Pay hikes not likely for Orange Beach mayor, council

Officials wary of upping salaries with uncertain economic outlook
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
By RYAN DEZEMBER, Staff Reporter

ORANGE BEACH -- Whoever comes into office after this summer's municipal elections, they'll more than likely be on the same pay scale as their predecessors.

A majority of elected officials on Monday said they were against raising the pay for the next administration. Though they will have to vote next week on an ordinance spelling out the next group's pay, they said they will leave salaries as they were set in early 2004 and only, at City Attorney Wanda Cochran's request, tweak verbiage in the law.

In 2004, annual salaries were set at $25,000 for the mayor, $15,000 for the mayor pro tem, and $10,000 for the remaining four City Council members. Also included in that ordinance was a provision that gave elected officials a 5 percent cost of living raise each October.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Snapper season shrinks

(Photo: Capt. Brian Bracknell from the charter boat Crowd Pleezer with large Red Snapper catch. Click here to read the Florida Sportsman article about Red Snapper fishing in Orange Beach.)

From the Mobile Press-Register...

National committee approves reduction of 2008 Gulf recreational window by 72 days

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

By JEFF DUTE AND BEN RAINES

Staff Reporters

New red snapper regulations that cut 72 days from the red snapper season and roughly 700,000 pounds from the recreational catch in the Gulf of Mexico will go into effect Feb. 28.

Instead of the April 21 through Oct. 31 season that fishermen have planned their vacations around for years, the 2008 snapper season will run for 122 days, from June 1 through Sept. 30.

The recreational total allowable catch is now set at 2.45 million pounds, down from 3.15 million last year.

The final rule issued Tuesday by the National Marine Fisheries Service also maintains the two-fish-per-person daily bag limit and the elimination of the captain and crew bag on for-hire vessels that were begun last year as part of an interim rule issued before the 2007 season.

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

LaShe float in flames

A float bursts into flames Tuesday night during the Order of LaShe's parade as seen in this Mobile County Sheriff's Office deputy's cell phone photograph. The flames were doused with no injuries and the float continued the parade.

Click here for the complete article from the Mobile Press-Register.

Widespread Panic returning to Orange Beach

January 28, 2008 09:01 AM

By Kym Kilgore, LiveDaily Contributor

Veteran jam band Widespread Panic [ tickets ] has its 10th studio album due next month and will road test the new material during a US trek this spring.The band is scheduled to launch the monthlong tour April 1 with a two-night stand in Washington, DC, and then wind its way around the eastern half of the country, stopping for multiple nights in New York City; Chicago; Orange Beach, AL; Savannah, GA; and Raleigh, NC. Also on the books is a May 1 gig at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Widespread Panic's forthcoming album, "Free Somehow," is due Feb. 12 on Widespread Records. The set will be the group's first release with new guitarist Jimmy Herring, who replaced George McConnell last fall. McConnell had joined Panic following the 2002 cancer death of founding member Michael Houser.

Most of the new songs have yet to be tested on the road, which makes the upcoming tour a live preview, according to a press release. A few tracks from the set--"Boom Boom Boom," "Flicker" and "Up All Night"--can be heard at either the band's website or MySpace page.

Click here to read the full article from Live Daily.

H&R Block North Foley - Tax Breaks for Families

Tuesday January 29 2008 - 6 pm - 8 pm

H&R Block , the world’s largest tax services provider, is helping Baldwin County residents better understand their taxes by making simple-language tax information accessible and free to the public.

Qualified H&R;Block tax professionals will present an informative, entertaining program entitled “Tax Breaks for Families” from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. The program will cover the Earned Income Credit, the Child Tax Credit, exemptions for children, Social Security numbers, child support payments, and working teenagers as dependents.

H&R;Block Lecture Series speakers are experienced professionals with access to the most up-to-date training and tax information available. These speakers are qualified to discuss complex tax situations, and there is no cost or obligation to the public. The programs will be helpful to taxpayers who complete their own tax returns as well as those who rely on paid professionals.

Palm Plaza Shopping Center at 1111-A North McKenzie, Foley, Alabama

More Event info Joanne Hamilton(251) 943-9190 or (251) 943-4474.

Art Lessons at the Orange Beach Art Center for February

Pottery: Steve Dark will be teaching a pottery class beginning February 6th on Wednesday nights. The class will meet from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM and cost $85, which includes clay and firings.

Oil Painting: Joanne Hall from Arkansas will be teaching a special four week oil painting class beginning February 7th. The class is held on Mondays from 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM. The cost is $100.

