center and repaired leaking water main and storm drainage at the East Broad Campus; and improvements made to the second floor of Allen Hall at the Wallace Drive Campus. Projects currently underway or in the planning stages on three of Gadsden State’s campuses include: Ayers Campus: Repaving parking lots; lowering the roof at the Cain Learning Resource Center; constructing outdoor classrooms for students in Diesel Mechanics and Welding; and installing a generator at the Administration Building East Broad Campus: Demolition of Brown Hall and
Jarvis Hall and generator installation at the Joe Ford Center Wallace Drive Campus: New or upgrade HVAC units at the Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, Beck Field House, Inzer Hall, Helderman Hall and Bevill Hall; new window walls and student bathroom renovations at Meadows Library; and generator installation at Allen Hall. “We are so excited about the installation of HVAC in Beck Field House, which is our gymnasium,” Murphy said. “Since its construction, our athletes and fans have had to endure the heat and the cold while participating in sporting events. Now they will be comfortable since we can control the climate indoors.” She pointed out that projects are necessary because of the age of the facilities at Gadsden State. “Gadsden State has been educating and training the people of northeast Alabama for many decades beginning in 1925 with the founding of the Alabama School of Trades, which is now our East Broad Campus,” she said. “The Valley Street Campus was established in 1960, the Wallace Drive Campus in 1965 and the Ayers Campus in 1966. The ages of the facilities make it necessary for us to focus our maintenance, renovation and repair efforts on these campuses.”
Black Bear Cubs Collared in Northeast Alabama By David Rainer ADCNR To say Traci Wood has males travel into Georgia. “They’re covering a
home range in the Mobile population means those bears are basically traveling in a circle with a radius of about 10 miles. Bears are a common sight in the general Saraland area.” However, Wood said a black bear could be spotted just about anywhere in the state, especially during the summer months. “Once the mom kicks them out at about 18 months of age, the young adult males roam,” she said. “But it’s not only the yearlings but older bears as well. The males are probably going to be looking for a mate or looking for a new home range. They can travel 250 miles. “We’re starting to get more reports from the Birmingham area. Some of the north Alabama males come down that corridor and turn up around Birmingham and Alexander City.” Wood said it’s important to be “Bear Aware” and realize any sighting during the summer is likely going to be a male bear passing through. “If you have garbage out or you’re feeding wildlife, you should remove that food source for about two weeks, and the bear will move along,” she said. “Their activity is extremely food driven. They’re like little teenagers and get into trouble. Removing the food source is the key. “But treat the bears as wildlife. Treat them as if they are dangerous. Typically, they’re not aggressive. They’re just looking for something to eat. You don’t want it to imprint on your food source because it’s going to keep coming back. That’s when it becomes a problem, but it’s more of a human problem than a bear problem.” Wood hopes being “Bear Aware” will reduce human conflicts and people can enjoy just seeing a bear. Speaking of bear sightings, WFF has set up an online reporting system for citizens. Visit www. outdooralabama.com/black- bear/alabama-black-bears and click on the “Report a Black Bear Sighting” link at the top of the page. “This helps us know where bears are popping up,” Wood said. “This helps us in where our research is focused. It helps us work with our citizens on how to be ‘Bear Aware.’ “People love bears because the cubs are so cute, but it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. It’s briars, mud and mosquitoes. It’s extremely hard work, but I love it.”
“The cubs in southwest Alabama are born at different times than north Alabama cubs,” Wood said. “We really don’t know why. It could be due to genetic reasons. Those cubs should be big enough to attach cub collars.” Although the study is focused on the bear populations in those two areas, Wood said that doesn’t mean bears aren’t denning and birthing cubs in other areas of the state. When den locations are determined, the researchers carefully approach the den to determine if the sow has given birth. “When we approach, the mom usually gets off the den and runs off right away,” Wood said. “We go straight into the den, collar, weigh and measure the cubs and put them back. It’s a very quick process because we want to reduce the stress to the den and mom. We want her to come back as quickly as possible. We don’t want her to think we are a threat. “She usually comes back within an hour, which is kind of surprising. I think she can sense – hear and smell – when we’re gone. That’s good news the sows are returning to the dens. Later, with the GPS, we can determine if the mom stayed at the den, or she may move her cubs to a different den. “A couple of weeks after we collar the cubs, they are out of the den, walking around with mom. They’re big enough to keep up with mom, and they’re exploring and climbing trees.” Wood said the bear population in northeast Alabama is doing great with sows producing large litters. “It’s not uncommon to encounter three cubs on average in a den,” she said. “Those cubs are very healthy, look very pretty, and they’re surviving in that first year, which is the most critical period because they’re small, vulnerable to predators, and it is a lot of work to keep up with mom. “Those cubs in north Alabama have very good habitat as well. They have canyons, caves and rock outcrops. Because of the canyons, they’re not running into people, houses or barriers. Even though we’re not seeing many sows’ dens in caves, most of the time they den in windrows after a tree cutting. It’s very thick. That seems to be their preference. It’s very removed from people as well. We’re seeing high cub survival in north Alabama.” After about a year, the yearlings will disperse, and Wood said some of the
