Gulf Shores, Ala – May 14, 2012 – The Thomas B. Norton Public Library and Gulf Shores Museum are excited to announce their upcoming summer reading programs.
The summer fun begins as the Gulf Shores Museum hosts its first “Own the Night’ on June 7. This series of interactive programs will take you deep inside all of the nighttime wonders, including black holes, stars, constellations and more. Join the Gulf Shores Museum every Thursday at 2:00 PM and begin your adventure into the night with movies, activities and guest appearances. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by calling 251-968-1473.
On June 8, the Thomas B. Norton Public Library will introduce its summer reading program, “Dream Big-Read!”. “Dream Big-Read!” will be split into two sessions over the course of the summer. Session One will be held on Fridays throughout the month of June at 10:30 AM at the Activity Center in Gulf Shores. This first session will feature Charlie “The Noise Guy” Williams, drummer Mark Seymour, and Mr. Billy, a singer song rocker. Session One will begin on June 8.
Session Two of “Dream Big-Read!” will begin on July 5 at the Thomas B. Norton Public Library. This session will be held on Thursdays in July at 10:30 AM and will feature pajama parties, bedtime story times, movies and more.
The “Dream Big-Read” and “Own the Night” youth summer reading programs are sponsored by the Thomas B. Norton Public Library, the Friends of the Thomas B. Norton Public Library, and the Gulf Shores Museum.
For more information about each of these youth summer reading programs contact the Thomas B. Norton Public Library at 251-968-1176 or the Gulf Shores Museum at 251-968-1473.
Gulf Shores, Ala – May 14, 2012 – The City of Gulf Shores would like to make all residents and visitors aware of the following road and beach closures related to the Hangout Music Festival.
Traffic/Roadways:
· Highway 59 will close from W. 1st Ave heading south at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, May 15 to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
· Access to West Beach will be available through Windmill Ridge Rd or by taking W. 1st Ave to W. 3rd St.
· Access eastbound to Orange Beach will be available through the Gulf State Park, Canal Rd or by taking E. 1st Ave to E. 2nd St.
· On Monday, May 21, Highway 59 will reopen at W. 1st Ave for limited exiting traffic beginning at 6:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
· All normal traffic conditions will resume on Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 AM.
Public Beaches:
· Public beach access at W. 2nd St. is currently closed.
· The public beach area at Gulf Place will close to the public at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, May 15.
· All residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize other public beach access points including W. 6th St, W. 13th St, Little Lagoon Pass and the Gulf State Park.
· All public beaches will return to normal use on Thursday, May 24.
For more information regarding detours or closures, please contact City Hall at 968-2425.
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(Baldwin County)
A letter from Sheriff Hoss Mack,
Today the United States Attorney’s Office in Mobile issued a statement that they will not seek prosecution against any parties resulting from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation into the Baldwin County Courthouse Security System. The Investigation was initiated in October 2011.
The Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation. All available data, records and documentation were turned over to the FBI for review. The US Attorney’s Office found the actions which were taken were to generally enhance courthouse security and protection of courthouse personnel. The determination was also made there was no nefarious intent to gather any audio intercepts and the entire application and implementation process had been transparent.
As only one member of the Courthouse Security Committee, I can say I am pleased this matter has been brought to a conclusion. As I stated from the very beginning, the Sheriff’s Office was vested with the authority to improve an existing system with recommendations discussed with the Committee and do so with increased public safety as its goal. The responsibility of safety and security is a serious issue and one that remains a top priority of this Sheriff’s Office. We will continue to work with the Committee to provide the safest environment for our courts and all citizens who have the need to visit any of our courthouses.
I appreciate the in-depth nature of this review.
Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack
GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – High school track stars from across the state of Alabama are getting ready to show off their talents and compete to win the upcoming 2012 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Track Championship, which is hosted by the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. Competition in classes 4A – 6A begins today for both male and female student-athletes and culminates on Saturday.
“New to the event this year is our sports commission’s partnership with BP and the resulting Road to London Fan Zone experience, which will enhance the weekend for everyone in attendance,” said said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales at Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.
BP, who is a sponsor of Team USA through 2016, is bringing the United States Olympic Committee’s Road to London Fan Zone to the 2012 AHSAA State Track Championship. The USOC’s Road to London Fan Zone is a family-friendly interactive experience that brings the excitement of the Olympic Games directly to the fans. Attendees are immersed in the atmosphere of the Games through skills challenges which are set up at six different stations. Everyone who completes the challenges in the fan zone receives a Team USA giveaway. The event is completely free to the public.
BP has scheduled Olympic and Paralympic athletes to take part in the festivities, including: three-time Olympic track & field gold medalist Gail Devers, two-time Olympic track & field silver medalist Terrence Trammell, Olympic track & field athlete Trey Hardee, and Paralympic javelin silver medalist Scott Danberg.
Fans are invited to visit the fan zone on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the two day track competition, over 1500 student-athletes are competing in 17 events held at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex. Events include shot put, discus, javelin, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, hurdles, dash and relay.
The cost of a track championship ticket is $10.00 per day and may be purchased at the Sportsplex the day of the event. Meanwhile, there is no fee for parking or for admission to the Road to London Fan Zone.