Beginning and Intermediate Watercolor: Rich Willows is teaching two watercolor classes; one for beginners and one for students with some watercolor experience. These five classes will meet Mondays and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The cost is $80.00

For More info contact Wanda W. Price, Art Center Coordinator at 251.981.2787 or email wprice@cityoforangebeach.com

Voting issues topic of Jan. 29 talk

Baldwin County Probate Judge Adrian Johns will speak to the public about the latest and greatest on voting in Baldwin County, on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Robertsdale Central Annex, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Judge Johns will address voting issues, including: early voting, voter ID, absentee ballots, overseas military voting, how to register to vote and what our county has accomplished so far in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

This is a free, public service event sponsored by the League of Women Voters Baldwin County. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Pat Laraway, league president at (251) 945-5504.

The Robertsdale Central Annex is at 22251 Palmer Road, off Highway 104, just west of the intersection with Alabama Highway 59.

Register Now for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Spring Workshop

CONTACT: Sylvia Payne

1-800-262-3151

sylvia.payne@dcnr.alabama.gov

Registration is open for the next Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop, March 7-9, 2008. The workshop, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), will be held at the 4-H Center near Columbiana in Shelby County.

BOW which began in October 1995, is a bi-annual event. The workshop is three-day adventure offering beginner-level skills training for an array of fun and exciting activities ranging from turkey hunting to camp cooking. BOW workshop activities include camping, backyard wildlife, map and compass, mountain biking, shooting sports (pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader), fishing, hunting, canoeing, nature crafts, archery, ATV handling, motor boat handling, geocaching, bee keeping, and much more. Participants can also obtain their Hunter Education Certification and Boating Safety Certification during the weekend event.

BOW workshops are open to all females 18 years old or above. Many past participants return to BOW and often bring someone with them to experience what they have discovered to be a fun-filled weekend of challenging activities in the beautiful outdoors. Attendance regularly includes senior adults, mothers and daughters, co-workers and best friends.

Highly-trained ADCNR staff and volunteers serve as instructors. Additionally, participants may bring their personal equipment to use in the various sessions.

The registration fee of $199 covers all meals, dormitory lodging, program materials and instruction. Enrollment is limited to 130 applicants, and classes fill up fast. To register, visit the Department of Conservation’s Web site at http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/Events_for_women/bow/. Registration deadline is February 29. Once registration is completed, registrants will receive confirmation including a class schedule and driving directions.

For additional information, contact Sylvia Payne, ADCNR Information and Education Section at 1-800-262-3151 or Sylvia.Payne@dcnr.alabama.gov.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Mardi Gras Prompts 2-Day Vote in Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Don't mess with Mardi Gras in Alabama.

Voters in two coastal counties — Baldwin and Mobile — will vote Wednesday even though the state primary is six days later on Feb. 5. The reason: Feb. 5 also is Fat Tuesday when throngs of people celebrate Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast. The frenzied end to Carnival is an official holiday in the two counties in Alabama.

When the state legislature moved up the presidential primary from June 3 to Super Tuesday, it discovered belatedly that it fell on Mardi Gras. In Baldwin and Mobile counties, government shuts down and crowds by the tens of thousands jam the port city's streets for parades.

Click here for the complete article from the Associated Press on Google.

Click here for more information about the upcoming election for our area.

Practice Safe Boating During the Cold Weather Months, Wear Your Life Jacket!

It's too hot!! I know how to swim! It's just not cool! Nothing will happen to me! These are some of the reasons boaters give for not wearing a life jacket. Let us give you some reasons why you should.

Do it for yourself and your family! Most boating fatalities are the result of capsizings or falls overboard when the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Expect the unexpected and wear a life jacket. Remember, it won't work if you don't wear it!

Click here for more Outdoor Alabama.

Alabama's Artificial Reef Program

Alabama's Artificial Reef Program is the product of a cooperative agreement between the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program is the culmination of many meetings, letters, reports and workshops between various user groups within the coastal area and while the system addressed on this page is the current program, it is intended to be dynamic with changes occurring as technology develops on artificial reef construction.

Click here for the complete article on Alabama Outdoor.

Click here for information on getting your own private artificial reef; either at your dock, or at a non-disclosed location in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sweetheart 5K Run Benefits Local Organizations

Runners from all over the country are preparing to take to the streets of Gulf Shores Feb. 16 for the 7^th Annual Sweetheart 5K Run and Walk. Sponsored by the L.A. Fleet Feet Running Club, the event raises money for several worthy causes in the area.

