University Beach Resort Update: Construction Imminent!

Northport residents got the latest scoop on the massive $350 million University Beach resort at a recent Cooperative Improvement District meeting. The developer shared exciting construction and financing updates, followed by a lively Q&A with locals and the media.

Digging In Soon!

Weather permitting, expect to see some serious action at the Highway 82 site in western Northport! Horizontal construction – think roads, drainage, and utilities – is slated to kick off ASAP, with Duncanville-based contractors ready to roll. This phase should take six to nine months.

What's Coming?

Phase I is where the magic happens! Get ready for a Beach Club, a huge 10-acre lagoon with water park thrills, an awesome event venue, and a fancy 144-room Autograph Collection Marriott hotel.

Money Talk

Financing is moving forward after bond validation. These bonds, covering things like roads and utilities, will primarily attract institutional investors. Northport will reimburse up to 75% of eligible infrastructure costs (up to $20 million), while retaining ownership of the finished infrastructure. About $3 million has already been reimbursed.

From Recreation to Resort

Remember those recreational projects from 2023? University Beach evolved from those initial ideas, morphing into a 77-acre, $350 million resort designed to generate income and support other recreational amenities, like River Run Park.

Resident Concerns Addressed

Locals had questions about financing, approvals, and the long-term economic impact. The developer highlighted projections of 600,000 annual visitors and substantial tax revenue for the area, potentially making University Beach a major local employer.

Addressing the Past

Questions were also raised about a previous Texas project, Sapphire Bay. The developer clarified his involvement, stating he was bought out before the project encountered problems and is no longer associated with it.

Looking Ahead

The developer remains optimistic that University Beach will meet its milestones, with key portions expected to be up and running by 2029. Get ready for some fun, ChumCity!

Alabama Students! Show Your Civics Smarts!

Hey ChumCity citizens! Governor Kay Ivey's got a challenge for all you bright Alabama high schoolers! Get ready to celebrate America's 250th birthday by competing in the Presidential 1776 Award competition!

$250,000 in Scholarships Up For Grabs!

That's right, folks! This national civics challenge isn't just about bragging rights; there's serious scholarship money on the line! A cool $250,000 is waiting to be snapped up by the top competitors.

The "Impossible Test" Awaits!

The competition kicks off with the "Impossible Test," an online civics exam. Think you know your stuff? Prove it! Top scorers in each state move on to regional semis, with the best of the best battling it out in a nationally televised final showdown in D.C.!

Governor Ivey's Pep Talk!

"Never count Alabama out!" Governor Ivey exclaimed, reminding us of the Huntsville rocket that sent folks to the moon and the Mobile ships guarding our freedom. She wants YOU, Alabama's future leaders, to represent! So, get studying and show the nation what you're made of!

Calling All Budding Artists in Alabama's 1st!

Get your brushes ready, folks! Congressman Barry Moore is launching the annual Congressional Art Competition for all you talented high schoolers in Alabama's 1st Congressional District. This is your chance to shine!

Show Off Your Skills!

Starting February 19, 2026, you can submit your amazing artwork along with your registration forms. Drop them off at Congressman Moore’s district offices in Dothan, Andalusia, Foley, Bay Minette, and Mobile. Don't delay, the deadline is March 24, 2026!

A National Stage Awaits

This awesome competition, kicking around since 1982, is all about recognizing and celebrating the artistic flair of high school students across the nation. The winning masterpieces from each district will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for almost a year!

Your Art in the Capitol!

Imagine your artwork being admired by Members of Congress, their staff, and visitors from every corner of the globe! It's a massive opportunity to showcase your talent on a national scale.

Need More Info?

Got questions? Give them a call at 334-547-6630 or shoot an email to denine.richey@mail.house.gov. Get ready to create!

Millionth Tree Planted! Forests & Fields Bloom in Alabama

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity folks! A major milestone just sprouted in Alabama, thanks to the American Forest Foundation (AFF). They've planted their ONE MILLIONTH tree through the awesome Fields & Forests afforestation project!

Helping Landowners Thrive

This incredible feat took root on land owned by Portia Fulford near Montgomery. It highlights how Alabama is a key player in bringing fresh economic opportunities to family landowners. Plus, it's a win for long-term timber production and vital conservation efforts.

Grow Your Own Green Gold

Launched in 2024, Fields & Forests helps landowners transform underused land into thriving managed forests. Participants get to diversify their income, all while keeping full ownership of their land and future timber profits! This program is currently available in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, with a minimum enrollment of 30 acres.