very large range,” she said. “It’s a bigger picture than what you would think. The linkage between our bears in northeast Alabama and Georgia has very high potential because of the good habitat in that corridor.” Unfortunately, the bear population in the Mobile area is facing many more hurdles to viability, mainly due to isolation and habitat. “In the Mobile population, we are seeing more cub mortality,” Wood said. “It’s still a question mark for us on how to find answers and come up with solutions. They are a very genetically isolated population. They are surrounded by highways, the interstate and subdivisions. It has led to inbreeding and very low genetic diversity. It doesn’t bode well for them at all. “Den habitat and habitat quality for the adult bears are not there. Their den is open, like a nest on the ground. There’s rarely coverage, exposing them to all the elements, not only predators but extreme weather like flooding in the (Mobile-Tensaw) Delta. All those factors play a part in cub survival. It doesn’t appear, at this stage of the project, that predators are the problem. It’s directly linked to the poor habitat. It leaves those cubs so vulnerable. They have a hard life from the get-go. But we’re trying to find the answers on how to protect that population.” Wood said Auburn University has been a WFF partner for about a decade in this research on black bears, Alabama’s state mammal. Auburn leads the field work, trapping, collaring and tracking the bears as well as analyzing the data to provide a report to WFF. “This assists us in making management decisions for bears,” she said. “It helps us evaluate the status of black bears in Alabama. It’s very important work.” WFF and Auburn estimate the population of the northeast Alabama bears at 30-35 individuals. The southwest bear population is estimated at about 125, although Wood said some people in southwest Alabama think bears are everywhere. “There aren’t as many bears in the Mobile population as people think,” she said. “They’re seeing the same bears over and over. The fact that they have such a restricted
a passion for bears would understate her love for the small black bear populations on opposite ends of the state in northeast and southwest Alabama. A beaming Wood, State Wildlife Grants Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, recently was among a team of biologists and researchers who were able to place collars on a trio of bear cubs in DeKalb County near Mentone. A research program under State Wildlife Grants is continuing to monitor the black bear populations in the state. In its fourth year, the study looks at cub survival and den habitat. “We’re evaluating the types of den structures the sows are using,” Wood said. “We are collaring cubs when they are 7 weeks of age, around the 5-pound mark. It’s basically a GPS collar. We also insert a PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag into them. That collar expands as they grow. After six to nine months, that collar will fall off. So, if we trap that animal later, the PIT tag will identify as a cub we had previously collared. “What that collar also tells us is if that cub has died. If they die, we receive a transmitter signal, and we can find the location of the den and try to determine the cause of death. This will give an indication of how cubs are recruiting into the population.” When the cubs become adults and are collared again, the research team gathers a great deal more information about bear habits and habitat. “It tells us where they are going, if they’re having cubs in the future,” Wood said. “Hopefully, it’s a long- term look at the life ecology of a bear from when it’s born to its reproductive age.” The previous summer, WFF and the Auburn University research team, with Hannah Leeper as the research associate in the field, trapped females and attached GPS collars to determine where they made their winter dens. With the dens located, the team was able to find the cubs this spring near Mentone. The team will move to the Mobile area this weekend to start performing den checks to hopefully find cubs to collar.
Maria Mercedes Andres Felix is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree from Snead State while working at Atrion Medical in Arab, gaining hands-on experience in Industrial Systems Technology. Crossville Woman Learns Industrial Systems Technology
It’s a career field that doesn’t typically attract women, but for Maria Mercedes Andres Felix of Crossville, a career in Industrial Systems Technology is just what she was seeking. Maria is in her first year of the Associate in Applied Science degree pathway for Industrial Systems Technology at Snead State Community College. She enrolled with one purpose in mind – to earn an education that would lead to a good, high-paying job. “I wanted to help support my family, and I liked the fact that I would get hands-on experience. I didn’t think about it being a male-dominated field. That wasn’t really obvious to me until I started working in it, but nothing has discouraged me from earning my degree,” she said. She learned about the Industrial System Technology program through social media. She saw a post about an open house at Snead State’s Technology Center. Even though she was already enrolled at Snead State, she decided to attend the open house and ask questions. Maria changed her major as a result. In addition to the in- class training, Maria is learning about the Industrial Systems field by working in the field. As part of Snead State’s apprenticeship program, Maria was placed with Atrion Medical in Arab
in January and has been working with the company ever since. She applied for the apprenticeship and received a call to interview. “They believed in me and believed I could do this,” she said. “I would see someone working on mechanical problems, and I always wondered if I could do that. It’s a process. It’s all completely new now, but I know I will learn it. It will all come together.” The field of Industrial Systems Technology was a good choice for Maria, she said, because she can take her education and training and pursue many different avenues. “I can work on many things, or I can specialize in one area. I would like to continue to work withAtrion after I earn my degree, but ultimately, I’d like to do travel maintenance. I would like to work within a large corporation that has different locations, and I would travel to work at the different locations,” she said. What is one place Maria would like to visit? Switzerland. But for now, she’s content to learn at Snead State and work and train at Atrion Medical. She also encouraged other women to look into a career in Industrial Systems Technology without reservations of being a woman in a male-dominated career field. “If it interests you, just do it,” she said.
Albertville Names Prom Royalty Albertville High School held the school's annual Prom on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Sand Mountain Amphitheater. The 2022 Albertville Prom King and Queen were: Tristan Golden and Elaina Collins. The 2022 Prince and Princess were: Chase Haney and Bailee Battles. Cody Renfroe Rod Run The 14th Annual Cody Renfroe Rod Run will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Crossville City Park. The event will be held from 4-8 p.m. and will feature vintage, street rods, hot rods, motorcycles, and tractors. Donations and all money raised will benefit the Crossville Fire Department. For more info contact Stanice or Rickey Gray at 256.302.3637 or 256.659.8352.
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