Since its inception in 2002, the Sweetheart 5K has raised approximately $50,000 for various civic, charitable and athletic organizations in the area, according to Lee Echols, a current Fleet Feet member and one of the originators of the Sweetheart 5K. Groups such as the Association of Retarded Citizens of Baldwin County, Gulf Coast Arts Council, Boy Scout Troop 49 in Gulf Shores and the Gulf Shores High School and Foley High School track teams have benefited from the proceeds of the race.

“Some runners take it seriously, but the majority of the people come out for the fun and to help raise money for various organizations that depend on community support,” Race Director Bruce Bankston said. “Each year we have been able to continue building the race into major regional running and charity event.”

Trophies will be awarded in numerous age categories ranging from 10 and younger to 75 and older. “It’s a great event for the entire family. We have events for people of all ages,” Bankston said. Previous editions of the race have drawn more than 400 runners from 27 states and Canada, according to Bankston.

In addition to the race itself, there will also be a lively post-race party which will include live music from local favorites Brent Burns and Don Stafford. The post-race party will also include a wide variety of free food and beverages for all who register for the race.

In addition to the 5K race, there will also be a 5K race/walk, and a 1-mile fun run, according to Bankston. “Couples can compete for the sweetheart award based on their combined race time,” he said.

Bankston said along with entry fees, the primary funding source for the grants the group awards are sponsorships. There are three levels of sponsorship ranging from $250 for bronze level to $1,000 for gold level. “We have a limited number of sponsorships still available,” he said. “A sponsorship will get your business name and logo on all race t-shirts and race promotional material. Last year we had approximately 450 people show up on race day and they all were exposed to our sponsors names, products and services numerous times throughout the day.”

The 5k race will begin promptly at 8 a.m. The start/finish line will be located at 200 East First Ave. in Gulf Shores.

Registrations postmarked by Feb. 11 are $15 and should be sent to: L.A. Fleet Feet/Sweetheart Run, P.O. Box 3584, Orange Beach, AL 36561. Late registration will take place on Feb. 15 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the race site, 200 East First Ave. in Gulf Shores. Late registration fee is $20. Bankston said participants may sign up the day of the race from 6:30 until 7:30 a.m. at the race site for a fee of $25.

For more information please contact Bankston at 968-2055 or Club President Billy Thomason at 968-5611. E-mail inquiries to sweetheartrun@aol.com.

Local students see financial success

Need investment advice? Ask some local students.

Students at five Baldwin County schools -- Perdido, Robertsdale Elementary, Orange Beach Elementary, Silverhill Elementary and Gulf Shores High -- participated last fall in the Alabama Stock Market Game, a 10-week simulation that allows students in grades 4-12 to play the market with a fictional $100,000 bankroll.

"Even though they don't actually get $100,000 in their little hands, they get excited that this is something you can do and people do every day," said Perdido teacher Gerri McDonald, who coordinates the school's gifted program. "You attach money to anything and kids like it."

Click here to read the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

County starts campaigning for Pay-As-You-Go

While most government employees were free to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial holiday as they pleased, Baldwin County's top engineer spent part of his day trying to sell a tax increase to a room of mostly Republican women.

On Monday, three commissioners and Cal Markert, director of the Baldwin County Highway Department, presented information about the county's plan to pay for highway construction and improvements to the about 50 people who attended the Eastern Shore Republican Women's monthly luncheon.

At the heart of the plan is a "Pay-As-You-Go" fund, which would have to be approved by voters.

Click here for the full article from the Mobile Press-Register.

'Lulu' Buffett: servin' up good food, tasty conversation

Ignore your conscience and loosen your belt a notch because a virtual Buffett buffet awaits you at the corner bookstore.

After keeping the idea of writing a cookbook simmering on the back burner for a decade, the free spirit guiding LuLu’s at Homeport Marina turned up the heat and recently released Crazy Sista Cooking: Cuisine & Conversation With Lucy Anne Buffett.

The nearly 300-page volume, written by Buffett and Anastasia Arnold, is packed full of the stories and dishes that have made the restaurant a popular stop since its humble beginnings on Weeks Bay, at the same spot her dad took Buffett and her two siblings fishing many years ago.

Click here for the full article from Baldwin County Now.

January's Offshore Bounty of Redfish

Captain Maurice Fitzsimmons

January’s a great month to take a charter and fish for redfish. We’re catching and releasing a tremendous number of redfish this month. You can catch 20- to 30-pound redfish on just about any bait you put in the water. Triggerfish and vermilion snapper (beeliners), which are both delicious to eat, have also really been biting well. During this month, we’re still catching and releasing large numbers of big red snapper.