Annual sponsors of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission supporting this event include Young’s Suncoast Realty, Country Hearth Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, EAT! Restaurant, Original Oyster House, Pizza Hut, Flipper’s Restaurant and Krispy Kreme.
For more information on this event, go to www.ahsaa.com/Sports/TrackField/tabid/289/Default.aspx.
For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.
Gulf Shores, Ala – May 1, 2012 – The City of Gulf Shores was recently presented with the Municipal Workers Compensation Fund (MWCF) “Ten Year Award”. This award commemorates their participation in the Alabama League of Municipalities “specialized insurance program” for workers compensation. The City of Gulf Shores has been a member and purchased their workers comp insurance through this program, which was specifically designed for municipalities in the State of Alabama.
Terry Young from the MWCF stated, “We are honored and proud to have the City of Gulf Shores in the MWCF program. The Mayor, Clerk and entire staff have worked hard year after year in managing their insurance costs and their efforts have paid dividends annually.”
Due to the City’s outstanding claims history and their continued efforts to successfully manage their insurance costs, the City has received over $232,000.00 back in dividends from this insurance program over the past ten years.
“Our Finance and Administration Department are to be commended for their efforts in tracking and ensuring compliance for each of our vendors and managing our insurance costs effectively,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “The entire City staff has truly made safety an integral part of our workplace culture and this award is a reflection of their hard work and dedication.”
According to MWCF, the City of Gulf Shores has consistently maintained an average MOD factor of .70, ranking them among the best in the nation. The MOD factor is calculated annually and provides an indication of how successfully companies are managing their insurance costs against the national average.
“Obtaining the Worker’s Compensation savings for Gulf Shores is truly a team effort. All City departments have truly made a commitment to reducing our Worker’s Compensation claims,” said Cindy King, Finance and Administration Director. “Human Resources Manager, Sandy Carden, has led the initiative to improve our ratings and staff members Candy Porter and Jane Cates assure we are compliant with Worker’s Compensation guidelines. Anna Fuqua of the Accounting staff has also worked diligently with vendors ensuring documentation of compliance is obtained at all times.”
GULF SHORES, Alabama --
The City’s attorneys are working through the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling invalidating the annexation of Ft. Morgan Road by the City of Gulf Shores. “The Mayor, City Council and staff have not yet had an opportunity to review the decision with the attorneys and will have a comment on the matter as soon as the attorneys have a chance to work through the issues,” Mayor Pro Temp Carolyn Doughty said.
Here is more information about the ruling.
The Fort Morgan Civic Association, Inc. and Charles Browdy, a resident of the unincorporated Fort Morgan area of Baldwin County and a member of the Association (collectively "the FMCA"), sued the City of Gulf Shores and its mayor and city council seeking a court order declaring the City's annexation of a 19.3-mile segment of the land on which Fort Morgan Road is located and the adjacent land to be invalid.1 Following a nonjury trial, the trial court held that the FMCA had failed to establish that the Fort Morgan annexation was invalid; it accordingly entered a judgment in favor of the City. The FMCA appealed. Upon review, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded: "because the FMCA submitted evidence at that trial indicating that two parcels of property included in the Fort Morgan annexation were owned by private individuals and because the City failed to submit any evidence indicating that those same parcels were owned by the State, the trial court exceeded its discretion in upholding the annexation."
(Baldwin County, Alabama)
Last week, April 25, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force has been conducting a round-up of drug suspects throughout Baldwin County.
The majority of suspects arrested were indicted by a Baldwin County Grand Jury for various drug charges to include: unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine, manufacturing a controlled substance and chemical endangerment of a child. The task force arrested eleven people and are looking for 3 more.
Arrested:
Jessica Stringer 34 Magnolia Springs
Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance
Chile Endangerment of a Child
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $30,000
George Packer 40 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $10,000
Cecil Wyatt 19 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $30,000
John Turner Jr. 46 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $10,000
Mitch Prim 30 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $20,000
Jarrod White 24 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $20,000
Samual Shea 24 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $20,000
Travis York 33 Bay Minette
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance/Probation Violation
No Bond
Charles Williams 33 Bay Minette
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance/Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $10,000
Matthew Paul 23 Loxley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bond: $10,000
Arthur Rivers 45 Foley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Search Warrant: 9451 Bay Pines Rd Elberta
Arrested: Richard Graham 53
Charges: POM 1
UPDP
Indoor Grow
17 mature and immature marijuana plants
Wanted by BCSO
Scott White 43 Summerdale
Trafficking Methamphetamine
Bridgette Clark 49 Loxley
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Bob Tunstall 19 Fairhope
Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
On 4-26-12 Investigators with the Baldwin County Drug Task Force arrested Timothy Howard 40 for Unlawful Manufacturing a Controlled Substance First and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Howard was found in possession of items used to manufacture methamphetamine at his Tattoo shop in Fairhope, AL. Howard is the owner of All American Tattoo which is located at 22866 C Hwy 98 Fairhope AL. Howard lives at the Tattoo shop and admitted to Investigators he was manufacturing methamphetamine at the location. Howard is currently in the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Correction Center on a $26,000 bond.