Sowing Seeds of Success

The project's first million trees are spread across almost 2,000 acres in the U.S. South. These trees are expected to produce a whopping 100 million board feet of timber over the next three decades! So far, it has already committed over $1.7 million to participating rural landowners.

Building a Brighter Future, One Tree at a Time

AFF officials are super excited about how this initiative helps family landowners strengthen the financial stability of their properties. It also contributes to forest conservation and boosts the economic resilience of rural communities.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The Montgomery milestone was celebrated with partners like the Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Forestry Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, Help for Landowners, and Funga.

Bigger Than Trees: The Family Forest Carbon Program

Fields & Forests operates under the broader Family Forest Carbon Program, which kicked off in 2021. It has enrolled around 1,300 landowners covering 180,000 acres across 20 states. Landowners can generate revenue through sustainable timber production and carbon-related conservation while actively managing their forests.

Backed by Awesome Supporters

This project has received backing from both public and private sources. Initial funding came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Landowner Support Program, with additional funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Even Netflix has chipped in, helping provide upfront financing for the project's growth!

A Sustainable Future for All

The American Forest Foundation aims to ensure family forest owners can keep managing their land productively. Initiatives like Fields & Forests are key to strengthening rural economies across the South, securing a greener future for everyone!

Bama's Comin' to the Wiregrass!

Get ready, Enterprise! The University of Alabama is plantin' roots with a brand-new Wiregrass Hub, set to open in Fall 2026. Think of it as Bama bringin' the brains (and the Roll Tide spirit!) straight to our neck of the woods.

What's the Hubbub About?

This ain't just a building, folks. It's a powerhouse designed to boost research, pump up the local economy, and connect our communities with the University's expertise. Located downtown, the Hub will be a regional hot spot for water research, student activities, and working with local industries.

Making Waves (and Preventing 'Em)

One of the coolest parts? The CRIMSON Water Initiative. It's all about giving local governments and agencies the tools they need to prepare for floods, droughts, and other water-related emergencies. Bama's bringing its national water expertise right to the Wiregrass, helping us plan smarter and be more resilient.

More Than Just Research, Y'all

The Hub's also focused on building a stronger workforce and supporting local businesses. They'll have outreach programs for future students and connect locals with higher education opportunities. Plus, the Alabama Small Business Development Center will be there to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive.

Roll Tide and Collaboration!

The Wiregrass Hub's location near Fort Rucker opens doors for some exciting collaborations. Think infrastructure protection, research partnerships, and support for national defense initiatives. Bama's in it for the long haul, folks, aiming to accelerate innovation, support our workforce, and improve our communities. Get ready for some serious growth in the Wiregrass!

Black Belt Buck Bonanza! First Grader Bags Big Win!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity folks! A Bay Minette first grader just snagged the top prize in the Alabama Black Belt Big Buck Photo Contest, proving that even the youngest hunters can make a HUGE impact.

Father-Son Hunting Trip Pays Off

Six-year-old Cason Williams and his dad, Bubba, are a hunting duo to be reckoned with. They regularly trek from Bay Minette to the legendary Black Belt region. Their 2025-26 season started with a BANG during the youth hunting weekend in Dallas County.

Eight Points to Victory!

While initially hoping for a specific six-pointer, destiny had other plans! A magnificent eight-point buck stepped into view, and Cason made the shot, creating a memory the Williams family won't soon forget.

Picture Perfect!

Bubba entered a snapshot of Cason with his impressive harvest into the Alabama Black Belt Big Buck Photo Contest. The pic received an astounding 1,600+ online votes, blowing the competition out of the water!

Prize-Winning Hunter!

For his winning efforts, Cason received a $100 gift card and a copy of "Black Belt Bounty." Buckmasters also hooked him up with a hat, buck knife, and a one-year subscription to Buckmasters Magazine. Way to go, Cason!

Black Belt Pride

The contest organizers highlighted the abundance of hunting opportunities in the region. They emphasized the joy of sharing family memories and the significance of Cason's father-son hunt. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association will launch the Big Gobbler Photo Contest next month. Get those cameras ready!

About the Black Belt

The Black Belt includes 23 counties, renowned for its amazing wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities. It's a vital part of Alabama's hunting tradition and rural tourism economy. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association works hard to boost outdoor recreation and tourism, benefiting local communities and preserving our cherished traditions.