The big news here at the Gulf Coast is that red snapper season has changed. It doesn’t open until June 1st and closes September 30th, so our Red Snapper World Championship (RSWC) held in Orange Beach that had run for the first 30 days of snapper season now will be held during the fall in September. However, during the spring, we’ll have a salt-water series tournament with 11-different species of fish, including tuna, wahoo, triggerfish, vermilion snapper, grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, speckled trout, redfish and several other species of fish, whether you fish inshore or offshore.

The Spring Saltwater Series, which will run from April 4 to May 26, will award $150,000 in cash and prizes to the winners. The speckled trout tournament will have a three-fish aggregate, and if you’re one of the lucky winners of this tournament, you’ll qualify for the Fall Shoot-off, a really-big tournament with a lot of cash and prizes.

The RSWC this year will run from August 22 until September 30 and award $35,000 in cash for the winning angler and the same amount of money to the boat captain, based on entry fees. So, this year, instead of having only one big tournament with only one or two fish that can be caught for prize money, we’ll have two tournaments – the first tournament in the spring and the Red Snapper World Championship in the fall.

In March, we expect to see our cobia turning-up, depending on the weather. Generally a lot of local tournaments related to cobia are held during this month. Every day, fishermen from Orange Beach and Dauphin Island will be running the beach looking for cobia.

The good news about our tournaments this year is you either can fish in the tournament off a charter boat, or you can fish both tournaments in your own private boat. Tickets for the tournaments will be available at various locations in Baldwin and Mobile counties, particularly on Dauphin Island and at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. A $10 daily ticket qualifies you to compete in all 11 categories for the prizes and the money in the Spring Saltwater Series.

The RSWC in the fall only will cost $10 for a daily ticket, as it has in the past. In the spring tournament, almost any fish that bites your hook is a potential prize winner. I suggest booking early, if you plan to charter fish in either or both tournaments.


To book the “Miss Celeste,” and fish with Captain Fitzsimmons, call him at (251) 209-9166 or (251) 626-9437, or go to his webpage at www.missceleste.com to find prices and schedules.

Talis Jayme offers art classes at Perdido Key & O.B. locations

Enjoy the experience of creating works of art with Talis Jayme at two locations: Artworks @ Villagio on Perdido Key Drive and Artz on Canal Rd. in Orange Beach.

Beginning or experienced artists will enjoy progress at your own pace. Call Talis at 850.492.8696 or 850.261.9617 to reserve your space.

Groups are welcome. Plan your next event—birthday, club, Girls night out, Friends and Family, or out of town guests. Family art classes available in gallery or at your home. Special scheduling, please call Talis.

Fees: $80 for four classes, watercolor or acrylics, $65 for four children’s classes. Private lessons, group, family or events rates quoted separately.

Harvey H. Jackson: Reaping what you sow

OK. Here are the facts — as best I can ascertain.

The beach mouse is endangered.

Anything that would further endanger what is already in danger cannot be allowed.

Recreational boating is a big deal down along the Alabama coast. It entertains folks and brings in a lot of money.

Orange Beach has two public boat ramps — Cotton Bayou and Boggy Point. When the weather warms and the weekend comes, the public, for whom the ramps were built, uses them. A lot. So cars and trucks and trailers spill out of the parking lot, line the shoulder of the road, obstruct traffic and inconvenience everybody.

Solution?

Click here for the rest of the story.

New Mardi Gras Krewe in Orange Beach

Monday, January 21, 2008

By GUY BUSBY

Staff Reporter

Carnival continues to grow in Baldwin County as more residents turn out to celebrate Mardi Gras.

This year, a new Mardi Gras society held its first ball in Orange Beach as the Treasures of the Isle kicked off Baldwin's Carnival season Jan. 5.

Ann Mitchell, one of the founders of the group, said the Treasures were ready to begin celebrating.

We were really just looking for a time when we could hold our first ball and the closer we got to Fat Tuesday, everything was booked, but then we realized this is appropriate. As the newest society, it's kind of appropriate that we're the ones to introduce the Mardi Gras season," she said.

The group, established in April, is made up of 42 total members, men and women.

Click Here to read the full story from the Mobile Press Register website.

Exhibitor slots available for Feb. 7 Alabama Expo at O.B.’s Caribe Resort

Exhibitor slots are still open for the 16th Annual Lifestyles EXPO slated on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the beautiful Caribe Resort, located on Pensacola Pass in Orange Beach.

There will be plenty of parking available and few stairs to climb for the mostly Snowbird attendees, which numbered almost 4,000.

Fifty Alabama Communities have already signed up to participate in the EXPO, but exhibitor slots are still available. For exhibitor info, contact Bill The EXPO Man at 205-222-2862, www.alabamaadvantage.org, or call 800-235-4757.
   
Click Here to read complete story from the Mullet Wrapper website.