On April 19, 2012 the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force, along with the assistance of the Baldwin County District Attorney's Office, Alabama Game and Fish, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, served a search warrant at the residence of Wilson Edward "Sonny" Stamps in the Tensaw Community of Stockton, AL. The search warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation involving the sales of ICE, a form of crystal methamphetamine. Stamps was charged with the Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with several Unlawful Distributions of a Controlled Substance charges forthcoming. During the search warrant investigators seized methamphetamine packaged for sale and US currency. The investigation is still ongoing.
(Lillian, Alabama)
A Lillian man identified as David Dill had search and rescuers out for hours in the area of the KOA campground looking for him on Monday. Dill, 33 had apparently left a note just after 1:00 a.m. stating he was going for a swim. Upon finding the note hours later, his wife called in authorities.
It was found that David Dill caught a ride to the Foley Wal-Mart at around 6:30am on April 30, 2012. Mr. Dill bought several items and then left the store. Mr. Dill told the couple that gave him a ride that he was going to backpack to California.
Gulf Shores, AL (ARA) - The Internet is reinventing how we shop for fashion. Now, no matter where you live and whatever your budget, the best designer offerings are available to those in the know.
Whether shopping through your phone, sharing shopping secrets through social media, or gaining access to specialized online shopping sites, like members-only private sales, Internet shopping has never been more rewarding. Here's what you need to know about these exciting shopping trends, and how you can be part of the action:
Get in on the secret
By going online, in a matter of minutes you can compare prices, see availability, place an order or get on a waiting list. Some women use special members-only sales sites that offer great merchandise at incredible prices. The best sites are invitation only, so be on the lookout for email invitations, or friends with memberships that can get you in the virtual front door.
Boutique bonanza
Flash sales - exclusive sales that only last a limited time - make online shopping fun and exciting. For instance, Rue La La offers members today's top trends, brands and designers with six to eight new daily Boutiques that last 48 hours. The experience is truly appointment shopping - each day you receive an email at 11 a.m. EST letting you in on the new items, brands and designers available that day. These premium and luxury items are up to 70 percent off retail pricing. If the item sells out, members can often still request it and the concierge will work hard to try to find additional availability.
Hassle-free haven
Shopping online allows you to find the best deals on designer fashion without the hassle of driving to the mall and waiting in a long line. When shopping, look for websites that use models to show the clothing and accessories, this and special zoom and angle features will let you know just what it looks like on models - better photography means you can view the item from all angles so there will be no surprises when it arrives at your doorstep.
Shipping and returns made simple
With the increase of online shopping, many retailers offer free shipping or specials to make the value of shopping online even more attractive. Weigh out the options - attractive websites will provide great customer service including the best shipping and return options. Rue La La, for instance, offers the option of paying a single low, shipping fee that covers standard shipping for any additional orders for the next 30 days. As for easy returns, pre-addressed return labels simplify the returns process and make returning an online purchase easier than ever.
Think social for the inside scoop
Online shopping and social networking go hand in hand. Facebook and Twitter are popular social networks for engaging with your favorite brands and gaining unique backstage access to exclusive offers, special savings, and even sneak peeks on upcoming deals.
Coveted convenience
Today there are more ways than ever to shop your favorite top brands through the Internet. Many online stores have apps that you can download to your phone to make the shopping process even more convenient, no matter where you are.
Private sale "appointment shopping" is perfect for mobile devices. For example, Rue La La members can download apps for their iPhone, Android and iPad allowing them shop wherever they are and never miss accessing a Boutique.
Have it all with in-store pickup
Some retailers are now offering the ability to place your order online and pick it up at the physical store location - even on the same day. Now you can shop for your favorite fashion on your lunch break and pick it up on your drive home.
(Gulf Shores)
April 10, 2012
Pursuant to Section 9-12-46, Code of Alabama as stated by Rule 220-3-.01 the Alabama
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division announces
that as of 6:00 am, Saturday, April 14, 2012 the following waters will close to shrimping:
• All waters in the Mississippi Sound north of the northern edge of the Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway (GIWW) and east of 88 14.000’ E longitude.
• All waters in Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay north of 30 17.250’ N l a t t i t u d e .
• All waters east of the charted position of GIWW Marker #103 and west of a north/south line at Sapling
Point (87 34.600’ W), including all waters of Wolf Bay.
• All waters in Little Lagoon.
Licensed live bait dealers are reminded that the taking of live bait north of a line beginning
at the northern shore of East Fowl River running along the northern edge of the Fowl River
Channel to Marker #2 in the Fowl River Channel then southeasterly to Middle Bay Light and
then northeasterly to Great Point Clear is prohibited during this closure except by Permit
holders in the Special Permit Area in the Mobile Ship Channel.
Fishermen should be aware that state biologists will continue to sample in the areas to be
opened. This closure is in response to routine shrimp sampling that indicated the average
size were smaller than 68 head-on shrimp per pound. Should sampling indicate a change in
the projected average size of 68 shrimp per pound, additional announcements will be provided
to modify the original announcement.
Christopher M. Blankenship, Director
Marine Resources Division