Auburn's New Sheriff in Town?

Things are lookin' different down on the Plains! New head coach Alex Golesh is ushering in a new era for the Auburn Tigers, and word on the street is he's doin' things his way.

No More Meddling!

Auburn's had a rep for letting boosters and big-money donors call the shots. But Golesh? He's puttin' a stop to that right quick. And he ain't afraid to tell 'em to their faces!

Golesh Speaks Out

In a recent chat, Golesh opened up about this whole narrative and how he's changing the game. He's all about transparency, but at the end of the day, he's the one makin' the calls.

Keep Your Money... or Your Opinions!

"Yeah, we need those folks who fund this operation," Golesh said about the boosters. "But we gotta be real with 'em. Honest conversations, you know? They deserve to know where the money's goin'. But listen, if you wanna throw cash around and then butt in on decisions? We're good. We don't need your money."

A Fresh Start?

We don't know if Golesh was callin' anyone out specifically, but after a rough patch for Auburn Football, it's clear he's determined to do things his way and get those Tigers back to winning!

Alabama Gets Serious About App Safety!

Governor Kay Ivey just gave the green light to HB161, now officially known as the App Store Accountability Act! This means big changes are coming to how Alabama's kids access apps.

Parental Control is Key

State Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville) championed the bill, and it's all about protecting our youngsters. Think parental consent before any downloads for minors, app stores checking IDs, and age ratings that mirror movie classifications. Sounds good, right?

Unanimous Support!

The bill sailed through both the House and Senate without a single dissenting vote. Talk about agreement!

Lawmakers Speak Out

The Alabama Senate Republican Caucus is thrilled, declaring, "Our kids are safer today because HB161 is now law! Alabama families deserve the tools to protect their children."

State Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville) explained it perfectly: "This bill tries to put those types of protections over the digital world. Children should not be accepting contracts." Basically, bringing old-school safeguards into the digital age.

Heads Up, ChumCity! Scam Alert!

Sheffield residents, listen up! There's been some fishy business going on involving fake student fundraisers.

Don't Get Hooked!

School officials are warning us about folks pretending to be Sheffield High students, asking for donations for graduation, prom, and other school stuff outside local stores in Muscle Shoals and Florence.

Counselor Catches a Phony!

A Sheffield High counselor even ran into one of these imposters claiming to raise money for graduation. When asked for details, he couldn't prove he was a student. Busted!

Official Word from Sheffield High

The school wants you to know: these are NOT students, and these are NOT school-approved fundraisers.

What To Do?

Don't hand over your clams! If you see this happening, tell the store manager. Legitimate Sheffield High fundraisers are always organized with teacher supervision and announced through official school channels. The only approved prom/graduation fundraiser right now is a lasagna sale.

Trust Your Gut!

If something feels off, it probably is! Always verify before you give.

See Something, Say Something!

If you spot suspicious fundraising activity, let the store manager know, and feel free to contact the school with any questions. Let's keep ChumCity safe!

Alabama Senate Cracks Down on Commercial Driver Requirements!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! The Alabama Senate just unanimously passed SB242 (34-, sending it to the House. This bill aims to ensure all commercial drivers are proficient in English and have the correct paperwork if their license hails from outside the good ol' US of A.

What's the Deal with Fines?

Not speaking English and getting a ticket? That'll cost you! The bill slaps a $1,000 fine on the operator and a $2,000 fine on the driver. Think you can get away with it again? Those fines double on subsequent offenses! Ouch!

Senator Bell's Take

State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City), the mastermind behind the bill, says it's all about kicking "bad actors" off our state's highways. According to Bell, this law simply puts an existing federal English proficiency requirement into Alabama law. "We've got to make sure we don’t have the bad actors there," he stated, emphasizing the importance of certified and capable drivers.

Remembering Thomasville

Bell referenced a tragic accident in Thomasville back in May as a key reason for the legislation. An 18-wheeler driver, here on a work visa and only speaking Russian, reportedly plowed into several cars stopped at a red light, killing two people. A sobering reminder of the need for safety.

Supporting Our Truckers

Bell made it clear this isn’t a knock on hard-working Alabama truckers. "Our good, hard-working, everyday truck drivers are not the ones causing issues," he said. "They’re schooled on what they’re doing, they’re trained on what they’re doing, and that’s what it needs to be all day, every day going up and down the roads."